Hex tarp - snakeskins and tree connection?

[Davefire]

Hi all,
Sorry for the newbie question(probably answered already), but we all start somewhere and it is difficult to find the answers amongst all the posts.

New Safari XXL HH arrived today with the upgraded Hex tarp. I understood from the HH website that due to the large hammock and the hex tarp, that a second set of snakeskins was best to have and therefore was purchased. Unfolding it out and inspecting - (I realise that this may be worked out personally through trial and error) - I want the hammock and tarp to be stored in separate snakeskins. Does this mean that I do not attach the tarp to the hammock suspension and should use the included tarp lines instead to tie to the tree, or do I use the tarp lines to tie it on further away from the hammock, but still on the hammock suspension? Would I benefit from a paracord line running all the way through and move the clips from the hammock suspension to this new paracord line?

Looking at pics, different people do different things, but I have the large hammock (I'm a large guy) and I realise that both answers may be right. You guys have the experience and therefore the best to ask so I can make that informed decision.

I hope the above makes sense!

Thanks,

Dave.
Oxfordshire, UK

[Phantom Grappler]

Davefire, welcome from across the pond.
I’d not use paracord on hammock suspension—
It stretches when supporting your weight, stretches overnight and hammock suspension is way different in morning.
And paracord soaks up water during rainy weather.
And paracord strength to weight is not as good as 7/64 amsteel for hammocks and zingit for tarps.
On the other hand—Use what you got and get out there in woods.
Watch a few hammock YouTube videos and camp with some hammock campers in your area. There are some great hammock campers near you.
Probably best-easiest to have separate hammock and tarp suspensions. My last suspension-Kokomo, was hammock and tarp on same suspension. It was ok at first and then began to be harder to get tarp set up tight. I did not care about its looks. During rains, water would pool in ridgeline trough on tarp.
There are more than several hammockers using suspensions that have both hammock and tarp on same suspension. Each one is different and some work quite well.
Majority of hammock campers use separate suspensions for tarp and hammock—wisdom of the herd

[Davefire]

Thank you for your speedy reply.
I am planning on hanging the hammock with the original cord that came with the hammock, some larger 96" straps from Hennessy and a climbing carabina and rap rings.
I did not know what zingit was, but a quick look online and it looks like the lines that are already on the hex tarp so will use them, rather than hooking onto the hooks on the hammock suspension lines - ie. have two separate connections to each tree, one for the tarp and one for the hammock. Just won't have a single line going all the way through, as the lines are only attached to each corner of the hex shape.
You would not believe how many hammock camping YouTube videos I have and still am watching!
I also got two water funnels from Hennessy. Should I consider purchase of two more for the other two hex corners?

I guess I will need to find out for myself, but wanted advice to find what worked for others as my first go. I'm very much one of those that says if it works easily, no reason to change it.
I will now just work on the underquilt requirement before I start using it in a month. Biggest hurdle here is the bottom entry!

Still learning,
Thanks,

Dave.

[99Star]

Hammock suspension with tree straps and high strength amsteel woopie gives me peace of mind.
Separated ridge line for no load tarp setup you may use whatever cordage available. it also hang MISC light weight items (organizer, LED lantern, small towel), prusik knot make the tarp tensioning very easy.
Try different setup, hang your own hang.

[Skytow]

I started with an HH and like them. I did learn pretty fast that I liked the flexibility of not attaching the tarp to the hammock ala HH style but rather suspended in a more conventional separate manner.

This way i could move it up or down as the weather dictated. Either way works. Enjoy and keep an open mind. For every way to do something there are probably ten more and just as many opinions. Experiment!

[SilvrSurfr]

I'm not a big fan of the HH tarp connected to the hammock. A couple of nights of that tarp sagging and I ordered a separate ridgeline for the tarp.

As for those water funnels, I am not drinking water that came off the tarp filled with bird poop and lord knows what else.

[cougarmeat]

I'd keep the tarp independent of the hammock suspension. You'll rig your hammock for the best sag (I think it has a built in ridge cord) and height above ground. But depending upon the weather/season you may want to fiddle with the height of your tarp a bit.

[Beezu]

I have the same hammock. I hang the tarp completely independently of the hammock, and never needed any additions to the suspension.
I also got extra snakeskins, but find they are not worth it on the hammock itself. It is an extra step and makes it a bit harder to pack (my opinion). I prefer to just roll it up or use a stuff sack. Large snakeskins on the tarp are nice.