This is my ultralight hammock setup. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Planning some longer, multi-day hikes and canoe trips with multiple portages this year, I decided I need a lightweight option to complement my DD Traveler hammock and DD tarp (nice kit, but heavy...)
I started with a Grand Trunk Ultralight hammock which I picked up from Sportsmansguide for $16.17 Link I've slept in it, it's a nice enough hammock. SG says it weighs 7 ounces but according to my scale, it's more like 10.
I decided this would be a good time to upgrade from Eno Slap-Straps "Pro" and climbing 'biners. I picked up Whoopie Slings, Tree Straps, and anodized aluminum toggles from Arrowhead Equipment.
I really struggled with what to get for a tarp... long story short I went with an HH Asym 30D Silnylon rain fly. I think it's a good value at $49.95. It is very minimal in terms of coverage... I think it will be challenging to pitch it "just so" for rain and windy conditions. Weighs 8 1/4oz according to HH.
My ridgeline technique also needed work. I ended up getting some 1/8" poly braided cord both for the ridgeline and stake tie-outs. Cheap to buy, maybe a little heavier than needed but I like having the overhead. I tied a bowline loop in one end, and have a HF Micro-biner on the loop to clip the ridgeline around the tree... simple. I used some of the HH cord that was included with the tarp to make prusiks for tensioning and adjusting the tarp on the full ridgeline. These clip to the tarp with a couple more HF Micro-biners. The other end gets a trucker's hitch, one more knot I've learned as part of this whole project.
There's bugs... so I grabbed up a Equinox Mantis Mosquito Net which I will hang from the ridgeline with a little shock cord when needed.
I really like the double adjustability of prusiks on the ridgeline, and whoopies on the hammock. These are the first prusik loops I've tied, I think they could be shorter...
Including a couple aluminum tri-stakes, and a size small Sea-To-Summit silnylon stuff sack (with room in it to spare), the whole works weighs under 32 ounces. Note that this is less than just a DD Traveler Hammock I think this total carry weight rivals pretty much any ultralight tent you can buy, and leans up on some tarp tent/tarp shelters.
Pictures? Of course...
Full rig view
Underneath (tough to get the stake lines real tight with the stakes in the gravel)
Ridgeline at bowline end, with micro-biner, also a view of the tree straps, marlin spike hitch, toggle, and whoopie. Also say hi to Jasper.
Trucker's hitch end (with a couple slippery half-hitches to secure it)
Ridgeline with prusik and micro-biner. Could use the plastic clip on the HH tarp but I think I will consider this a backup.
A big huge thank you to all the HF members who have shared the ideas I've used here... Shug and his how-to videos come immediately to mind, but I've learned a lot from so many forum members! What a great forum this is.
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