My hammock rig at home

[Roadkillphil]

As requested by Ben (albeit a little later than promised) Here is an overview of my home setup.
I am currently taking up residence in my living room and I was sleeping on a futon mattress on the floor. However, after playing host to earwigs and woodlice in my bed and the spiders using my face as a race track, I decided enough's enough, I gotta get my ass off the floor. I sleep quite deeply in a hammock, if I've set it up right. I've had a few uncomfortable nights in a badly setup rig.

So Here's a pic of what it looks like at the mo.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6724051157_795c904ea9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724051157/)
New bed :) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724051157/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

As an overview, the hammock is a Ticket to The Moon Kingsize, blue with yellow sides. I removed the hooks at each end and replaced with a TTTM Krab. TTTM was recommended to me by Matt and I must thank ee for doing so. The hammock is very well made and very light as it is made from parachute silk. They are hand made in Bali and shipping only took 5 days and they threw in 4 extra krabs and nautical rope treehuggers. Well Chuffed T^

Hanging under the hammock is a purple 100% wool underblanket (soon to be Mod'd into a cocoon) You can just see in the above pic a space between hammock and blanket. This gets filled up when I get in the hammock.
Ive sewn wipping at each end and fed paracord through to bring them tight. the ends of the hammock go through this and then the excess paracord clips onto the krab at the end of the hammock. See pic

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6724105791_3fe1c804a5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724105791/)
Underblanket/cocoon attachment (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724105791/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Sooo, onto suspension. I'm using 2.5mm black Dyneema on a single line suspension, Stainless steel rings and TTTM krabs.
To start with at each end I have a Rawl bolt with an eye drilled into concrete block walls with the sls hanging aproximately 45deg from the horizontal perpendicular, ie the line does not suspend in line with the bolt sunk into the wall. (see pics below)
I have my concerns over the forces involved in this enterprise so I've played everything as safely as I can think.
From what I've come to call the anchor end I have clipped a krab onto the eye and the dyneema is attached to this krab with a bowline. Then 61cm fom the eye I have my first SS ring tied on with a clove hitch.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6724100623_c1768897b2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724100623/)
Crab, bowline, ss ring on a clove hitch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724100623/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Then 270cm from the first SS ring is the other SS ring also tied on with a clove hitch. About 15cm up from this is another SS ring with the dyneema looped 4 times through it as the "assist" in the Assisted Truckers Hitch. Then I have the other SS ring (for the truckers hitch) on a small prussik attached to another krab which then clips onto the other eye.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6724073247_447b96fa53.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724073247/)
Crab, prussick, assisted truckers hitch, ss ring on a clove hitch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6724073247/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

The hammock with a krab at each end clips onto the SS rings making for an easy pack down and stash. I just unclip the hammock, stow that, then unclip the lead krab from the eye bolt and clip to the annchor krab to stow the suspension.

And the result? A bleddy ansum nights kip hangin in the house! :D

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6713115683_9623c6f7cc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6713115683/)
Dreamy Danglin Moonlit Hammock (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/6713115683/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

So, problems and future mods.
First of all I used one of the 8mm nautical ropes sent with the hammock, undid all the knots and used it for the sls. This wasn't great stuff for taking a knot so I settled with good old trusty dyneema.
With the SS rings I used the 3 times (5 in my case) through the ring technique. Even with 5 turns they still slipped in the night and my structural ridgeline would go from 270cm to 220cm!!! I would wake up in the early hours almost folded in half! :confused2:
So I've clove hitched them both now and they both stay constant and I sleep much better :D

In the future I am going to mod the blanket into a cocoon by sewing toggles down the length of one side and cutting/sewing holes on the other.

I'm very chuffed with my new sleeping arrangement, but I welcome any ideas for improvement.

Thanks for looking

Phil

[Roadkillphil]

Ash, claire is gonna kick my ass for posting this!!!:ashamed:
:jumping-joy:

[Opal]

Good post, Phil, too complicated for me. :)

[Ben Casey]

Hi Phil
Cheers for the thread it looks really cool :)

Is there not to much of a dip in the middle? I was thinking about trying to get mine setup so that it is nearlly level but I don't know if that would work due to the strain on the (Rawl bolt with an eye drilled into concrete). Thats why I was thinking I may have to go all the way through the wall and bolt it from the outside. It is a bit hard to explain what I mean but this have given me a better idea of how to go about it :)

Cheers Mate :D

[Ben Casey]

Ash, claire is gonna kick my ass for posting this!!!:ashamed:
:jumping-joy:

just say it is to help me LOL :D

[Roadkillphil]

Good post, Phil, too complicated for me. :)

Seriously Bud, it's not as complicated as it looks. Have a look at Grizzs' vids about suspension, they are easy to follow and may give you some alternative ideas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f2Xts3Spsc&feature=related

All the best

Phil

[Roadkillphil]

Hi Phil
Cheers for the thread it looks really cool :)

Is there not to much of a dip in the middle? I was thinking about trying to get mine setup so that it is nearlly level but I don't know if that would work due to the strain on the (Rawl bolt with an eye drilled into concrete). Thats why I was thinking I may have to go all the way through the wall and bolt it from the outside. It is a bit hard to explain what I mean but this have given me a better idea of how to go about it :)

Cheers Mate :D

Hi Ben, Static structural ridgeline is the way bud, it sets the sag perfectly for laying diagonally, ie flat in your hammock. It also means you don't have to fight with tensioning your hammock between anchors too.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Phil

[Ben Casey]

Hi Ben, Static structural ridgeline is the way bud, it sets the sag perfectly for laying diagonally, ie flat in your hammock. It also means you don't have to fight with tensioning your hammock between anchors too.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Phil

Hi Mate it has given me a way to picture what is in my head and I understand what you mean so for me it is brill :) I just have to get it sorted now and start rebuilding my bedroom at some point :)

Ben

[Roadkillphil]

Hi Mate it has given me a way to picture what is in my head and I understand what you mean so for me it is brill :) I just have to get it sorted now and start rebuilding my bedroom at some point :)

Ben
Cool man, chuck up some pics when you're done :D

I used to use single line suspension when in the woods, but I use structural ridgeline and whoopee slings now.

cheers

Phil

[Ben Casey]

I will do Phil :) Did you buy the ridgeline or make it I have googled it but it comes up with shops in America :(

[Roadkillphil]

I will do Phil :) Did you buy the ridgeline or make it I have googled it but it comes up with shops in America :(

This is Dyneema/Amsteel
http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/amsteelblue

I have a 7m length I use for single line suspension and a 3.5m length for my structural ridgeline in my whoopee setup too. Whoopee slings are made from it as well. If you haven't already seen them, the video link I posted earlier on in this thread are a great guide to different suspensions and their advantages/disadvantages. Who'd have thought that hammocking is practically a science in itself..... :rock-on:

Cheers
Phil

[Matt]

Who'd have thought that hammocking is practically a science in itself..... :rock-on:

Cheers
Phil



:happy-clapping: :jumping-joy: :rock-on:


OAG

[Roadkillphil]

:happy-clapping: :jumping-joy: :rock-on:


OAG

Haha!! Ive just joined hammock forums too!!! :happy-clapping:

[Ben Casey]

This is Dyneema/Amsteel
http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/amsteelblue

I have a 7m length I use for single line suspension and a 3.5m length for my structural ridgeline in my whoopee setup too. Whoopee slings are made from it as well. If you haven't already seen them, the video link I posted earlier on in this thread are a great guide to different suspensions and their advantages/disadvantages. Who'd have thought that hammocking is practically a science in itself..... :rock-on:

Cheers
Phil

AH ok mate I have the Whoopee slings already I didnt realise that the other stuff could be used for that so I will get some ordered :D

[Fletching]

Am I missing something or does my Evenk and tarp taut with four mountaineering carabs set-up - which has always worked for me, even if I need to reset after a couple of days - need updating, or are you guys just all playing around with different combinations for the fun of it?

My set-up time's about 30 secs. When I find the right trees that is.

Steve :)

[Ben Casey]

Am I missing something or does my Evenk and tarp taut with four mountaineering carabs set-up - which has always worked for me, even if I need to reset after a couple of days - need updating, or are you guys just all playing around with different combinations for the fun of it?

Steve :)

Na Phil has setup up his hammock in the house and Im planning on doing the same so Im just after good ways of doing it on a permenant basis :)

[Fletching]

Na Phil has setup up his hammock in the house and Im planning on doing the same so Im just after good ways of doing it on a permenant basis :)

Oh, OK got it. My bad. :)

I'd use thick chain and carabs like I do in my back garden with my Mexican hammock between two clothes lines (cemented in). :cool:

[Ben Casey]

Oh, OK got it. My bad. :)

I'd use thick chain and carabs like I do in my back garden with my Mexican hammock between two clothes lines (cemented in). :cool:

I think I can get it in without the chains if I ever get any visitors they might think I have a wierd bedroom :D

[Fletching]

I think I can get it in without the chains if I ever get any visitors they might think I have a wierd bedroom :D

Ah, I think my fetish secret's out then. Bugger.

[jus_young]

Nice one Phil. I threatened to put some bolts in the walls of the lounge at home so that I could play with the hammock and swmbo said 'OK' :shocked:

I think it was meant as one of those tests when they say something but mean the opposite to see if they can catch you out then ask why you didn't do it because then you have not done what they said you could so your still wrong but you know your right because you didn't mean it anyway :D

[Roadkillphil]

I think it was meant as one of those tests when they say something but mean the opposite to see if they can catch you out then ask why you didn't do it because then you have not done what they said you could so your still wrong but you know your right because you didn't mean it anyway :D

Haha! A single person knows nothing of the complex equation of which you speak.... I usually (on subjects such as this, not with more costly or serious decisions) defer to "easier to say sorry than ask for permission"!

With this setup I simply unclip 3 krabs and you'd never know it was there.

[Roadkillphil]

Am I missing something or does my Evenk and tarp taut with four mountaineering carabs set-up - which has always worked for me, even if I need to reset after a couple of days - need updating, or are you guys just all playing around with different combinations for the fun of it?

My set-up time's about 30 secs. When I find the right trees that is.

Steve :)

Hi Steve, the ridgeline here is purely to set the minimum sag for the hammock. This single line and the whoopee/ridge suspension I use for camping is a really quick pitch and ultra mega mega lightweight too. It also guarantees me a comfy nights kip every time without messing about adjusting stuff.

The tarp ridge is a separate entity. For my tarp setup I use evenk and adjustable Cawley hitch on the paracord ridge with prussiks to keep tight, then same for the for corners but without prussiks. Total tarp and hammock pitch time is minimal, it's simple to setup and cuts down on weight and space too.

ATB

Phil

[markal17]

cool set up mate

[Roadkillphil]

cool set up mate

Cheers bud :D

After a little more messing about, I've now got this setup totally wired. I cannot believe how deep I sleep, hanging, rather than on a mattress.
I've been using a dossbag, but I've now binned that as the wool blanket is enough. If it gets too cold, I have a spare blanket to hand I can throw over maself :)
Next job is to get these toggles sewn on, I've got some Whitebeam ready to go, and then make button holes.

Cheers

Phil

[Al21]

Very comfy looking Phil!

I've read through this several times now to make sure I've understood how you've set this up, but have a couple of questions for you.

Is there any reason why you wouldn't use a butterfly knot to replace the S/S rings at either end of the static ridge line? Why use the assisted truckers hitch with another two S/S rings when you don't seem to be applying any real tension to the suspension line?

I've probably missed something, but it might be that I'm looking at this from a different perspective.

Al

[Roadkillphil]

Very comfy looking Phil!

I've read through this several times now to make sure I've understood how you've set this up, but have a couple of questions for you.

Is there any reason why you wouldn't use a butterfly knot to replace the S/S rings at either end of the static ridge line? Why use the assisted truckers hitch with another two S/S rings when you don't seem to be applying any real tension to the suspension line?

I've probably missed something, but it might be that I'm looking at this from a different perspective.

Al

Ok, firstly the butterfly knot. I dont see any reason why not, unless there is issues with such knots under load using dyneema. The reason I've used SS rings here was that this used to be my camping setup and I started off with the rings ona a small loop of dyneema through the whippings at each end of my DD travel hammock. I would then feed the single line through each ring 4 times to be able to adjust the position of the rings along the line. I later exchanged the rings for krabs. Reason was, I could set up the line witha loose truckers hitch and then clip onto the line, wrapping round the line 4 times while the gate was open to achieve the same effect as the rings.
In my home setup, I'm not going for uber lightweight and for me it is more asthetically pleasing to clip the krabs onto the ss rings in permanent position on the line (now I have this wired, they dont move)

Next, the truckers hitch. When I'm out n about, no two setups are ever the same. The distance between trees is a constant variable. So the variables in the suspention are the height of the treehuggers and the tension of the line. If there is not enough tension on the line then the ridgeline section starts to sag and it is not doing its job. The aim is to release tension on the line until the ridge sags, then ream it up a bit until the ridge section goes tight. Tie off the hitch, jump in and twang the ridge.... if it sings, then its tensioned correctly, if it's still saggy, then it needs reaming up a bit more. So the truckers hitch is a great knot for adjusting this tension easily.
So in my home set up I now have it all rigged up how I want it... 270cm along the ridge and 66cm each end from ridge to eyebolt.... so the function of the truckers hitch was to correct the tension until I had the rig wired. Now I have it sorted, the truckers hitch has no purpose as I've finished messing about adjusting stuff. I could remove both rings and tie off the line with a bowline to the krab (which I still use as both the line and hammock get stowed seperately during the day).

So after a long winded answer to your qquestions, the conclusions are.... I like the look of the ss rings for the hammock to clip onto, and no, the truckers hitch no longer performs a function, I'll be removing it shortly, but it did have a purpose for a while.

Hope this helps

Apologies for the waffle.

Phil

[Al21]

<Big Snip>



So after a long winded answer to your qquestions, the conclusions are.... I like the look of the ss rings for the hammock to clip onto, and no, the truckers hitch no longer performs a function, I'll be removing it shortly, but it did have a purpose for a while.

Hope this helps

Apologies for the waffle.

Phil

No need to apologise for giving a full clear answer. Many thanks for doing so!

Al