How to set up a 'survival hammock'?

H

HM

Joined
Dec 11, 1999
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I looked at my survival hammock that doubles as a fish net, gear holder etc.
It comes as a large rectangular net with the cord separate. Since no instruction arrived, I am trying to figure out how to set it up. And that is where I would need some suggestions....
My best idea is to pull two cords through the net along the two sides, one on each side to frame it on the sides. Than get a carabiner for each end and hook every second loop of the net at the end onto it. Attach a rope to the carabiner at each end. Now, I will have to tie three rope ends at ech end to a tree trunk.
Does anyone know a more simple way to do it?

Thanks in advance,

HM
 
The way I used to make improvised hammocks was to take a bedspread and fold about a foot of each end over a rock. Then I would loop a noose over the folded material to capture the rock. I would tie each rope around a tree. I would also connect a line between the two ropes to take some tension off of the fabric. I typically used parachute cord (but back then I only weighed 150 pounds).

 
It may be obvious that the supports should be up to the job, but I had a friend die from a support giving way. Another friend had jumped onto him and the post snapped. My friend broke his neck. An accident; just don't let it happen to you.
 
Thanks guys for the prompt answers.
Jeff, since it is a net, it is more elastic than a bedsheat and might need more 'guide lines' to keep a komfy shape. The two carabiners at the ends would help to keep the whole thing stretched along and distribute the tension uniformly. Two parachute cords on the sides would frame the 'pocket' where I would relax. That would be the logic of my construction.

Greenjacket, thanks for the warning. I will keep it in mind when set it up. It is supposed to be able to handle 550 pounds. It sounds like in your story, actually, the pole broke rather than the hammock.

Thanks again,

HM
 
For tensioning the hammock check out the "figure 9 guyline tensioners" Made by Nite Ize. There is a lot of information about hammocks out there. Google Hennessy hammock, or speer and you can find all sorts of ways to set up hammocks. Usually a simple knot free setup works best.
 
I carry four large and four small figure 9s in my day pack with some paracord.

Handy. There is a vid on Nite Ize's site that explains there use pretty well.
 
Also it's good to keep in mind that the force on each support goes up rather quickly the shallower the angle the hammock makes. That is, if you weigh 150lb and the angle that the hammock makes is 120 degrees, each support gets a force of 150lb, not half, which is what you might think. That's why the ropes on a hennessy are rated at 1500lb. You can get 7-8mm 'accessory cord' at mountaineering supply stores that's good to 4 to 5000lb. They're also low stretch which is also a good thing for hammocks.
 
The way my buddy rigged his when we went camping last year was by gathering the net at each long end and tying into a tight overhand knot. He then girth-hitched a loop of paracord behind the knot (on the occupany side of the knot). Next, he girth-hitched a larger loop of paracord around two trees and connected the hammock loop to the tree loops with steel snap links. Girth hitches around trees can be adjusted to give more or less tension to the hammock.
 
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