Repairing a broken Safari ridgeline DIY

**seenoweevil** · 06-25-2012, 17:21

I am guessing with hindsight I strung my safari too tight and snapped the ridgeline. From looking at several videos on suspension mods, it looks like I should be able to repair my screw up with reasonable ease. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

**CatSplat** · 06-25-2012, 17:39

It's very easy! You can use the broken pieces to estimate the required length of new cordage (I used Dynaglide, it was probably overkill). Wire cutters easily remove the zipties holding the whip covers. Once you've exposed the end whipping/knots, keep track of how you undo them and how the ridgeline loop is integrated into it. If you have one, a small crochet needle makes pulling the new ridgeline loop through the gathered portion of the hammock a breeze. Re-tie the cordage, reinstall the whip covers with a couple of new zip ties and you're good to go!

**zukiguy** · 06-25-2012, 17:43

If you're hanging it tight enough to snap the ridgeline I doubt you're getting a very comfortable laying position. There's a guy in our scout troop that does the same with his explorer. I don't know how he's not snapped his line yet. He strings it guitar string tight between two trees then hops in. I'm guessing he tips the scale at about 250+. I'm just waiting to hear a "pop" followed by an "OH S#@T" one night.

**seenoweevil** · 06-25-2012, 20:36

Great! Thanks for the tips guys!
As to the lay, it slept really well after the line popped! Ha! Hopefully I've learned from that lesson.
By the way, I'm about 250 myself, and I guarantee you'll hear that sucker when it does snap!

**Owl** · 06-25-2012, 21:24

I think a large part of the reason that it happens is the directions on the bags that HH ships their hammocks in.

Makes it sound like you need to string it up tight.

Wish they'd take the time to update their instructions.

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-25-2012, 21:56

I'm only 165 lbs, but the ridgeline on my HH Expedition Asym Zip is usually pretty tight. In fact, I keep the ridgeline tight on all my hammocks. I've never really understood why some say the ridgeline should be slack - doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a ridgeline, which is to get a consistent lay?

While you're replacing your ridgeline (and I would stick with a fixed ridgeline on the Hennessy since Tom designed it with one and you don't want to mess with a proven design), you might think about converting to whoopie slings. They weigh a lot less than the ropes and it's infinitely easier to adjust.

**nothermark** · 06-26-2012, 06:30

ridgeline is for getting a consistent lay even when you hang it wrong. ;-)

**seenoweevil** · 06-26-2012, 21:46

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

I'm only 165 lbs, but the ridgeline on my HH Expedition Asym Zip is usually pretty tight. In fact, I keep the ridgeline tight on all my hammocks. I've never really understood why some say the ridgeline should be slack - doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a ridgeline, which is to get a consistent lay?

While you're replacing your ridgeline (and I would stick with a fixed ridgeline on the Hennessy since Tom designed it with one and you don't want to mess with a proven design), you might think about converting to whoopie slings. They weigh a lot less than the ropes and it's infinitely easier to adjust.

I'm thinking about the changeover to whoopie slings while I have it apart, but really, if you have a safari, weight isn't the primary consideration! Ha!

**seenoweevil** · 06-26-2012, 22:10

Oops, entered instead of new paragraph.
Yeah, Silvrsurfer, I'm thinking about making me some whoopies. Then again, what about the single ring suspension on one of Grizz's videos? That looks like a lighter weight easily adjustable alternative.