DD hammock Gurus - knots for standard hammocks ?

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lostplanet

Full Member
Aug 18, 2005
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Kent
Or one in particular, got my Frontline today and took it to the woods to try out. everything was good. I really like it so far. This is my first hammock and It is in standard trim at the moment.

i've been reading about different suspension systems and various knots but I can't find an answer to my query.

I found today that the gap between the trees was probably too big for the hammock and issue basha and I nearly ran out of webbing to tie an evenk knot. Obviously I should move it but I was thinking,

Is it ok to put a figure eight in the webbing to loop at the hammock and then use the single strap to the tree fixing or wrap round tree?

I am 17 st if this makes any difference? I will improve it eventually with whoppies or something similar but for now I just want to get a night in it without busting anything :)

Thanks,
 
It's worth investing in tree hugger straps if you can. They will extend the distance you can hang, make adjusting the angle/tension easier and are also compatible if you decide to upgrade to whoopie slings at a later stage.

You can then attach them to the built in webbing using caribiners, a marlin spike hitch or toggles.

There's loads of good ideas on Youtube although many of them involve buying making new kit. It's also worth checking out hammockforums.net for lots of great tips and ideas for making your own gear.
 
Tree huggers on list, they are a nice addition.

Something else i cant seem to understand is in the jungle trek ( bushcraft with RM Sea 1 ep 03) uncle ray sets up his hammock straps above the tarp ridgeline, why's that?
 
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With the standard webbing i just wrap once around each side of the tree and tie a standard shoelace bow. Easy to release, wont come undone.

Thats how I do it too and never had any problems, nice and easy to put up and take down. I have invested in whoopie slings, tree huggers etc but not used them yet as it seems like a lot of faffing about, will get round to it one day but if it aint broke....
 
Tree huggers on list, they are a nice addition.

Something else i cant seem to understand is in the jungle trek ( bushcraft with RM Sea 1 ep 03) uncle ray sets up his hammock straps above the tarp ridgeline, why's that?

Some hammocks need there suspension at different angles. My DD i can pull out almost straight where as my other needs to be at around 35 degrees so it hangs properly. Also lifting it higher will also increase the amount of room under your hammock.
 
Thats how I do it too and never had any problems, nice and easy to put up and take down. I have invested in whoopie slings, tree huggers etc but not used them yet as it seems like a lot of faffing about, will get round to it one day but if it aint broke....
i have just finished making a set of whoopies and fitted to my tw and they are fantastic no messing about just use a strap for the tree with a marlin spike hitch to whoopies its really simple . im off into the forrest at the weekend for a week so will have plenty of pictures for anyone wanting them ,atb wayne .heres my earlier set up and the whoopies ,for me its a weight saving thing plus it is a simple tweek to adjust things
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OP, I suggest tree distance to be 13-15 feet.

I use a bow knot, like how you tie your shoes. Pass webbing straps round back (one on either side of tree), come round to the front, tie a bow, and pass the left over webbing through the loops, pas it through a couple of times

No sore bums yet ^^
 
Another recommendation for the shoelace Knot. its the most efficient in use of line and won't slip.

IME, no to the fig 8. It may just be strong enough but never instills confidence and is stretchy. When I used webbing like that, it was always doubled.


Tree straps first, then whoopies are the way forward ;)

Happy hanging :)
 
Thanks fellas, advice noted and memorised, I Got busy last week and didnt get out but ordered whoopies from DD.
They are here so when i get chance i wil get out and set it up.

I also dug out some Krabs and dyneema slings that i never used for at try out as tree tapes, Looking forward to this as i got a XL tarp too to play with.
 
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heres my set up now , i just use a loop on my tree strap and it passes through once so i have enough for the largest of trees , i then just use the marlin spike hitch knot and use a small piece of plastic as my toggle and the whoopies just go over the knot its really simple and quick,atb wayne
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I agree with shoelace knot, by far easiest and simplest way to tie your hammock, tie the knot UNDER the first pass around the tree and that will keep the webbing at a constant height and prevent any chance of slipping. Worked for me for past 3 years :)
 
I agree with bush craftsman. I've tried everything to suspend my dd hammock and have spent a fair bit in the process. But I always come back to the 3 m webbing straps that came with the hammock and the good old shoe lace knot nice and simple easy to do and always works. It's what I am using at the moment and will do from now on !


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