Ray Mears style of suspension - anyone use?

[redrob]

I was watching this video in which Ray Mears in demonstrating some knots he uses in hammock camping. Basically, he is using a gathered end hammock with a ring on each end with a thin tape attached to it for the suspension line. He attaches each line to the tree with an Evenk hitch and then adjusts the hang by pulling the tape through the ring and locking it off with a sort of slippery half hitch. Does anyone out there use this method for putting up their hammock?

Thanks,
Rob

[crashdummymch]

The knot he is using is a slip knot locked off with another slip knot.

[DavyRay]

No, but I am looking into it. I have reviewed a few Ray Mears videos recently, and have seen several (like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwvNo...eature=related).

I do intend to learn the Siberian hitch, even though one source says it can capsize under some circumstances. I do not see this listed by either Siberian or Evenk on animatedknots.com. The hitch at the ring is not named in the video. I am certainly not a knot expert, but would like to hear from one.

[Shewie]

I used that system for four or five years until I stumbled across this place just as whoopies were taking off.

It's dead easy to tie using only a couple of knots, plus using webbing all the way it's nice to pull apart when it's freezing and the fingers have stopped working.

The only down side is carrying the bundles of webbing, switching to whoopies and straps I've saved 15oz or so.

[Tendertoe]

Been using it for quite some time.

Here was a thread on it from a while back.

I also made a video of my setup using it a couple months back as well.

This setup works great with my bridge as well seeing as there is only 1 ring on each end of the BMBH.

[Shewie]

Here's useful PDF for anyone who wants to try it, this was put together for the benefit of folk on BCUK but free to anyone who wants a look, in "Downloads" ...

http://www.bushblade.co.uk/

[turnerminator]

I used the evenk hitch for a time til I swapped to whoopies. I've only just stopped using it on the ridgeline after swapping to figure 9's and then tarp flyz.

Its a great knot and can be tied quickly with mitts on. It will always undo, even if frozen solid with ice. All my guy-outs are still attached to the tarp with the evenk . It works with dyneema too.

I never bothered with the slippery hitch, I found it just as easy to do an evenk on both ends, I just double wrapped the end to be tensioned.

I'm so used to tying it now that I do it with either hand in about 2 seconds.

[born2roam]

Used it but, like others swapped to whoopieslings saving weight.....

I still like tying knots but the system I use now is so sweeeeet.....

Grtz Johan

[hannah]

i use all 3 knots he uses mostly because i use webbing/strapping instead of rope. i think the knots work better with webbing(excluding the adjustable knot for the tarp).....my next project is to make/use amsteel whoopies but like ray says, it is good to know some knots if you have an equipment failure.

[redrob]

Well, I personally use whoopie slings and toggles attached to webbing with a marlin spike hitch. I have found that the sling isn't particularly easy to adjust though. I was curious about Ray's method because it seemed easy to adjust.