Newbie with a hammock and bad suspension.

**jablyy** · 02-24-2016, 08:47

So I've been wanting to get a hammock to sleep in, and recently found one at walmart for 25$. Now I know walmart stuff isn't always the best, but I've heard pretty okay things about it. It's called the equip hammock, and the one issue everyone seems to have is the suspension. I don't know a lot about hammocks, so I'm not exactly sure which rope part/etc./whatever is that part. I did see on these forums that you could use ratchet strap webbing and so I'm here to ask how you do that. The post didn't exactly make a lot of sense and, again, this is my very first hammock. I can't hang from the walls so a stand should be coming soon (hoping to find one for a good price like this hammock), but I am going on vacation and am wanting to try it out there. If someone could maybe explain a bit, or send me in the direction of someone who already has that would be great. Thank youu!

**sqidmark** · 02-24-2016, 09:14

Best suggestion I can make is to start here: http://theultimatehang.com Get the book.

**hammer0419** · 02-24-2016, 09:21

Webbing for tree straps and some whoopie slings

**Rick68** · 02-24-2016, 09:30

Nothing wrong with that hammock if it gets you outside and in the trees. Hands on will show you what you need, our what you can do without. The forums will give you the basics but you have to go out and find what fits you. Regular straps and rope will get you of the ground.

**SnrMoment** · 02-24-2016, 09:32

A simple vid HERE

Reference on the slings is for Arrowhead, a vendor on this site.

**Shug** · 02-24-2016, 09:34

You could get an all-to-go system from Dutch.....http://www.dutchwaregear.com/cinch-b...uspension.html or Paul at Arrowhead......http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/s...uckle_Kit.html

Carry forth,
Shug

**jablyy** · 02-24-2016, 10:22

Is it possible that it will be enough to just change out the straps for around the trees? I don't have time to order whoopie slings before use... Possible there might be something I can find in store somewhere?

**StarryWI** · 02-24-2016, 11:29

I was in a similar situation. Got a hammock for Christmas with bad suspension, and wanted something to tide me over until I had time to make some whoopie slings. At Home Depot I found a ratchet strap with 15' of 1" webbing for $3.50. After harvesting the webbing from the ratchet and hook, I had over 14' of strap. After cutting it in half, I had two tree straps. Put a loop in one end to larks head around the tree. When I hung the hammock, I just tied a loop in the hammock where the rope from the hammock would need to be tied. Then, two half hitches secured the rope to the knot on the tree strap. Not an ideal setup, but it got me up in the trees quickly.

**La Picker** · 02-24-2016, 13:59

What I did with mine was to fashion two continuous loops out of the black polyester rope that comes with the hammock. Closed the gathered end channels with tie wraps, ran my continuous loop through that and lark's headed it around the end of the hammock.

Picked up two sets of 1 1/2 inch welded rings from Home Depot which I lark's headed onto the ends of the continuous loops, then went to Harbor Freight and got a set of 1 inch web ratchet type tie downs and discarded everything except the long straps.

Put the looped end around the tree and thread the other end through the rings just like regular compression rings...DONE!

It's cheap, fast, light, strong, and instantly adjustable. And when/if you get ready to install a structural ridgeline you can simply tie that to your welded rings as well.

**Monkeyboy42** · 02-24-2016, 14:17

Look for polyester straps. Nylon stretches more especially when wet.

I found some Rigid brand ones at Home Depot that were polyester and rated at 1400lb. I popped the hook off the end and used the existing loop. I used them over several longer trips before investing in webbing from Dutch. They still hang out as backup straps.