Dutchware Gear Double Whoopie Hook
One of my all-time favorite hammock suspension hardware systems has been the Whoopie Hook. These minuscule hardware devices work like mini carabiners, except smaller and without any moving parts. The hooks work best with 7/64″ Amsteel line, particularly Whoopie Slings, hence the name.
Product Description
The Double Whoopie Hook is so named because it adds a second hole to the original design that accommodates a spreader bar pin that can let two hammocks be connected to the same set of anchor points but hang in a “V” formation. This lets two hangers lay side-by-side under a single tarp, for example. The Double Whoopie Hook is made from Titanium and is very strong and lightweight.
The spreader bar and hooks are designed to be used on the head end of a hammock. This helps conform the body shape to the “V” so there is less possibility of bodily collisions.
Overall Impressions and Updates
I am biased because I really love the Whoopie Hook generally. The Double Whoopie Hook makes the original even more versatile. It’s ideal in small spaces, especially when you want to share a tarp with a buddy but anchor points are limited. In my experience, it’s far easier to find two perfectly spaced trees than to find three in just the right configuration.
While it is possible to use the Double Whoopie Hooks with a trekking pole or stick, they are specifically designed to be paired with a 36-inch, 0.655 spreader bar with fixed tips. Dutchware sells these collapsable poles for an additional $10.
For me, the nice thing about the the Whoopie Hook is that it is attached to the suspension line, not the hammock. This means I can use the system on any number of hammocks, so long as they use a continuous loop made from 7/64″ Amsteel. It is my practice at home to configure all of my hammocks this way so it is easy to swap any number of suspension options without re-configuring my hammock.
Because both hammocks will be connected through the spreader bar, all movement will be felt between the two hammocks. Be aware that when one person exists, the other hammock will drop lower and there is the possibility that the spreader bar can fall out. Adding a rubber band to wrap around the end helps prevent this.
Set-up and Usage Tips
- Hang the hammocks a little lower than normal. The spreader bar will raise the hammocks up into position.
- A rubberband looped around the spreader bar and the pin can help hold the bar in place when the hammocks are unloaded.
- Be mindful of entering and exiting the hammock to minimize movement and disturbing your partner.
Recommendations and Review
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension and Anchor System | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | As a suspension system, it fills a void and does a great job doing it. |
| Construction and Craftsmanship | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Dutchware Gear is expertly machined, and the 2016 versions have additional milling to round the edges. |
| Modularity | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Works great as a single Whoopie Hook or paired for double-occupancy. |
| Aesthetics | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Doesn’t everyone love Titanium bling? |
| Price and Value | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | The complete kit costs about $26, which isn’t too bad for the options it provides. |
- Manufacturer: Dutchware Gear, made in USA
- MSRP: US$16 (1 pair) – spreader bar extra ($10)
Available Features/Specifications
Features
- Whoopie Hook with an additional hole to accommodate a pinned spreader bar
- Allows two hammocks to be pitched on the same set of anchor points but hang in a “V” formation
Specifications
- 1 in (2.5 cm) “seatbelt” style polyester webbing straps
- Titanium
- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
Weight
- 0.3 oz (8 g) per pair
Similar Products
- None
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.
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