Hang from MSH but not on the knot

[OldRagFreeze]

I use a 150 lb strength carabiner... Sliding the whoopie inside the carabiner so it doesn't slip off...

I've seen you post this a few times, and the idea is fantastic... Just wondering; does it occasionally flip over the biner and end up larksheaded onto the biner if you leave it blowing in the wind, unweighted? Or slip at all? It seems to me it'd still slip, just not actually drop to the ground... Meaning if you didn't check before sitting down you could be weighting the biner inadvertently. I'm just curious; despite not being a gram weenie, I am an ounce weenie so biners are out for me... Just liked the idea and got curious.

[FLRider]

I've seen you post this a few times, and the idea is fantastic... Just wondering; does it occasionally flip over the biner and end up larksheaded onto the biner if you leave it blowing in the wind, unweighted? Or slip at all? It seems to me it'd still slip, just not actually drop to the ground... Meaning if you didn't check before sitting down you could be weighting the biner inadvertently. I'm just curious; despite not being a gram weenie, I am an ounce weenie so biners are out for me... Just liked the idea and got curious.

After ~10 nights in the hammock using this method, it's yet to happen to me. However...I'm also aware that my continued well-being is dependent upon ensuring that my suspension is set up correctly. So, I check it before getting into the hammock. YMMV if you don't check...

Also an ounce weenie, but the 'biners also attach my Camelbak to my pack, so...

[57hop]

Old Rag -
That's not a Marlin spike hitch, unless I'm mistaken. You've got the 'biner larksheaded onto your strap?

[outdoorsguy]

The knot in the photo isn't this,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVQzw...I1Tkw&index=18

but it looks like a variation of it. Found it per Bubba. And instead of putting it over the knot, maybe just clip it into the biner, ie. more secure?

[Loki]

I'm thinkin biners are only strength-rated when the load is placed on their long axis...Prob'ly doesn't matter here cause you're using the Knot- Not the toggle...

Maybe replace that biner with a 23g Camp USA Nano biner; MSH the biner to your straps; and just hook your whoopies right into that biner? Been working for me many hangs... Also makes a nice place to clip your backpack light, etc. Either way HYOH

[UncleClark]

.....I remember a thread that said not to do it because the MSH wasn't meant to hold that kind of weight.....

This not true. The marlin spike hitch is a sailing knot used with a marlin spike. Once tied, the sailor can pull the line tight by pulling on the marlin spike (see pic below)

I have used a carabiner as you described many times and yes the hammock can be directly attached to the carabiner.

If you use a strong 'toggle', say a piece of steel, there is no reason you could not put full rated load directly on the toggle. The reason a lot of hammmock folks say not to do this is due to the weakness of the toggle, not the marlin hitch itself.

Here's a real marlin spike FYI
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Marlingspike.JPG