Fat Trees!

[Pipsissewa]

that old growth fir strikes a resemblance

Thanks for the hint! I took a screen shot of your video way back when we first talked about this. I remember that the YouTube name wasn't rip waverly, so I didn't even know if it was yours. Then I took pictures of my own set up, tried to post, failed, then my camera bit the dust permanently. But I still had the screen shot from the video. And I couldn't remember where it came from. I wish I had pictures of my set up with a marlin spike hitch. Some people seem to have difficulty understanding this technique! But, at least, we have your screen shot. Thanks!

[rip waverly]

sorry about your camera! i think i originally remember dutch talking about this method --- whatever keeps us hanging!

[Chenvre]

My regular straps are 12' each. The suspension weighs more using cinches and long webbing, but for the extra weight I can have less trouble with awkward tree sizes/layouts going through unknown areas which could be a problem with minimalist gear (although a very rare occurance, but that's what we are talking about, right?)

There is an oak tree near here, however, that might give my 12' straps trouble. I'm gonna have to test it out now!

[Teegs]

Here's a question for ya'll: Is there a rough conversion between tree diameter and necessary strap length + MSH? It would be nice to have a conversion that I could do in my head when estimating whether my straps will make it around a tree.

Things I've found thus far:
- It's not quite as simple as tree circumference, though that is a start I believe.
- The length changes a bit depending on the diameter of the OTHER tree.
- Length changes depending on whether you thread your suspension across the center line between trees, or parallel to it.

Thoughts?

[rip waverly]

Here's a question for ya'll: Is there a rough conversion between tree diameter and necessary strap length + MSH? It would be nice to have a conversion that I could do in my head when estimating whether my straps will make it around a tree.

Things I've found thus far:
- It's not quite as simple as tree circumference, though that is a start I believe.
- The length changes a bit depending on the diameter of the OTHER tree.
- Length changes depending on whether you thread your suspension across the center line between trees, or parallel to it.

Thoughts?

i'd just try , and leave the math stuff for civilization.

soon enough, you can eyeball a distance, tree girth etc... & know to attempt or not... or just throw it around and feel for it. not quite the formula you may be seeking - but the forest is abstract

[Teegs]

Hahaha, yeah I think better in terms of numbers. Must be the engineer in me.

[rip waverly]

Hahaha, yeah I think better in terms of numbers. Must be the engineer in me.

we do have some bigg'uns out here that i wouldn't even attempt.

i once was forced to think on my feet in the sisters wilderness -
facing off against an old growth fir that swallowed my straps, suspension
and the extender(s) i brought. it was sleeting and dark... and the best
spot i could find under the circumstances.

[Hiknhanger]

My suspension setup is much like the photo, but I have my adjustable loop on the Whoopie sling permanently attached through the loop on my tree strap where the buckle is on Pips' photo, and I have a soft shackle where she has the sewn loop on the right side of the photo. I can use the MSH with a toggle under normal circumstances, or stretch it out for big trees if needed. I did this setup so I wouldn't forget my tree straps, but it would work great for this too. I hope my description makes sense.

[PAHikingTrails]

Depending on the distance between your two trees you could always extend your whoopie on your hammock and use that? Probably would not be fun to do trying to guess the length as it would make it difficult to adjust, but it would work. I had to do this already!