Permanent continuous loops?

**Forbin** · 08-08-2019, 07:37

I’m checking out a new trail lair and noticed an option for permanent continuous loops (crafted with through channel)

I’m not sure what that means exactly but it sounds cool.

I would think I want the ability to swap a continuous loop if it gets damaged. The ones I have now are starting to show some wear.

So, does anyone have this style? Pros and cons?

**cmoulder** · 08-08-2019, 07:49

I assume they mean the CL is spliced after it has been threaded through the channel, vs larkshead as would be done with regular CL.

Assuming this is correct, if you know how to splice (and it ain't rocket surgery

) you can do this yourself when replacement time comes.

But personally I don't see any real value/advantage in this, but maybe (or likely?) Jared has come with something that offers a real benefit... that he thought enough of it to offer it as an option suggests this might be the case. So we need to see exactly how it is done.

**rweb82** · 08-08-2019, 08:01

I believe cmoulder is correct. The permanent CL is just one strand of Amsteel passing through the channel, and then spliced together. I think the reasoning behind this is that the hammock ends aren't cinched tight, and are able to spread out a bit. In theory, this could help the entire hammock spread out better-providing a flatter lay. In reality, I'm not sure how much of a difference it actually makes, once tension is placed on the CLs. I have never used a hammock with permanent CLs before; but It's something I would try out of curiosity.

**HandyRandy** · 08-08-2019, 08:11

That’s exactly right. The loops are spliced on instead of larks headed on. I think it is ultimately not worth it. You may want to use those loops on another hammock some days. You may want to larks head a whoopie sling directly to the hammock some days. The biggest issue is when you attach a ridgeline to the hammock. It can be done, but all of the methods that I know of result in the ridgelines being fairly loose and can slip off of the loops adding some fiddle factor.

**cmoulder** · 08-08-2019, 08:28

Good points there, rweb82 and HandyRandy.

One other thing that has crossed my mind occasionally is that when a spliced CL is larksheaded through the channel it creates a larger radius between the Amsteel and the hammock material, and a larger radius translates to stress being spread over a larger area.

Perhaps real-life long-term implications of this are zilch, but maybe it matters for somebody weighing 270lb using 1.0 Hexon (yep, I've seen this!)

**Phantom Grappler** · 08-09-2019, 13:27

One strand through end channel rather than two strands, maybe save a few grams and can’t be dislodged and possibly lost. Maybe not a good enough reason for most, possibly a reason for some.

**DrPhun** · 08-09-2019, 15:48

Originally Posted by rweb82

I think the reasoning behind this is that the hammock ends aren't cinched tight, and are able to spread out a bit. In theory, this could help the entire hammock spread out better-providing a flatter lay. In reality, I'm not sure how much of a difference it actually makes, once tension is placed on the CLs.

I experimented with this with soft shackles instead of splicing the continuous loops in. I was hoping it would help with the calf ridge. I didn’t find much of a difference.

**Seadug** · 10-09-2019, 13:07

I have some 11 and 12 foot tarps. When I started using the 11 foot tarps I found my suspension hardware a little close to the ends of the tarp. I just swapped out the CLs for shorter ones. Not a big deal but I would of had to cut them if they were permanent loops.

**bigdisgrace** · 10-09-2019, 14:03

Originally Posted by rweb82

I believe cmoulder is correct. The permanent CL is just one strand of Amsteel passing through the channel, and then spliced together. I think the reasoning behind this is that the hammock ends aren't cinched tight, and are able to spread out a bit. In theory, this could help the entire hammock spread out better-providing a flatter lay. In reality, I'm not sure how much of a difference it actually makes, once tension is placed on the CLs. I have never used a hammock with permanent CLs before; but It's something I would try out of curiosity.

Just received a new Trail Lair and I went with the permanent loops. I can notice the difference on the gathered ends that there is considerably less uneven bunching than with other hammocks I have. With the permanent loops the bunching is all evenly dispersed.

**rweb82** · 10-09-2019, 14:16

Originally Posted by bigdisgrace

Just received a new Trail Lair and I went with the permanent loops. I can notice the difference on the gathered ends that there is considerably less uneven bunching than with other hammocks I have. With the permanent loops the bunching is all evenly dispersed.

Do you notice an actual difference in how the hammock feels to you, with regards to calf ridge or overall comfort?