Bamboo Tripod 2nd "Tree"

**hppyfngy** · 05-29-2011, 13:40

So there are lots of nice places to hang but the spot I wanted only had one tree. You've heard the story before but I needed something light and easy to take down and set up, and I like the aesthetic of bamboo.

Here's my no cost solution. Got three pieces of bamboo from a friend. (About 1-1/4" diameter and 13' long.) Lashed them on up at about 8' high with some sisal.

Tree huggers - one to the anchor from above and one to hammock below.

And viola, instant tree.

I happen to have a handy potting shed to screw an eyebolt into for my anchor but by orienting the bamboo the way I have it there is very little pull on the anchor line. The upper strap going to the anchor is mostly just keeping everything from moving. The lower strap, being below the lashing and in the crotch of the forelegs, puts the downward force on them, and therefore they take most of the pull off the anchor. Whoopies on all three connections.

It's rock solid and dead easy to make.

**Bradley** · 05-29-2011, 13:59

And you could hang your Backpack under it as well . . .

. . . and wouldn't need much of a nylon wrap from the apex down part way, as a weather/rain shield.

Sweet . . .

**pedro** · 05-29-2011, 14:02

Looks good! Keep an eye on the bamboo as it ages. There is a tendency to crack.

**hppyfngy** · 05-29-2011, 15:00

Thanks. The bigger the better with bamboo. I've used it for tipi's and trellis' before and it seems to be good for a summer anyway. It also helps to cut the bottoms below the node so you have a more solid foot.

Good to keep an eye on it's condition though.

It really helps to have a friend who has it growing... Infinite supply...

**Simon** · 06-15-2011, 14:11

That looks great. Is there a name for that knot BTW?

**shumway** · 06-15-2011, 14:15

tripod lashing is the term I've seen.

**Simon** · 06-15-2011, 14:18

Originally Posted by shumway

tripod lashing is the term I've seen.

I should've seen that coming

**hippofeet** · 06-15-2011, 14:21

How do you put up with that location? Pretty rough. lol.

**hppyfngy** · 06-15-2011, 15:53

Originally Posted by Simon

That looks great. Is there a name for that knot BTW?

Yup, tripod lashing. Here's the basics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55thqbbYF14

Originally Posted by hippofeet

How do you put up with that location? Pretty rough. lol.

Well, sometimes there are gnats...

**Jsaults** · 06-16-2011, 08:28

have you ever tried using a bipod instead of a tripod?

I have used a bipod (made from aluminum Uni-Strut) for similar applications and had no problems. Also considering fabricating a second bipod for totally treeless applications or state parks where using trees as anchors is prohibited.

Jim