Gathered end Hammocks: Warbonnet Whipping Method VS. Amsteel Continuous Loop

**brysonwestover** · 06-16-2015, 16:18

I'm new to hammock camping/backpacking, as well as new to the forum. I'm going to be ordering mats tonight/tomorrow so I can get started on my first DIY project this weekend; a basic gathered end hammock, based pretty much off of the Knotty "Stretch-Side" hammock. Needless to say, I'm stoked.
Before I found Knotty's pattern, I decided that I was going to use an amsteel continuous loop as means to gather the ends of the hammock. I figured that this would be the best option because it creates a place very close to the hammock to put a connector (whoopie hooks) that could double as a water break.

Question:

Knotty seems to know what he is doing. Is there a specific advantage to using the Warbonnet style whipping method over a simple amsteel continuous loop?

Thanks for the input! Happy Hanging

**MAD777** · 06-16-2015, 16:27

I think you'll find both methods well represented here. Personally, I am of the opinion that it doesn't make a difference in the way the hammock feels. My preference is the Warbonnet method. My reasons is that if I want to remove the suspension completely, the Warbonnet style leaves the hammock intact, whereas threading the suspension through the end channel leaves the hammock splade open.

**Country Roads** · 06-16-2015, 16:39

I prefer the warbonnet method when using lighter material. I feel that it should be safer hanging from that type of gathered ends, and it is easier to change the continuous loops also.
I have seen the seam giving way on light material (1.0 or 1.1 nylon) just by gathering via continuous loop through the end channels. This does not seem to be an issue when using heavier weight material. I have a hammock made from 1.8 weight nylon that is on its second year as my every day hanging hammock with no evidence of material stress.

**brysonwestover** · 06-16-2015, 17:03

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'm converted. If I end up using the WB method, does it make sense to then just tie a continuous loop over the gathered ends so I have a place close to the hammock to connect the Whoopie Hooks/Sling? I've noticed that most people using the WB method end up using the fixed end of the Whoppie Sling at the head. I don't love this idea, because I don't get my built in water break.

What has worked for you?

**MAD777** · 06-16-2015, 18:55

Originally Posted by brysonwestover

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'm converted. If I end up using the WB method, does it make sense to then just tie a continuous loop over the gathered ends so I have a place close to the hammock to connect the Whoopie Hooks/Sling? I've noticed that most people using the WB method end up using the fixed end of the Whoppie Sling at the head. I don't love this idea, because I don't get my built in water break.

What has worked for you?

Yes, I still use continuous loops on the hammock and attach my whoopie with a Dutch Whoopie hook.

**ShellHammock** · 06-16-2015, 19:12

I like having the continuous loop attached to the end of the hammock (via whipped end) and use an inverted whoopie with a whoopie hook because sometimes my hang is simply too short for whoopies (one reason why I rarely use whoopies anymore) and I can attach the continuous loop directly to the marlin spike hitch (I also use about 8" loops instead of smaller ones much closer to the gather).

However, I'd watch this video and do some real world testing before you put your faith in having the whoopie hook act as a water break. Sometimes, the old fashioned way works best.