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If you’ve experienced water running down the suspension strings of your hammock and into the hammock itself, then you’re not alone. The solution to this is simple; drip lines. Keep reading to find out exactly what these are, what to use, and how to set them up.
What is a Hammock Drip Line?
A drip line is simply a piece of string or rope that you tie around the suspension of your hammock to act as a buffer and prevent water from reaching your hammock.
As the water runs down the suspension rope or straps, it’ll hit the drip line and gravity will kick in, causing it to run off vertically to the floor rather than continuing down to the hammock.
As well as using these on your hammock suspension, if you’re expecting heavy downpours, it’s also a good idea to use them on any ridgelines you have set up for your tarp or bug net too.
How to Set Up Drip Lines
I recommend placing multiple drip lines down your hammock suspension until the point where the tarp stops the rain from hitting it.
The main point to look out for is the spot where the suspension strings meet the hammock at which point you’ll usually have a carabiner. Ensure you place a drip line here.
The easiest and cheapest way to create a drip line is to use an old shoelace or some paracord if you have any lying around. Drip lines can be used with any type of suspension including ropes, whoopie slings, and hammock straps.
Simply cut a piece of string about 6 inches (15cm) long and attach it to the suspension using a simple cow hitch knot. You can see how to do this from my images or visit animated knots for a step-by-step guide.
If you prefer to purchase a product rather than a DIY solution, ENO drip strips that are 1” and designed to fit their Atlas straps. They easily clip on making them super simple to attach. However, if it were me I’d still go for the homemade version.
Water Breaks for Your Hammock
A water break is anything you attach to your hammock suspension to prevent rainwater from running down into your hammock. A drip line is the most common type of water break, but you can also use other items too.
The more water breaks you have, the less likely it is that the rain will reach your hammock and cause you to get wet.
Here are a few common items you might use as a water break:
- Socks
- Towels
- Bandanna
- Hammock stuff sack (assuming it’s not attached)
- Excess ends of your hammock strap or rope
- Any material you have lying around
