The Maiden of the Rock: A Deep Dive into Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize

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The Maiden of the Rock: A Deep Dive into Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize Belize is a land rich with history and adventure, and for those who love to explore, its ancient Mayan ruins offer a glimpse into a world both magnificent and mysterious. My wife, Linda, and our friends, Eamon and Athena, and I dedicated our third day in Belize to exploring one of the most magnificent of these sites: Xunantunich, or "The Maiden of the Rock." This post will serve as your comprehensive guide to this breathtaking archaeological site, sharing our firsthand experience and helping you prepare for your own unforgettable journey. The grounds are well-kept, which we noticed the moment we walked into the central plaza, and the site is much bigger than we anticipated. The Journey Begins with a Hand-Cranked Ferry Getting to Xunantunich is a part of the adventure in itself, and it’s a detail that adds to the site's remote and timeless feel. The day of our visit was incredibly sunny, and the dri...
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Gear Review: Life Outdoorz Hammock Straps

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Hammock Hanging with My Life Outdoorz Straps

Editor's Note - October 6, 2025: Although I still own these hammock straps and use them occasionally, they are no longer available, and it appears that the company no longer exists. 

I was excited to get a new set of hammock straps because it had been way too long since I’d used my hammock.  Life Outdoorz hammock straps compelled me to recommit to incorporating my hammock back into my adventure rotation.  With that said, I decided to head out on a camping trip with my dog, BeeGee.  The straps are 10 feet long and 2 inches wide, weighing 23 ounces, and have the incredible ability to hold 2,204 pounds.  The straps are wrapped around a tree, fed back through a metal O-Ring, and then 1 of the carabiners hooks onto your hammock.  While you are at it, check out the Life Outdoorz website; however, be prepared because the website is incredibly underwhelming.

using our Life Outdoorz Hammock Straps
BeeGee and I are in our hammock getting ready for bed.

As it turns out, BeeGee isn't a huge fan of being in a hammock.  I guess the rocking and it feels too unstable for her to get comfortable.  I hoped that putting a bug net around the hammock would help her settle down.  That was not the case, and she never really came to terms with hammock hanging.  I guess I need to spend more time getting her used to the hammock, or maybe not.

The Good Stuff

When I first looked at my new straps, my first thought was, “Wow, these things look durable and sturdy.”  I think the straps look a lot like seat belts, and that means no stretch.  The strength and anti-stretch ability were tested by BeeGee (my dog), all our gear, and me, all in our 2-person hammock.  The straps held us in place just fine, and there was no noticeable stretch.  Furthermore, once you have found 2 trees for hanging your hammock, it’s a breeze to actually hook your hammock to the straps.  Life Outdoorz claims 2 minutes, but I don’t think I was actually that fast, though.  Finally, the wide strap protects the trees you are using to hang from.  There was no noticeable damage to the tree bark after our trip.

using Life Outdoorz Hammock Straps
Wrap your straps around a tree, and they hook right up to your hammock.

The Issues

The straps, O-rings, and carabiners are heavy.  These are great for use in the backyard or car camping, but I wouldn’t take these straps on an extended hiking or backpacking trip.  It is simply one of the tradeoffs, a little more weight for a lot more durability.  Finally, the design can be somewhat challenging to use.  If the 2 trees you decide to hang from aren’t very close, you will end up hanging too low or won’t have enough slack to hook up to your hammock.  I assume a hammock master wouldn’t have these issues, but I did.  I had to experiment with multiple trees before finding a suitable pair.

using Life Outdoorz Hammock Straps
Straps wrapped around a tree, no stretch here

Final Thoughts

These straps aren’t made from the lightest, fanciest materials, but they are durable and a good set of budget straps that will get the job done without any major issues.  I think these are a great set of starter straps, and I plan to use them as my loaner set for anyone who wants to try hammock hanging.  I received this product free of charge to provide an honest review.  

Are you a hammock hanger, if so what do you use to hang your hammock, rope, or straps?  I’d love to know your thoughts.  I'd love to know your thoughts.  If you’re looking to stay updated on BeeGee’s adventures, go ahead and follow us on Facebook.

Jarrett Morgan

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