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  1. #1
    Senior Member oldpappy's Avatar
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    Removing spreader bar on a rope hammock

    It's cold here so I thought I'd play with an idea I've had nd see what you think.
    I have an old cotton rope hammock with wood spreader bars at each end. t hasn't had much use but it is sure comfortable.
    Has anyone removed the spreader bars on a cotton rope hammock and used the hammock as a Mayan style hammock?
    P.S. I use my Hennessy for bug season camping - I was thinking of using this as a winter hammock.

    Here are some Internet Photos as examples (so no comments on the fancy trim:>)
    With spreader bar:
    Hammock with spreaderbar.jpg
    Without spreader bar
    Hammock without spreaderbar.jpg
    Enjoying the simple things in life -
    Own less, live more.

  2. #2
    Senior Member thatguy's Avatar
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    I've done that with a rope hammock before. One of the spreader bars broke due to being left out in the elements for a few years. I believe I used a hack saw and some vice grips to cut/break the bar off the rest of the rope. I was the only one who used it after that, I did find that the ropes had a tendency to cut into my shoulders.

    If it's a spare hammock, give it a shot.
    Insanity Happens...

  3. #3
    Senior Member oldpappy's Avatar
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    Thank-you for the feedback - exactly what I was looking for.
    My spreader bars are +20 years old and very hard wood (maybe petrified wood:>), so it's not an easy task plus once I start there is no going back.
    Maybe I'll just keep it as is.
    I have a nylon web hammock that causes sholder squeeze unless I use a foam pad with it - I'll see if it will work as a winter open air hammock.
    Thanks again.
    Enjoying the simple things in life -
    Own less, live more.

  4. #4
    Senior Member thatguy's Avatar
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    Sounds like yours was better quality than mine... Although, mine did spend about 2 weeks under water when the lake flooded. That was fun.
    Insanity Happens...

  5. #5
    New Member outdoorsaddiction's Avatar
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    I think that the rope would still be too uncomfortable because of pressure points. I've never tried it but I may be wrong. I say give it try and see if it works for you.

  6. #6
    Senior Member oldpappy's Avatar
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    Pressure points at the shoulders were my main concern. I was thinking of using this with a mummy bag for winter one nighters.
    I was thinking that the space between ropes would allow the sleeping bag down to expand (or not compress as much) thus insolate my backside without quilts or pads.
    A couple years ago I tried this with some success with my very small nylon web hammock (a +40 year old hammock – an antique to be sure). It’s like a car cargo net. The sleeping bag made all other upper body pressure areas comfortable except the shoulder area. I also hung this nylon web hammock inside the sleeping bag cocoon style – warm but the nylon strings soon made it uncomfortable. Hummm – Thank-you, You have given me some more ideas for my grandson and I to play around with on this cold blustery day. Come on spring………
    More ideas welcome --- would a ridgeline help relieve shoulder squeeze?
    Enjoying the simple things in life -
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  7. #7
    Member hove64's Avatar
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    HI.
    THINKING OF REMOVING THE SPREDER BARS FROM A COMMERCIAL ROPE HAMMOCK...
    DID YOU END UP DOING SO?...AND IF SO...WHATS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
    THANKS.
    ***************************

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  8. #8
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    On the plus side, if you sleep in a sleeping bag, the down can expand between the rope squares and give you some bottom insulation.

    Apart from that, don’t really see the point but HYOH.

  9. #9
    Senior Member P-Dub's Avatar
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    My guess is that the spaces in a rope hammock will not allow for much expansion of insulation, but it may depend on how the netting is knotted. I know the rope hammocks I'm familiar with all have openings that are just a couple inches across when stretched.

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