How to Make DIY Hammock Straps (3 Simple Projects)

Hanging a hammock is one of the best ways to enjoy a camping trip – it doesn’t matter if you’re camping, backpacking, or just relaxing in your backyard.

Yet not everyone has the money to invest in their own set of hammock straps. Rather than just using a length of rope, why not make your own dedicated hammock straps?

Here are three of the simplest DIY hammock straps to safely hang a hammock.

1. Simplified Webbing DIY Hammock Straps

If weight saving is your biggest concern, then these DIY hammock straps are for you.

The simple suspension system uses high-strength nylon webbing. The straps are extremely versatile and won’t take up much space in your backpack.

This hammock hanging solution is also easy to use and implement in the field.

Required Items:

• 2 Lengths of Webbing
• 2 Carabiners
• 1 Lighter

Making the Straps:

• Prepare the Materials – These hammock straps require two lengths of high-strength nylon webbing, about 15 feet each. Or, as outlined in the video, you can purchase one 30-foot length of webbing and cut it in half. If you do cut the webbing in half, you need to singe the cut ends with a lighter to prevent fraying.
• Create Loops on the Ends – Take one end of each of the two lengths of webbing (about 10 inches) and wrap them back against the rest of the length. Then take the tip of this section and wrap it through the loop to create a tight overhand loop knot with another open loop.
• Wrap Webbing Around Trees – Take one length of webbing and wrap the end of it around one tree. Loop one end through the loop you just created. Repeat with the other length of webbing.
• Pull the Webbing Tight – Pull the free end of webbing tight through the looped end to cinch the length tightly to the tree.
• Tie the Marlin Spike Hitch – Tie a marlin spike hitch in the length of webbing with one end of the carabiner acting as the toggle. Repeat this with the other carabiner on the other length of webbing.
• Attach the Hammock – Now, you’re free to attach your hammock to the carabiners and you’re ready to go camping!
  

---

2. Marlin Spike Toggle DIY Tree Hugger Straps

You must be conscious of the health of the trees when you hang a hammock outdoors.

Not only are these DIY tree hugger straps easy to make and equally easy to use, but they’re also safe to use on trees without causing any harm or damage.

The lightweight of this hammock suspension system makes it the perfect choice for backpackers.

Required Items:

• 2 Lengths of Webbing
• 2 Carabiners
• 2 Toggles

Making the Straps:

• Assess the Situation – The exact length of the webbing you use depends on the size of the trees you’re using to anchor your hammock. The wider the trunk, the longer of a length that you need.
• Tie Overhand Knots – Tie a simple overhand knot on one end of each of the two lengths of webbing to create a small loop.
• Wrap Webbing Around Trees – Wrap one length of webbing around a tree, approximately 6 feet above the ground, by passing the other end of the webbing through the loop end. Repeat with the other length of webbing on the other tree.
• Pull the Webbing Tight – Pull the end of the webbing tight through the room to sturdily attach the webbing to the tree. Repeat on the other length of webbing.
• Tie the Marlin Spike Hitch – Use a finger-width toggle (such as a small stick) to tie the end of each length of webbing into the marlin spike hitch. Tighten the hitch up to firmly secure the toggle.
• Attach the Carabiners – Attach one carabiner to each end of your hammock. Then attach one carabiner to one of the lengths of webbing by hooking it just above the toggle/marlin spike hitch. Repeat with the second carabiner.
• Don’t Attach Carabiner to Toggle – Remember that each carabiner must be attached to the webbing itself – never to the toggle. The toggle is simply to keep the carabiner from sliding along the length of the hitch.

---

3. DIY Paracord Suspension

Looking to save as much money as possible and still hang your hammock with ease?

Then this DIY paracord suspension method is for you. It’s possible to get away with this hammock hanging solution for between $5 and $10 maximum. If you’re creative about it, you can get by on even less.

Despite the low price, lightweight, and simplicity, of these DIY hammock straps, this method has one major negative: it’s potentially damaging to the trees.

That’s why you need to make sure to be very careful when attaching the paracord to the two trees so as to cause as little damage as possible.

Required Items:

• Paracord (preferably Para 1100)
• Lighter
• Scissors

Making the Straps:

• Cut the Paracord – Use the scissors to cut the paracord in the middle of the length.
• Singe the Ends – Use the lighter to singe the cut ends of each of your two new lengths of paracord. Singe the non-cut ends while you’re at it.
• Tie an Overhand Knot – Tie an overhand knot on one end of each of your two lengths of paracord. There should now be a small loop on the end of each length held in place by a knot.
• Wrap Paracord Around Trees – Wrap one length of paracord around the tree and then pull the free end through the overhand knot. Repeat with the other length of paracord.
• Pull the Paracord Tight – Pull the paracord tight through the loop to secure it firmly to the tree. Repeat with the other tree.
• Tie the Marlin Spike Hitch – Tie a marlin spike hitch in the middle of the length of paracord using your carabiner as the toggle. Repeat with the other carabiner and length of paracord.
• Attach the Hammock – Now, you can attach each end of the hammock to each of the carabiners and paracord straps!