Can You Use Ratchet Straps To Hang a Hammock?

People use ratchet straps for different purposes ranging from tying down equipment to holding pieces together and a host of other things. A ratchet strap is a webbing essentially meant to hold or tie down things for some time. 

Since a ratchet strap can be used to tie or hold different things, you might be a little curious to know if it is possible to use a ratchet strap for your hammock. You may also want to know the alternative uses of a ratchet strap. Well, we will discuss all of these and more below.

There are different things you can use your ratchet strap for and hanging a hammock is one of them. You can always use your ratchet strap to hang your hammock anytime and any day. 

Since the basic thing about hanging your hammock is using a good or secure placement method, you can be assured a rachet strap gives this basic thing. As long as you tie it properly to your tree and firmly connect your hammock to it, you are good and set to go. 

Lastly, you wouldn’t be the only person using a ratchet strap to hang a hammock as different campers around the globe make use of these straps. It is primarily because of what this strap has to offer.  You will learn a lot more about why you should use a ratchet strap for a hammock below.

Why Should I Use a Ratchet Strap for a Hammock?

Why Should I Use a Ratchet Strap for a Hammock

There are a lot of reasons why many campers find safety and security in using a ratchet strap to hang their hammock. Below are some reasons why you should use a ratchet strap for your hammock.

1. To Avoid Drilling Holes in the Tree

This is one of the major usefulness of a ratchet strap. With a ratchet strap, you will get to ensure more safety and protection for your tree. More often than not, people are forced to drill holes in their trees because they are trying to create an anchor point for their hammocks.

Ratchet straps nullify the need to do this. With a ratchet strap, you do not need to drill or dig any holes as all you need to do is simply tie the strap around the tree. This way, you ensure the sound health of the tree without compromising on hanging your hammock. Do you? You can hang hammock on a tree without read this guide.

2. Adjustable Height and Tension

Apart from the fact that ratchet straps help to protect the trees, it also gives you the freedom to make adjustments to the height and tension surrounding the securement of your hammock.

If you are not okay with the height of your hammock, you can easily make adjustments by losing the straps and tying it much lower or higher than its previous spot. You can also make adjustments to the tension to make the hold firmer or weaker. It is one major thing ratchet straps and other types of straps have over building actual anchor points for your hammock.

3. Safety and Durability

This is another reason why ratchet straps are pretty perfect for your hammocks. If you use them, you can be certain that your safety and the safety of the tree are guaranteed. There wouldn’t be any problems like the strap cutting when you are resting in your hammock.

Apart from safety, you will also get to enjoy the strap for a pretty long time. Ratchet straps are very durable and can last for as long as 3 to 5 years if it is properly maintained. You wouldn’t have to go through the stress of getting new straps after a couple of months.

How to Use a Ratchet Strap to Hammock

Using a ratchet strap to hang or secure a hammock is pretty easy. All you need to do is follow the right steps and you are good to go. Here is a guide on how to use a ratchet strap to secure a  hammock.

1. Choose the Right Tree and Wrap the Ratchet Strap around the Tree

Choose the Right Tree and Wrap the Ratchet Strap around the Tree

This is the first thing you must do if you want to secure your hammock on a tree using a ratchet strap. You must take your time to check the tree to see if there are any signs of decay or weakness. Many people often overlook this process. When it does, it results in the tree not being able to hold its weight.

Check the tree for signs of dead leaves or branches. If you do not see any, you can go ahead and wrap your ratchet strap around the tree. Since most ratchet straps are tree safety straps, they are usually much wider and larger. Ensure the straps are not folded in any way when wrapping them around the tree.

2. Pass the Loosed End of the Strap through the Loop and Pull in the Opposite Direction

Pass the Loosed End of the Strap through the Loop and Pull in the Opposite Direction

Once you are done selecting the tree, ensure you wrap the strap around the tree once. You should be able to hold the straps wrapped around the tree. Now, pass one end of the strap holding the carabiner through the loop at the other end of the strap. Pull firmly when you do this. This will ensure the strap holds firmly to the tree.

The moment you have pulled firmly, you can go ahead and wrap the strap around the tree in the opposite direction. This is a very important thing to do as wrapping it in the opposite direction after it passes the loop prevents it from getting loosed or slipping easily. 

3. Wrap Several Times and Pass the loosed end Holding the Carabiner through One Layer of the Wrap Strap

Wrap Several Times and Pass the loosed end Holding the Carabiner through One Layer of the Wrap Strap

The moment you are done wrapping it several times in the opposite direction, you can go ahead and pass the loosed end holding the carabiner through or underneath one layer of the wrapped strap. 

By doing this, you get to guarantee more firmness and reduce the chances of your hammock slipping. This is the last stage before connecting your hammock to the strap. So, ensure the loosed end is facing the direction of your hammock for convenience.

4. Connect your Hammock to the Ratchet Straps and Sit Inside

Connect your Hammock to the Ratchet Straps and Sit Inside

This is basically the last thing to do if you want to secure your hammock to a tree using a ratchet strap. You must take your time to securely connect your hammock to the ratchet strap using a carabiner. 

Once you have done this, you will have to repeat the same process with the opposite tree for the other end of the hammock. You can go ahead and sit in your hammock the moment you are done connecting the other end of the hammock.

There are different ways that you can use to create your hammock stap. Read this guide on How to Make Hammock Straps out Of Paracord (Complete Guide)

Alternative Method

If you do not want to follow the steps above because you feel they can be time-consuming, you can simply get adjustable ratchet straps. With straps like these, you wouldn’t have to worry about pulling firm or wrapping in the opposite direction.

All you need to do is wrap the strap around the tree then pass it through the necessary loop with an adjustable buckle. Once you have done this, you can go ahead and leave the loosed end hanging(it is the loosed end you will connect your carabiner to).

 Once you have done this, you can go ahead and connect your hammock to the ratchet strap. Repeat the same process for the other end of your hammock and you are good to go. You can get into your hammock the moment you secure them successfully to your ratchet straps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ratchet Straps are Good for Hammock

What Ratchet Straps are Good for Hammock

There are different types of ratchet straps you can use to hang your hammock. These straps, if properly tied and set up, can be used to hold any type of hammock, even your double-sized hammock. Below is a list of the best ratchet straps for your hammock

  • 1” Rachet Tie-down Straps

This is one of the best straps you can use to hang your hammock. This strap is not just tree-friendly, but it is also very durable. The 1” rachet tie-down straps come in different colors. They also have different features.

These straps can hold a weight of 400 pounds and they have an S hook to make connections to your hammock a whole lot easier. If you connect these straps to the carabiner holding your hammock, you will have nothing to worry about when it comes to your hammock being able to hold its weight. 

  • Retractable Ratchet Straps

This is another type of ratchet strap you can always use for your hammock. It is pretty easy to set up. The retractable ratchet strap may be more expensive than your normal hammock straps, but it also has more features.

It has an S hook and a push button that allows the strap to get loose or tight at will. You do not have to go through the problem of wrapping your strap in the opposite direction once you have wrapped it once around the tree.  It can hold a weight of up to 500 pounds and a lot more. Do you care to know the weight that your hammock can hold, read this guide written to show you how much weight your hammock can hold from experience.

How Much Weight Can a Ratchet Strap Hold

How Much Weight Can a Ratchet Strap Hold

A ratchet strap is pretty ideal for your hammock. They can hold up to 5000 pounds of weight depending on the type of strap you buy. Most ratchet straps are not only used to hold hammocks alone, but they are also used to hold cargo, equipment, and a host of other things. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of things you can use your ratchet straps for and hanging a hammock is one of those things. You can always use any of the 2 methods listed above f you will like to hang your hammock to a tree.  Everything you need to know about ratchet straps and hammocks has been discussed in this article.