Fixed Length Hammock Ridgeline

I show you how to make a fixed length ridge line for a hammock. I also show you in detail the process of splicing a fixed loop with locked brummel and bury in hollow core line. I made this using 1.9mm Techline from DIY Gear Supply, but you can also make it with Zing-It, Lash-It, or Dynaglide.
Here is the video showing how to pull the first locked brummel through to make the second one: • Finishing the Locking ...
Techline:
www.backwoodsda...
Zing-It, Lash-It, & Dynaglide:
www.arrowhead-e...
or
www.outdoortrai...

[@Lauderdale45]

Great video Ian . I am about to make my own but I have a question about the total length. The first fixed loop you used 4 inch for the bury then another 4 inch to make the 2 inch loop that's a total of 8 . In the video when you marked the end to be cut you said to add 12 inches to the 90 for a total of 102 . Shouldn't you add 16 to the 90 . (4 inch for the bury and 4 inch for the 2 inch loop for a total of 8 inch for ea loop)

[@DutchOvenDoins]

Thanks Ian, after watching your videos and buying the wire listed below, I was able to make continuous loops, a ridgeline and whoopee slings. Found this wire at Lowe’s: Convenience Concepts 100-ft Suspended Ceiling Hang Wire Item # 12841 Model # 5010. Price $3.68 Your videos are spot on, easy to follow and understand…

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks Martin! Since I got so much positive feedback on this, I will make some more videos on other splicing projects.

[@PineMartyn]

Great demo and explanation. Arguably the best demo of how to make a locked brommel that I've seen yet. My thanks, - Martin

[@NorthCountryOutdoorGuys]

Thanks this Ian. I needed to see how to attach the ridge line to the hammock. I find your rope working videos to be the most detailed and easy to follow.

[@hippyfish1898]

Exactly what I was looking for and super easy to follow, thanks so much!

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

+Hippyfish Glad it helped!

[@curlymaple42]

Your videos are great!!! Made whoopie slings, fixed loops, and dogbones, now onto ridgelines!!! Thank you so much!

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Glad you found them helpful

[@scottchris10sen]

This and your whoopie sling videos are spot on... thanks a bunch

[@ryansaul4958]

I found this video remarkably helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[@cougarmeat8803]

Thank you for the source. If I'd be near a hammock gathering, I'd buy a spool and give 2ft lengths out as party favors :)

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks! That is a Kershaw Clash with speed-safe spring assist opening! It was only about $20 on Amazon so I took a chance and its really a great knife. Very sharp and the speed-safe feature is kinda cool.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks! Very glad you found them useful. Thats the stuff alright, good price too, even if it is way more than you need. I like Paul's idea of giving it out at local hangs.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

I've heard/read that as well. I can torque mine a little bit, but its usually tight enough to get a little "twang" from it. I think the angle and distance of your suspension to the trees can affect how tight it is, but mine is always strum-able and I've never had issues. The cord I'm using is rated to around 400lbs. so I'm not too worried about breaking it, and the length seems perfect to get the sag I want.

[@bachnok]

Great video. Only CC would be to suggest showing the finished job at the introduction so that you can see what the goal is throughout the video.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Todd Rife Thanks! Good suggestion, if I had an easy way to go back and edit it in I would.

[@9ballpete]

Thanks Ian. Just took my first go at it. Need to get a real splicing needle I think. Couldn't undo the knot on my ENO double nest, so i just put it around it...

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Its a piece of the wire that's used to suspend a drop ceiling (tiled ceilings they usually put up in basements). Its about 18 gauge and is stiff enough to feed through the cord, but it bends and re-bends without breaking. Check out the comments on some of my other splicing videos, other people have used/suggested a bunch of other great ideas including guitar strings, picture wire etc.

[@__-pl3jg]

Thanks for such a well thought out and edited instructional! And nice watch by the way.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks Caleb! It's a great watch, Suunto Core

[@thefunbot]

great video! it showed how to work with the lines better than most on YT :D

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks, glad it helped!

[@WonderMonkey2]

Great video. Thanks for making it.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

2 inches of the loop (half of it) are part of the 90. So the 90 is measured from middle of the loop, so you're adding 6 inches to each end. When you're all finished and pull it out tight from the middle of each loop it will be 90. If you added 8 inches to each end, you'd end up with a ridge line that's 94. Hope that makes sense.

[@TheFishingGuideGuy]

thanks for the awesome videos! now my hammock feels alot better with the ridgeline.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Awesome! Glad you're more comfortable

[@SLASH4x4VXL]

Ian Young Does this cause the hammock to be at a 30 degree hang? thanks :)

[@TheFishingGuideGuy]

yes but it allows you to lay on an angle while being comfy

[@SLASH4x4VXL]

TheFishingGuideGuy Right, thats why I was asking if it was 30 degree angle :)

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

The 30* angle you're referring to is the angle of the suspension rope (whoopie slings) relative to the ground. Google "Ultimate Hang" for an illustration. What the ridge line does is keep the ends of the hammock body a consistent distance apart. So regardless of how you hung it, it will sag the same way and give you a consistent sleep.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Pretty much, the ridge line is shorter than the hammock body so as you pull out each side it will tighten before the hammock material. Then the fabric will hang like a big smile underneath.

[@xXdwsizevilXx]

Great video, I will be sure to look at this later when I make a ridgeline for my new hammock. Liked and subbed. :)

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

+Darryl Sawyer Thanks!

[@xXdwsizevilXx]

I just ordered some techline to make one, any suggestions on what to use for the fish tool?

[@DutchOvenDoins]

Paul, I found this wire at Lowe’s: Convenience Concepts 100-ft Suspended Ceiling Hang Wire Item # 12841 Model # 5010. Price $3.68 You can also purchase it online if your not near a Lowe’s Enough for you and lot’s of friends…

[@randomtechdude]

Hi Ian, I just did some math here on my end, and at 2:23 you say to add 12 inches to your wanted length, but you actually want to add 16 inches. You accounted for the 2 inch loop only on 1 side of each loop, but since there are 2, 2 inch sides you want to add another 4 inches in total to the 12. I happened to follow your instructions (fantastic video for this and whoopie slings btw) and I came up exactly 2 inches short. I tried to figure out where I went wrong so I redid the math. No biggy I doubt I'd notice the difference from 81.5 % to 83%, but I thought I'd give you the heads up!

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

That's because half of each loop in included in the final length. So from center of loop to center of loop its 90" but between the loops is 86".

[@randomtechdude]

Ok, I understand what you are saying, I probably just screwed up cutting the original piece. Thanks!

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Yeah, I did measure it at the end to double check and it worked out to 90. If it was 1/2" off that's one thing. Try it anyway before you make another, it might be just fine. Especially if your hammock is wider so you can get more of a diagonal lay.

[@randomtechdude]

Ian Young oh yea I definitely over thought the math. All should be good with the youkon double.

[@cougarmeat8803]

What did you use for your fish tool? Tried following someone's suggestion to use a knitting needle but it turned out the needle was solid (implementation required needle to be hollow). It looks like it is just a wire folder over itself but most electrical wire I've seen is either stranded or somewhat thick and doesn't hold up to bending. You did a great job of pacing. sometimes people forget that when following a video, the "students" are looking down at their work, then back up to the video.

[@KateGoldauthoress]

Dang thats a nice loop

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Hey Shannon, yes you do. Others wanted to see this part too, so I uploaded it. Check out the link to my other video in the description above.

[@cougarmeat8803]

I've read the ridge line should be loose enough to torque with your hand - maybe 90 degrees. That is, while in the hammock, you grab the line with your hand flat and rotate your wrist so you are bending the line vertical. My hammocks, came with a ridge line already installed. When I'm in the hammock, it seems there is no way I can torque the line as recommended. At the end of your video, you "strum" the ridge line and it seems as tight as I've experienced. What am I missing on the torque/twist?

[@owlscout3009]

have recently tried this. I've descovered that I cannot tighten the ridgeline with as much force as is applied when I lay in the hammock with all my body weight. When I am in the hammock, the ends become closer slightly causing the ridgeline to be less taught and sag. I'm still reasurching being able to set my hammock and tarp up similtaneously.

[@colinremmer2417]

How do you work out the required length for an adjustable ridgeline?

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thanks, glad they helped

[@davidswank8236]

Awesome thanks for the info

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

You can get them online, but I promise with the right wire fish tool its easy.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Great idea

[@FruitBooterNY]

thanks. i have the same hammock. do a adjustable version !

[@samricheson2]

I am so confused on how you made the SECOND loop?

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Just pull the whole thing back through

[@mikemcclenaghan1158]

Great video - thanks! Is there any reason to cut off that extra inch that you tuck into the tape measure? An little extra on the bury can't hurt, can it?

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

I did it just for symmetry for the video, but you're right you don't have to cut it off. Just go a little further out when you start the bury so you don't end up with the end poking out.

[@atommachine]

Great, do you make a adjustable version, thanx

[@johnruggiero5043]

Just make a giant whoopie sling or Utility Constrictor Rope (UCR).

[@Hamlocks]

Thanks for the video, I just made a ridge line for my wife's hammock, it has a built in bug net, now the only problem I have is getting the ridge line under the net, should I just poke a hole in the net on each end?

[@NM-wd7kx]

+Tracy Downs I presume you have already resolved this? I would cut a very small hole then fit an eyelet

[@Hamlocks]

+N Martindale yes I have resolved it, thanks for the instructional videos you made.

[@NM-wd7kx]

Tracy Downs I have done no such thing, just an interested passer-by

[@Hamlocks]

+N Martindale lol, sorry, didn't have my glasses on and replying through my phone.

[@chrisglisson6824]

I saw that you used Amsteel for your continuous loops. Do you think that you can use Dynaglide for that as well.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Chris, you can definitely use Dynaglide for continuous loops. My only concern (and the reason I've never done it) is that the Dynaglide being much thinner would cut into the material of the hammock eventually. The thicker Amsteel kind of has some padding.

[@bradleyterry8223]

Hey Ian, this is probably a dumb question but in order to finish the locking Brummell you pull the long end through the 4 inch mark. How do you do this on the other side? If I try to pull the long end through won't it have a loop on the end from the first loop we completed? Again it is probably a dumb question but I thought I would ask before I get started. Thanks!

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

bradley terry Not a dumb questions at all. A few other people asked me the same thing. Yes, you need to pull the first loop through when making the second loop. It's not that hard to do. I posted another video showing how to do it because enough people asked: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r33QfKqveN14q8k

[@wb5plj]

thanks for the video. very good but one question. when making the second loop you have to pass the first finished loop through the middle of the line right? on the first loop the "other end" isn't tied so you get to pull through the tapered end. but once the first loop is made the only choice is to pull through the first loop in one go. Isn't that awfully hard? any tips.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

+wb5plj Yes, you're correct. When making the second loop, you have to pull through the first loop. Its not all that hard. A few other commenters asked about this so I made a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r33QfKqveN14q8k

[@davidmclaughlin8209]

Ian, I'm having trouble getting a proper ridgeline made. Im always shooter in the end. Do I measure from whipped end to whipped end or total amount of material to start.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

I measure from ends of the material, but mine are all sewn-channel hammocks. I'd recommend measuring from whipping to whipping, since those are essentially the ends of your hammock. Precision isn't that important as long as its comfortable for you

[@kinglonestar2760]

Question...on your continuous loop video, you add 1" to either side of your bury to account for "loss." I don't hear you account for, or mention that "loss" on this video. Do you not have to account for "loss" when making a ridgeline?

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

+KINGLONESTAR the Tech Line that I use for this is much thinner than Amsteel for the loop. When you bury the cord inside itself it expands and shortens. With this cord there is some loss but it's negligible. Also, a ridgeline doesn't have to be exact, as long as it makes for a comfortable lay in the hammock.

[@MaxsAdventure.]

Your description didnt say but can I use amsteel 7/64" to make the ridge line. Or is there a reason you dont?

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

max06wrx1 You can definitely use Amsteel for it. I don't because the Tech Line is much lighter weight, and a ridgeline doesn't have enough force put on it to need something as heavy duty as Amsteel.

[@javierconcepcion]

excelent! thanks...!

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[@ameerdrew3649]

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[@jaimecody8253]

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[@Bikepacking]

what hieght our you thanks

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

+Solo Bikepacker I'm 5'10" but this Grand Trunk Nano hammock is way too short for me to sleep in, I was just using it for demonstration

[@Bikepacking]

I am 6 feet i sleep just fine in my nano ... maybe i am just lucky

[@rockymountboy]

Wow, that's cool and all, but you just turned a 2 minute job into a 20 minute job. Why not just tie two-half hitches around the "continuous loop" on one end of the hammock, run out 91", and then tie another two half-hitches around the other "continuous loop"? Also, you're allowed to use scissors.

[@shanek6582]

It's a much neater more professional looking job than just tying knots. It also proves to others that you know how to do something the right way

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Thomas Maresh Well the video is only 10 minutes, and it would only take me about 5 to do this if I wasn't filming and explaining it. Second, you can't tie knots in this type of cord. They drastically reduce the tensile strength of the line, and because the cord is slick they don't hold very well. I wouldn't recommend paracord for this because it stretches and isn't very strong compared to the Tech line. Scissors don't cut this cord as cleanly as a sharp knife.

[@IanYoungOutdoors]

Shane K And like you said Shane, it's much cleaner and nicer looking.