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  1. #1
    New Member
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    Alpine Butterfly Question

    I recently added a new Hennessy Expedition to supplement my ENO Doublenest for camping. I have the ENO Atlas XL straps, and would like to use them rather than the Hennessy lash for suspension on the new hammock. The straps work well for me and I find them super easy to use and adjust.

    For the Hennessy, I need to tie some loops in the suspension ropes to attach carabiners for the straps. I'd like the knot for the loops to be untieable in case I want to switch suspensions later. I considered a figure 8 on a bight for the loop, but from previous uses of this knot, I think it will be difficult (or impossible) to untie after hanging.

    My brother-in-law suggested an Alpine Butterfly for the loop knot, but I'm not familiar with this one. It's easy enough to tie/untie, but is it strong enough to use for hammock suspension? Any downside to this knot? Is there another knot that would work better?

  2. #2
    OlTrailDog's Avatar
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    The butterfly knot is a climbing knot that is can be used to tie in a middle climber on a rope. I think it is one of the most beautiful knots. I have even used it as the loop in a 'trucker's hitch" instead of the usual knot. If it is strong enough for climbing purposes, I would trust it to hang your hammock. The other nice thing about the butterfly is it is untie-able after a shock load such as a "FALLING" climber. However, I think there are many knots that hammockers use in lieu of the butterfly.

  3. #3
    Phantom Grappler's Avatar
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    Alpine Butterfly Question

    What OlTrailDog says
    And it is possible to use a climbing rated carabiner as your toggle in marlin spike hitch. Tie MSH and insert carabiner then you can attach your hammock to other end of carabiner.
    Marlin Spike Hitch won't jam.
    If you can tie alpine butterfly loop--I'd recommend it over MSH----
    And you can insert a strong smooth crush proof toggle (into interior of knot, not loop) alpine butterfly loop. This way when done--tap out toggle with smooth stone--now even easier to untie.

    When learning to tie alpine butterfly loop--there are multiple ways to tie it and many YouTube videos---my favorite and I think the easiest way to learn to tie ABL
    Extend index finger along with middle finger on your non dominant hand.
    Wrap cord around both fingers in a Round Turn
    There will be two sections of cord on top of your extended fingers and one section of cord under your extended fingers. Now you have a round turn.
    Watch the video that starts that way to learn rest of ABL technique.
    I tie ABL very similar to this video:
    Alpine Butterfly Knot-The hybrid method.
    Brett McConochie
    It is one of the simpler methods and his video is only 41 seconds!
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Phantom Grappler; 10-25-2017 at 21:55.

  4. #4
    New Member
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    Thank you. This sounds like a knot that’s worth a shot.

    I’ve been practicing the knot with paracord using this method from animated knots: http://www.animatedknots.com/alpinebutterfly/.

    This method works well on the thin cord, but is a bit more challenging with the thicker, stiffer cord on the Hennessy. I’ll try the method in Brett’s video, as it looks to be easier with thick climbing rope, even under load. I didn’t catch the link above, but here’s the video I’m referencing: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YTlzEXGJrf0

    I should be able to get a short test hang in today to try it out.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    New Member
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    Or you could replace your ropes with whoopies. It's easy to do and easy to change back.

  6. #6
    New Member
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    I do like the whoopie idea, and will probably go there at some point. Just looking for the best way to work with what I already have for the moment.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    I did this with my Hennessy for a few times. I didn't use the Alpine knot. I used a Bowline with a back-up knot. It was fairly easy to untie, but I just gravitated back to the Figure 8 lashing whenever I use my Hennessy. I just like the looks of it. I tie both ends with two half-hitches when I'm adjusting and then do the Figure 8 lashing when I'm happy with the setup. Most times, I'm so tired, I just eyeball it and do the Figure 8 and then crawl in and sleep.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
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    The alpine butterfly breaks free easily after being loaded. I frequently use it as life support while tree climbing.


  9. #9
    Senior Member Levi Tate's Avatar
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    Wow. Cool. Thanks. ^

  10. #10
    Senior Member
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    A single bowline is another great knot for forming a fixed loop that's easy to untie after loading.

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