Looks like everyone uses full length shock cord for an UQ. Could I use rope (7/64 amsteel, just cause I have it) for the main length and then shock cord at the ends to attach? Or is there more too it?
Looks like everyone uses full length shock cord for an UQ. Could I use rope (7/64 amsteel, just cause I have it) for the main length and then shock cord at the ends to attach? Or is there more too it?
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I think for me, I like to do full length on the shock cord so I have the adjustment to move the quilt back and forth, and it makes for a little more give in entering the hammock.
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On my DIY UQ i did something very similar to what you are suggesting. It works alright, but may give less than you want and could cause more compression of your insulation. I think full length shock would be ideal if possible.
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Road, If I'm following you correctly (rope going the majority of the way and then a short length of SC near the ends), the answer is yes it will work.
Not as flexible but it will do the trick.
PS. The 7/64th amsteel should hold up your quilt .
Ambulo tua ambulo.
That's the way I have mine (except not amsteel). I think my shock cord is too small or something, I can't get my heavy UQ to snug up. I'm halfway tempted to use bungies.
Paracord will work or mason line. Keep it simple, st****.
Ambulo tua ambulo.
The problem you may run into is that both ends of the UQ may try to slide towards the middle causing an air pocket (cold butt). Even when using shockcord the entire length this can be a problem. Quilts like the Yeti have design features that help prevent this from happening. Most DIY diff cut quilts are best suspended from the corners to pull tight against hammock IMO and use shockcords on the ends to seal. The cold air pocket will show up as the UQ nears its temp rating. You can read lots of threads of users adding more suspension cords etc when the temp drops or using winter quilts.
I think the UQ would have more of a tendency to slide toward middle on amsteel than shock cord. The para cord would have more friction and may be better. You really only need a few inches of adjustment so you could allow about 4" slide either way then shock cord for the remainder. I think the main benefit of sliding on cord is to vent when too warm This can be accomplished easily with most UQ suspension.
I use 1/8" nylon shock cord only in the side channels on the UQ (about 52" long to match the UQ length). Then 1.75mm Zing-it from there to the hammock ends.
For me, using all shock cord makes the suspension too mushy, plus the combo makes it lighter.
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