Placing continuous loops at the end of a hammock have lots of advantages:

• You can use multiple connection options
• You can connect closer for a short hang (anchor points closer together)
• Your connection point can be covered by your tarp, creating a natural drip-line point

I’ve done what you describe, connecting a whoopie sling to the continuous loop. I illustrate this in my book where you can slide the whoopie sling out of the way if the hang is too close to use the slings.

One of my favorite ways to hang a hammock is to use a long strap, as you might with a cinch buckle set up, but lose the hardware and just tie a slippery Becket Hitch on the continuous loop instead. This is the traditional way folks hang hammocks in South America and it works great (with the right combination of line–Amsteel is difficult to use with the knot unless used as the continuous loop). Not only is it lighter than any hardware setup, it provides a way to tie closer to the anchor point and is easier to untie when loaded than with other knot or lashing options. The Marlinspike Hitch, for example, is a little more difficult to tie close to an anchor point in comparison.

Send me an email if you have further questions and I can help you navigate some of this stuff!

Thanks for all the information you’ve provided it’s really been incredibly useful. The book gave me more information than I even knew to look up. I just wanted to say thanks.

I have a post scheduled next week that compares some lightweight suspension options. Stay tuned. As for comparing a whoopie sling to a continuous loop, no. They really aren’t mutually exclusive. You could use both. There are just too many combinations to make it a useful comparison. I do have a post about ways to use a continuous loop that might interest you.

On this hammock there are shock cord loops installed on both ends of the hammock. These are used as gear clips. There are a few brands that do this, but not all use shock cord. It’s a handy location to clip a stuff sack to create a “peak bag” storage; clip a pair of shoes; attach a pillow, etc.

That’s just an overhand knot—nothing special 🙂 The Double Fishermans Knot is preferred, but the simple overhand works.