Ideal tree spacing question

**Roadtorque** · 06-22-2009, 10:10

Can someone remind me what the "ideal" spacing between trees are to hang a JRB BMBH? I cant find my directions that came with the hammock but I think I read something like 15'. I'm looking to buy a tarp to go with my BMBH and am thinking its useless to get a 12' tarp if the ideal tree spacing is 12'. I'm thinking half the distance between the end of the hammock and the tree is where I want my tarp to cover. Anyway I am hoping this will help me narrow down some tarps. Currently looking at a few options from OES 10x10, 10x12, 15x12. The JRB 11x10 and the Speers winter tarp.

**Cannibal** · 06-22-2009, 10:18

15' is a good rule of thumb for any hammock IMO.

**angrysparrow** · 06-22-2009, 10:27

Another recent thread about this here.

**Eron** · 06-22-2009, 17:50

I've found the pictures in the reply by 'youngblood' under the Ridgeline Tension thread very useful.

It's about a HH, not a BMBH, but I think the logic is the same. The farther the trees are apart the higher you tie on the trees. The goal being to maintain a proper strap angle to reduce sag when you get in.

For example, I have two trees in the backyard that are 22' apart and about 3' across. I use an extension ladder to wrap my straps around them around 12' up (not sure on the exact height, but it's much higher than I can reach). My HH is about a foot off the deck and when I get in I barely sag.