Can you just use paracord as a suspension system?

**Bubba** · 01-16-2014, 07:25

I generally don't post when the question has already been answered but I want to also say that its a bad idea all around.

Strike one: Not enough of a safety factor in terms of breaking strength
Strike two: It stretches
Strike three: It can do harm to the trees.

**oldgringo** · 01-16-2014, 07:39

Jeff tried it, and it broke with him. And he's not a big guy.

**OneClick** · 01-16-2014, 09:29

I've been using 550 on the exact same hammock for years. I always took it along just as a chair or naps when I was still using a tent.

But like others said, it's not good for trees and a bit springy! But I never had it break (I'm only 155lb or so)

Now that I'm more responsible, I will use tree straps if I ever take it out again.

**Nar Nar** · 01-16-2014, 10:16

Thanks for the replies guys. I've been trying to convince him but he is pretty stubborn, I might just show him this forum haha. I do have one question, it's stupid but I'm here to learn, wouldn't the para cord on most hammocks stretch even with tree straps? Why does tying it around the tree make it stretch but using the tree straps not? Thanks for the help guys, I'll probably just show him this forum to hopefully convince him (hi Caleb)

**OldRagFreeze** · 01-16-2014, 10:19

Originally Posted by Nar Nar

Thanks for the replies guys. I've been trying to convince him but he is pretty stubborn, I might just show him this forum haha. I do have one question, it's stupid but I'm here to learn, wouldn't the para cord on most hammocks stretch even with tree straps? Why does tying it around the tree make it stretch but using the tree straps not? Thanks for the help guys, I'll probably just show him this forum to hopefully convince him (hi Caleb)

It will always stretch. The tree straps are for the tree's protection, since applying the force to a wider area lessens its impact.

Not only do most of us use tree straps around the tree, we also use Amsteel from the tree strap to the hammock... Amsteel is an incredibly strong, non-stretch line, and can be configured to make a very adjustable suspension called a 'whoopie sling.'

**Nar Nar** · 01-16-2014, 10:26

Ahh, that helps the confusion. I always assumed most hammocks were made with paracord, guess I was mistaken. That's for the clarification. So paracord is a bad idea even if he uses straps?

**oldgringo** · 01-16-2014, 10:28

Yes. Para cord makes really good shroud line on parachutes.

**OldRagFreeze** · 01-16-2014, 10:33

Originally Posted by Nar Nar

Ahh, that helps the confusion. I always assumed most hammocks were made with paracord, guess I was mistaken. That's for the clarification. So paracord is a bad idea even if he uses straps?

I wouldn't use it, for reasons listed here, but if he used tree straps then I'd care a lot less what he uses. Tree straps protect our privilege to hang on public lands, by showing we are looking out for the trees... Aside from that, the risks are all his own. I know there are better options, but if he wants to ignore them then good for him.

**perdidochas** · 01-16-2014, 10:34

Originally Posted by Nar Nar

Hello everyone, my friend recently purchased a Grand Trunk Ultralight hammock, and instead of using tree straps or other suspension methods, he insists on just directly hanging the hammock between the trees by tying some paracord that he replaced the original cordage with directly to the trees.Though I have a very limited knowledge of hammocks, I've never heard of anyone doing this before so I was wondering what everyone with more experience thinks of this method. Basically, he replaced the original cord with 550 paracord, and plans on tying this directly to the trees without any webbing or anything. Will this work? Thanks!

It will, but it's got a lot of disadvantages, and is harder on the trees. I doubt that paracord is either stronger or lighter than the GTUL cord, and it stretches. Webbing is, IMHO, a necessity for hanging a hammock.

**perdidochas** · 01-16-2014, 10:40

Originally Posted by Nar Nar

Thanks for the replies guys. I've been trying to convince him but he is pretty stubborn, I might just show him this forum haha. I do have one question, it's stupid but I'm here to learn, wouldn't the para cord on most hammocks stretch even with tree straps? Why does tying it around the tree make it stretch but using the tree straps not? Thanks for the help guys, I'll probably just show him this forum to hopefully convince him (hi Caleb)

Most hammocks don't use paracord. They use either some kind of polyester cord (that doesn't stretch much) or amsteel (that doesn't stretch). The main thing is that paracord is rated to 550 lbs. For hanging something, the recommendation is at least a 5:1 ratio (knots weaken a rope, different angles cause more strain--a 30degree angle puts the full weight of the hanger on the cord, a shallower angle puts much more weight on the cord, etc.) of cord strength to weight. Unless your friend is less than 110 lbs, paracord is too weak to count on. If I were you, I'd try to persuade him to use webbing--webbing use is beneficial to him not messing up the use of hammocks for the whole community . I wouldn't worry as much about the paracord until he starts to realize it's disadvantages--it only effects him.