Kevlar Tree Straps now available at Dutchwaregear.com

[Dutch]

I have Kevlar tree straps now on the site. You can get them 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 foot long. There is a loop on one end and the other end is sewn over so it doesn't fray. This Kevlar has a 2000 pound breaking strength and is resistant to abrasion. they are not slippery and will wok well with hardware. Lastly it holds knots well so it can be used with the marlin spike hitch. Most of all it is light, light, light...
http://dutchwaregear.com/tree-straps...ne-kevlar.html

6'/ 43.5 grams/ pair
8'/ 58.0 grams/ per pair
10'/ 72.5 grams/ per pair
12'/ 87.0 grams/ per pair
15'/ 108.8 grams/ per pair

For comparison a 6 foot pair of 1500 pound breaking strength Polyester straps are around 91 grams.

[JoshuaTrees]

Wow, so we're talking like half the weight. Awesome!

[mjdf]

Are we able to purchase these straps with the sewn in Dutch clips attached ?

[Dutch]

Are we able to purchase these straps with the sewn in Dutch clips attached ?

Yes if you put in the notes at check out that you want them sewn on, it will be our pleasure. Actually it turns out by pleasure I mean my elves are cursing the day I bought the Kevlar because it is not fun to sew.

[mjdf]

Cool, placing my order tonight

[obxh2o]

Just when I thought I had everything ....

[MadUncleAndy]

On the site you tell us that:
<quote>Kevlar® is effected by UV light and after 450 hours of direct sunlight it can turn brown and lose up to 50% of its breaking strength. This is important to note and this product is not ideal to be used on a permanent hammock suspension that would be receiving a lot of UV exposure from sunlight.</quote>

So, am I right in thinking that it derates to "only" 1000 pounds at half the weight of the others and then becomes stable, or does it continue to derate after that? Trying to figure out whether the useful life of the straps is significantly different from the more traditional materials.

[Rain Man]

On the site you tell us that: Kevlar® is effected by UV light ...

Say it ain't so, as the word is "affected."

~wink~

Looks like interesting stuff!

I just placed an order.

[Dutch]

On the site you tell us that:
<quote>Kevlar® is effected by UV light and after 450 hours of direct sunlight it can turn brown and lose up to 50% of its breaking strength. This is important to note and this product is not ideal to be used on a permanent hammock suspension that would be receiving a lot of UV exposure from sunlight.</quote>

So, am I right in thinking that it derates to "only" 1000 pounds at half the weight of the others and then becomes stable, or does it continue to derate after that? Trying to figure out whether the useful life of the straps is significantly different from the more traditional materials.

I researched this because having a large amount Kevlar webbing made took a huge investment. The testing that was done by DuPont was limited to the 450 hours and I think that is because this was developed for the military for parachutes. I can't imagine parachutes laying around in the bright sun for more 450 hours. There are so many variable in this such as Kevlar protects itself and only the exposed part is getting the brunt of the UV light. For example Kevlar with thicker deniers degrade slower because it shades itself. I do think the 50% rule is significant because 1000 pound is where I set my lower limit on breaking strength of hammock suspensions. It also turns brown so there is some indication that the webbing has started the degrading process. I am sure that it doesn't stop at 450 hours and would continue to degrade. That is 450 hours of typical full sun mid afternoon light in Ohio. Not sure why they picked Ohio as the median but that is the point of reference. I want everyone to be aware that this is intended for suspensions that would get little exposure to UV light. This is intended to be light weight hammock suspension and not for the back yard set up. After working with it I find it is tough as nails and it really boosted my confidence with it. However you have to take steps to reduce the amount of UV exposure.

[MadUncleAndy]

Thanks Dutch! Pretty sure it'll last a good long time in the woods around here, then, and for the price, if I need to replace them every year or two, not a biggie. Of course, I suppose I could slather them in SPF50.