DutchWare Beetle Buckle

The Dutchware Beetle Buckle mounted on the strap of your choice makes for fast and easily adjusted connections to the continuous loops of your gathered end hammock. Even with a hammock on the end they can be easily moved up and down the strap, yet hold solidly in place exactly where you set them.

As you can see in the pic above, the Beetle Buckles are actually two tiny, unconnected bits of titanium. Together they create a connection point for a hammock that can easily be moved up and down the suspension strap to get exactly the hang you are aiming for.

Basic Function:

When the two metal pieces lay flat together they hold the 1" suspension strap of your choice solidly in place. The hook on the end will securely hold the continuous loop of your gathered end hammock. To move the buckle along the strap you just need to hold the buckle perpendicular to the strap. Even with the hammock still attached this takes enough tension off to allow the clip to move easily.

Demonstration:

This video starts with a quick look at the Dutch Clips and then moves on to a detailed demonstration of how the Beetle Buckles work.

Testing Conditions:

I have done very limited testing of the Dutch Beetle Buckles in my backyard laboratory. Given the simplicity of their design and function I feel comfortable putting this review up now and will report back as needed over the year as I use them on most of my trips.

Conclusions:

I have been using Dutch's Whoopie Slings as part of my suspension from shortly after I started using hammocks a few years back. Basically a loop of line threaded through itself that allows you to make the loop longer or shorter, Whoopie Slings allow for precise adjustments letting you get the hang you want pretty fast.

Well, that is what I thought until I tried Dutch's Beetle Buckle suspension. Not only are they much easier to adjust than the Whoopie Slings, they allow me to use the Dutch Clips as well. Instead of screwing around wrapping extra suspension strap around and around a tree I can just clip on because the buckle is fully adjustable.

If you watched the video you saw how fast of a setup this combination will allow. I am really looking forward to using this on my trips this year, especially the long distance hikes. Saving time getting set up so I can sit down is always appreciated. Getting camp up fast when it is raining is where I think I'm going to really appreciate these new buckles.

As I said, I have just begun to use them, but I feel comfortable posting this review now because it is easy to see how the Beetle Buckles work. I fully expect to come back with positive news after extended use in the field but will keep this review updated in any event.

Background

Hammocking for a few years. Beetle Buckles are new this year.