Turn Just a Pole and a Rope into a Hammock Stand
All you need is a strong pole and a rope — no tools, special parts, or extra gear required.
This rope-based method doesn’t rely on fixed-size hardware like a titanium washer, so it works with poles of various diameters. It’s a versatile but primitive solution that’s lightweight, compact, and ready to use.
This is a minimalist variation of the DIY Hammock Stand — offering a more versatile, hardware-free alternative. /icons/hr.icon
🪢 How It Supports the Hammock
The Main Idea: Use the Boa Knot and the Step
This method uses a powerful rope technique called the Boa Knot — it tightens under load and resists slipping.
The knot is tied just above the step of the pole — a flat edge where the pole sections connect — creating a natural stopper that prevents the rope from sliding down.
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The step acts like a built-in stopper, and the knot sits snugly against it.
With this simple combination, your full body weight is held securely — no special gear, no slipping, and no need to retie it each time.
It follows the same basic idea as using a titanium washer, but here the pole’s own shape does the job — so you don’t need any extra hardware.
Why Choose Boa Knot?
There are several well-known ways to tie the rope securely, each with its own trade-offs:
Clove hitch — the simplest to tie, but prone to coming undone when not under load. It usually needs to be retied for each setup.
Constrictor knot — more secure than a clove hitch and less likely to become undone when not under load.
Boa knot — the most complex to tie, but very secure and stays tight over time.
For these reasons, I chose the Boa Knot — it’s strong, reliable, and once tied, there’s no need to retie it again.
Why Not Just a Loop?
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Some might wonder if you can skip the knot altogether.
Technically, you can — and it might even work surprisingly well in some cases.
But under load, a simple loop can loosen slightly and come off, especially if the fit isn't perfect.
That’s why I recommend using the Boa Knot. It tightens under load, and stays in place — even after many uses.
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⚙️ What You Need
Just two things — a strong pole and a strong rope:
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Strong pole (at least 4 ft / 122 cm)
Examples (I tested):
1.38 in (35 mm) aluminum alloy pole
Must be a heavy-duty sectional pole
Often designed for very large tarp setups.
Telescoping poles may not be strong enough.
Strong rope (approx. 3 ft / 1 m)
Example (I tested):
1/8 in (3 mm) UHMWPE rope, rated to 2000 lb
Where to buy
AliExpress (personally purchased): Seller eBay (not personally tested): Seller Note: Both the pole and rope must be strong enough to support body weight. Use at your own risk and prioritize safety.
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🛠️ How to Set It Up
1. Tie a Boa Knot just above the step — a flat edge where the pole sections connect.
2. Hang your hammock from just above the knot — this knot and the step together will hold it securely.
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Once you tie the Boa Knot at home, you don’t need to retie it at camp — just reuse the same setup.
In fact, I’ve used the same rope — tied just once — for months and dozens of outings without any issues.
The knot has never slipped, and with no hardware sticking out, it packs down much more compactly.
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➰️ Add Loops to Connect Anchor Lines
Once the Boa Knot is tied, add a small loop at each end of the rope.
These loops make it easy to attach anchor lines — the ropes that keep the pole stable by connecting it to the ground (like whoopie slings, UCRs, etc.).
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The simplest way to make these loops is with a standard bowline.
If you’d like to reuse the rope for other purposes later, consider a quick-release bowline — it’s easy to untie.
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🦴 Optional: Use a Dog Bone Instead of a Rope
Instead of tying loops yourself, you can also use a Dog Bone — a short rope with pre-made loops on both ends.
This removes the need to tie Bowline knots altogether.
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It’s strong, tidy, and has become my favorite method — and it’s easy to make, too. /icons/hr.icon
⚠️ Safety Notes
Make sure your pole and rope are strong enough to support your full body weight.
Always test the setup in a safe environment (like at home) before using it in the field.
Use at your own risk, and always prioritize safety.
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♾️ Minimal, Primitive, Reliable
This method uses nothing but a pole and a rope — yet it works.
No crafting, no custom parts, no complicated gear.
Just one solid knot placed on the step of a pole.
Once tied, you can use it again and again without retying.
Minimal setup. Primitive technique. Reliable performance.
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