I’ve written about and recommended that new hammock users start off with daisy chain style webbing straps, so I won’t go into that here. What encourages me is that I’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of vendors who are now selling this style of strap. Grand Trunk Goods, one of the godfathers of recreational hammock camping, recently came out with their own version, the Trunk Straps. One thing that sets the Trunk Straps apart is that they are available in multiple colors, which will appeal to many.
- Manufacturer: Grand Trunk Goods, made in China
- MSRP: US$29.99
Available Features/Specifications
Features
- Available in orange, blue, green, black, yellow, red
- Non-stretching polyester webbing
- PU coat adds a smooth texture
- Colorfastness and a water repellant
- 18 color-contrasting triple stitched loops
Specifications
- 1 × 120 in (2.5 × 305 cm) “seatbelt” style polyester webbing straps
- 18 connection points
- 200 lbs (91 kg) rated weight capacity
Weight
- 12 oz (304 g)
Product Description
The Trunk Straps follow a standard among webbing straps, offering a 10 ft (3 m) length that easily wraps around all but the largest trees. The daisy chain design provides multiple connection points and makes the straps double not only as an anchor point but also as adjustable suspension.
Overal Impressions and Updates
First off, the straps and the build quality are high. The webbing has that seat-belt style weave and has a thick, strong hand. The triple stitch segments are robust and have held up well in my testing. Indeed, I have no reservations as to their durability.
The end loops are also generously sized, making it easy to thread the strap through itself when going around a tree or other anchor point.
When I pack the straps, I coil them around my hand into a tight package and then slip them back into the stuff sack. The sack really makes a handy storage spot because it also keeps the straps separate from the rest of your gear. This is nice, especially if you hang on sappy trees. Straps often get gooey.
Recommendations and Review
Daisy chain straps, such as the Trunk Straps, are not only good for beginners, but are great for adventure seeking pros who find themselves hanging in odd places. In the American Southwest where trees are sometimes scarce, I’ve planned to hang off of rock anchor points. I’ve often brought long straps like the Trunk Straps that are more abrasion-resisant and provide a secure point to connect to.
Aesthetics
I love the idea of multi-colored straps, not only from an aesthetics point of view, but also for visibility. I hate to admit that I’ve left straps up in a tree on more than one occasion. This most often happens when I bring camouflage or dark colored straps that blend into the foliage. The bright colored Trunk Straps are easier to spot.
Price and Value
The Trunk straps are priced at market value and are comparable to others on the market. That said, I know that you can find it cheaper on other retailer sites.
Similar Products
- ENO Altas Straps
- Kammok Python Straps
- Yukon Outfitters Strap
- Various other designs
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. I was under no obligation to publish a review of this item.
I also really like these bright color options. Very useful in not loosing gear to things camouflaging into their surroundings enough to be missed when packing up (I am missing an eno extra long strap in the north woods somewhere because of this :)). I also like this company and their straps are at a nice price point, basically the same as eno or kammok but with more variety. I like using this method of suspension when hanging indoors or on my porch. It really simplifys things. I keep a set of the eno kind up in my room all the time so I can easily clip my hammock up and nap whenever.
I was worried when I saw you wrote they were only rated at 250lbs weight capacity and assumed you meant both used together but it looks like you meant one strap now looking. I checked their site and their specs say each strap is rated at 200lbs, so it’s 400lbs total using the two. I hope mentioning this does not seem nit picky and am sorry if it is. It’s just, as a big guy, I have to pay close attention to weight ratings to be safe when hanging. I am also just plain curious if maybe you have information they really are tested to a higher rating but their website is showing overly cautious specs (which I know happens some but am never sure how much)?
Ah! Good catch! It is 200 lbs. I will fix that typo.
Python or pocket loop straps as we call them here in the UK have been slow arriving on these shores. I think the potato got here faster from the new world? I scored a set of ENO atlas straps from Amazon US recently with disgusting postage charges and import fees to replace some recently stolen ones. If anybody can manufacture and distribute this item here In the UK you will corner an exclusive market!
My first straps were homemade straps with descender rings. That worked very well, but I have found that recently I prefer using tow straps with a slippery larks head knot. My little brother is thinking of converting from his tent and I think I will point him this way to start (he is afraid of knots). Thanks for the review.
Thanks!