Making a Paracord Hammock: Essential Guide for Wilderness Survival

trekfuse.com8 April 2024010 views

Paracord hammocks are a practical and versatile addition to any wilderness survival kit. A durable and lightweight alternative to traditional hammocks, paracord hammocks provide a comfortable sleeping surface that can be easily assembled and disassembled in various outdoor situations. By mastering the techniques of making a paracord hammock, you can ensure a restful and secure sleeping arrangement when adventuring in the great outdoors.

Creating your own paracord hammock involves selecting the appropriate materials, designing a comfortable and stable sleeping surface, and mastering various knotting techniques necessary for secure assembly. Once you’ve become proficient in crafting your own hammock, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with setting up and maintaining your creation in a variety of environments to maximize its potential benefits and uses.

Key Takeaways

Paracord hammocks offer a durable and versatile sleeping solution in wilderness survival situations
Learning essential knotting techniques and proper assembly plays a vital role in constructing a secure and comfortable paracord hammock
Familiarizing yourself with various setup scenarios and maintenance tips will ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your paracord hammock

Essentials of Paracord Hammock Making

Understanding Paracord Properties

Paracord, also known as parachute cord, is a lightweight yet strong and versatile rope material. The most common type of paracord, 550 paracord, is made of nylon and can support up to 550 pounds of weight. It is an ideal choice for a survival hammock due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to the elements. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with paracord properties and learn its various knots and techniques for constructing a reliable hammock.

Choosing the Right Type of Tree

When determining the location for your paracord hammock, the selection of trees plays a vital role. Consider the following properties for the trees:

Distance: Trees should be spaced 12 to 15 feet apart, providing sufficient space for the hammock and its suspension system.
Diameter: The trunk diameter should be at least 6 inches to ensure stability and support.
Health: Choose healthy, living trees with no signs of rot or infestation to prevent accidents or damage to the ecosystem.

Tools and Materials Needed

For creating a paracord hammock, you will need the following tools and materials:

Paracord: 550 paracord is highly recommended due to its strength and durability. Estimate approximately 480-600 feet, depending on the desired hammock size.
Two Spreader Bars: Wooden or metal bars measuring approximately 24-36 inches in length depending on the hammock width.
Scissors: To cut the paracord cleanly and accurately.
Lighter: To melt and seal the ends of the paracord after cutting, preventing fraying.
Measuring Tape: For precise measurements of the suspension system and overall hammock length.

With the proper understanding of paracord properties, the right selection of trees, and the appropriate tools and materials, you can confidently create a reliable and comfortable paracord hammock for wilderness survival situations.

Designing Your Hammock

Hammock Design Principles

When designing a paracord hammock, it’s essential to consider its functionality and durability, especially in wilderness survival situations. Prioritize materials and construction techniques that can withstand the elements and provide a comfortable resting spot. For instance, a net or lattice pattern provides better ventilation and prevents moisture build-up, while using a durable material like paracord ensures long-lasting performance and resilience to wear.

Determining Size and Weight Capacity

It’s crucial to factor in the size and weight capacity of your hammock before starting the construction process. Keep in mind that paracord hammocks need to be strong enough to support your weight. To calculate the appropriate cord length and thickness required, consider your body dimensions and the anticipated maximum load. For an average-sized person, a hammock with a width of 2-3 feet and a length of 8-10 feet should suffice. Estimate a safe weight capacity of 300 lbs as a starting point, and adjust the hammock design to accommodate heavier or lighter requirements as needed.

Selecting Hammock Patterns

There are numerous paracord hammock patterns to choose from, each with its unique style and characteristics. For wilderness survival situations, opt for a pattern that offers a balance between comfort, strength, and ease of construction. Common patterns include:

Square lattice: This design consists of a series of horizontally and vertically crossing cords, creating a diamond-shaped net. It offers even weight distribution, ventilation, and reasonable comfort.
Fishnet style: Using a series of loops and overhand knots, this pattern resembles the appearance of a fishnet. It is lightweight and provides ventilation, but requires ample cord supply and patience to construct.
Woven style: This technique involves weaving cords into a tight, crisscross pattern, creating a solid fabric-like surface. It is comfortable and strong, but requires more cord and can take longer to make.

Remember to customize your paracord hammock pattern and design to suit your specific wilderness survival needs, ensuring it provides a safe, comfortable, and resilient space to rest in the great outdoors.

Knotting Techniques for Hammock Making

Essential Knots for Hammock Construction

When making a paracord hammock, it’s crucial to use reliable knotting techniques to ensure durability and stability for wilderness survival situations. The foundation of a strong hammock begins with essential knots, such as the overhand knot and the double half hitch.

The overhand knot is a simple and versatile knot utilized throughout the hammock construction process. It involves looping the paracord and passing the working end through the loop, creating a secure knot. For a step-by-step guide on making a paracord hammock, visit this instructional article on Instructables.

The double half hitch is another essential knot for hammock making. To tie a double half hitch, first, create a loop by passing the working end of the paracord over the standing part. Then, bring the working end back behind the standing part and through the loop. Repeat this process to complete the double half hitch configuration.

Securing the Hammock with Strong Knots

When securing your hammock to trees or poles, it’s crucial to utilize strong knots that can hold your hammock in place safely. One effective technique is to employ half hitches at both ends of the paracord. To tie a half hitch, simply loop the paracord around an anchor point and then loop it again around the standing part of the paracord. After, pass the working end through the loop created, and tighten for a secure connection. The Go In The Wilderness guide provides more insights on using half hitches to secure a hammock.

It’s essential to space these knots evenly, as it helps to distribute weight across the hammock and consequently reduces the stress on the individual knots, increasing durability.

Finishing Knots to Prevent Fraying

Finally, it is vital to ensure that your paracord hammock remains durable and resistant to wear by finishing knots to prevent fraying of the paracord. To prevent fraying, you can use a simple overhand knot at each end of your hammock after applying the half hitch technique.

For more details and guidance on knotting techniques and creating a paracord hammock, consult resources such as the TITAN Survival guide or DIY paracord hammock instructional articles on Ideas for DIY.

Assembly Instructions

Preparing the Paracord

Start by gathering the necessary materials: paracord, rope, carabiners, buckles, and hammock straps. Choose the desired length and width of your hammock and cut the paracord accordingly. It’s essential to have extra paracord in case adjustments need to be made during the weaving process. It is advisable to have at least two different colors of paracord to create a visually appealing pattern and help identify the border.

Weaving the Hammock Body

Create a rope chain border using the paracord for both sides of the hammock by making small loops and tying them with overhand knots onto a spreader bar¹. This will act as the foundation for weaving the rest of the hammock body. Use a work board² to lay out the paracord and create a weaving pattern, ensuring that it is tight, even, and uniform.

Next, weave the main body of the hammock using a simple over-under pattern. To make the process more comfortable, weave the hammock in sections, ensuring that each section is secured to the rope chain border. Continue weaving until the desired length of the hammock is achieved.

Attaching Suspension and Anchoring Systems

After completing the weaving, it’s time to attach the suspension and anchoring systems. Use carabiners and buckles to secure the paracord ends of the hammock straps³. Attach hammock straps to the rope chain border on both sides of the hammock. Finally, use carabiners to join these straps with a sturdy tree or stand.

A DIY paracord hammock is an excellent addition to any wilderness survival kit. Not only is it compact, lightweight, and versatile, but it is also durable and can provide much-needed comfort during outdoor adventures³. By following these instructions, you can create a functional and durable hammock, perfect for your next wilderness adventure.

Setting Up Your Hammock

Finding the Perfect Spot

When setting up your paracord hammock for wilderness survival situations, choosing the right spot is crucial. Look for an area with two sturdy, well-spaced trees, approximately 10-15 feet apart. Ensure the trees are alive and strong enough to support your weight. Also, avoid areas near insect nests or areas prone to flooding. Consider factors such as sun exposure and wind direction when selecting the ideal spot for your hammock.

Hanging the Hammock Securely

After finding the perfect spot, it’s time to secure your hammock safely. Use high-quality hammock straps or paracord to connect the hammock to the trees. Wrap the straps or paracord around the tree trunk at a height of about 4-6 feet, depending on your preference. Ensure that you use a** secure knot**, such as the bowline or figure-eight follow-through knot, to prevent slipping or coming undone.

Bowline knot: Easy to tie, secure, and easily adjustable
Figure-eight follow-through knot: Offers increased safety as it is less likely to come undone

Hanging the hammock at a 30° angle from the tree will provide optimal comfort and reduce stress on the suspension system. You can adjust the angle by tightening or loosening the straps or paracord. Remember that a hammock hung too tightly will be less comfortable and may cause undue stress on the material and suspension.

Adjusting for Comfort and Safety

To maximize comfort and ensure safety, spend some time adjusting your paracord hammock’s tension and height. Test the hammock by gently applying weight to check if it can safely support you before fully committing. The lowest point of the hammock should be around 18 inches off the ground for easy entry and exit.

Make sure all knots are secure, and there are no loose ends or fraying in the hammock or suspension system. Regularly inspect your paracord and hammock straps for any damage, and replace them as needed to maintain a safe and comfortable outdoor experience.

Additional Paracord Projects

Creating a Paracord Rifle Sling

A paracord rifle sling provides both an aesthetic and practical use. It enables you to securely carry your rifle while adding a personal touch to its appearance. Crafting a paracord rifle sling is simple:

Cut two paracord strands, twice the desired length of your sling.
Attach the strands to your rifle’s sling mounts using cow hitch knots.
Weave the strands together using your preferred paracord knot style.
Secure the ends with a reliable knot, such as a double fisherman’s knot.

Ensure your paracord rifle sling is both strong and comfortable to carry your rifle effectively.

Crafting a Survival Bracelet

A survival bracelet made from parachute cord (paracord) is a popular accessory, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. To create a survival bracelet, follow these steps:

Measure your wrist circumference and cut a paracord strand accordingly, adding a few inches for knotting.
Fold the paracord in half, forming a loop at one end.
Using a simple cobra weave or more advanced knots, create the body of the bracelet, maintaining a consistent pattern.
Attach a secure buckle to both ends of the paracord for easy wearing and removal.

The survival bracelet can be unraveled in an emergency, providing quick access to several feet of paracord.

Assembling a Bear Bag

A bear bag is essential to safely store food and personal items away from bears and other wildlife during wilderness excursions. To create a bear bag using paracord:

Choose a durable and waterproof bag to hold your items.
Cut a length of paracord sufficient to hang the bag, typically 50-100 feet.
Attach the paracord to the bag using a strong knot, such as a bowline or figure eight.
Select a sturdy tree branch, at least 10-12 feet high, to hang the bag.
Throw one end of the paracord over the branch and hoist the bag to the desired height.
Secure the paracord to another tree or nearby anchor point by tying a taut-line hitch knot, allowing for easy adjustments.

By following these steps, your bear bag effectively keeps your supplies safe from curious wildlife.

Survival and Outdoor Applications

Utilizing the Hammock for Shelter

A paracord hammock can be a valuable addition to a survivalist’s or outdoorsman’s gear for camping or backpacking in the wilderness. With its versatility and strength, a paracord hammock can be taken along with your survival kit and easily set up as a shelter. To create a sturdy shelter, suspend the hammock between two trees and drape a tarp or other waterproof material over the top, securing it with the paracord. This creates an effective off-the-ground sleeping area while also protecting you from rain and other elements.

Innovative Uses of Hammock in Survival Situations

Beyond providing shelter, there are several other innovative uses of a paracord hammock in survival situations:

Food Storage: Keep your food supplies safely off the ground by hanging them in your hammock to keep away from wildlife such as rodents and insects.
First Aid: In case of injury, a paracord hammock can be fashioned into a makeshift sling or splint to immobilize a wounded limb.
Hunting and Fishing: If necessary, you can disassemble the hammock and use the paracord strands for making fishing lines, snares, or traps.
Water Collection: By placing the hammock in a sloped position, you can use it as a funnel to collect rainwater into a container.

Maintaining Paracord Hammock in the Wild

Preserving the durability of your paracord hammock is essential for continued use in the wild. Here are some tips to help maintain your hammock:

Dry it out: Keep your paracord hammock dry whenever possible. Paracord can stretch when wet, resulting in a weakened hammock. Allow it to dry thoroughly before packing it away.
Check for fraying: Periodically inspect your hammock for any signs of fraying or damage. If you observe damage, repair or replace the affected section as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
Keep it clean: Dirt and debris can weaken the fibers of your paracord hammock. Wash it by hand using mild soap and water, then rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry.

By being mindful of these applications and maintenance tips, the versatile paracord hammock will remain a dependable asset in any wilderness survival situation.

Safety and Maintenance Tips

Regular Inspection and Care

It is essential to regularly inspect your paracord hammock for wear and tear. Check for any frayed strands, loose knots, or signs of weakness in the material. Clean your hammock by gently wiping it down with a damp cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals that may weaken the paracord fibers. Ensure the hammock’s diameter is maintained for optimal strength and durability.

Repairing Your Hammock

If you notice any damage, attend to it immediately. Small frays can be temporarily fixed with duct tape as a short-term solution. However, it is recommended to replace the damaged section of paracord to ensure your hammock maintains its strength and durability in the long run. To replace a damaged section, carefully cut out the affected area and re-tie the knots with new paracord. For a more detailed guide on paracord knotting techniques, refer to this Instructables tutorial.

Storing Paracord Hammock Properly

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of your hammock. Before storing your paracord hammock, make sure it is dry and free from debris to avoid mildew and mold growth. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as UV exposure can damage the paracord fibers. When packing your hammock for wilderness survival situations, consider using a durable storage bag to protect it from the elements and keep it easily accessible.

By following these safety and maintenance tips, your paracord hammock will remain reliable and secure in wilderness survival situations. Regular inspection, proper care, and timely repairs will ensure the longevity and durability of your hammock.

Conclusion

In the realm of wilderness survival and bushcraft, a paracord hammock can be an essential addition to your outdoor gear. Not only does it provide a comfortable and elevated sleeping option, but it’s also a versatile tool for various other survival situations. Following a clear and appropriate tutorial can make the process of making a paracord hammock accessible and enjoyable, even for beginners.

Paracord hammocks are lightweight and easily packable.
They are great for both long-term preppers and casual outdoors enthusiasts.
By learning a variety of knotting and wrapping techniques, you can craft a sturdy and durable hammock.

Although primarily designed for wilderness settings, these hammocks can also be used in more relaxed environments such as by the pool or in your backyard. As a versatile and healthy sleeping option, a paracord hammock encourages proper body alignment, reducing pressure points and promoting a restorative sleep experience.

Paracord hammocks offer outdoor enthusiasts an invaluable tool for their survival skillset. By following a comprehensive tutorial, even beginners can confidently craft a paracord hammock for their next wilderness adventure.