Hammock Rigging [Archive] - BushcraftUK: Community Forum

bushscout1

30-04-2009, 00:24

Well after a little tinkering, I thought I'd share my webbing set-up.

Inspired by various other rigs I've seen, and adapted to cover all my requirements:

The kit (including GB hammock):
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt340/bushscout1/Hammockrigging/IMGP1844.jpg

The rigged hammock:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt340/bushscout1/Hammockrigging/IMGP1845.jpg

Close-up of one end:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt340/bushscout1/Hammockrigging/IMGP1846.jpg

Rig on medium sized tree:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt340/bushscout1/Hammockrigging/IMGP1847.jpg

Rig on larger tree:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt340/bushscout1/Hammockrigging/IMGP1850.jpg

The advantages:

The webbing used is 25mm flat webbing with a breaking strain of 1.2 tonnes;
The high-wear area is sleeved to prevent damage to the main webbing;
As the webbing is doubled, the load is spread the same as with a 50mm 'tree hugger';
There are no knots to tie when setting up;
The overhand knots in the webbing are adjustable if required, so the rig has as much adjustment as with rope & knots;
The system can be set up in 3 minutes and taken down in 2 minutes, if not less (I wasn't racing when I timed it).

The webbing rig is 5 metres in length on each side, with 1 metre sleeved, so can accommodate almost any sized tree / be used in areas where trees are further apart.

MartinK9

30-04-2009, 00:29

Nice design and set up

BOD

30-04-2009, 00:48

"There are no knots to tie when setting up;"

I think I see a cow hitch around that tree ;-)

Clever. I like the sleeving idea.

Don't the overhands under load become difficult to adjust later? why not Fig. 8's instead?

bushscout1

30-04-2009, 01:04

I think I see a cow hitch around that tree ;-)

My statement was referring to 'proper' knots (eg. evenk slippery hitch / taut tarp hitch).

Don't the overhands under load become difficult to adjust later? why not Fig. 8's instead?

So far they don't seem to lock in the webbing the way rope knots do, when unloaded they seem fairly easily adjusted, perhaps time will tell a different story? W.r.t. fig. 8 knots, I figured they would be my 'fall-back' plan, but as they use a little more webbing up I'd try the system out with overhand knots to get the maximum usable length.

I alternated the side I tied the overhand knots as this keeps the rig straighter.

covertcraft

30-04-2009, 09:30

nice set up that, iv'e had a line ping on me due to abrasion so I like the idea of sleeving it. looks like they should last a long time. Thanks for sharing.

Ogri the trog

30-04-2009, 10:19

I was also about to query the sensibility of all those knots,
but thinking a little deeper, it all makes sense - quick, easy and convenient. Clever thinking that man.

I might consider joining the two ends of the webbing above the hammock as a makeshift ridgeline which would also keep them up off the floor, clean & dry, but in extremis, you might get some water tracking along the ridge.

Good set up.

ATB

Ogri the trog

Native Nathan

30-04-2009, 10:40

Great Set up,

Quick question though,

How is the black webbed strapping attached to the green webbed strapping?

From the picture it looks like its sewed..

Barn Owl

30-04-2009, 11:06

Great Set up,

Quick question though,

How is the black webbed strapping attached to the green webbed strapping?

From the picture it looks like its sewed..

The green is just a sleeve I believe Nathan.

Barn Owl

30-04-2009, 11:14

I'm toying with giving the hammock a go after hearing how comfy they can be.

This looks like an excellent set up.Simple but effective.

Thanks for that.

korvin karbon

30-04-2009, 11:34

heh barn owl, if you want i can send you my DD one to try out?

Barn Owl

30-04-2009, 11:41

heh barn owl, if you want i can send you my DD one to try out?

Thanks for the offer but I've just got one the other day:D

The travel model,still to take it out of the sack though.

Davey569

30-04-2009, 11:53

great set up, good to see youve got it right, if your anything like me you will be constantly changing it to get it just right :D

Andy2112

30-04-2009, 12:54

Great idea, thanks for posting this, gives me ideas.

bushscout1

30-04-2009, 15:43

How is the black webbed strapping attached to the green webbed strapping?

Nathan

As Barn Owl has correctly identified, the green webbing is tubular, hence it simply sleeves the black webbing.

bushscout1

30-04-2009, 15:56

I might consider joining the two ends of the webbing above the hammock as a makeshift ridgeline which would also keep them up off the floor, clean & dry, but in extremis, you might get some water tracking along the ridge.

Ogri

I did consider this, but it only works where there is sufficient spare webbing (ie. the trees are close enough / are not too large diameter). Whilst I didn't do it for the photos (to prevent confusion) in such cases I plan to loop the spare webbing by connecting one of the knots nearer the end back onto the karabiner. This would also create a 'drip line' in case of wet weather.

Thanks for your comments.

Elines

30-04-2009, 23:51

Its probably me but I can' t work out how the webbing stay attached to the tree:

- what does the back of the tree look like

- what does it look like if the webbindg is just laid flat in a straight line

(pics of either or both may help me understand)

bushscout1

01-05-2009, 00:28

Its probably me but I can' t work out how the webbing stay attached to the tree:

If you look at the photo showing the green sleeved webbing around the tree you will see it's in a loop. Both 'legs' of the webbing coming from the loop go around the back of the tree and pass through the loop.

Your weight in the hammock simply pulls on the webbing casuing it to tighten around the tree.

The reason for all the knots is to provide a ready choice for attachment when rigging, which can be adjusted to get the hammock in the right area, and then fine tuned if required by adjusting the knot to the required setting.

Whilst all this may sound complicated, its actually VERY simple, hence it works so well.

I hope this makes sense.

Native Nathan

01-05-2009, 01:49

Thanx for clearing that up for me Bushscout1 and Barn Owl

Elines

01-05-2009, 14:03

Thanks

I think I am getting there. So ..........

- the blue tape is threaded through the green sleeve

- hammock not fitted at this point

- the green sleeve (with tape inside) is made into a loop and wrapped around the tree

- the two ends of blue tape are put thru the loop and pulled tight (in photo 4 above - the one next to bottom) I hadn't realised the blue tape was doubled - it looks as though there is only one 'end' of green loop - which is why I couldn't work out how it fitted

- you then fix the krab at the most suitable knot, fine tuning if necesary

Is that it?

swampy99

01-05-2009, 16:01

Thats it.

When you get a "ticket to the moon" hammock it comes with hooks where the krabs are and 2 lenghts of rope doubled over and pre knotted.
Works the same as this and is good to jst throw a hammock up and have a break if out walking, riding etc. I carry one in my bum bag when out on the bike so can have a quick nap mid ride.

Like the set up it is so simple.
Swampy

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/mrleemarsh/DSC00333.jpg

Elines

01-05-2009, 20:54

Thanks Swampy:) - I generally get there eventually but can take some time

surfy

04-05-2009, 14:04

alpha_centaur

04-05-2009, 15:34

Where did you get the GB hammock, Nomads land

How do they compare to the DD hammocks?

Looking to buy my first hammock - I do like the look of the Nomad land one? but cant decide between the DD camping hammock

cheers

You get them from here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40509). Your lucky it looks like magikelly's doing another one at the moment. The one I got from him is still going strong.

Zodiak

05-05-2009, 00:02

That looks nice, where did you get the tubular webbing?

I also use a Magikelly hammock and agree that they are excellent. My current rig involves car luggage ratchet straps which are OK to put up and use but a pain to get down quickly. Your looks so much nicer that I might well give it a go.:You_Rock_

bushscout1

05-05-2009, 12:25

For anyone that's interested, I'm running a group buy at present for the component parts of this set-up (I'm sure you'll have fun tying your own knots).

Thanks again for all your comments.

Peter_t

05-05-2009, 19:48

The webbing used is 25mm flat webbing with a breaking strain of 1.2 tonnes;

well actual tying knots in rope/webbing or useing a girth hitch reduces the strength but roughly 40%:D not that youl need the extra strength lol

if it was me i would forget the carabiners and just tie timber hitches at each end.

pete

bushscout1

05-05-2009, 22:13

well actual tying knots in rope/webbing or useing a girth hitch reduces the strength but roughly 40%:D not that youl need the extra strength lol

if it was me i would forget the carabiners and just tie timber hitches at each end.

pete

Pete

I'm sure you're right about tying knots reducing the breaking strain, I was purely quoting the spec. of the webbing used to give people the confidence it was man enough. Personally I've tested it with me and my 5 year old in it, which means I've probably tested it to a load of around 20 stone (my son's very lean - I'm not).

I'm not sure I follow you with the comment about ditching the 'biners, as they're used for 'quick attachment / release' at the hammock - not sure what you mean about using timber hitches?

Aussiepom

06-05-2009, 00:20

Peter_t

Regardless of whatever other components you have in your suspension system, if the hammock is going to be used for overnighters then you are best off to leave some metalwork near the ends of the hammock, be it 'biners or hooks or whatever. They serve to help prevent water from tracking down to the hammock from further up the suspension system.

Another little trick is to tie some pieces of cord around each side of each 'biner (just some shoelace or other absorbent cord will do). Leave about an inch or so hanging down to act as the 'lowest point' and any water that does make its way onto the 'biner will drip down this instead of into the hammock.

Aussiepom

06-05-2009, 00:35

Bushscout1

I don't mean to be 'teaching you to suck eggs' or anything, and I appreciate that you may well have just quickly slung your hammock for the sake of taking photos, without doing any of your normal adjustments, but since this forum is about chatting and helping other members, I'll share my thoughts just in case: Your hammock looks very 'flat' or 'streched out'. You may want to experiment with hanging it with the ends closer together so that it forms more of a 'U shape'. That way it's easier to position yourself on the diagonal of the hammock. This lends itself to a flatter platform, without getting squeezed in on the sides. This sounds like a contradiction, I know - slinging you hammock less 'flat' in order to achieve a 'flatter' hang - but it works and most people find this to be more comfortable when in a hammock for longer periods, (eg overnight). Of course this is just a subjective comment and you may well prefer your hammock slung the way it is in the photo.

Either way, happy hanging!

swampy99

06-05-2009, 10:29

bushscout1

06-05-2009, 11:01

Your hammock looks very 'flat' or 'streched out'.

Aussiepom

Thanks for your comments, I am aware of the benefits of sleeping diagonally in a hammock as I also own a Hennessey.

The photos were taken when I had just 'thrown' it together quickly, although I do tend to have it tighter than some in order to counteract the effects of my weight (otherwise I end up sitting on the floor). :rolleyes:

Cheers for you comments, I'm sure many others will find them helpful.

bushscout1

06-05-2009, 11:22

One thing that has been making me fink is that most people worry about damage to trees from what is used to hang your hammock.
DD have a tape style rope and HH have tree slappers which is a flat type of webbing.
Now if your just hanging it for a few days and only sleeping in it over night how much damage could just normal rope do to the tree. Plus what about all the ridge lines that are pulled tight around trees on our bashas are they not doing damage? would not just put a bit of cloth like a t shirt between the rope and bark help?

Swampy

The damage is done if whatever is wrapped around the tree cuts into / damages the bark. This would happen as soon as a significant weight is applied to a cord which is too thin to adequately spread the load. Hence if thin cordage is used, the damage would likely occur soon after you climb into your hammock.

Whilst I use much thinner cordage (5mm genuine parachute cord) for the ridgeline for my tarp, the weight of the tarp is a fraction of the load applied by my hammock (when I'm in it).

In my opinion, I'm not sure that simply using a piece of cloth between the cord and the bark would help much as it isn't spreading the load in the way that using webbing / a tree hugger (also webbing) does.

I hope that answers your query.