An alternative to hammock tie-outs?

**jred** · 08-31-2011, 08:51

I was just thinking, instead of tie-outs, make two little pockets & use flexible tent poles. You should be able to bow it over your ridgeline, out of the way, and still open up space. No worrying about sag when you get it, the hammock will still sway in the breeze...

**Bubba** · 08-31-2011, 09:51

Another member has done something like that. Can't remember who but he posted some pics of it.

IIRC the tarp hung with the poles on the tarp but still needed to be guyed out to prevent the tarp moving like a bell.

Are you suggesting the poles go to the ground?

**Boothill** · 08-31-2011, 10:12

Originally Posted by jred

I was just thinking, instead of tie-outs, make two little pockets & use flexible tent poles. You should be able to bow it over your ridgeline, out of the way, and still open up space. No worrying about sag when you get it, the hammock will still sway in the breeze...

that's gonna have to be a pretty flexible tent pole i would think, and then if you find one that flexible i'm not sure it would have the strength too keep the sides of you hammock pulled out when you got in it.......i sure could be wrong tho, it wouldn't be the first time......if you make the mod, takes some pics and let us know how it turns out

boot

**WLMiller54** · 08-31-2011, 11:18

this is a pretty common mod. I have played around with this myself, and my son currently uses this method. I used a pole from an old tent, sewed on a pocket on each end of my tarp to fit the pole, and a center tie to hold it in place. Nice and easy.

**Boothill** · 08-31-2011, 13:59

Originally Posted by WLMiller54

this is a pretty common mod. I have played around with this myself, and my son currently uses this method. I used a pole from an old tent, sewed on a pocket on each end of my tarp to fit the pole, and a center tie to hold it in place. Nice and easy.

the way i read to OP was, getting rid of the tie-out on the sides of the hammock and putting the pockets there to hold your hammock open, not pockets on the tarp to hold it open, i could be wrong tho

boot

**shumway** · 08-31-2011, 14:01

See the Clark NX2250 for an example of a commercial hammock that does this. Might give you ideas on how to implement it.

**Bubba** · 08-31-2011, 20:34

Found it. 3club's pics in this thread show what I thought you were talking about.

**jred** · 09-01-2011, 00:27

I did mean the hammock, not the tarp. Similar to the NX-250, but one pole diagonally. I think I'll try the poboy method this weekend, wrap patches around the pole ends and use some string to tie a little pocket. Going over the RL should keep it from flopping over.

**Merganser** · 09-01-2011, 07:52

For the length you'll have most tent poles will be quite stiff. They will bend that far no problem but they will want to pull straight. With you in the hammock it will be fine but empty the pole will get it's way. Not sure if that will actually be a problem for you or not. Would be for me...

You can overcome that by adding a bend at the ridge line so the poles aren't under tension. Quest sells these a a couple angles. You cam bent the 45 about another 15 with a tubing.bender. Much more and it will snap. That would be about right though, you'd still flex the poles a bit when you got in.

(obviously I have spent some time experimenting with similar ideas).

**jred** · 09-01-2011, 08:14

Originally Posted by Merganser

For the length you'll have most tent poles will be quite stiff. They will bend that far no problem but they will want to pull straight. With you in the hammock it will be fine but empty the pole will get it's way. Not sure if that will actually be a problem for you or not. Would be for me...

Good point. I think I'll try it & take pics for the viewer's amusement