Tree Strap Length

**J_Squared** · 11-05-2009, 11:09

This seems like a painfully obvious thread topic, however, I searched a couple of times and came up empty.

Question: What is the optimum tree strap length?

I assume the answer is going to very by location since trees here in the Mid-Atlantic seem to be most prominently second growth which tend to be tall and thin. I do most of my backpacking along the AT between TN and PA and in WV. I consider myself a lightweight backpacker, not UL so I don't want to carry a bunch of extra strap around just to put extra wraps on small trees, but I don't want to have to use rope to extend my tree straps every night either. So I'm looking for opinions from folks in this area who like or dislike a specific length of tree strap.

Is anyone using one 6' strap and one 8' strap (for example) since no two trees are ever the same size? This would cut down on weight and give you a little more flexibility.

Clarification: I am referring to tree hugger length such as you would use with a rope or whoopee suspension.

**angrysparrow** · 11-05-2009, 11:12

Are you using webbing for the full suspension, ala a cinch buckle or ring buckle? Or are you using webbing only as tree huggers, ala a HH knot or whoopie slings on a marlinspike hitch?

For full suspension setups, you probably will be fine with 12' per end. For hugger setups, you'll likely want 6' per end.

**vitamaltz** · 11-05-2009, 11:21

What AS said. I'd add that while the one short strap and one long strap idea sounds good, after a while I've realized that our mid-Atlantic woods don't have quite as many options as they appear to have at first. One of the main things that rules out a hanging site for me is underbrush that will drive me nuts making a rubbing sound against the bottom of the hammock all night. Hanging higher can solve this sometimes, but not always. Also, even if two trees are perfectly spaced, sometimes there's not good clearance to pitch my tarp, so I move on. Bottom line, I like having two straps 12-14 feet long since it gives me more flexibility. I use the straps as part of my suspension with the marlinspike method, but the majority of the length of the strap is around the tree. Straps get you thinking about tree diameter, and there are many trees in our region with more than a six-foot circumference. You may find yourself wanting to hang in a park-like setting one day with huge elms and maples and you'll be happy for the extra length.

I think there was a strap length discussion a while back. Angrysparrow can find things in the archives that elude me.

**canoebie** · 11-05-2009, 11:24

I use two 15 ft. lengths. It gives me flexibility, and I am not an UL guy. I like options. Northern Michigan where I do most of my hanging occasionally presents some large white pines or deciduous trees. The length is then needed.

**J_Squared** · 11-05-2009, 11:33

I am currently using the stock WB strap suspension either 13 or 15' I think. Obviously this is more flexible since you can go with a longer hang distance with smaller trees and vice versa. I am looking to save some weight with a whoopee sling suspension. I don't want to cut my stock straps to make the tree huggers though so I can change back if I decide I don't want to worry about tree size in my site selection.

**angrysparrow** · 11-05-2009, 11:36

Originally Posted by J_Squared

I am looking to save some weight with a whoopee sling suspension. I don't want to cut my stock straps to make the tree huggers though so I can change back if I decide I don't want to worry about tree size in my site selection.

If you use a whoopie sling but carry the long huggers, you'll have actually added weight rather than remove it.

**J_Squared** · 11-05-2009, 11:40

True; Does anyone know the weight/length of the 1" seatbelt straps from strapworks?

**angrysparrow** · 11-05-2009, 11:41

Originally Posted by J_Squared

True; Does anyone know the weight/length of the 1" seatbelt straps from strapworks?

Strapworks 1" Polyester - 1.23oz/yd
Strapworks 1" Seatbelt Polyester - 1.04oz/yd
Warbonnet 1" Polyester - .65oz/yd
OWFINC 1" Polyester (Woodland) - .63oz/yd
Harbor Freight 1" Polyester (Yellow) - .54oz/yd

**lazyboy** · 11-05-2009, 11:46

I use 65" long straps for tree huggers and whoopie slings with 6 feet of adjustment attached to the straps with a marlin spike hitch and toggle system. Never had any trouble hanging my hammock with this kit. I make a complete kit with 2, 65 " long, 1" polyester seatbelt webbing ( the best imo) straps with a loop sewn in one end, 2 whoopie slings made from 7/64 Amsteel in silver and two hardwood dowel toggles. Rated strenght for this is 1600 lbs. The whoopie slings have a buried eye splice for larksheading onto your hammock. $30 shipped. weight is less tha 6 oz.

**Quoddy** · 11-05-2009, 11:47

Originally Posted by J_Squared

True; Does anyone know the weight/length of the 1" seatbelt straps from strapworks?

I use short huggers with my 6' whoopies... either 4' or 5' depending upon where I'm going. A pair of looped 4' long 1" straps in seat belt material from Strapworks weighs exactly 3.0oz.