How/when do I stake out a hammock?

**rais'n hammock** · 07-22-2019, 21:51

I have been using bridge hammocks for the last year and decided to take out my Chameleon a couple weeks ago. I used a tie out on it for the first time. Two things I realized. One, I really like bridge hammocks (went back to one on my campout last week) and two I don't like tie outs on hammocks. They stop the gentle sway that is so relaxing and get in the way when getting in and out.

**wbJohn** · 07-23-2019, 10:04

I have a Chameleon Wide with the Sidecar. I stake out the Sidecar at the head end and the foot end of the hammock to keep the hammock and bugnet spread out.

**rweb82** · 07-23-2019, 11:23

I just received my first hammock that has tie-outs- DH Darien. The only time I see myself using them is if it's very windy. And even so, I would probably only stake out the head-end. I did use them just to see what kind of difference they make. They do give a little more interior room- and pull the bugnet further away from the head. That said, DH has done such a great job with the shape of their bug net, that the net never flops in my face, even when it isn't staked out.

**tamedog** · 07-23-2019, 22:32

I never had a problem with the bugnet getting in my face and feel that the tieouts are just an unnecessary annoyance, for me.

I thought people did it bc the hammock looks better in photos when it's staked out

**SlothandFox** · 07-24-2019, 14:26

Just a note that they can interfere with an UQ's ability to wrap around the hammock.

**MikekiM** · 07-24-2019, 19:17

I use the side pullouts on all of my hammocks every time I am out. I never had a problem with the side pullouts interfering with the UQ. Maybe if they are pulled crazy tight, but that isn't necessary. Just a wee bit of tension to keep the fabric out of your face.

**chefko** · 07-24-2019, 19:22

Originally Posted by rais'n hammock

I have been using bridge hammocks for the last year and decided to take out my Chameleon a couple weeks ago. I used a tie out on it for the first time. Two things I realized. One, I really like bridge hammocks (went back to one on my campout last week) and two I don't like tie outs on hammocks. They stop the gentle sway that is so relaxing and get in the way when getting in and out.

I use shock cord on my side pullouts, which still allow for that gentle sway. The only real benefit of using them though, it is to open up the inside of the hammock and to keep the bugnet pulled out a bit.

**ahursey530** · 07-29-2019, 08:59

If the hammock has an integrated bug net a tie out might be used to keep the bug net off your face. The WBBB and Eldarado hammocks are set up to be used that way. They use bungees and don't have to much of an effect on the sway (in my opinion ;-)). I only use the tie outs where my head lays. I have also found that I can hook the tie out to the corner of my tarp (I use Dutchwear hookworms). The little ring on the bungie cord that comes with the hammock fits the hookworm nicely.

**Five Tango** · 07-29-2019, 09:14

I stake out the head left side of my hammock with a piece of shock cord tied to a length of zingit and use the corner stake for the tarp if possible as it makes for one less stake to recover in the morning.