UCR Variation

**JohnOscat** · 04-22-2011, 08:21

Hi everyone!

I've been using what I found out yesterday is a UCR, but I rigged mine slightly differently. Basically what I have is a 25' piece of amsteel blue with two alpine butterflies about 9' apart to which the ends of my hammock are fastened. The stationary "constrictor" parts are what hang from the tree straps, and the ridgeline piece slips through them. I like having a single piece of rope for my ridgeline and suspension, and alpine butterflies can be untied with a bit of work, so adjusting the ridgeline isn't too difficult. Does anyone else do this? What are the advantages and disadvantages you see with this system compared to the typical UCR setup or whoopie slings?

**OneEye** · 04-22-2011, 10:48

John,

That sounds like a great setup. I currently have a single line suspension using alpine butterfly knots, but I use a marlin spike hitch tied in the suspension line instead of a UCR for my adjustable portion.

I recently got some amsteel to replace the bulky polyester braid rope from my current setup, and I was thinking of using something similar to what you describe. My plan was to have the constriction portion as an extension of the ridgeline, just beyond the ends of the hammock. The running portion would then go from the ends of the hammock up to the the tree huggers.

I'd love to hear more about experience using your configuration. What do you use to ensure the constriction portion remains taut? And pictures... must see pictures.

Thanks,

-Mike

**^shane^** · 04-22-2011, 20:15

In my never-give-up effort to eliminate 100% of the calf ridge in my WBBB, I built a set up similar to what you describe above as a second structural ridge line, except that each end of my set up is an actual adjustable whoopie loop instead of a UCR setup.

I started with 28'7" of 1/8" Amsteel (THANKS OPIE!). My alpine butterfly loops are 105" apart. Just outside of each alpine butterfly loop is a 10" whoopie bury. Shortest working length for my setup is 10'4". Longest working length is 18'5". I think this is very similar to the setup TBCTX uses.

Now I just have to figure out if I'll attach my tarp directly to this set up, or if I'll keep using a separate CRL for my tarp.

**Captn** · 04-22-2011, 20:26

Originally Posted by ^shane^

In my never-give-up effort to eliminate 100% of the calf ridge in my WBBB, I built a set up similar to what you describe above as a second structural ridge line, except that each end of my set up is an actual adjustable whoopie loop instead of a UCR setup.

I started with 28'7" of 1/8" Amsteel (THANKS OPIE!). My alpine butterfly loops are 105" apart. Just outside of each alpine butterfly loop is a 10" whoopie bury. Shortest working length for my setup is 10'4". Longest working length is 18'5". I think this is very similar to the setup TBCTX uses.

Now I just have to figure out if I'll attach my tarp directly to this set up, or if I'll keep using a separate CRL for my tarp.

TBCTX talked me into this setup at the last hang I was at .... Awesome

**peanuts** · 04-22-2011, 22:53

pictures, or it never happened

**MadRacDad** · 04-23-2011, 05:06

I tried this also (with alpine butterflys), but I didn't like it. Several threads discuss the fact that knots weaken line. While your probably nowhere close to being in danger, I'd still check with the experts. Also, the knots after loading several times became virtually impossible to untie....my 2 cents.

**JohnOscat** · 04-23-2011, 10:08

I like the idea of whoopie sling ends. I made a couple whoopie slings yesterday for my girlfriend (for her hammock, rather) and they're pretty slick. I like them, but I also like that with the system i have now I don't have rope doubled back, and i can pull out the entire length of the ends for suspension. the entire system is effectively one piece, it makes it so fast to set up. Im going out on a day hike today, ill take some pictures, maybe video. And I have untied the alpine butterflies before, i think they're fairly easy to untie by their nature, it may help that amsteel is so slick and that im only really loading one side of them.

**Shug** · 04-23-2011, 10:16

Originally Posted by ^shane^

In my never-give-up effort to eliminate 100% of the calf ridge in my WBBB, I built a set up similar to what you describe above as a second structural ridge line, except that each end of my set up is an actual adjustable whoopie loop instead of a UCR setup.

I started with 28'7" of 1/8" Amsteel (THANKS OPIE!). My alpine butterfly loops are 105" apart. Just outside of each alpine butterfly loop is a 10" whoopie bury. Shortest working length for my setup is 10'4". Longest working length is 18'5". I think this is very similar to the setup TBCTX uses.

Now I just have to figure out if I'll attach my tarp directly to this set up, or if I'll keep using a separate CRL for my tarp.

Sorry if not on topic ...but that is why I sleep with my feet not in the footbox a lot of the time....no calf ridge....hang depending.
Shug

**Frawg** · 04-23-2011, 14:58

John, I like the idea but wonder if the butterfly loops might gradually shrink away. I tried the butterfly on my (removable, Lash-it) ridge line to preset a couple of lengths that I could quickly switch between. Problem was, the butterfly loops kept pulling apart because the Lash-it was so slippery. I'd fear the same with AmSteel, so I'm curious how you fare.

Cheers!