Wondering what would happen if you were hanging and the tree you had your tree strap around got struck by lighting.
1 would the bolt go into the ground or would it try yo run down the tree strap and into you the hanger. Just sitting here with thunderstorms in the forecast for the next few days and nights
I'm not completely stupid, just "Nucking Futz"
Oh, you could obsess about this topic till the cows come home, and some do.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ight=lightning
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ight=lightning
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ight=lightning
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Ralph Waldo Emerson
not a direct answer, but as a supplement, and because I like the material...
http://what-if.xkcd.com/16/
I'm certain the length of suspension would make a difference, as would your distance from the ground. If I were to make a semi-educated guess, I would say you stand very little risk of direct electrocution, It's easier for lightning stuck in a tree to simply keep on moving to the ground than to go through your straps, into your hammock, then you, then through the air to the ground. Distance is resistance, and air is a lousy conductor, as is nylon/polyester ( which are poor, but not overly resistive either, btw).
That said, I sure as hell don't want to be anywhere NEAR a tree getting struck by lightning, as there are other dangers involved, such as shrapnel, fire, etc. It's a very violent event!
Cheers
Last edited by Aerobyrd93; 06-05-2014 at 00:35.
Yes....dangerous but also mesmerizing. Sometimes you just get caught and caught up in it. If things got too bad we would go squat in a low spot on a piece of pad.
Shug
Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven
Nice video! It's funny how looking back, most of my fondest trail memories are of the most hellish storms.
That is one of my favorite vids that you posted! You and Hickery are a hoot, hope to see you on the trail sometime.Originally Posted by Shug
I been on several outings when a thunderstorm and lightning would blow in during the night. Most times, I am awakened by a thunder clap, I raise my head and look at the lightning show for a few minutes and before you know it, I'm back asleep in some of the deepest sleep ever. I haven't really worried about lightning striking the tree I'm strapped to.
"A man's got to know his limitations," Clint Eastwood in Magnum Force
Outstanding video!!
You have very little to worry about. If you have ever actually _seen_ a tree that has been hit by lightning you know it explodes. If the lightning don't get you, the shrapnel will. But that's true regardless of whether you are in a hammock or in a tent. It doesn't even need to be the tree you are strapped to. So relax, enjoy the show and snooze on. Some things you just have no control over.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
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