I was lucky enough to get one of the first pre-production prototypes of the Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) Atlas strap to review back in 2012, and since then I have really grown to love this style of hammock suspension (e.g., daisy chain loops with an integrated webbing strap). This is one of the few suspension systems that I recommend to new hangers, but I often take it out myself when I don’t want to fiddle with my über-light, but finicky hammock suspension systems. This is one of the few hammock suspension systems that has a permanent place in my gear closet.
The Atlas hammock strap from Eagles Nest Outfitters is a pair of polyester webbing straps with sewn loops forming a daisy chain 9 ft (2.75 m) long. There are 15 loops, each is approximately 4 in (10 cm) long, but end about halfway up the strap. The side without the daisy chain has a single eye loop. This is the end that wraps around the tree/anchor point. The hammock connects to the webbing loops via a climbing-rated carabiner or other load-bearing hardware device. Toggles can also be used.
As I mentioned, the ENO Atlas strap is geared toward new hangers, occasional hammock campers, or those not too concerned about weight and bulk. I like to use it on gear demonstrations because it requires so little (if any) explanation and beginners pick it up quickly. These straps are dead-simple to use and understand.
The main advantage of the Atlas strap, besides the quick attach points, is the material. ENO has been selling this style of daisy-chain hammock straps for years, but the Slap Strap models are made with stretch-prone nylon material. A lot of folks have expressed their love of the concept, but hated the execution. The Atlas strap, made with polyester, is an improvement in material, but I also like the slimmer build of the loops compared with the Slap Strap line. This helps the Atlas straps pack a little tighter in my pack.
Product Information
MANUFACTURER: Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO)
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: 2013, made in Vietnam
MANUFACTURER’S WEBSITE: http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
MSRP: $29.95
LISTED FEATURES
- 15 loops per strap
- 100% polyfilament polyester webbing (not tubular)
- 200 lbs (91 kg) safe working load (per strap)
- Stuff sack
MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS
Weight limit 91 kg (200 lbs) per strap.
MEASUREMENTS
Weight: 318 g (11.2 oz) —straps only | 331 g (11.7 oz) —both straps in stuff sack
Dimensions: 108 × 1 in (274 × 2.5 cm)
MATERIAL
- 100% polyfilament polyester webbing (not tubular)
Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear.
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