Tree Protection

[firemedic]

Lately I have been reading a good amount of posts regarding tree protection from the tree straps / webbing.

As I was doing a few things yesterday, I it hit me, At the fire department occasionaly we will mess up a fire hose, wether it burst's or gets burnt. mosdt of the time they get taken out of service, and just lay around and take up space.

So why not use them as tree protection where required ?
The fire hose is typically a rubber/ vinyl liner and two cotton/synthetic jackets. Cut the hose, to length, maybe 24 inches +/-.

Thread the webbing thru the center of the hose, and you have cheap but tough protection.

What do ya'll think ?

Anyone know a Ranger that could give input ? Sometimes i amaze myself.

[Ramblinrev]

Seems to me weight would be an issue for the backpacking crowd. Other than that.. sounds doable.

[JaxHiker]

I think it'd be bulky and heavy for backpacking but it might be great for car camping in our state parks.

[Rain Man]

I don't see how it'd give much more protection than the webbing alone. Not to mention, I could see it "rolling" right down the tree trunk once you lay down. What am I missing?

Rain Man

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[MAD777]

The problem with a tubing over the real suspension, as Rain Man alluded to, is that it doesn't really spread out the force on the tree. Yes, it does a little bit, but nothing like a flat strap that evenly distributes the force over it's entire area.

Did someone mention that fire hoses are heavy & bulky?

But don't quit thinking up new ideas! At one time, the polyester tree strap was a new idea!!

[gordonfreeman]

Don't see why you can't use the hose as an actual suspension, they are pretty tuff

[RePete]

Interesting topic. There is not even a consensus on this forum that tree huggers are needed instead of rope. Not sure you will convince many that they need additional protection beyond their tree huggers. Unless you are hanging on some real delicate trees I dont see the need for more protection.

[ReXwag]

If there is a lot of sap I just use the outside of my gaiters, then put the webbing on top of them. Mainly because the tree straps are attached to my hammock and not easily removed and they go in the pack, so I would rather get my gaiters sticky than the inside of my pack.

[firemedic]

Seems to me weight would be an issue for the backpacking crowd. Other than that.. sounds doable.

I think it'd be bulky and heavy for backpacking but it might be great for car camping in our state parks.

RR and Jax. Yes the fire hose is kind of heavy, But if it were to enable you to hang in a place that wouldn't allow it, it may be worth it.

I don't see how it'd give much more protection than the webbing alone. Not to mention, I could see it "rolling" right down the tree trunk once you lay down. What am I missing?

Rain Man

.

Rain Man,

Most fire hose is flat, and has an inner diameter of at least 1 3/4" and runs all the way up too 5". and will probably be close to 1/4" thick. so it would spread and cushion the forces from the webbing. and it beeing flat it will not roll.

Interesting topic. There is not even a consensus on this forum that tree huggers are needed instead of rope. Not sure you will convince many that they need additional protection beyond their tree huggers. Unless you are hanging on some real delicate trees I dont see the need for more protection.

RePete,

I am still new to the hanging thing, but from what i understand there are places that will not allow you to hang a hammock from a tree due to " the webbing damaging the tree".

which is why I am thinking about this.



P.S. thanks for the input all

[firemedic]

Don't see why you can't use the hose as an actual suspension, they are pretty tuff

it is tough, but you would have to be a gorilla to tie it into a Knot.