just bought my first hammock, here's the setup...

**doctor patches** · 11-06-2010, 20:49

anything that you see that couuld fail? i read reviews on everything and didn't see very many that were negative. i understand the "you get what you pay for" concept, and don't expect this to last forever...but as a starter setup, do you see anything that will have an "epic fail" sooner than expected?

got the Byer Moskito Traveller Hammock, for suspension i got the Byer Amazonas MicroRope, and a 4 pack of those figure 9's because they're awesome and i can use them for other stuff if i don't use them for my tarp or something. also got a WW blue foam pad.

still need a tarp, i'd like to keep it under $40 including the suspension and stakes to secure it. any suggestions?

TIA

**trigger hurt** · 11-06-2010, 21:03

Here's the thing...

The rope you have selected has a load rating of 300lbs. Now, I'm no quant, but I'm betting that's static load and not dynamic. When you're bouncing around or moving around in the hammock, you may exceed that and you might end up on the ground. It's also made of nylon which means that it's going to stretch a lot when it gets wet.

It's also frowned upon by most here at least to wrap the rope around the trunk of a tree because of possible damage to the trunk. If you're going to use the rope, despite it's load rating, please look into some 2" wide poly webbing.

The hammock is a good starter though. It's inexpensive and REI has a good return policy if you don't like it.

As to your tarp...are you backpacking with this setup or are you car camping? If you're car camping, weight isn't even a factor. In that case, one of those hardware store special poly tarps will provide ample coverage for a bargain bin price...you're in Nevada though...does it even rain there?

**Bubba** · 11-06-2010, 21:07

That set up will work. Are you planning on backpacking or car camping?

I do think the rope is a little short if you are going to be using it in many different areas. You never know how far apart trees are going to be or how big in the diametre they will be. 10 to 15 feet would be good for the unexpected.

You could always use the inexpensive blue tarps for now if weight is not an issue.

**Rat** · 11-06-2010, 22:13

I know the REI description for the MicroRope reads Nylon, but I am pretty sure they are Poly.

**doctor patches** · 11-06-2010, 22:34

thanks for the reply. i'm gonna be backpacking. and i live in reno, which is just below lake tahoe. we get rain. i'm more concerned about having protection in spring and fall when the cold white stuff is going on.

any suggestions for a lightweight tarp with a reasonable price tag? REI had the shelter one that was like $50. is that what i should expect to get a lightweight tarp?

i'm gonna get a ratchet set and take the straps off of 'em to use for tree wraps. i mostly got the ropes for hanging in the back yard or the garage, etc.

**timabababaluka** · 11-06-2010, 22:53

Originally Posted by Hogn8r

I know the REI description for the MicroRope reads Nylon, but I am pretty sure they are Poly.

Hey! Poly is good news. 300 pounds doesn't give you a lot of wiggle room, so getting a 30 degree hang (or even greater if you're tall enough to do it) will be pretty important--it puts far less stress on your suspension than a tighter hang. You'll still probably want to get some poly straps as tree huggers to protect the trees (and the good name of hangers across the world). Fulminated suggests 2 inch, and that definitely shows that he's got the love and is a model hanger. I use 1 inch (simply because it was readily availble and cheap), and haven't had any problems. Rope, on the other hand, is bad news.

Glad to see you excited about your set up. Let us know how your first hang goes.

**timabababaluka** · 11-06-2010, 22:58

Oops! Put the kids down for bed before I finished the post only to find that the post had moved on without me--insert favorite glib phrases about snoozing and losing right here.

**Bubba** · 11-07-2010, 00:15

Hogn8r is right, I do believe it is polyester rope.

**trigger hurt** · 11-07-2010, 05:31

I use both 1" and 2". I also have crazy fingers, so when I try to type '1" webbing', it comes out 2".

I digress.

As an alternative to finding straps, you could try finding a few sturdy sticks. Use them to keep your rope off of the tree trunk. Or maybe you could carry a few tongue depressors to accomplish the same task. Anything to distribute the pressure of the rope over more area to have less of a chance of damaging the tree.

**doctor patches** · 11-07-2010, 10:31

a few years ago i was going to school to be a firefighter, took a few of the rescue practices classes, so i know how to tie anchors, i have a decent amount of rope skillz, so i'm sure i can come up with something. prolly just go with the ratchet straps for trees

FYI i'm 5'7" and 220, dropping fast.

i watched all of shug's vids, wondering where i can get a tarp with pullouts like his? also is the bishop bag a mod to a traditional stuff sack or can i buy one with the gusset already into it?