Eagles Nest Outfitters SlapStrap

The SlapStraps are ENO's most basic suspension system. They work fine but lack versatility — a much desired characteristic in the backcountry when scoping out anchor points for a hammock.

I recently reviewed my ENO DoubleNest and thought it would be appropriate to include a review of the suspension system I use with said hammock. The ENO SlapStraps are an ENO manufactured accessory that works with any of their hammocks. These are only one of various suspension systems ENO manufactures for their hammocks, with the others being the ENO SlapStraps Pro and the ENO Atlas. More on those later.

Quick note: the following measurements are for one of the two identical straps that come in the stuff sack upon purchase. That means when I note they are 7.5 feet in length, that means each strap is 7.5 feet long. 

The SlapStraps are 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide, nylon webbing with 5 sewn on loops to be used as attachment points for the hammock. In total, the stuff sack with both straps inside weigh about 3/4 of a pound (12 oz.). At only 7.5 feet (2.286 meters) in length each, they are somewhat limited in how far apart the anchor points (ie: trees) can be apart. The bigger the trees are round, the more strap will used wrapping around the tree, thus meaning the trees will need to be closer together.

ENO sells an Atlas EXT Utility Strap for the purpose of extending your suspension system, but I haven't purchased it, nor used it. 

The provided carabiner clips into the attachment loop on the ENO SlapStrap. The carabiners are easy to replace if need be.  

I originally created this image to show the size comparison of the ENO DoubleNest Hammock, but it works just as well for visualizing the size of the ENO SlapStraps when packed in their stuff sack. 

I purchased the ENO SlapStraps mostly because I have always been terrible at remembering which knots to tie in which circumstance (knot-tying was not the strong suit of this Eagle Scout, ha ha). The SlapStraps cut out all that confusion for me and make the setup of this hammock a breeze.

At the time of purchase, I decided $20 was a fine price to pay for the convenience these straps provide. If I were in the same situation today, I would likely buy less expensive nylon webbing or something comparable and learn the knot needed to hang the hammock safely and securely. I believe this would not only be less expensive, but also would provide me increased versatility in where and how I could hang my hammock.

A quick note about the other two suspension systems that ENO sells:

• The SlapStrap Pro straps are 2 feet longer and 1/4 inch thinner. 
• The Atlas straps are roughly 1.5 feet longer and have 15 anchor points each. 

Strap Comparison Image Credit: Eagles Nest Outfitters, Inc.

http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/pdf/Strap-Comparison-chart.pdf

I have owned these straps and the Atlas ones. These straps stretch like crazy once in the hammock and you have to re-situate the location on the tree. As you use them they continue to stretch throughout the night and make for a very uncomfortable night's sleep.

I would recommend ENO's Atlas straps over these.

The setup of these straps is very simple. Find two trees 16-20 steps apart and you'll have a place to set up your hammock. The problem with the straps is that once you are in the hammock they will make a lot of stretching noise and the hammock will begin to stretch until you are close to sitting on the ground, if not already there.

The straps do this every time I have used them. It's not like they stretch for a few times and then stay stretched out. They constantly stretch no mater how many times you use them.

Great product. Makes hammock setup xxx easy. They do expand overnight with the moisture from the dew. You want to compensate for that or you will wake up w/ your bottom on the ground...or very close...lol.

Great product, easy setup.

A simple to use suspension system from ENO.

I bought these before upgrading to the SlapStrap Pro which is plagued with the same stretch issues. After several hours these give A LOT.

I would recommend an alternative if you intend to do more than just lounge in the backyard with this hammock.