Soft shackles instead of CLs on hammock...

**Five Tango** · 01-16-2018, 19:31

Thanks for the info.I'll check it out.

**Winnie** · 01-16-2018, 22:47

A lot of the people who make soft shackles professionally for sailing, slack lining, etc. use the button knot that Myers describes because it is so reliable. It is a challenge to learn though.

**Malcolm** · 01-17-2018, 10:42

Originally Posted by johnspenn

The one on top is an improved soft shackle done according to the Tac Blades video, and the one on the bottom is a "soft link" or "evo loop" (I've seen different names) without the shackle loop at the end opposite the knot. Really easy to splice, and I really like how useful they are. They are going to make more appearances in my setup, especially my tarp ridgeline soon.

What's the purpose of the soft link that doesn't have the extra loop to hold the knot? I don't understand how that would be used.

**johnspenn** · 01-17-2018, 10:58

Originally Posted by Malcolm

What's the purpose of the soft link that doesn't have the extra loop to hold the knot? I don't understand how that would be used.

Check out Jeff Myers' video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk_kjzEWICc

I've used this method on an overnight hang with zero problems and a lot less "fiddliness" than a standard soft shackle.

**Malcolm** · 01-17-2018, 14:39

Originally Posted by johnspenn

Check out Jeff Myers' video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk_kjzEWICc

I've used this method on an overnight hang with zero problems and a lot less "fiddliness" than a standard soft shackle.

Thanks! This is remarkably useful. I think I'm going to be making some of these.

**johnspenn** · 01-17-2018, 17:22

Originally Posted by Malcolm

Thanks! This is remarkably useful. I think I'm going to be making some of these.

Great concept. I don't know if Myers came up with it or is just passing it along, but it really is a whole new level IMO. I have lots of ideas on how to use them, not all strictly hammock related.

**KBr00ks** · 01-17-2018, 17:53

Anyone ever tried to use a soft shackle loop through the sewn channel of a hammock, so that the channel would be gathered into a wider loop? Was thinking of trying that to make a flatter lay... thought I'd seen it somewhere on here but it's a tough thing to search for.

**johnspenn** · 01-17-2018, 18:05

Originally Posted by KBr00ks

Anyone ever tried to use a soft shackle loop through the sewn channel of a hammock, so that the channel would be gathered into a wider loop? Was thinking of trying that to make a flatter lay... thought I'd seen it somewhere on here but it's a tough thing to search for.

I'm not sure that a soft shackle would gather the fabric any differently than a continuous loop would. I don't see why it would. Maybe someone else will have more practical experience with that project though.

**HoosierT** · 01-24-2018, 08:12

Originally Posted by johnspenn

I'm not sure that a soft shackle would gather the fabric any differently than a continuous loop would. I don't see why it would. Maybe someone else will have more practical experience with that project though.

I assume he's asking about splicing the shackle in the channel instead of doing the lark's head. I believe this has been done but I can't recall the thread.

**johnspenn** · 01-24-2018, 08:50

Originally Posted by HoosierT

I assume he's asking about splicing the shackle in the channel instead of doing the lark's head. I believe this has been done but I can't recall the thread.

Ah... yes seems like I remember something along those lines as well. I'm skeptical but willing to be proven wrong if it works =)