Newb question on tree huggers

[DawgU]

If the tree's diameter is such that I can wrap the tree huggers around it 1 1/2 times, do you do that (and lash the rope against itself)?

Alternatively I could just have the huggers go behind the tree as extend out towards the hammock line? Will the tree huggers hold like this or will they tend to slide down the tree?

[riverkeeper]

Bark friction should hold the huggers up without more than one wrap.

But this is better ... Rather than just immediately extending the loop ends toward the hammock, to get more friction try tying one over hand knot with the arms. If you need to shorten the arms continue wrapping the arms away from each other in the opposite direction over the hugger material.

[I Splice]

I've not had good luck with tree huggers unless they are squeezing the tree. Sometimes I thread one end of the tree hugger through the loop on the other end so that it cinches down on the tree. Sometimes I lash the rope as you suggested.

Bob S

[gunn parker]

I like to start (tree diameter permitting) with the ends of the tree huggers in each hand and put my arms around the tree and pass the ends back to the front toward the hammock.
If that makes sense

So the middle of the hugger faces the hammock and both ends go around the back and then back to the front.

[Just Jeff]

I've had good results w/o the webbing cinching down on the tree...just going around behind it. Not ideal, and sometimes I have to adjust it before I get in each time, but once I'm in it usually doesn't slide unless I swing in it.

Another option is to wrap it as much of the 1-1/2 times as you can, then use the cord to go the rest of the way. If the tree is small enough, the cord will come away from the tree and won't put any stress on the tree anyway once you get in. But if the tree is big enough that the cord will stress the tree, just get a few twigs and insert them vertically between the cord and the tree. This will spread the cord's force across the twigs' area and protect the tree, which is exactly what the webbing does. Probably won't notice any scarring afterwards...which is the goal.