How do I advocate "proper" hammock camping without being a jerk?

**old4hats** · 09-08-2014, 12:27

A possible conversation:
Hi, I like your hammock. Say, did you know that some states do not allow hammocks?
No, why not?
They say people damage the trees by using rope or wire cable to hang with. A lot of hammockers are trying to get this changed, but it is an uphill battle.
Well I am using rope, I didn't think about harming the trees, but I do see some scrapes there.
Exactly, and some say that the inner layer gets damaged to the point the tree dies. I have a better way to hang, use wide straps.
Straps, what do you mean?
This is your cue to teach and/or demonstrate.
And another person becomes educated and at the same time becomes less of a liability to all of our access to our great out doors. No one got mad, everything was low key, win, win.

**Drewmon71** · 09-08-2014, 12:28

I am glad you spoke up and sent him an e-mail. So many scouts and troops are experimenting with hammocking that a few bad decisions could lead to the practice being outright banned. Hopefully this "knowledgeable" scout master will learn from you and be able to help the BSA with his influence and get some standards set before hammocking is banned. Any time you see people damaging the nature around us, you should feel obligated to speak up, you don't have to be mean or nasty, but you have speak up and educate!!!

**dirkomatic** · 09-08-2014, 12:54

Originally Posted by OutandBack

Well I'm going to state the obvious.
Looks like this guy is getting into hammocks and has some influence with a potentially large group of future hammockers.
PLEASE invite him to join our forum.

He replied to my message and I did just that; invited him to the forum.

He thanked me for my observation.

**swoody126** · 09-09-2014, 09:42

i have found that doing something around youngsters with my back turned makes them curious

you might try taking a supply of strap materials on your next adventure and, w/ your son, make a set of tree straps, in camp

if you create the appearance of having fun w/ your backs turned to the general populous, you might generate curiosity and a learning experience

i realize this is a MIGHT situation but believe it is worth a try

if successful, you could MAKE A PRESENTATION of your creation to the offending leader, as a gesture of thanks for his dedication and to make his hang easier, more adjustable and more LNT friendly... ±

i realize this would take an investment on your part but, just but, it might pay off with dividends

some of the other Scouts might, also, like to make a set for themselves & their hammocks

in simpler words, ADVOCATE THRU EXAMPLE

good luck w/ your issue

**miyanc** · 09-09-2014, 09:58

Originally Posted by dirkomatic

My email has been sent to the scoutmaster. He really does do a lot for our council and from what I understand is a great guy. I really hope he understands what I am trying to explain and doesn't get upset....

Good job. Like I said I will always try and educate. Most of the people I deal with (most are committing crimes) by the end of the conversation are thanking me even when I just cited them. I tell people they are much more likely to talk themselves into a ticket then out of one. I hope he understands and I really love the idea of getting Boy's Life and Derek Hanson involved. This will effect a great many more people then just the people we are talking about.

**miyanc** · 09-09-2014, 10:12

BTW I just submitted a request to Boy's Life asking for more information on how to submit an article. Maybe I will send a PM to Derek to gauge his interest.

**lanzecki** · 09-09-2014, 11:01

Manufacturers should start shipping with straps instead of ropes. And provide instructions.

Not that I bought mine. DIY all the way.

Noone in Ireland hangs afaic, but I soon found why straps should be used within 5 mins goggling.

**Gresh** · 09-09-2014, 11:07

This seems like a pick your battles sort of thing to me. He/they aren't doing permanent damage to the trees, so I wouldn't sweat it. Generally accepted "best practice" is to use straps, but HYOH. Driving nails or eye bolts into the trunk would be a different story.

**mugs** · 09-09-2014, 11:10

This Hammock Merit Badge link might help in your quest.

**Xtrm tj** · 09-09-2014, 11:18

Just talk with the guy and give him the info of this forum and maybe he will inform himself also. Everyone else on here has gave sound advise also.

Have him watch Shugs videos. Also tll the scouts about Shugs YouTube link also.

Maybe that will help keep you out of the middle, and he will find out on his own.

Good luck!!