Hammocks and Lightning

**Ga_Mtn_Man** · 06-01-2010, 09:46

Hey, I have a question for the experienced hangers here.

Is there a possible issue with hammocks and lightning? You are, after all, hanging possibly conductive material between two lightning poles. Almost a woodsy tesla coil I would think. So I am wondering if anyone knows about possible issues when storms are in the area.

Have there been any posters here that suddenly just quit posting? Ever been to a popular hammock campsite and found a thick, toasty vine between two trees?

**Lorethian** · 06-01-2010, 09:51

I think I have seen this question come up a couple of times before. If you do a search "Tree Struck by Lightning" online you will see some amazing images. The tree seems to virtually explode sending wood shrapnel in all directions. In my humble opinion if you are suspended from that tree, or sleeping in a tent near it the results will be the same.

**Ga_Mtn_Man** · 06-01-2010, 10:11

I have seen the aftermath of tree strikes before. It is like a bomb went off. Tree sap suddenly boiling creates tremendous pressure. Now that you mention it, I wouldn't want my tent near a tree strike either.

The house down the road from me had a tree strike. Their car hood and side panels were penetrated by wood pieces. Very impressive.

So I guess there is not much you can do but wait it out and hope.

**Cannibal** · 06-01-2010, 10:25

Originally Posted by Ga_Mtn_Man

I wouldn't want my tent near a tree strike either.

There's the rub.

Course, you can always camp away from the trees during a storm. But, then you are a solitary blip on an otherwise barren area....also a good lightning attractor.

We've all got a number on us. Just a matter of when and where.

**Lorethian** · 06-01-2010, 13:36

If God wants a meeting with you I don't think your sleeping gear will keep him at arms length.

**Spogatz** · 06-01-2010, 13:47

One good option would be to use a lightning deflector....let me know if you find one...

**MikeN** · 06-01-2010, 13:59

Originally Posted by Spogatz

One good option would be to use a lightning deflector....let me know if you find one...

They're next to the left-handed windshifters at Campmor.

**J_Squared** · 06-01-2010, 14:04

If we were talking about high-voltage not quite as high as lightning you would be unaffected since your not touching the ground. With lightning, however, anything in the vicinity is going to be affected. My cousin was knocked out by lightning striking a light pole in the middle of the Virginia Tech drill field only because of proximity. For the record, he's been struck twice.

**Bug-Bait** · 06-01-2010, 14:07

Originally Posted by Lorethian

If God wants a meeting with you I don't think your sleeping gear will keep him at arms length.

How true lol...btw, I like your Greek proverb. Japanese potters make clay and bury it and let it age for the next generation of potters to use.

**Ga_Mtn_Man** · 06-01-2010, 14:08

Originally Posted by J_Squared

If we were talking about high-voltage not quite as high as lightning you would be unaffected since your not touching the ground. With lightning, however, anything in the vicinity is going to be affected. My cousin was knocked out by lightning striking a light pole in the middle of the Virginia Tech drill field only because of proximity. For the record, he's been struck twice.

note to self: find name of cousin and avoid at all cost