DIY- Rabbit Bridge

[Rabbit]

thats a fine looking rig. What are the metal pieces that the poles and rope attach to?

it's a 1.0"x0.75"x0.125" piece of aluminum with three holes drilled, one for receiving the trekking pole tip in the center. Then on each end the
Dynaglide suspension attaches by passing through the tubing



edit: this photo was made of the first prototype the center hole needs to be larger so the pole tips can rotate, if not the tip is at risk of breaking...trust me I know. See the post below by Grizzly Adams for the correct way

[FireInMyBones]

That thing is slick! I've been considering making one myself, but with dedicated poles as I use my hiking poles for porch mode so often and the fold up rather than telescope (Black Diamond Z poles). Did you enjoy the process or find it difficult?

[GrizzlyAdams]

it's a 1.0"x0.75"x0.125" piece of aluminum with three holes drilled, one for receiving the trekking pole tip in the center. Then on each end the
Dynaglide suspension attaches by passing through the tubing

Something I didn't make clear in the video where I introduced this geehaw is the importance of making the center hole larger than the pole tip. What is shown in Rabbit's picture is the tip in a snug fit. Don't do that! Under load the aluminum piece will have forces on it to bring it into alignment with the cord on either side, at a slant along the edge of the suspension triangle. With a snug fit those forces will be translated into lateral twisting on the pole tip---something it is not designed to take.

The way to keep the pole tip intact is to make the center hole large enough to trap the tip end and let it rotate in the hole (but not so large that the tip goes shooting through).

Here's mine. Notice the center hole is a bit larger than the side holes.
center hole empty.png

When the tip is in, it is not trapped.
center hole pole.png

The aluminum piece can rotate now with the forces on the suspension sides
center hole slant.png

A small detail, but an important one.

[olddog]

Fine bridge Rabbit. Need to save this, one of these days I do want to make a bridge.

[Rabbit]

That thing is slick! I've been considering making one myself, but with dedicated poles as I use my hiking poles for porch mode so often and the fold up rather than telescope (Black Diamond Z poles). Did you enjoy the process or find it difficult?

I guess it depends on what you consider to be difficult, I didn't find it to be, just take your time, and watch the videos by Professor Hammock on YouTube and think it through.

Something I didn't make clear in the video where I introduced this geehaw is the importance of making the center hole larger than the pole tip. What is shown in Rabbit's picture is the tip in a snug fit. Don't do that! Under load the aluminum piece will have forces on it to bring it into alignment with the cord on either side, at a slant along the edge of the suspension triangle. With a snug fit those forces will be translated into lateral twisting on the pole tip---something it is not designed to take.

The way to keep the pole tip intact is to make the center hole large enough to trap the tip end and let it rotate in the hole (but not so large that the tip goes shooting through).

Here's mine. Notice the center hole is a bit larger than the side holes.
center hole empty.png

When the tip is in, it is not trapped.
center hole pole.png

The aluminum piece can rotate now with the forces on the suspension sides
center hole slant.png

A small detail, but an important one.

exactly, I failed to mention this, I didn't drill the center hole large enough, it cost me new trekking pole tips

[krshome]

Hey Rabbit, Great job! I saw this hammock on you blog very nice design. By chance could you through out some specs. What is the length of the body? what is the width at the head and foot? what length spreaders did you use? Lets see the great use of that whoopie hook set up you did. Simple, clean, and beautiful.

[Mordakai]

dude that is a nice hammock, you took the idea(end caps of no see em) right from my brain! thank now i have something to print off to take to the lady that does my sewing!!

[SteveJJ]

Aren't the end caps stressed too much for bug netting? Won't they rip out? Sure looks like a great way for more fresh breezes.

I've never been in a bridge, so I'm pretty nieve how they work.