A hammock is a great way to relax outdoors, but you must ensure you have the right equipment. One of the essential parts of a hammock is the suspension system. This is what keeps you safe and comfortable while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
Several different materials can be used for a hammock suspension system, but one of the most popular is paracord. Paracord is strong and durable, making it an ideal material for a hammock suspension system. But is it strong enough to hold a hammock?
In this article, we’ll answer that question and give tips on choosing the suitable paracord for your hammock suspension system.
Will Paracord Hold a Hammock? 👇👇👇
Yes, paracord can hold a hammock just fine. It’s a great material to use for suspending a hammock. Paracord is strong and durable yet lightweight, making it ideal for camping and backpacking. Plus, it’s easy to find and relatively cheap.
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How Much Weight Can A Paracord Hold?
While the amount of weight a paracord can support will depend on the individual cord, a paracord can hold up to 550 pounds as a general rule of thumb. However, just because the paracord can withstand up to 550 pounds doesn’t mean that your hammock can withstand that much weight.
How Much Paracord Do I Need For A Hammock?
You’ll need about 150 feet of paracord to use for your hammock. This will give you enough rope to securely attach the hammock to two trees or other support structures. You can use less yarn if you’re only connecting the hammock to one support but prepare for 150 feet of paracord to be on the safe side.
How Do You Tie a Paracord Hammock?
Paracord is a very strong material that can support a lot of weight. It’s also relatively light. Additionally, it’s easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
However, a few things to keep in mind if you’re using paracord for your hammock. First, ensure that the cord is rated for the weight you’ll be using it for. Secondly, be aware that paracord can stretch over time, so you may need to adjust your knots accordingly. But overall, paracord is a great option for those looking for a strong yet lightweight material for their hammock.
Here’s how to use a paracord to tie a hammock
Step 1: Double The Paracord
Start by doubling the paracord. This will make the paracord have twice its tensile strength. If correctly done, it should be able to withstand up to 1000 pounds of weight. And this will also prevent it from stretching too much while you are sleeping on it.
Step 2: Make A Knot On The Paracord
After doubling the paracord, make a simple overhand knot at the beginning of the paracord. This is simple; the only knot required for using a paracord with your hammock.
After making a knot at the beginning of the paracord, trace the cord for about a foot and make another overhand knot. Do the same thing with a foot apart from the last knot until you’ve knotted the real paracord.
Step 3: Wrap Around The Tree
When you are done tying all the knots, wrap them around the tree, put the cord into one of the knot holes, and pull to tighten the paracord around the tree. Repeat the same process for the other tree.
Step 4: Attach The Hammock To The Paracord
After tying the paracord around the tree, bring out your hammock and attach the carabiner hook to any of the knots you made. Make sure you attach the buckle to the first available knot to firm the hammock.
Attach the other side of the hammock to the other tree using the same process
Step 5: Test It With Your Weight
Before sleeping on it, test how durable it is against your weight to prevent you from falling off and getting injured.
Also, Learn How to Make Hammock Straps out Of Paracord (Complete Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use 550 Paracord For A Hammock?
Yes, you can use 550 paracords for a hammock. Paracord is a cheaper and more robust alternative to using hammock straps. Many use 550 paracords for their hammocks because they are solid and durable.
However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when using this type of cord.
Firstly, 550 paracord has a breaking strength of 550 pounds. This means that it can hold up to 550 pounds before it breaks. However, this does not mean that your hammock can hold up to 550 pounds. The weight limit for most hammocks is around 300-450 pounds.
Secondly, you need to make sure that the paracord is adequately secured. If it is not secured correctly, it could come loose and cause the hammock to fall. Make sure you follow the instructions with your hammock and take the time to connect the cord properly.
Ultimately, 550 paracord is a great option for a hammock. It is solid and durable, and it will hold up well if properly secured. Keep the weight limit in mind when using this type of cord.
Is 550 Cord The Same As Paracord?
There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between 550 cord and paracord. Both are solid and versatile ropes that can be used for various purposes, but there are some critical differences between them.
550 cord is a type of paracord. It’s named after the minimum breaking strength of the cord, which is 550 pounds. This makes it one of the strongest types of paracord available.
Paracord, on the other hand, can vary in strength. The most common type of paracord has a breaking strength of around 400 pounds, but weaker and stronger varieties are also available.
A 550 cord is the better option for holding up a hammock. It’s stronger and less likely to break than a regular paracord.
What’s The Strongest Knot For Paracord?
Determining the strongest knot for a paracord is very hard because it depends on many factors. The type of cord, the size of the cord, the weight of the load, etc. However, there are a few knots that are generally considered strong regardless of the factors involved.
- The Fisherman’s knot
The Fisherman’s knot is an excellent all-purpose knot for tying two pieces of paracord. It’s relatively easy to connect and strong enough to withstand most weight.
- The Double Fisherman’s knot
The Double Fisherman’s knot is even more robust and is often used for heavy-duty applications. It’s a bit more complicated to tie, but it’s worth the extra effort if you need maximum strength.
- The Triple Fisherman’s Knot
The Triple Fisherman’s knot is the strongest and is often used for rescue operations or other situations where failure is not an option. It isn’t easy to tie and requires three separate pieces of paracord. But if you need the ultimate strength, this is the knot to use.
What Are The Other Alternative To Paracord For Hammock?
Even though paracord is a popular and stronger option, there are a few other alternatives that you may want to consider.
- Rope
The rope is one of the most common alternatives to paracord for hammocks. You can find rope made from various materials, including cotton, polyester, and nylon.
The rope is typically less expensive than paracord and can be just as strong. The downside to rope is that it can be more difficult to work with and is not as flexible as paracord.
- Webbing Or Strap
You can also use webbing or straps to secure your hammock. Webbing is similar to rope but is made from a flat woven fabric. This makes it easier to work with than rope and more versatile. However, webbing is not as strong as paracord and can be more expensive.
- Bungee cord
You can also use a bungee cord to secure your hammock. The bungee cord is made from rubber, and it is very stretchy. This makes it ideal for Hammocks because it can absorb any movement and prevent the hammock from becoming loose.
Conclusion
Paracord is a robust and lightweight material. While there are other materials out there that may be stronger, paracord is more than strong enough for the job. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Following this article from the beginning, you will have discovered that it is possible to use a paracord to hold your hammock. We have also taught how to use a paracord to tie your hammock and alternative to a paracord.
With enough consistency and practice, you will be able to use a paracord to hang your hammock.