Side tie out Qs

**clean** · 08-06-2013, 23:58

Last trip I tried hanging without the side tie outs and didn't miss them.

**clean** · 08-06-2013, 23:59

I use the hex tarp though. Perhaps I'd use them if I used the diamond fly. It sounds like they work really well with that one.

**Reyno2ac** · 08-07-2013, 06:29

I stake mine to the ground, but I don't notice a difference if I just leave them hanging...

**Teegs** · 08-07-2013, 06:55

I had one break for no reason, which essentially made me lose my trust in shock cord - the stuff just doesn't seem like it'll hold for long periods of time. IMO, maybe I just had some bad luck. I took them off a while ago. I also agree with what Silver pointed out: They could potentially make a nice stake missile launcher if you're not careful. I honesty had always assumed their primary use was to make your hammock look cool when you're not in it.

Either way, I've been hanging for many nights without them. About the only time I WISH I had them is when the bugs are thick and I'm afraid of the sides of the hammock wall accidentally laying against my face while I'm napping or sleeping.

**nothermark** · 08-07-2013, 07:39

The side tie outs act to minimize sway if tied so they are not stretched out tight. Just put a little tension on them and they help hold the shape. That way they are long enough that I do not think they get pulled tight enough to be launched with any reasonable usage. Nice thing about the bottom entry is that I don't trip over the side tie outs... ;-)

**Banjoman** · 08-07-2013, 09:13

What Nothermark said about the swaying... I really notice the increased swaying when I change to one of my other hammocks that doesn't have the tie-outs.

Also, they hold the hammock open. This lets you arrange things in the hammock a little easier and get in a bit easier.

**jimmay** · 08-10-2013, 11:24

The instructional video for the Super Shelter shows the glove hooks being removed and the shock cord tied back to the hammock. I leave mine this way now and find that it has significantly reduced the amount of sway and improved the tautness of the bug netting.

**clean** · 08-10-2013, 11:30

jimmay your icon makes me laugh

**jimmay** · 08-10-2013, 11:32

It's not a picture of me but very easily could be....

**kwpapke** · 08-11-2013, 15:56

Originally Posted by William36

I do not know if correct, but that shock cord doubled back is the perfect length exactly when doubled back, it logically uses all the pieces, i.e. all the glove clips, hoops, cords, etc....

Very true, done this for years. The only drawback is if you tie your tarp off high, like using a trekking pole for porch mode, the bugnet will sag into your face. If the tarp is tied low, more snug to the hammock, not a problem.

I hung out in the Catalina mountains last night and used my HH for the first time in a while and noticed the bugnet sag problem. Fixed it by looping the tieout elastic around the midpoint of my trekking poles that were supporting the tarp. Worked very well. The key is to make sure you have some tension on the sides of the bugnet as it angles down from the ridgeline.

I just leave my tieouts permanently tied in a loop. Makes it a snap to attach wherever you like.

-Kurt