Simplified UQ Suspension Using Pack Hooks

[Lost_Biker]

Hello all! One thing I have discovered when adding pack hooks to my new diy hammock is that suspending my winter uq is so much easier.

When I made my digicam hammock, I placed pack hooks 16" from the ends on both sides. I tried suspending my 72" uq different ways and finally settled on one method.

Using only two 4' pieces of shock cord and 4 cord locks, I eliminated the shock cords from the sides altogether. Running the shock cords thru the ends and placing cord locks on the ends of the cords allowed me to simply pop the cord over the pack hook on all 4 corners and be able to adjust the cord locks for tension.

I suspect this may not work as well with torso length uq's (don't have one to try yet), but works fine with my full length ones. The ends cinch up and seal very well and the sides pull up tight.

The placement of the pack hooks also allows me to still use the side pull outs with no interference.

[PapaSmurf]

One thing I have discovered when adding pack hooks to my new diy hammock is that suspending my winter uq is so much easier.

Yes, this is one of the major features found in the Dream Hammock ThunderBird hammock.
http://www.dream-hammock.com/ThunderBird.html

[hk2001]

Thank you both for the idea Ive already done this to one of my DIY hammocks, and will be adding them from now on!

[Lost_Biker]

As I suspected, it doesn't work as well with torso length UQ's - at least not mine. The shock cords pull up on the sides too far and rub my legs/feet thru the hammock material. Works fine with a long UQ - 60 to 72 inches long as long as it extends past my feet.

[chickenwing]

Interesting idea. Thanks for sharing.

[hk2001]

16" from the gather, or from the tube? I've done both, and they work well. Wondering if you've noticed a difference?

[Boston]

I suspect for a 3/4 UQ you could run shock cord from a corner tab to the pack hook. you'd add 1 extra shock cord for the "foot" end cinch. Run the head end the same way you do currently.

Also, with larger cord locks I suspect a grosgrain loop would be all that's necessary.

Great idea!

[Lost_Biker]

16" from the gather, or from the tube? I've done both, and they work well. Wondering if you've noticed a difference?

Yes, 16" from the gather. I have noticed a difference with my set-up and uq's (gather vs tube) Yes, I'm weird and hard to fit. For my set-up with 10.5'/11' hammocks, 16 inches from the gather is just right.

I suspect for a 3/4 UQ you could run shock cord from a corner tab to the pack hook. you'd add 1 extra shock cord for the "foot" end cinch. Run the head end the same way you do currently.

Also, with larger cord locks I suspect a grosgrain loop would be all that's necessary.

Great idea!

Thank you! I'll have to play with that - thanks for the idea. Yes, the loop will and does work very well - I just wanted to use the shorter pieces of shock cord that I had on hand.

Something I do plan on doing is run the pack hook long wise instead of at a 90* angle with the edge of the hammock - the pull on the grosgrain and hook would be more inline then.

[Boston]

Yes, the loop will and does work very well - I just wanted to use the shorter pieces of shock cord that I had on hand.

I'm not sure we are talking about the same thing here.

I meant you could replace the pack hook with a simple grosgrain loop, and use the cord lock like a "button". When it's under tension it would pull tight and not pull out. I'm thinking something like 3/8" grosgrain.

I think you're idea of putting it in-line with the hem, instead of perpendicular, is probably a good move.

I'm planning to put a couple PLUQ's together tonight. I think I'll add some loops to my hammocks and try this concept out.

Out of curiosity, Is you're under quilt flat, or shaped with darts?

[XTrekker]

Yeah the UQ hooks are a great feature to add to a hammock...Been planning to add a set of the Dutch UQ hooks to my removable top cover hammock.

http://dutchwaregear.com/dutchware-u...ook-clone.html