Any use for hammocks??

[benjamin.oneill]

Just asked MagiKelly for a hammock, fingers crossed... There was some discussion about straps etc, do these look any good?

http://www.lnbsupplies.co.uk/products.php?item=RS1T

Load is in excess of what would be needed so I'm assuming there would be no stretch? What sort of legnt would one need? I assumed two 4 meter circumference straps would do the trick nicely. The advantage of a round loop like this is that it would be easy to attach to the tree using a cow hitch, leaving you a looped end... Ideas or Comments?

What do most people use?

Ben

 

[moduser]

Benjamin,

Was there supposed to be a link there?

General consensus is to use climbing tape (no stretch and very strong).

Rgds

David

 

[benjamin.oneill]

sorry, link added

John (magikelly) recomended that, but estimated £15 cost, I was wandering if there was a secure but cheaper option

Ben

 

[moduser]

Benjamin,

There are always cheaper options

I came across so nice tape in B&Q that you buy by the metre (where they sell chain and rope) which would certainly do.

Also if there is some stretch (the straps on my DD hammock give a bit) tie the hammock taught, get in it and relax for 10 mins, then re tension.

Works for me.

True, climbing tape is expensive but it will last you a lifetime (for hammock use) so is quite cost effective.

David

 

[MagiKelly]

As said I have a strong preference for climbing tape. If you look through the fourth group buy thread I gave a link to a shop that you could get 10m from for less than £14 including postage.

Meter for meter the climbing tape is cheaper than the slings you have linked too.

You can get webbing for as little as £0.20 per m but I do not like it much. In comparison to the climbing tape it does not tie and untie as well and it tends to stretch.

 

[Eric_Methven]

I've tried both climbing tape and the 49p a metre stuff from B&Q. I prefer the latter.

The climbing tape is a wee bit stiffer and I find that I sometimes have difficulty releasing the quick release knot when taking it down, especially after my 14 stone has pulled it really tight after a night or three.

The B&Q tape is softer, but easily strong enough for the job, and doesn't jam in the knot when pulling the release end of the tape.

That's just my opinion though - works for me!

Eric

 

[Stew]

I've tried both climbing tape and the 49p a metre stuff from B&Q. I prefer the latter.

The climbing tape is a wee bit stiffer and I find that I sometimes have difficulty releasing the quick release knot when taking it down, especially after my 14 stone has pulled it really tight after a night or three.

The B&Q tape is softer, but easily strong enough for the job, and doesn't jam in the knot when pulling the release end of the tape.

That's just my opinion though - works for me!

Eric

That's fair enough Eric, but bear in mind there are different types of climbing tape.

I've accumulated apprx 30 metres of the stuff over the years and there are a multitude of widths and stiffness in there.
I think most off the reel climbing tape would be acceptable (I just found a load in a box in the garage so my hennesy tree huggers are now both twice the length)

 

[leon-1]

Anyone thought of using old seatbelts for the straps, they are wide strong and you must be able to get them from somewhere for a limited cost.

 

[Stew]

Anyone thought of using old seatbelts for the straps, they are wide strong and you must be able to get them from somewhere for a limited cost.

That's forehead slappingly obvious! That's basically what comes with the hennessy as standard anyway!

 

[MagiKelly]

I use the Edelrid supatape

http://www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/canoe/kayak/uk/shop/rock-climbing-hardware/edelrid-products/edelrid-tape.htm

It is very soft and knots and releases very easy.

 

[benjamin.oneill]

Hi, thanks for the contributions!

I think I'll give the B&Q stuff a go, at 49p a meter is worth a go, I'm sure one day I'll invest in climbing tape. I had thought about seatbelts from a breakers too!

Thanks again

 

[wanderinstar]

I use climbing tape that I obtained from a climbing shop in Skipton North Yorks .
£5 for 10m.
Ian.

EDIT, Just found receipt it was £7 for 20m from Ultimate Outdoors, Coach St Skipton 01756 794305.

 

[gunnix]

What about putting an old inner bycicle tire around your rope? Just an idea I want to try out when I'll get my hammock.