Switch from whoopie slings to Beckett hitch - questions about ULW strap length, stretch

[uninjured]

I've been using whoopie slings since day 1 and I'm considering switching to beckett hitching my hammock continuous loop to my tree straps. I'm researching some straps but hoping to get some thoughts before buying.

So far I've narrowed it down to ripstop Venoms or spider 1.5. Anyone know which of the 2 have less stretch? Or at least do they have less stretch that spider polys? I'm asking because I've been in a situation where I saw excessive stretching in either my 15' spider polys or whoopie slings (not sure which) and would like to avoid if possible.

Also, should 12' be enough? I'm worried about larger trees eating up the length especially if the trees are far apart. I don't know how to extend if I really needed to... What do you guys do for backup in this case?

[Tpatter]

Spider is pretty awesome, I like them.

I think the length is enough. I always carry an extra strap just in case. It’s usually a super lightweight will do in a pinch sort of strap. We have some very LARGE trees around here - I once needed most of a strap just to get around the tree.

[uninjured]

Spider is pretty awesome, I like them.

I think the length is enough. I always carry an extra strap just in case. It’s usually a super lightweight will do in a pinch sort of strap. We have some very LARGE trees around here - I once needed most of a strap just to get around the tree.

You carry just a single extra strap or one for each side?

Also, I've been reading that some here don't like these ULW webbings and swear by kevlar 3.3... It's not so much the weight I'm worried about but I just think at least my spider poly 15's roll up to be quite sizeable...

[Tpatter]

You carry just a single extra strap or one for each side?

Also, I've been reading that some here don't like these ULW webbings and swear by kevlar 3.3... It's not so much the weight I'm worried about but I just think at least my spider poly 15's roll up to be quite sizeable...

Just one extra strap to jury rig on whatever side is needed. If I need 48 feet of strap, I keep looking for closer trees! .

[uninjured]

Just one extra strap to jury rig on whatever side is needed. If I need 48 feet of strap, I keep looking for closer trees! .

haha, good point!

Seems Dutch is out of the kevlar 3.3. Will try to see when they will come back in stock, sounds like it's the way to go and better for the trees.

[rodentface]

I use 12' Kevlar 1.9 straps to hammock loops via becket hitch, but carry UCRs for extra length. When I need the UCRs they sure are nice to have.

The 1.9 roll up too much for my taste. I intend to switch to 3.3.



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[cmoulder]

I use 12' Kevlar 1.9 straps to hammock loops via becket hitch, but carry UCRs for extra length. When I need the UCRs they sure are nice to have.

The 1.9 roll up too much for my taste. I intend to switch to 3.3.



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Excellent! How did you get that strap up there on the left side of the photo? How high is it?

Kudos, nice hang.

[Tpatter]

Yeah I love the becket by the way. Since I switched to it I wondered what took me so long. Fastest and easiest setup and take down for me.

[rodentface]

Excellent! How did you get that strap up there on the left side of the photo? How high is it?

Kudos, nice hang.

This was a fun one! Motorcycle trip from Chicago to Mississippi headwaters in MN, down to the Gulf coast in LA, back to Chicago in 9 days. I had my Tensa4 with me but was determined to hang from trees if at all possible. This site was my biggest challenge.

I was experimenting with 1" and 2" straps, so I had with me 1 pair of 1" x 12' Kevlar 1.9 straps and 1 pair of 2" x 7' Kevlar 1.9 huggers. I also had a couple of 10' UCRs.

I found the 1.9 Kevlar too fragile - 1 of the 4 was damaged on this hang, my first use of these straps.

Your commentary on here is the reason I went with Kevlar - so glad I did, and I'm really looking forward to the 3.3. (You and MikekiM have had a big influence on me - thank you for sharing your wisdom.)

The left tree was the easy one. I tossed a strap around the tree and pulled myself up into the V - about 5-6' up. Shimmied up a bit from there wedged between the limbs to tie off my strap. 12-15' up, maybe. I was worried I wouldn't be able to reach my strap to get it down. I larksheaded a second strap to the loop of my hanging strap so I could pull the hanging strap out of its larkshead to get it down. That second strap is dangling straight down the tree.

The right side tree - no climbing possibilities. I had to toss the strap over a limb and work it around to the front of the tree. Had to stand on one of my motorcycle cases to reach it to get it attached. Tied a second strap again for takedown.

I was hesitant at first to go to straps with becket hitch because I was worried it would be too much of a hassle to tie and retie until I got a proper hang. I got used to it faster than I thought I would, and like you mentioned moving the straps a little up or down the tree works well for minor adjustments.

I love the simplicity of straps to hammock Evo loops. The UCRs are mostly for extra length, but I occasionally use them with my straps just for practice.

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[Bobonli]

12 foot Kevlar, sold on Dutch's site. No stretch that I can perceive, rolls up fairly compact. I've had them for a bit over a year and haven't had an issue, though I know some people carry some UCRs or dogbanes just in case I haven't needed them. I would say that the hitch "settles" a bit under load but I don't think the straps themselves are stretching. I've become accustomed to that and just set the knot a few inches higher.