How To Use Hammock Straps

To have a trouble-free hammock camping, you need to learn camping skills associated with setting up your hammock. These basic skills are essential for both your safety and comfort. Hammocks are the perfect camping companions during the summer. Why?

First, hammock hangs above the ground, which helps you to lie above pesky branches, twigs, and rocks that can make your sleeping platform a nightmare.

Second, they provide adequate ventilation and support through the night, while also being the perfect resting place during the day when used with a protective cover.

While this may sound like music to your ears, there is one component of hammock camping that makes inexperienced campers go camping with tents rather than a hammock – yes, you guessed right, hammock straps!

Read this article, learn how to use hammock straps, and you’ll never go camping without your hammock again.

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Why Use a Hammock Strap?

Before exploring how to use hammock straps, you might be wondering why use it in the first place?

Hammock straps are the best way to hang a hammock in the wilderness because they provide a reliable and safe suspension system as well as don’t inflict damage on trees.

For new hammockers, choosing the best hammock straps and mounting a hammock using a strap suspension system can be confusing, hence a difficult task to accomplish. But don’t worry, we’ll help you.

Types of Hammock Straps

There are four types of straps that may accompany your camping hammock. They include short straps and long straps with loops, eco-friendly straps, and the easily adjustable variants.

Short Straps With Two Loops. If your camping hammock comes with very short straps, it means they are designed to be used as an anchor point. You will require something else for your suspension.
Long Straps With Two Loops. If your strap measures two-foot or more, it is technically considered a long strap. This type of strap usually comes with two loops. Long straps with two loops can be used independently for your suspension.
Eco-Friendly Straps. It’s quite easy to determine if your strap is the eco-friendly variant or not. These straps are usually two inches in thickness, they come with metal rings, and have two “S” hooks. Manufacturers often market these straps as green and good for the environment, but they tend to be heavier than the other types of straps.
The Easily Adjustable Straps. These straps usually have many loops on one end and are very easy to use. If you are new to hammock camping, consider starting with this type of strap.

Newbies often don’t know how to set up a strap suspension system. It is a tricky procedure that needs to be carried out carefully and precisely, and with time, you will become an expert.

The following guidelines will help you get it done like a pro.

1. Select the Type of Strap That Will Adequately Suspend Your Hammock

To start, you need to select the strap you want to use. Some manufacturers include straps to use with their products when you purchase a hammock.

If yours do not come with one, you need to buy one. Aim for straps with good grips. They are best in hanging hammocks as they stabilize it at the anchor points.

2. Select an Anchor Point

After deciding what strap to use, you need to select the anchor points. This is a decision that involves choosing where you want to hang the hammock. It will help you determine the length of the strap to be used and the possible height of the hammock.

If you are setting up in the wilderness, look out for trees located at short distances from each other. Ensure the trees are about 12ft to 14th from each other; trees within this range makes the best anchor spots.

3. Choose the Strap Length

The next important thing to consider is the strap length required to suspend your hammock. This will depend on the length of the hammock, and the distance between the anchor points.

You need to get the length correctly; it can be the difference between an awkwardly sagging hammock and one that is perfectly suspended on the anchor points.

4. Tying the Straps

This is where tying the straps occurs. The following steps will help you make the right knot, and ensure you get an excellent grip:

Create a loop on both sides of the strap and secure it with a tight knot
Insert the D-ring on the loop side, ensure it is wide enough to accommodate the strap width.
Wrap the strap around the tree clockwise, insert the other end of the strap through the loop and pull to its maximum length. This will lock the loop completely
Wrap the strap on the tree by moving in the opposite direction
When the whole length of the strap is exhausted, pass the end through the first loop that was initially made to make the strap solid and firm.
Repeat this procedure on the other tree, to prepare for the second loop.

5. Fixing Your Hammock

Once done with the tying of straps, the next step is to hang the hammock on the suspension system.

Ensure the hammock is at a height where jumping in and out will be seamless. If otherwise, your camping experience will not be a pleasant one.

Practice Makes It Perfect

Knotting hammock straps for the first time can be tricky, and you may not get it right. But with patience and practice and the use of a top-quality strap, you will develop the perfect strap knotting strategy for your hammock.

It is advisable to explore the different knotting styles to find the right fit for your hammock as well as the ideal height to suspend your hammock for the best camping experience.

Final Words

Once you have mastered the art of knotting hammock straps and can safely suspend a hammock, you will be able to turn the space between any posts or trees into great hammock hanging space.

Stop carrying heavy tents around, take a lightweight hammock instead, set it up, relax, and chill with a refreshing drink while observing the incredible scenery.

How to Use Hammock Straps – The Complete Guide

Why Use a Hammock Strap?

Types of Hammock Straps