Spreader Bars for Hanging Double

**Detail Man** · 05-31-2011, 19:26

My 10yo daughter loves her hammock and wants to start backpacking with me. So here's what I came up with so we can both hang under the same tarp. We could use three trees, but that doesn't always present itself handily. This way only two trees are needed. This is a prototype, and there's already a list of improvements to make on the next set. I just wanted to see if this would work. Using trekking poles were not suitable for us because I use mine in conjunction with the side tieouts.

In the pics, you can see where the bar is not at the same position on both suspensions, due to the hammocks being different lengths. The tail of the whoopie sling of the shorter hammock is tied around the bar to keep the it from slipping when we get into the hammocks. The other end of the bar is kept in place by placing it in the fixed eye of the whoopie sling of the longer hammock.

Dimensions are 0.75" x 1.5" x 26". The hole is 0.5" diameter, 1" on center from the end. The slot is 0.25" wide.

The next set will have rounded edges to protect the tarp. Ideas are cooking on aluminum or carbon fiber spreader bars.

**Dutch** · 05-31-2011, 19:36

That is great. Your daughter was really into trail days. I enjoyed meeting the both of you. I am going to copy your spreaders.

**gargoyle** · 06-01-2011, 07:11

Originally Posted by Dutch

I am going to copy your spreaders.

Titanium spreader bars??

**Dutch** · 06-01-2011, 07:35

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Titanium spreader bars??

I can do that, probably won't though.

Might as well go with carbon fiber.

**hangnout** · 06-01-2011, 08:21

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Titanium spreader bars??

If that is what it takes to get a kid in the woods it would be worth every penny

2sticks and I have tried this a few times when she first started hanging. Interested to see what your final version will be.

From a dad with daughters 21 yr old and a 10 yr old enjoy this time while you can. This seems to be the age they really enjoy getting out with dad.

**Boomer** · 06-03-2011, 00:15

Great Idea! I'll have to mull it over. I was thinking of how to put myself & my 13 YOA daughter under a single silnylon tarp...

**DivaB** · 07-11-2011, 09:32

Any field test and updates on this thread? Any tweeks made that we need to know about? Thanks

**Redoleary** · 05-31-2011, 19:46

Cool idea, those are really neat.

**NorseAmerican** · 05-31-2011, 20:13

Planning summer hang with my 2 kids in NJ. I just made this hammock for my 11 yr old Julia. Still need to put the net on. My first attempt. We hung it on first level of the bunk. She sleeps in it every night!!!! I may try your spreader, as I plan on having her hang with me under my tarp.

**Detail Man** · 05-31-2011, 20:44

Originally Posted by Dutch

That is great. Your daughter was really into trail days. I enjoyed meeting the both of you. I am going to copy your spreaders.

It was great to meet you too. Permission granted. I must confess I made a copy of your Dutch Clips just to see if I could with my limited machining equipment. Four hours later

I had something that works well, but am embarassed to post pics of it. Your version is worth every penny.

Originally Posted by NorseAmerican

Planning summer hang with my 2 kids in NJ. I just made this hammock for my 11 yr old Julia. Still need to put the net on. My first attempt. We hung it on first level of the bunk. She sleeps in it every night!!!! I may try your spreader, as I plan on having her hang with me under my tarp.

That's great your daughter loves her hammock. Mine requested a "pretty" hammock to replace her bed. She says she sleeps better in a hammock. Hanging side by side makes for some great daddy/daughter time. Hope it works well for you.