Is There a Concussion in My Future? (Ridgeline Question)

[TiberiusGracchus]

Hello all, first thread here and a hammock-noobie...If this has already been covered please excuse me, I've searched this forum high and low but couldn't find anything .

Firstly, is it acceptable (see: safe) to use 550 paracord to make an adjustable ridgeline?

If so, could I just tie a Bowline in one end to make a fixed loop, then attach a double Prusik loop to the other end of the ridgeline to make it adjustable?

I would just run out and try this in my backyard, but I had a couple of concussions a few years ago in high school and am not in the market for anymore...So I will put my safety in the hands of strangers on the internet!

Thanks a bunch,
Tiberius

[Syb]

Paracord will stretch over time. The ridgeline is not necessarily for safety rather, setting a ridgeline helps to have a consistent hang with the same amount of sag each time regardless of how far apart your trees are. Some people don't use them. Again, it's not really for safety. Some that do use a ridgeline use Zing-It or Lash-It. Small line at 1.75mm and doesn't stretch. Hope that helps.

Wear a helmet.

[Diab]

As Syb said, it will stretch but you could definitely use it until you can get something better. If it were to break, you shouldn't fall as long as you have a quality suspension. That being said, if you are really worried about concussions, wear a helmet or put a pillow under your head when you are testing new hammock suspension ideas.

[MAD777]

If so, could I just tie a Bowline in one end to make a fixed loop, then attach a double Prusik loop to the other end of the ridgeline to make it adjustable?

That is the way I set my ridgeline, by using a temporary line in the manner you described. Once I've settled on a length, then I replace it with permanent line.

As to paracord being appropriate, yes it is plenty strong enough for the application. And yes, it will stretch a bit it you get the ridgeline really taut, but that's probably OK.

[olddog]

Welcome aboard from Florida. The first of many questions.

[SmokeBait]

Hi TG, welcome to the forums and good first post. You can use 550 paracord but it sure isn't going to be optimal. Like the others have said, it stretches. Also, all 550 paracord is not created equally. Some is mil-spec and a bunch is not. Plus lines that stretch store energy and if it should happen to break, it may make for a bad day.

[gargoyle]

I used back in the day. It'll work for now. Go out and play. Used as a ridgeline for your hammock, if it does break (not likely) you'll just get a wake up call, your hammock is still connected to the trees by the main suspension.

[TiberiusGracchus]

I appreciate all of the help and greetings guys!

We had just about the most beautiful morning here in NC today and I went out and gave it a try...Set the ridgeline to give the hammock a nice U-shape, got a good diagonal lay going and fell asleep about 10 minutes later...I'd say it worked like a charm...Seems like the paracord will hold for a couple of weeks until I get a ASR from Whoopieslings.com.

[hippofeet]

Speaking of ridgeline stretching... I use 3/8th shock cord for an internal ridgeline. It does change the "hang". But I never have to touch it, no matter how high, how low, how close together or far apart I have to place my straps. If you only have paracord, and it seems to be stretching... double it. Or triple it and braid it. And is your Body fat/hair insulation DIY, or purchased from a vendor?

[TiberiusGracchus]

Speaking of ridgeline stretching... I use 3/8th shock cord for an internal ridgeline. It does change the "hang". But I never have to touch it, no matter how high, how low, how close together or far apart I have to place my straps. If you only have paracord, and it seems to be stretching... double it. Or triple it and braid it. And is your Body fat/hair insulation DIY, or purchased from a vendor?

That's a pretty good idea about doubling or tripling the paracord and braiding that...I'll have to try that.

My Body fat/hair insulation is a little bit of both DIY and vender-purchased. The body hair grows naturally on me in gorilla-like density and amounts. The "bulk" of the body fat was bought from McDonalds, Jack in the Box, Wendy's, and the Miller Brewing corporation during college .