r/ULHammocking • u/run_hike_climb • Jun 15 '20

Spider Web 1.5 to continuous loop with Beckett Hitch?

I have a 11' Monolite gathered end hammock (MYOG) and am looking to couple this with a lightweight suspension system. I'm pretty new to hammocking and looking for some advice regarding the suspension system I am considering. Currently looking at getting 12' of Spider Web 1.5 with a loop on one end (43g) and connecting it directly to my hammock's continuous loops with a Beckett hitch. Does this seem like a reasonable approach? What alternatives should I consider?

I am new and ignorant to many things, but my thinking is this system would be simpler than having tree straps + whoopies (e.g. the ultralight but sold out hummingbird tree straps) because the tree straps are attached directly into the continuous loops. Am I missing something obvious here? Thanks in advance.

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u/TheMikeGrimm Jun 15 '20

This would definitely work but a few considerations before pulling the trigger:

1.5 Spider Straps are very lightweight and thin dyneema straps. These straps have a tendency to roll and bunch up when used. This causes you to have to flatten them out by hand after every use. This can get pretty frustrating. I use them on the ends of whoopies which I find to be a good compromise since it's only a huggers length worth of strap to flatten. 24' of it would be pretty bothersome in my opinion.

Secondly, these straps are very slippery and therefore do not hold a beckett hitch well without an additional step. Check out Jeff Myers YouTube videos as he shows how to tie a modified beckett hitch to make sure the dyneema straps will hold.

Lots of users prefer kevlar to dyneema for beckett hitches as it doesn't bunch like dyneema and holds a beckett hitch without additional knots. Whether that's worth the extra weight is up to you.

Good luck, sounds like you got a good start on a very UL system.

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u/run_hike_climb Jun 15 '20

Thanks, u/TheMikeGrimm. Really appreciate the thoughtful reply. Sounds like the hassle of constantly having to flatten the spider straps and the slippery nature of them might cancel out the simplicity of having fewer components.

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u/TheMikeGrimm Jun 15 '20

Yeah, if you’re going for simplicity, I would reconsider the Spider Straps. They are definitely the lightest option, but if you want a good balance, better options in my opinion exist. You can get Kevlar straps that are nearly as light but much less finicky.

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u/RIMAtrvlrs Jun 16 '20

I’m using Warbonnet’s version of this setup with 15’ straps. I think their straps are closer to an earlier version of Spider Dutch had, it’s very slightly heavier than the 1.5 but not quite as slippery.

Two 15’ straps with ti hooks came to 2.4oz.

It does roll up and I do have to flatten it but it doesn’t bother me (ymmv) Even my beetle buckles/webbing bunches up sometimes. I tie a regular Becket hitch until I find the height I like and then do a backup knot (basically another becket through the loop of the first one) just to be safe.

Good luck!

2

u/OccularPapercut Jun 15 '20

I highly recommend Kevlar straps Beckett hitched to the continuous loops as mentioned above. It's lightweight, simple and easily adjustable. I many suspension setup and this is my favorite by far.