“I am incredibly lucky to be able to live in the British Virgin Islands, one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. My family’s home is on Necker Island, which is both our home and a luxury resort. Here, I’m much more likely to do my thinking in an office hammock rather than an office chair.” Wrote Richard Branson, a renowned English philanthropist, investor, business magnate, and author. Even though the American son of a high court judge Edward James Branson can afford a real office, Mr. Branson prefers using a Hammock as an office. This article is about diy hammock straps for camping enthusiasts.

When planning backpacking, hiking or camping trip, and hammocks are aspirational purchases. You can hang them on a palm tree at resorts, on camping site and other places you feel comfortable including your backyard. But when it comes to hammocks, you need to be careful with the kind of straps you use to avoid accidents from happening. The straps guarantee your safety.

The next time your straps break and snap for any reason, here are two ways on how to make DIY hammock straps. But before we get there, let’s look at how to use a hammock strap.

How does one use a hammock strap?

Hammock straps come in handy. They allow the hammock to move more freely than when using a hook. Here are simple steps to use a hammock strap:

• Wrapped the strap firmly around two tree trunks by passing the loose strap ends through the opposite end loops. Fasten it around the tree.
• Tie a spike hitch a few inches from the loose end of the straps.
• Attach the suspension of the hammock to the spike on each end of the hammock.

The three steps allow you to tie a stable and comfortable hammock where you can lie down and relax.

Different types of DIY Hammock Straps

Sewn hammock straps

Sewn straps in a more complicated way to make a day strap, but used to make sturdy and most elegant tree straps. To start the process, you need appropriate strap length and size. Fold a 4-inch width strap, four times and sew straight stitches on the overlapped section before leaving at least 1.5 inches at both ends. Use the 1.5 inches to sew an “X” or box style at each end.

No-sew straps

The no-sew style straps don’t involve sewing. All you need to do is cut the straps, seal the ends using a flame to reduce the fraying, and tie an overhand knot. The knot will make a small loop to pass the other strap’s end through and tighten.

How to make DIY hammock straps?

If you are planning to make DIY hammock straps, there are at least two safe ways of doing it. This segment will focus on these two ways, starting from the materials you will need, to the steps and process involved to make the safest DIY hammock straps.

DIY hammock tree hugger straps

Making a DIY hammock tree hugger straps is a simple project done without or with a sewing machine. Some of the supplies needed include:

• Carabiners
• Toggle
• Wedding or polyester straps each at least I inch wide and 3 feet long. Wider straps help in spreading weight over winder tree area, reducing the likelihood of accidents or damaging the tree.
• Optional, a sewing machine or a polyester thread and a needle.

Making the strap

Determine the length: before making your straps, assess the exact length of the polyester straps or the webbing you want to use. The length depends on where you want to anchor your hammock, the size of the tree to be precise.

Tie the overhand knots: if you are not sewing your straps, cut to your desired length, and seal them using a flame to prevent or reduce fraying. On each end of the wedding, tie an overhand knot. The process allows you to create a loop big enough to use and pass the strap’s end through.

If you are sewing the strap, fold those at least four times using 4 inches polyester and wedding and sew straight stitches down the overlapped strap section. At the end of the strap, leave a 1.5-inch loop. Use it to sew “X” and boxes stitches.

Wrap around the trees: wrap your straps at least six feet above the ground and pass the other end through the loop you created. Repeat the same on the other end and pull the ends tight.

Tie the spike hitch: here is when you need the toggle. A finger-width toggle can tie the ends of your webbing into the spike hitch. Secure the toggle and firmly tighten up the hitch.

Attach carabiners: attach both carabineers to both ends of your hammock. Attach the carabiners on both ends on the wedding by hooking them above the spike hitch.

DIY paracord suspension

What you need:

• Paracord
• Lighter
• Carabiners
• Hollow strapping materials

How to make to strap

Cut the webbing/strapping: cut the webbing/strapping into approximately 2ft pieces. Also using a scissor cut the paracord into 6ft lengths

Burn/singe the ends: Using the lighter, burn or singe both ends of the new paracord to prevent further fraying after cutting.

Create a small loop: tie an overhead knot to create a loop. The knot should be on each end of the paracord lengths,

Wrap on trees and pull tight: wrap a paracord length around a tree and slide the other end through the small loop on the other end and pull tight. Repeat the procedure on the other tree using the other paracord.

Tie the spike hitch and attach the hammock: tie the spike hitch in the middle of each paracord length using a carabiner. Attach the carabineer to the hammock’s both ends and paracord straps.

Making DIY hammock straps is not a difficult task, but one that needs to be conscious. You need to be aware of the trees you want to hang your hammock and the weight of your hammock suspension system. Having a perfect DIY Hammock straps project can mean the difference between a serene and or a hurly-burly hammock.