Making an Adjustable Hammock Ridgeline with a LoopAlien

13 responses to “Making an Adjustable Hammock Ridgeline with a LoopAlien”

1. 

   Noah Kiser (@noahkiser)

   September 11, 2013

   Derek, I like the adjustability and the ease of removal (as opposed to the semi-permanent adjustable whoopie sling ridgeline I use currently). My only question is: can this work with a “structural” ridgeline? I use a structural ridgeline for dialed in “sag”… can the loop alien handle this increased tension, or is it only intended as a bugnet/accessory ridgeline? Thanks!

   Reply
   1. 

      Dave B

      September 20, 2013

      Noah,
      I added a ridgeline to my DoubleNest easily. I used some 5/32 Amsteel and just fixed each end to the ENO carabiners. Once set for my preference it stays in place and just stuffs in the bag along with the hammock.

      Reply
2. 

   Kudzu

   September 11, 2013

   Nice. Backsplice that free end to keep it from unraveling. 😉

   Reply
3. 

   Dave

   September 11, 2013

   You’re a true gear-head, just like me. You mentioned the Alien has no sharp edges, not because it’s about personal safety, it’s about not damaging your gear. lolololol

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek

      September 12, 2013

      You are absolutely right about protecting gear. That’s what I thought I mentioned in the post, but I may be wrong.

      Reply
4. 

   Tyler

   April 28, 2015

   Love the site! It’s been very useful, I truly appreciate all the help you provide.. If I’m trying to set up an adjustable hammock ridgeline w/o any hardware. Would you recommend following (relatively) the same procedure that you suggest in hanging a continuous ridgeline for a tarp over the hammock, i.e., secure fixed end with either double hitch, figure 8 with clove hitch, etc., and then taut-line hitch on the other side for adjustment, or is there a better method for this? Please let me know at your earliest convenience.
   Cheers,
   Tyler

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek

      April 28, 2015

      Yes, that would work but I don’t think the taut-line hitch will hold the stress. Instead, use a truckers hitch.

      Reply
   2. 

      Kevin

      May 6, 2016

      If you don’t think you’ll need the extra power provided by the trucker’s hitch, or don’t have enough line to make that work, you could also use tie a directional figure eight loop (or an alpine butterfly loop alternatively) in the ridgeline about 12-18 inches from the end of the suspension, then pass the free end around one the hammock suspension (as shown in the loopalien video above) and then connect the free end to the inline loop with the becket hitch. If you’re not familiar with that hitch, Derek just posted a how to video about it recently and touted its adjustability.

      Reply
5. 

   Luke

   February 3, 2016

   Would this set up be enough for the hammock sag, bugnet, and a tarp?

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek

      February 3, 2016

      I’m not sure I follow you. I don’t recommend using a loop alien with hammock suspension.

      Reply
      1. 

         Luke

         February 3, 2016

         Sorry, not as a hammock suspension. So attached to the hammock (already suspended using whoopies or what-not), would this set up of LoopAlien and LashIt be strong enough to maintain desired sage, have a tarp on it, and have a bug net on it? Are tarps ever even set up just to lay on top of ridge lines?

         Reply
         1. 

            Derek

            February 4, 2016

            Yes and yes. Most folks hang a tarp separate from the hammock but you can connect a tarp directly to the hammock. Check out my post on a tarp and Hennessy hammock.

            Reply
6. 

   Swotch

   August 10, 2020

   I use 3X steel loopaliens and 15m of 3mm dyneema to make a continuous structural ridgeline. First I build the ridgeline, check if it is nice and level, then loosen it a little so that I can hang the hammock upon it using the 2 other aliens. Once the hammock is on the desired section of my ridgeline, I tighten the whole thing at the 1st alien, throw the tarp upon it. It’s a good idea to load it, check the snag, and re-tighten if needed. Make sure to use clove hitches on all 3 aliens, else you might wake up on the ground. Works perfectly even up to 10 yards between the trees.

   Reply