S-hook alternative.

[Pare]

I've thought about an alternative to S-hooks that may have been used by trappers, Indians, travelers, etc. Even though I haven't read every book or seen every picture about the western Fur Trade, but I'm sure common sense was used and they devised a substitute. While in the woods I've cut a check-marked branch from a hickory sapling, about 3" long and about 1/4" in diameter, and tied a long piece of brain-tan to it for suspension, which worked fine. I've seen some folks use a small section of antler, too. Have any of you used anything similar?

Again, what I've made may not be documented...but taking a dump in the woods isn't neither, but you know it was done.

Pare-

[Rod]

I've done pretty much the same thing, a bit of forked branch is all it takes. Sometimes I'll just use a slipknot in some rope.

Rod