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  1. #1
    Member Bearclaw's Avatar
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    The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

    I am working on the Leave No Trace Award with my Cub Scout Den and received the following information from The Leave No Trace Center for Out Door Ethics.


    “The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics do not have a recommendation either for or against tents and/or hammocks. We advocate for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

    The biggest different is that when properly used, hammocks can eliminate much of the impact generally associated with tent camping. When tent camping, you are impacting a larger area just by the sheer nature of a tent’s size and the additional impact of sleeping pads, sleeping bags and the campers inside.

    As long as ‘tree saver straps’ (2-4” wide straps that go around the tree to minimize any girdling effects) are used, there is very little impact associated with hammock camping. Besides getting in and out of the hammock, the ground beneath is almost untouched. Additionally, a hammock allows for greater flexibility when choosing a campsite. When looking for a tent site, level ground is generally preferred. However, with a hammock, one can essentially camp wherever there are trees. This could be on a steep slope, over boulders, snow or other surface the might not be suitable for tent camping.

    There is a book that you may find useful, and one that we helped review and provide Leave No Trace information for: Hammock Camping – A Guide to the New Comfort, Convenience and Freedom In the Great Outdoors, Written by Wade Edward Speer”




    Bearclaw

  2. #2
    Member keikepono's Avatar
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    yeah, good point, its always frustrating putting a lot of money into a hammock and then have some place not let you hang there...im going on a 2 week trip and the place im going won't let you use hammocks.

  3. #3
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    It sounds like they might be advocating hanging just a teeny bit (if I am reading between the lines correctly) Hopefully more folks will begin to see the light.
    Shoreborn
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    A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9)

  4. #4
    richtorfla's Avatar
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    I believe there is less impact hammock camping if done responsibly. Its the yahoos who cut v's in trees to hold up the rope (which we know you don't need to do) from slipping that puts a damper on things with the land managers. I am a LNT trainer and advocate hammock camping as long as the land manager permits it. I also live in FL where State parks prohibit hanging anything from trees. Sometimes you can educate the Rangers but they always say rules are rules. Good luck getting your Den to earn award. A very worthwhile effort. Hopefully they will build on the ethics you are trying to pass on to them! And earn the LNT award in Boy Scouts when they crossover!
    Last edited by richtorfla; 04-05-2011 at 21:54. Reason: spelling

  5. #5
    Senior Member ChrisH's Avatar
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    Notice they said with 2-4" tree huggers..

    "As long as ‘tree saver straps’ (2-4” wide straps that go around the tree to minimize any girdling effects) are used, there is very little impact associated with hammock camping."

    Even two inch is crazy wide ,IMO. Really tough to use a MSH with two inch webbing!

  6. #6
    Senior Member wildcrafter's Avatar
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    someone was using seatbelt material as tree huggers just cant remember who.
    welcome to planet earth no one gets out alive

  7. #7
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wildcrafter View Post
    someone was using seatbelt material as tree huggers just cant remember who.
    "Seatbelt" webbing is a weave pattern that comes in a variety of widths and qualities. It need not mean it was acually used as seatbelts. Strapworks carries a wide range of width in that style.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

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  8. #8
    Senior Member KerMegan's Avatar
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    off to the local auto graveyard to harvest some seatbelt material? 3-4' should more than encompass any tree in my neighborhood..sew in a loop or 2 and clip in the carabiner for the amsteel to connect- which will allow the loop to be not squished when loaded.. slightly more weight, but certainly do-able.

  9. #9
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    One thing that should be noted is the reasoning for places to be against hammock is the "perception" of how they are hanged! Most associate a hammock with putting nails and such into the tree's to hang it, which we know is not true now, but it once was, and still is for some type of hammocks, just not the ones we use! So from this perspective I can see why some places would be against hammock's! But with proper education, exposure, and time for this all to take place you very well might see a change in this belief!?!?

    True, a properly hung and used hammock will have less of a impact as a tent, but a improperly hung and used hammock can be just as harmful as a tent, if not more!
    "yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift---thats why its called a present" - Master Oogway
    It's always best if your an early riser!

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cranky Bear View Post
    True, a properly hung and used hammock will have less of a impact as a tent, but a improperly hung and used hammock can be just as harmful as a tent, if not more!
    This and the fact that many will still kick clear the area below and around their hammock of any leaves, break limbs off to place straps/tie downs etc can in many cases make a hammocker just as intrusive as someone using a tent/tarp.

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