Mini-spreader bar on End Channel Hammock

**Duffy** · 07-03-2013, 07:10

Originally Posted by old4hats

Duffy, what length is that hammock, please. I'm doing a bit of playing with things and while using an 11ft. table cloth I am basically sleeping across it, wondering if I can go a bit straighter with your mod.

I used 60" by 126" tableclothfactory.com taffetta blanks. Probably shortened about 4" by the channels. Hanging about 103" channel to channel (ridge line length if I was using a ridgeline, which I'm not) seems to be perfect for my mod. BTW, I did use two blanks for each hammock, so mine are doubles. Advantages: no stretch, more comfy, easy to put a light blanket in between the layers for CBS prevention.

**Redoleary** · 07-03-2013, 08:09

Originally Posted by oldgringo

The idea isn't fully developed, yet, but I've got a piece of 1.5" pvc stuck in my loops to open them up a bit.

So are you sticking the pvc in vertically so the hammock forms around the O.D.?That sounds brilliant. Look fwd to results.

**HomeMadeHiker** · 07-03-2013, 09:47

Originally Posted by Redoleary

So are you sticking the pvc in vertically so the hammock forms around the O.D.?That sounds brilliant. Look fwd to results.

Me too, pics would be great when you get something, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around where the pvc actually goes.

**Downhill Trucker** · 07-03-2013, 15:13

Originally Posted by Detail Man

The sag makes the centerline of the hammock effectively longer than the sides, thus eliminating a tight centerline we call calf ridge.

@ Downhill Trucker: Do you find that with the small loops in the channels that the sides of the hammock get tight, like when you are sitting in the hammock getting in or out? I have played with different amounts of sag and with an extreme amount the hammock feels like a bathtub, with high sides that are tight under the knees when sitting in the hammock.

I don't believe I've had the problem with the high sides, I actually have the knotty mod on that hammock to help keep the sides up a bit and it works great.

No issues with sitting in the hammock, which I do all the time. FWIW, I do not use a ridge line with this hammock. I tried it with many lengths and was just never happy with it. And I probably hang with more sag or arch in the hammock than most people do. It works for me though.

**Downhill Trucker** · 07-03-2013, 15:21

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

Downhill Trucker: I was planning on making a new hammock almost exactly this way (instead of squeezing the channel ends real tight, they're left to "float" in a loose loop, replicating the "arch" of the mini-spreader bar).

My plan is to make a continuous loop, then run it through the channel, then lark's head my whoopie to the two loops. (instead of your whoopie hook) How long is your loop?

I think yours looks great! Thanks for posting, DT!

Sounds like a plan! I only use the whoopie hook instead of the larks head to make changing out my suspension from one hammock to another easier.

I made the continuous loop as small as I could while making it in the channel end. It was a PITA and took a few try's to get it right, but the small loop allows me to hang in areas where trees are pretty close together, and seems to effectively not pinch the ends too close together. Cinching the channel (like on an ENO) seems to limit effectiveness. As someone said earlier, I believe the main advantage of a channel end hammock is that it "feels" longer than a gathered end of the same size.

Less material, lighter hammock... Also you can hang in narrower places. Even at 6'4", I can hang comfortably between trees that are pretty close together.

**oldgringo** · 07-03-2013, 16:05

Originally Posted by Redoleary

So are you sticking the pvc in vertically so the hammock forms around the O.D.?That sounds brilliant. Look fwd to results.

Yes...you got it. I'll post a pic when I have something besides whatever I was able to find under my radial arm saw.

**oldgringo** · 07-04-2013, 10:19

I used 1.5", because that was what I had. Each of these weighs just under an ounce, and could be made lighter, still. They are carried separately, so the hammock can still be stuffed. Also, they are easier on a bug net than a mini spreader.

**Downhill Trucker** · 07-04-2013, 11:14

Oldgringo... Very good work. Two questions:

1. Any problem with the PVC popping out when the hammock isn't under load?

2. Since you can remove your PVC spreader, what is the difference in "feel" with and without the spreader?

You have a great idea here... The progression continues!

**oldgringo** · 07-04-2013, 11:49

Originally Posted by Downhill Trucker

Oldgringo... Very good work. Two questions:

1. Any problem with the PVC popping out when the hammock isn't under load?

2. Since you can remove your PVC spreader, what is the difference in "feel" with and without the spreader?

You have a great idea here... The progression continues!

1. Yes, it will drop out if the wind blows the empty hammock around. Not a big deal. Under less strenuous conditions, it stays put.

2. I'm not seeing a great deal of difference, largely because this is on a BIAS Camper, which is a big, comfy hammock to start with. In my experience, the benefits of mini spreader bars become more pronounced with smaller hammocks.

**Detail Man** · 07-04-2013, 17:04

When OldGringo mentioned PVC a couple of posts back it prompted an idea. Here is another PVC variation on the MSB. It's a 1/2" T combined with a 12" continuous loop. The only thing I did to the T was to use a file and relieve the sharp corners where the amsteel made contact, both inside and outside. So far it seems to work okay but will need to be thoroughly tested.