I think you're right, FF. It's a great setup, particularly in regard to ease of adjustablity. I have my SMC descending rings on order through REI as of about 20 mins ago. I bought my cordage from my local outfitter yesterday, along with some extra cord to do an adjustable ridgeline. Of all the good ideas I saw in Hot Springs, that seemed the simplest and one of the best. It also seemed easiest from a DIY standpoint. I definitely caught the DIY bug in Hot Springs, so this will be my first project of even the simplest magnitude. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes, especially on my section hike in June. I know it seems trivial, but I'll probably post pics of it just 'cause I can.
"If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl
I was a little skeptical about the ring buckles when I first heard of them , but it really is the best way to tie up your hammock, IMHO.
“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." -Terry Pratchett
I use a biner to attach it to the tree like Jeff suggested. The ring buckles are easier to adjust, set up quick, and makes things easier to re-adjust if the need arises.
“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." -Terry Pratchett
Yeah, I bought steel rings from Annapolis Performance Sailing. fugiduhboutit. 5.12 ounces for four rings (1.28 oz each).
SMC's descending rings only weigh 1.56 ounces for four rings (.39 oz each)! I saved 4 ounces off my shelter just like that.
I just send the strap through a loop sewn in the other end of the strap.
funbun how did you save 4oz? 0.39*4=1.56oz
You have to take your strap off to do that, right? The beauty of the 'biner is you can keep the strap attached to the rings/buckle.
Taking the straps off isn't a big deal, at least with the CC buckles I use. From my limited experience with the biners (helping BD get his converted HH set up in my yard), I'm not sure that they're really that much more convenient. And if the straps get wet, they'd have to be removed for packing anyway. JMO.
"Physics is the only true science. All else is stamp collecting." - J. J. Thompson
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