What Size Tree Huggers for an AT Thru hike?

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09-26-2012, 16:19
Darwin S and A

What Size Tree Huggers for an AT Thru hike?

Can I get away with 6 foot tree huggers or should I bump it up to 8 feet? Did anyone have experience with this issue? thanks
09-26-2012, 17:03
2ply

I section hike the Southern AT and have not had a problem using 6' straps.
09-26-2012, 17:09
Cannibal

The vast majority of the time, the six footers will probably be just dandy.

However, flexibility is really important at times on a Thru. Sometimes, you just don't have the legs, or energy to push on; the quicker you find a site, the happier you'll be. I carried 11' of straps (still do), but only a couple of times did I use it all to get the hang I wanted. Carrying the 8' straps would give you a nice compromise between long (mine) and the 6' lengths.

The AT is a different experience for everyone that walks that path. Take what I say (or anyone says) with a grain of salt. All Thrus find their own groove and equipment isn't difficult to change out. :cool:
09-26-2012, 17:24
Darwin S and A

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannibal

The vast majority of the time, the six footers will probably be just dandy.

However, flexibility is really important at times on a Thru. Sometimes, you just don't have the legs, or energy to push on; the quicker you find a site, the happier you'll be. I carried 11' of straps (still do), but only a couple of times did I use it all to get the hang I wanted. Carrying the 8' straps would give you a nice compromise between long (mine) and the 6' lengths.

The AT is a different experience for everyone that walks that path. Take what I say (or anyone says) with a grain of salt. All Thrus find their own groove and equipment isn't difficult to change out. :cool:

Oh ya I know that it's hike your own hike. I'm no AT novice or backpacking novice, just a hammock novice. Of course it's my final call but just hearing about the experiences other hand can give me enough data to make a great choice. The people on this forum are fantastic at that! I will most likely go with 8 footers.
09-26-2012, 17:33
hppyfngy

I am a novice but I live in the area and when I go out I take a 6' and a 10' just in case. Plus extenders. FWIW...
09-26-2012, 18:44
affreeman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwin S and A

Can I get away with 6 foot tree huggers or should I bump it up to 8 feet? Did anyone have experience with this issue? thanks

I thru-hiked with my Hennessy hammock which comes with, I believe, 42" tree straps, and I hammocked every single night on the trail. Only a small handful of times was this not long enough, and it's easy enough to hang the hammock even if the straps don't reach all the way around the tree.
09-26-2012, 19:32
ofuros

For flexibility I use 8, 6 & 4ft tree huggers. The 4 footer is added to the longer lengths if needed or used on its own.
09-27-2012, 05:18
bear bag hanger

I use 14' webbing for my ring buckle suspension. During my thru hike, I ran into one night where I had to use about 12' of webbing to get around one rather large tree. I don't think I used more than 6' the rest of the trip, but don't know for sure. I like the idea of taking one 6' and one 8' straps. I don't think I've ever had to hang from two very large trees at the same time.