Hennessy Hammock MODS for Quick and Simple Set-ups!

[@ncg4132]

This guy is great. He gets to the point and gives clear explanations. He's the type of guy who does just fine when the world crashes and burns all around him.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks so much.

[@jphennessey7687]

The pop tab idea. So genius. I just today added those onto my tarp, can't wait to try it out! I did mod my suspension by completely replacing their cord with colored amsteel continuous loops and a whoopsie slings instead. Just a thought if anyone is interested.

[@MuskratJim]

Sounds good! Hennessy's original hang system is terrible.

[@HunterChristianDarkman]

As a chain is only as strong as the weakest link, and the hammock is designed with a single strand of the rope on each end (which is obviously strong enough to handle the maximum weight), making a loop of 3 strands for the locking snap hook is unnecessary overkill. But it certainly won't hurt to do so. Interesting solutions.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks for watching.

[@linguisticness]

I'm stuck trying to figure out how he ended up with 3 loops instead of the 1 main bight. 😂 I've watched it in slow motion several times while following along but can't see up close enough to grab two more parts of the cordage at the end. Good to know my single loop (still a double bowline?) is adequate for the 300lb limit. Thanks!

[@peterzabriskie8624]

I like the look of your mods, Jim and may adopt them myself. They are relatively simple, and practical. Since I just now got my Hennessy hammock, I will try their suggestions first and then decide where and how to proceed from there. Thank you for sharing the great tips!

[@countywaterskayaking]

I appreciate the details in your mods such as the specific knots for carabiner as well as the rain water diversion. :)

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks!!

[@tm-rn8jo]

Hey Jim. Great video with useful info and clear instructions. I know it shouldn't matter, but I really do appreciate that you get stuff done with one hand better than many who have two. Thanks for the ideas.

[@linguisticness]

Great video! I'm new to the hammock world - I've set up and slept in my HH Jungle Explorer XL with their added Snakeskins, 72" straps, and the larger Hex tarp for when the rain and wind is really hitting. I hate how much time it's taken me each time to lash the suspension rope and use basic slipknots for all 6 anchor points of the rain fly, so I'm excited to modify it for caribiners. I need to make or find a very short physical tutorial pamphlet demonstrating like the 5 most important knots/hitches/cordage rigging, because I can never remember in the field, out of phone reception and internet, how to tie a bowline etc.

[@ijursic]

I have the same hammock. The fact that you can quickly put up the rain fly independent of the hammock is huge. Thanks Jim.

[@MuskratJim]

ijursic - yes, that’s definitely a game changer! I can see myself taking just the rain fly and ridge line on many of my day outings! Thanks for watching!!

[@Alpha17x]

This is brilliant. Hammock set up is so much faster now. I'm often done in a bit over a minute because of this while my friends are still trying to find a spot for their ground sheet.

[@MuskratJim]

Alpha17x Awesome. I’m glad you found my mods useful.

[@lorrainedailey724]

Like the tip about the colored cord art the head of the hammock !!

[@MuskratJim]

I got tired of hanging my hammock facing away from camp :)

[@damianmaynard2592]

Thanks Muskrat Jim. I shall be cutting the cords off my hennessy hammock tomorrow! Nice work!

[@MuskratJim]

Glad you liked the mods!

[@Plain-Ole-Chuck]

I think the best part of this hobby is making modifications or improving on gear.. Thanks for a great video and some pretty neat ideas

[@MuskratJim]

I agree... it keeps the old noggin thinking and sharp :) Thanks for watching, Chuck!

[@jefftaylor947]

Going from an Eno to Hennessy, there was a great need for this video. Truly appreciate it!

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure!

[@mustang774]

Hi Jim, great modifications on the hammock lines and the tarp ridgeline. The first mod I did to my Hennessy was to get whoopee slings and tree straps with Dutch Clips. The Hennessy lashing works well but is time consuming and for us probably harder to do. 😉 I too use drip lines and have found them to work well. Your demonstration of the modified bowline was really good........Take care, Bluefin.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks Mike! What's a Whoopie sling and a Dutch clip?

[@MuskratJim]

Ok, I Googled Dutch clips and Whoopie slings... neat hardware...

[@Kevintherubiconjeep]

I know this I a few years old but those are some great mods and well done instructions. Thank you.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks!

[@davidjorgensen6669]

I´m not ready to cut my lines... But if I see your video correctly I can still do the knot with the uncut line and try this setup. Granted I will have 6 feet of line I wont use (and carry around uneccesarily), but it will be intact and the hammock would still be able to be used rope only?

[@linguisticness]

I feel similarly with my new Hennessy jungle explorer xl. What did you end up doing? Since you wrote this comment 2 years ago.

[@BrosephRussell]

Some awesome modifications you did to your Hammock

[@MuskratJim]

Broseph Russell - thanks Joseph. Being one-handed, these modifications will make it easier for me to set up and take down more quickly.

[@outdoorzone]

Awesome updates bud!!! Just FYI...The 250lb weight rating is for the actual hammock. The actual hammock suspension line is rated to 2,800lbs. The modified bowline is still a good idea to tie and it should help prevent from any loosening as well. You made a good point on the drip line..I forgot to mention that in my hammock vids. I use the tautline hitch with a quick release for my guy lines. I’ve tried many other methods and knots and the tautline hitch works best in my opinion. More than one way to skin a cat though! Thx again and enjoy the hammock!!

[@MuskratJim]

outdoorzone - I agree, the taut line hitch is great. I just have a bit of trouble pinching the lines while tying the half hitch part. I filmed the rain collector part, but it didn’t catch much of the water I poured onto my rain fly. Maybe it would work better with a standard diamond fly in the real rain. My video was getting kind of long, so I decided not to include the extra minutes for the failed rain catcher demonstration. Glad you liked the video!

[@outdoorzone]

Muskrat Jim your thinking of the truckers hitch....lol The tautline hitch is very simple no lines to pinch.

[@MuskratJim]

You're right... I am thinking of the trucker's hitch. I'll have to look up the taut line hitch !!

[@MuskratJim]

Ok I found the taut line hitch and I'll use it next time for the ridge line! I used to use them for my guy-lines but never thought to use it for the ridge line... lol

[@Oldsparkey]

Hammocks are like all the rest of the backpacking , camping gear. Eventually we tend to modify it for our ease and enjoyment. Something no one bothers to tell anyone about hammocks. I found this out a long time go when camping in a Hennessy Safari Deluxe. A single bottom hammock will let the mosquitoes bite any body part touching the material when you are in it. Four way's to protect your self. 1...Spray the bottoms outside with bug repellent and hope it lasts all night. 2... Us an under quilt or something to add a layer of material to the bottom. 3... Use a mattress inside to lay on but any body part touching the bottom is fair game for the bugs. 4...Get a double bottom hammock and then you will not need the under quilt or anything else , a benefit in the summer. I use #4 and a self inflating Mummy Therm-A-Rest Mattress as insulation. It's about 1/2 to 3/4 inflated so it will conform to the hammock and my body. Any body part off the mattress is safe from the mosquitoes.

[@MuskratJim]

Excellent advice!

[@matthewjacobs141]

IMO... a double bottom avoids solutions 1 - 2 and 3

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

You can also spray the bottom with Pemithrin which will last a very long time as in months not hours, when applied to pants and clothing in general it will last through 5-6 washings. It’s not made to go on your skin but is highly recommended by those of us that are out in the woods more often than not for clothing, tents, hammocks etc. It doesn’t just deter the bugs it will actually kill them. It’s great against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, wasps, biting flies and more. I apply it to the underside of my hammock and my entire rainfly plus my boots, socks, pants, hats etc at the beginning of the year usually around valentines day because the bugs LOVE to bite me lol A large spray bottle is between $5 & $8 and lasts me a couple of years. I use a different treatment for my clothing. I purchase the concentrated liquid version and mix it in a 5 gal bucket with some water and soak my clothing completely then wring them out and hang dry them. Hope this helps because seriously we live by this stuff. There’s even a solution for using it on cattle and horses. Cheers mate and happy trails

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I know my other comment is rather long but it’s worth reading lol. I wanted to add another item we use which is the ThermoCell. I like to “turn it on” and clip it to the outside of my hammock about an hour before I want to get in it and shut it off when I’m getting in for the night. If there’s no wind it will create roughly a 15’ ft diameter circle around your hammock with no mosquitoes. If there’s a breeze just put it up-wind of your hammock. Cheers mate and happy trails

[@thriftysurvivor6117]

That soda pop can tab trick was a new one to me. Thanks for sharing that bit of information. I do use guy line tensioners, but that surer can get someone by in a jam.

[@MuskratJim]

Thrifty Survivor Thanks for watching! I’m glad you found something new in this video!

[@LZ-un7ky]

I’m getting quickly into hammock camping after doing a little tent camping and love it. Thanks for all your instructional videos!

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very excellent modifications. Well thought out and useful. Thanks!

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure, and thanks for watching!

[@tennyis28]

Could you not leave the factory length on the hammock and just connect it closer to the hammock straps to save having a separate ridge line

[@MuskratJim]

Yes absolutely! Whatever works!

[@susanhayden6040]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much. I wish the zip had been available when I bought mine but the asym is so comfy I’m determined to make it more convenient any way I can.

[@MuskratJim]

I'm glad this helped!

[@AmputeeOutside]

Jim, you are a genius. I may not give up on the hammock just yet. Thanks.

[@MuskratJim]

LOL... I don't know about the genius part, but I've spent a lifetime trying to figure out ways around my handicap. I try to figure out an easier way, or even just a way to do things my way. For example, I wear loafers at work so I don't have to fiddle around tying shoe laces all day. LOL

[@rudolphkotze7951]

Fantastic tips and well-presented! Thanks!

[@CDPOutdoors]

Thanks Jim, really enjoyed your video. You have now got my mind going again with extra mods. I had never thought about putting drip lines on my tarp ridge line, something i will be adding to mine .

[@MuskratJim]

CDP Outdoors - you only need the drip lines in rainy weather, so they don’t have to be a permanent part of your setup. Thanks for watching!

[@jld3229]

Excellent modifications Jim!

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you, sir!

[@lorrainedailey724]

Like the pop tab idea

[@MuskratJim]

I heard about it years ago and thought I should give it a try, and it works!

[@g-palloyd3600]

Jim, even though I own a hammock, I seldom use it for sleeping/shelter. That being said, however, I love your modifications! This is a good tutorial, and once I get the straps I can certainly see using my hammock more often. Good stuff friend, thanks.

[@MuskratJim]

Well that was my problem too... I have more experience tent camping, but now with these improvements, I'm more likely to use my hammock more often. Thanks for watching!

[@TheBeatenPaths]

Great mod! I'm an avid Hennessey Hammock user. I hang mine up as tight as I can. I think the hammock itself hangs off its ridgline at a 30 degree angle, by design.

[@MuskratJim]

I've been more of a tent camper, but this spring/summer/fall I'll be spending some time at my sister's woodlot and I think hammock camping would be a better option there (bigger trees and roots).

[@MotoAtheist]

True it has it's own ridge line, but you still don't want to over stress anything so you still want to maintain that 30 degree angle with the main support lines.

[@MerlinMan1579]

Soda pop tab is genius.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks.

[@SuperAndyyyy]

just use a carabiner on the tree straps and you can instantly release them from the trees.

[@ThePatente]

I ain't got distracted by your arm this time I swear...:) Awesome setup, I really like it. Easy, fast and simple. I'm gonna try different configuration this week end. Thanks a lot for those tips. Subscribed by the way, awesome channel, keep it up my friend.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks so much for subscribing, I really appreciate that a lot. Thanks for watching these two Hennessy videos and I hope you like my other videos as well. I have a couple more hammock camping videos you might be interested in. One is about the Hennessy Super Shelter kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2G6goGVl7p-a7c and the other one was of my first night in the hammock kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-wkGx4g7mEq9k

[@tittiger]

Jim you might want to consider mailing a link of this to Hennessy, They are crazy not to modernize their design.

[@MuskratJim]

That's a good idea. I think I will do just that!

[@MuskratJim]

Joe - I contacted the president of the company and he congratulated me on getting so much traction on my Hennessy Hammock videos. Then he said he'd share my modification ideas with the lead designer. So who knows? Maybe!!

[@ProdigiousReturn]

@@MuskratJim the website posts that any modifications to the design void the warranty?

[@MuskratJim]

Jay Kae any modifications made to anything will void any warranty. I can live with that 😁👍

[@firefighter2699]

Jay Kae trust me the atlas straps make it worth it. That webbing system sucks

[@RandomButtonPusher]

Great demo of sensible mods.

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you.

[@stevesmith8854]

I like the pop tab idea...cool

[@MuskratJim]

Steve Smith - I saw the pop tab idea on someone else’s video, but they had it at the stake end. I tried it there but I still needed two hands to work it effectively... maybe it was because I was using thicker cordage. Anyway, this method works perfectly! Thanks for watching!

[@harrisdail9939]

The soda pop tab is gonna eventually cut the guyline due to the sharp edge on the tab.

[@MuskratJim]

Yes it will, eventually. I added it because it was a simple idea. I’m using different ones now.

[@MuskratJim]

The ones I use now have three holes in them. Here's a link showing the type I use now: bigamart.com/product/jascherry-pack-of-10-aluminum-alloy-guy-rope-tensioner-guyline-cord-adjuster-wind-rope-buckle-for-camping-hiking-backpacking-picnic-outdoor-tent-accessory/

[@airbugmedia3561]

​@@MuskratJimI was thinking about that line cut too. I immediately thought about 3D printing soda tabs so they're smooth but same design.

[@MuskratJim]

@@airbugmedia3561 I think if they’re smooth the line might slide too much. I use these now 10/20pcs Outdoor Camping Tent Parachute Cord Rope Buckle Aluminum Alloy Cord Buckle Tensioners Fastener Travel Kit Tools a.aliexpress.com/_mtImzTQ

[@kristopherbichsel9230]

Having buyers remorse on the Hennessy explorer XL 4 season. I really like my amazon double hammock setup better.

[@MuskratJim]

This hammock was a gift, but if I had to buy it I would have had buyer's remorse too. I have two other hammocks that I use more often. I'd like to get a hammock that has a double layer bottom with a slot that you could put a reflective sheet or pad between the layers. My biggest issue with sleeping in hammocks is the reflective pad under the sleeping bag moves during the night, or if using an under-quilt, the hammock is too bulky.

[@cymbolic_space1832]

im concerned the pop can tab system is going to wear the tension cord much faster. I wonder if there is a less abrasive alternative.

[@MuskratJim]

You can make things out of plastic or wood.

[@Ts7005]

Appreciate you’re modifications! Maby a snake skin would make things even easier with the fly on the side?

[@TheMooseman316]

Nice mods and set up Jim, i use the munters hitch and biner with my HH ,i really dont know why Hennessey dont adopt any other suspensions like everyone else uses ie straps ect, their way is so time consuming but their hammocks are great ,keep up the good work on your vids atb wmm

[@MuskratJim]

Wild man Moose - thanks buddy, and you’re right about Hennessy’s time consuming cord wraps. The stuff sack says “3 minute set up”. Well if that’s true, they could easily cut that time in half with proper straps and caribiners. BTW, what’s a miners knot?

[@TheMooseman316]

See vid Jim hope this explains kzbin.info/www/bejne/opfSg2mDrNFpoKc

[@MuskratJim]

Ok, so I've never seen THAT knot before. The way mine is set up the knot is already tied to the caribiner, so I don't have to tie anything in the field, unless I'm tying a guy line to a tree or branch, and I didn't show it in the video, but I can get away with just a short twig for a toggle. I really should have demonstrated that :/

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

Did you remove the zip tie and guard to double thread the cord through the eyelets in the hammock? Thank you. I bought atlas straps and was wondering if I should switch to a carbiner for my Hennessy Hammock as well.

[@MuskratJim]

No I didn't go that far. I just cut the excess cord and tucked it up inside the guard to give it a more finished appearance.

[@pembling1]

Nice video Jim, some very good pointers my friend, thanks for sharing. Atb, Paul

[@MuskratJim]

We'll all be in tents this coming weekend! I like my hammock, but I have more experience camping in tents. I'm looking forward to the weekend on Mt Carleton!

[@MuskratJim]

My next video will be a gear video for Mt Carleton!

[@pembling1]

I love my hammock, if given the choice I would hammock camp over tenting, best nights sleep I've ever had. Mt Carleton will be a great trip Jim.

[@pembling1]

Just what I need mate, look forward to that one, cheers Jim.

[@lawsonarney2046]

What do you think about attaching the caribiners farther up the ridgeline so you still can have your rainfly attach to the one ridgeline?

[@MuskratJim]

That'd work too!

[@kevinobrien6714]

I've been looking for another way to set up my HH. At almost 300 lbs. a 4 or 5 loop knot would be better I guess. I just don't like tying the f 8 over and over to get it at the right angle. I'm bought 2 carabiners that hold 500 lbs. each so hope to try it soon. Stay safe.

[@MuskratJim]

That 8-wrap is the most awkward way to set up a hammock and isn't made for quick and easy adjustments later. Yes, you stay safe too.

[@andrewcarter7866]

I didn't realize this until I saw it in a video once...(I think it was the 'ultimate hang' guy's video...but it's explained in another video I saw called 'rope between two trees'.) As you decrease your suspension angle (tighter hang), the loads on the suspension become huge. At 27 degrees, a 1.42 lbs weight was measuring out at 1.64 lbs on each suspension strap. So even close to 30 degrees each strap is under more tension than the weight of whatever is in the hammock. Shrinking the angle to 17 degrees, the force measured at EACH strap increased to 2.48..so close to double the actual weight. Kevin, at 17 degrees, your 500 lbs carabiners would be supporting almost 600 lbs each. ...just a warning to toss them, or use them to clips stuff on your pack. I've seen 5KN as a common rating even on cheap Amazon hammock strap kits. 5KN = 510Kg or 1366 lbs. Again, I had no idea the forces it was possible to generate just by hanging a hammock too tight until I saw those two demonstrations...but the math doesn't lie....

[@jimhamel7864]

Thank you for your tips. I really like the setup. Cheers!

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks Jim. I hope the tips were useful.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great job Jim! Adapt and overcome!

[@MuskratJim]

In the Woods with Bigfoot - adapt and overcome, yes absolutely! Thanks for watching!!

[@voodoopepper2008]

Great mod Jim! Thinking about ditching the original tarp (too small) and doing the same with the straps! Great vid/tutorial! Cheers mon ami!

[@MuskratJim]

Hey Patrick! It's been a loooooonnnggg time, mon ami :) Good to hear from you again! I hope you're doing well. I like the bigger tarp for bad weather... it gives you a place to stand and change your clothes, or boil water for some coffee when it's raining! By the way... the MSR stove video is STILL outperforming all my other videos, with it averaging over 2000 views EVERY SINGLE MONTH!! It's my most popular video AND it's growing faster than all the others! I don't understand why it's doing so well? Thanks so much for the original idea and for lending me your MSR stove!

[@texan_in_thailand5119]

I chose to get the bigger rainfly (?typhoon fly?) when I ordered from Hennessy. It’s a tiny bit heavier and bulkier to pack, but it is much better to use and offers quite a bit of shade/rain cover. And YES, it really does work even in pouring torrential storms.

[@styrmann99]

Great mods! Thanks from a hammock noob

[@MuskratJim]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@Ladythyme]

I’m thinking they should hire you in their design department! Nice job!

[@MuskratJim]

Haha! Thank you!

[@matthewjacobs141]

It seems to me this Modification to the ridgeline makes adjusting your hammock up one side or down the other more difficult. if you are facing the line...One hand is holding and pulling the hammock inward (trying to take tension off it) while the other hand is trying to open the carabiner and then move it up or down...Seems to me there are other clips and buckles available that don't require you to cut-up your hammock

[@MotoAtheist]

You don't have to cutup the hammock, the line that comes with it can be removed and replaced with a continuous loop and lark head. He chose to cut the main line and that's fine.

[@matthewjacobs141]

@@MotoAtheist Sometimes your trees are very far apart...so you have a very long hang...and that missing line will be missed

[@MotoAtheist]

@@matthewjacobs141 Not if they have long enough suspension straps for the area they hike in. 15 foot straps typically do the trick, that covers quite a bit of spread between trees.

[@matthewjacobs141]

@@MotoAtheist I camp up above Bishop where good trees are hard to find...

[@MotoAtheist]

@@matthewjacobs141 Well, pretty sure you don't have to borrow his setup, right? You have your own, right? I'm sure whatever setup you have fits your area just as everyone else tailors their setup to their area.

[@johnlord8337]

Try my design. John-cord. Only toggle - no more knots or hitches. Can use in many ways for hammocks, ridge line, tarp line etc. Vastly quick. Easy up, easy down. All in same stuff sack. John-cord is 550 double (1100) paracord design.

[@johnlord8337]

You can attach tarp/rain fly to the many loops in the john-cord. Prussics (even a john-knots) are not needed in this design. Again toggle into the cord loops.

[@johnlord8337]

The double lines and inherent knots provide any rain drip functions.

[@MuskratJim]

I think I've seen that in another video... it's a single paracord strand, folded in half then the two halves are twisted in opposite directions to make a larger two strand twisted rope. I can see that you could open the two strands to add a toggle anywhere along it's length... pretty smart!!

[@johneckert1690]

Jim, You did it again with another great video and I noticed a long time ago that your videos are consistently good. Please add links for the straps on Amazon. I looked and there are so I don't know what I should get. I don't use a Hammock but for once or twice a year but I do want to incorperate your MODS into my kit. I don't know if I will get to use it. Every year I look for new camp sites for winter camping and the next year a wild fire takes them out, now three years in a row. Stay healthy and strong my friend.

[@MuskratJim]

These are the straps I bought: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01MTQTQL2 but they are no longer available. These straps are made by many companies so you should have no trouble finding some. I'm glad you like my videos... I like the editing process although it sometimes takes hours to produce a 15-minute video... LOL

[@MerlinMan1579]

Be nice to see how you shorten the lines Jim.

[@Quinns_Cars]

Greeting from Nova Scotia!!! Awesome video. Love how you showed the knots too! Very helpful. Subbed!

[@MuskratJim]

Quinn's Cars I’m glad you found the video useful. Thanks so much for subbing! I really appreciate it!

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Love them Mods, Jim Great Demo, Stay Hydrated Friend ! Hello to the Mrs. ATB T God Bless

[@MuskratJim]

God bless you for watching, Terry! It sure has been pretty warm and humid lately, hasn't it? This coming weekend I'm heading to camp and climb Mt. Carleton with a couple of guys from Salisbury. Rain or shine... heat or snow... video for sure! Take care and I'll let the missus know you said hi, after she comes back from the clinic. She's been feeling under the weather with a cold.

[@mixmediaproductions]

You can also get Tape. There's Tape that supports 1500 pounds.

[@craigbetts1586]

good video and thanks for that pop tab tip

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks. I saw the pop tab tip on someone else's video, but they had it at the stake end. I tried that, but I still needed to use two hands to adjust the tension. Maybe it was because I was using regular paracord which is quite a bit thicker, I don't know.

[@wildernessman2022]

Do I have the utmost respect for you ! I could not help but notice you have a prosthetic lower arm. But even with that. You do not let that stop you. From getting Outdoors. And enjoying life. It says that a lot of people today. Especially the young people. Don't much get Outdoors. And here you are with a disability. And you do more ! The most people ever think about doing. As well you even modify things. Yourself ! When most people today especially the younger. I think that they have to buy everything already fixed. Figuratively speaking I don't even know how to wipe their own A$$. LOL Thank you ! You're an inspiration to everyone !

[@MuskratJim]

Thank you so much :) I am just trying to live my life the way I want to live it !

[@ProdigiousReturn]

What’s the best rope material to buy for a 2nd ridge line to be used with the tarp? And any ideas where to buy in Canada.

[@MuskratJim]

Any rope which doesn't stretch is good. You don't want it to stretch because if it happens to rain, your fly will sag and might get you wet. Where to buy the rope? Canadian Tire or Bass Pro will have various types of rope for you to buy.

[@ProdigiousReturn]

@@MuskratJim which ropes don’t stretch? Could you give a couple examples ? Thank you in advance

[@tennyis28]

What knot would you suggest for us gentlemen of advanced weight in the xxl hammocks haha

[@MuskratJim]

I wouldn't recommend a 'knot'. I'd recommend using Hennessy's wrap to avoid kinks in the hammock rope. 🤠👍

[@kevinobrien6714]

Maybe try a prusik knot. Can wrap it 4 or 6 times.

[@MuskratJim]

Prussiks are great... they just have to be a smaller diameter cord than the rope they're attached to in order to bite well.

[@gonecamper3510]

If you cut the cord, how did you end up with two cords attached to the sewn hammock? As shown, the "double bowline" is unnecessary. Even with the triple cord at the caribiner, 100% of your weight is still supported by ONE length of line at the hammock. In either case, the bowline is the strongest knot and easily supports the rated weight.

[@MuskratJim]

I don't have two cords attached to the hammock ends. For the sake of neatness, I tucked the cut ends into the nylon sleeve about two inches or so, then used a small zip-tie to keep it there. Yes 100% of my weight is supported by one length of cord. The reason Hennessy uses their lashing method is to distribute your weight along the length of the cord, avoiding all your weight across one point in the cord. By using the double-bowline on the caribiner, your weight is across two points on the cord. With my modified double-bowline it is across three points (actually six points if you count both ends). This puts less shearing stress on the Hennessy cords.

[@ryanthan184]

Is that metal carabiner? Thanks

[@MuskratJim]

Yes, they are metal carabiners.

[@thesashboyno1]

I switched the Rope to whoopie slings, very light Wight and fast Set up

[@MuskratJim]

thesashboyno1 Yeah, if you’re going to stay with Hennessy you’ll eventually switch to a simpler way to hang it.

[@thesashboyno1]

@@MuskratJim i Love Hennessy, my other hammocks from DD and Amazonas are uncomfortable. My next buy ist a blackbird xlc from warbonnet

[@MuskratJim]

thesashboyno1 that’s cool. I just reviewed an ultralight hammock system from Easthills Outdoors (available through Amazon). The video isn’t edited yet because it was shot yesterday. It was a kilogram (2 pounds) lighter than my Hennessy which was great, it has a zipper that goes all the way around so you can move the mosquito net out of your way when you don’t need it, also great. But the zipper itself was poor quality (one of those plastic self-repairing zippers). Also, I had trouble trying to lay diagonally in it, to be honest, I might have been laying in it backwards (wrong end) I’ll try it the other way next time I have it out. I was looking for a lightweight hammock to use as a seat when snowshoeing in the winter.

[@JurjenRolf]

Hi Jim. Love your video. But: 1. there's no setuptime advantage with the daisychains/carabiners when you'll have to use the seperate ridgeline for your rainfly. 2. Putting driplines on your rainfly ridgeline is not needed at all... 3. I like the bowieknot, but not the sodapopclips. Just use a prusik slider knot for that. 😉👍 Cheers, Jurjen

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for you comments as well.

[@danielschmutte5312]

Jim. The rain fly. Is that the one that came with the hammock or is it an aftermarket fly? Nice mods.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks. The fly is the Hennessy Hex Fly. I got it with the hammock instead of the small diamond fly.

[@dinger-b2z561]

Won't the soda pop tab tear more in the string?

[@MuskratJim]

Yes the rough edge of the pull tab does bite into the fibers of the string but it doesn’t seem to damage it much.

[@dinger-b2z561]

@@MuskratJim Good to know. Currently I'm leaning towards the taut line hitch for the tarp, so I can easily tighten it. Do you by any chance have any reasons I should not use this? Anyway, great informative video, taught me alot. Thank you

[@MuskratJim]

@@dinger-b2z561 the taut like hitch is excellent for that purpose. Every one should learn it.

[@jwiereng]

how much mass have you added to the rig?

[@MuskratJim]

Extra cordage, carabiners and webbing straps… probably half a kilogram (not more than a pound)

[@BushCraftBums]

Nice Mods and setups my friend! Thanks for sharing! Stay Blessed!

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks John! Blessings to you too!!

[@geneo3654]

Your showing two lines coming off of the hammock , how did you tie into the hammock ?

[@MuskratJim]

There is only one, but the other end is just tucked into the sleeve about an inch or so.

[@EatCarbs]

Those are great mods. Thanks for the video

[@MuskratJim]

My pleasure, Mark! I just thought of another way to attach the guy-lines to a tree or branch... it already has a loop in the end, so you can pass it around the tree so it meets up with itself, then place the loop on the guy-line and secure it with a toggle from an available twig. It would be easier to show rather than try to explain it with words...

[@EatCarbs]

I thought it was pretty slick

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks!

[@danareed1656]

awesome video!

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

Looks like you've got it all set up the way it works best for you! Maybe one day I'll upgrade to a Hennessy

[@MuskratJim]

Carolina Chris - I like my Hennessy, but I like it even better now! Hammock camping has its benefits, but tent camping gives you more space and privacy when changing clothes (no mosquito bites in your private places!) LOL

[@Solarlube]

Excellent

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

At 11:15 or so you showed us how you put a soda tab in-line. I’m curious about that because my Hennessy fly has little tabs already in place that do the same thing. Did your fly not come with tabs? Cheers mate and happy trails

[@MuskratJim]

Prepperjon No, my hex fly only came with plastic rings and plastic carabiners, both attached directly to the tarp points.

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@MuskratJim]

It was my pleasure! I made these modifications to my set up and I thought they were good, so I wanted to share them. Thanks for watching!

[@nsyakfisheroutdoors2185]

Very similar to what I do .... same tree straps I think as well.

[@MuskratJim]

NSYakfisher Outdoors - if you give it a little thought, see some ideas on KZbin, and try something for yourself, you can come up with some creative solutions! Thanks for watching!

[@drivebyquipper]

That 30° angle is an urban myth started by some dude in his garage. He was more concerned with the distance of the rainfly from the ridgeline than anything else. That is not the ultimate angle for comfort in the hammock-too much sag. Pull it taught, but not too tight. That's how it was designed. If you want the rainfly higher, just hang it separately as the factory recommends. Your mods are interesting, but Golper Greg has better ideas. Lol!

[@drivebyquipper]

I think some other brand recommends hanging their hammock at a 30°, but not Hennessy Hammocks.

[@brianferris1233]

Nice hammock.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks Brian. One of these days I’d love to go down to Tin Can beach and hunt fossils with you. It’s hard to make them out on video when I can’t really tell what I’m looking at.

[@brianferris1233]

Thanks, but fossils are everywhere one actually needs the fossil specimen beside a computer and google resources to see what they are.

[@mixmediaproductions]

There is a Tape-rope that is amazingly strong. " Mule Tape.".

[@TheNinjaEveryDay]

thank you for sharing! Great video!!!

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@alastairblair]

That's a Bowline on the Bight, a double bowline is something else.

[@MuskratJim]

Ok, thanks for the correction 🤠👍

[@alastairblair]

@@MuskratJim sorry! That came out more passive aggressive than I intended. In a double the rabbit just goes round the tree twice so to speak.

[@MuskratJim]

@@alastairblair okay, that’s good to know!

[@Bobby_Danger]

the best mod I've seen for a Hennessy is throwing it in the trash and buying a Warbonnet

[@MuskratJim]

🤣🤣😂

[@joelydiabuhia]

I did something similar to my Hennessy Hammock as well. Although, I replaced the whole black round cord with a Dyneema Woopie Slings and I replace the tree 2 inch wide straps with a much longer webbing to easily wrap around bigger trees. Great video. Have a look at my channel as well and you might find something interesting on the other side of the world as well. Cheers and God Bless. /Joel

[@MuskratJim]

You've got some beautiful looking landscape out there my friend! I've subbed you. God bless you too.

[@joelydiabuhia]

@@MuskratJim Many thanks for the sub boss Jim. I sincerely appreciate it.

[@roche4647]

Let's Go Brandon

[@MuskratJim]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@Taylor_in_Southern_Oregon]

Wow. So tripling up the knot gives the single rope three times the strength? No. You're supported by the breaking strength of just the single rope, no matter how many times you double it over to tie the knot.

[@MuskratJim]

The additional loops don't increase the 'tensile' strength of the single rope, but the multi-layer bowline increases the 'shear' strength at the carabiner by distributing the weight over three layers of rope. Hennessy's hammock rope is rated at about 600 lbs(~300 kg) as long as it is 'wrapped' as per their specifications, meaning no knots or sharp kinks in the cord. That's where a point of failure would occur even at a lower weight. My 3-layered bowline is my attempt to reduce the 'shearing force' across the diameter of the rope.

[@dkohler5226]

You need to revisit your knots, your missing something in your understanding of knots. BTW Hennessy quotes that there hanging ropes on each end of the hammock are 6X the rated weight of the hammock, go lookup the manufacturers spects.

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks!

[@mixmediaproductions]

Tie oon higher than your height.

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I must be a retard I’ve tried to do this knot 15 times and watched this video just as many. And I still Can’t do it

[@christianlawton3548]

Sorry but you took a great system and made it harder, time to set Up longer and why spend money on gear you don’t need we in Australia have a saying Keep it simple stupid (KISS)