Alternative Suspension - Could it Work?

[Tikki-Tavi]

I'm new at this, so this may be an old idea. . .

I like the convenience of the Hennessy single line for tarp & hammock, but I think it is the wrong way around. At least for rainy Seattle. I would like to put up the tarp first and take it down last. For that matter, I would like to stay under the tarp when hanging my hammock.

So I ask, could this work?

(The image would be here, if I were any good at computers. Until I figure it out, please view my gallery. Thanks)


The idea is that a tarp line made of Amsteel could have fixed loops with carabiners that short lines from each end of the hammock could clip to. The tarp itself would attach to the tarp line by prusik between this carabiner and the tree.

I haven't built it yet, and am looking for the thoughts of others as to whether this would work.

- Tikki-Tavi

[opie]

The issue I see is after you string your tarp tight, then add your hammock and you get in it, the tarps ridge would become loose.

Either that or it would become uber tight.

The issue being that the tarp needs a static line along the ridge to remain taught. Your hammock suspension isnt static.

[slowhike]

The issue I see is after you string your tarp tight, then add your hammock and you get in it, the tarps ridge would become loose.

Yep, I understand that is a common problem for people hanging HHs the way they are designed. And I believe that's why most HH users start hanging their tarp separate from the hammock supports.
That also allows you to put up the tarp first if it's raining.

[Truehart]

Another problem I see with your setup is that you're using a raccoon as one of your guyline anchors. First, it would take a little bit to catch said raccoon. Second, it would be hard to convince him to stay in on location for more than a few seconds.

[Graybeard]

Slowhike and Opie point out the major problem with your suggestion. You could minimize that problem and perhaps achieve some of your objectives by using only one set of tree huggers and hanging the tarp to the huggers first, then the hammock. You would have to make sure the 'biners on the huggers are as close to the tree as you can possibly get them. Once the tarp is up it would be a quick dart out in the rain to add a loop on the hammock line to the same 'biner. The adjustment to the tarp will still change when you climb into the hammock but the change will be minimal and if it's not too windy it may be acceptable.

[PapaSmurf]

... First, it would take a little bit to catch said raccoon. ...

But finding an available raccoon does reduce pack weight. I stopped bringing mine from home years ago. Man, they're heavy!!

Seriously, I've been thinking about the same thing, but my thought was to attach the tarp to the carabiners.
Wouldn't that reduce the amount of sag in your tarp?

[NFA]

I always hang in 2 stages, tarp first and then my hammock...both on sepearate suspension systems...

Jamie - nfa

[Tikki-Tavi]

Thanks y'all,

After reading your feed back I did a little measuring & math and realized that the suspension line length that works well for a hammock would slack halfway to the ground if a tarp draped over a catenary curved line without load. Looks like two lines is the way to go if you want the option of a tarp-only set up.

With regards to tie-outs, packing enough granola bars to pay the raccoons is too heavy, and squirrels, while they will work for peanuts, are too light. I guess I will have to stick with stakes.

-Tikki-Tavi