View Full Version : Tree Hugger Woes
Greetings everyone...a newbie here. I've just completed my fourth hang using the HH Ultralight A-sym, but had to be less tree friendly this trip due to failure of one of my stock tree huggers. It was beyond shock to experience such breakage during my slumber. The trip was only saved by the fact I was sleeping over flat ground and not the rocky ledge I first considered on my hike into the park. I ditched the huggers and tied back off directly to the trees, but didn't sleep as peaceful as before of course, wondering how much I would hurt the next day, and whether the spectra line would break next. I was wondering whether you experienced hangers have ditched the stock tree huggers due to reported failures such as mine, or is it just a matter of ease of setup. Also, any ideas of what I may have done to cause the failure would be appreciated (too much tension?). I weigh 180 lbs. and was using the recommended figure 8 tie off to the tree huggers. I can tell the other tree hugger was beginning to wear through and was close to failure as well. I'm hesitant to return them for replacement.
Thanks,
Hophead
FanaticFringer
09-03-2007, 18:20
Hello Hophead and welcome to the forum,
Really strange you had your tree hugger break after only 4 uses. I dont have a clue. I've ditched my tree huggers cause they were a royal pain for me.
I got sick of constantly having to re-adjust my hammocks tension. Tired of how slow my set up and break down was.....and on and on....................
Can you tell I hate those things. Many Hennessy owners here have also ditched theirs and switched to a better suspension system such as the ring/cinch buckles system. I just posted some info. on it on another thread.
www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=1293&catid=member&imageuser=45
At the end of the webbing is a loop, I attach my Camp USA Nano wire carabiner to the loop
and wrap around the tree and clip to the webbing. Super simple and super fast. You can get
webbing as long as you'd like. I use 12' per side and can hang on trees over 20' apart if I wish.
Tree thickness is not an issue like it can be with the tree huggers.
Polyester and Polypropelene are the two types of webbing recommended.
Greetings everyone...a newbie here. I've just completed my fourth hang using the HH Ultralight A-sym, but had to be less tree friendly this trip due to failure of one of my stock tree huggers. It was beyond shock to experience such breakage during my slumber. The trip was only saved by the fact I was sleeping over flat ground and not the rocky ledge I first considered on my hike into the park. I ditched the huggers and tied back off directly to the trees, but didn't sleep as peaceful as before of course, wondering how much I would hurt the next day, and whether the spectra line would break next. I was wondering whether you experienced hangers have ditched the stock tree huggers due to reported failures such as mine, or is it just a matter of ease of setup. Also, any ideas of what I may have done to cause the failure would be appreciated (too much tension?). I weigh 180 lbs. and was using the recommended figure 8 tie off to the tree huggers. I can tell the other tree hugger was beginning to wear through and was close to failure as well. I'm hesitant to return them for replacement.
Thanks,
Hophead
schrochem
09-03-2007, 18:39
Welcome Hophead.
You don't know how odd it is for me to say that.
First, I also live in Austin,
Second, 'Hophead' is the name I use in company football pools.
So that's a bit odd for me.....
About the tree huggers, where did they actually break?
You could get some polyster webbing and make some nice huggers that won't break. However, four uses does sound pretty strange. Any chance there was a sharp edge on the tree that sliced into the webbing?
Where did you venture out to? Any crowds? How was the rain? :D
Greetings everyone...a newbie here. I've just completed my fourth hang using the HH Ultralight A-sym, but had to be less tree friendly this trip due to failure of one of my stock tree huggers. It was beyond shock to experience such breakage during my slumber. The trip was only saved by the fact I was sleeping over flat ground and not the rocky ledge I first considered on my hike into the park. I ditched the huggers and tied back off directly to the trees, but didn't sleep as peaceful as before of course, wondering how much I would hurt the next day, and whether the spectra line would break next. I was wondering whether you experienced hangers have ditched the stock tree huggers due to reported failures such as mine, or is it just a matter of ease of setup. Also, any ideas of what I may have done to cause the failure would be appreciated (too much tension?). I weigh 180 lbs. and was using the recommended figure 8 tie off to the tree huggers. I can tell the other tree hugger was beginning to wear through and was close to failure as well. I'm hesitant to return them for replacement.
Thanks,
Hophead
Hello fellow Hophead. I'm assuming you picked your name for the same reason as I. Are you by chance an Austin Zealot (homebrewer)? The tree hugger broke right at the loop end. It appears frayed from the spectra line. I didn't see any other posts reflecting any problem like mine, so I may return them to HH and see what they say. I'm still going to look into replacement webbing as well.
I was at Pedernales Falls State Park this weekend in the primitive area. Nice hang site away from the ground dwellers on the ridge, but away from the edge of the ridge at the last minute. Good thing. I had a nice small runoff stream from the rain leading into a waterfall right by my site. Very peaceful...until....
schrochem
09-03-2007, 20:47
Hello fellow Hophead. I'm assuming you picked your name for the same reason as I. Are you by chance an Austin Zealot (homebrewer)? The tree hugger broke right at the loop end. It appears frayed from the spectra line. I didn't see any other posts reflecting any problem like mine, so I may return them to HH and see what they say. I'm still going to look into replacement webbing as well.
....
Well I used to be a homebrewer. Life kind of swallowed that hobby up :) It was back when AHS was over on 51st or so and St. Pats was in schofield farms and down next to waterloo brewing....
However, IPA has always been my favorite brew(hence the hops). A new one just came to town called Racer 5 from California, you should check it out. I had it last October when I was out in San Jose on business. I was shocked when it was on tap at the Draught House.
Oh about the webbing... :) yep I give hennessy a ring or an email. They'll definitely send you a replacement. Did it look like it came unstitched?
I was at Pedernales Falls State Park this weekend in the primitive area. Nice hang site away from the ground dwellers on the ridge, but away from the edge of the ridge at the last minute. Good thing. I had a nice small runoff stream from the rain leading into a waterfall right by my site. Very peaceful...until....
That's the beauty of hammocking, you aren't limited to where you sleep. I get kind of naughty and do stealth camping. I'm a leave no trace kind of guy so I don't abuse that privilege. I was at pedernales in June and stayed in a little different place :D Here (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101006652450212856923.0000011326d610bfba09b&t=k&om=1&ll=30.296907,-98.230132&spn=0.001862,0.003616&z=18)
Nobody around :) and I was close to clean water to filter over at Jones Spring. Next time I think I have a better spot picked out :)
BTW I hope you know about the beautiful swimming hole in Bee Creek just off the 'trail' aka road. It's a great place to take a dip.
The Good Water Trail on lake georgetown has some great 'hanging spots' that aren't necessarily near Sawyer, etc. :cool:
No it didn't come unstiched at all. It broke right in the middle of the loop. I wish my digital camera was working so I could post a picture of the break and the fraying on the other loops. It's almost as if it was cut by the spectra line.
Thanks for the info on Georgetown. I'm always looking for new spots to camp. I've worn many of the same old trails out. I don't think I was too far from your stealth spot. I was tempted to get closer to the river, but couldn't get away from the draw of the waterfall.
Ah yes, IPA, the greatest beer ever made IMO.
Hophead (Gary)
question...is this a new hammock????...the only thing i have ever seen make webbing break like that was
A. long term UV damage
B ..caustic chems getting on the webbing.....
...freak things do happen..with anything no matter how new or strong...and hennessy is known for making good on their product...i would drop them a line and ask what they will do to make it right...i have used my huggers in many many hangs and and they show no signs of damages or wear... i trust them completely..
tgilmore
09-03-2007, 23:42
Hennessy recently notified me of the possibility of the spectra line cutting through the tree huggers. They sent new huggers for my HH hammocks - no charge. The new huggers are of a different material. The spectra line is prone to cut through the original huggers, or common nylon webbing if you make your own.
Personally, I have been using carabiners at the huggers for convenience, then tying the rope off to the ' biners, and thus have seen no damage.
I would definitely recommend you give them a call.
I take it you did not register your hammock with them?
I think you may have found a genuine problem. Spectra is pretty abrasive. If there really is a problem, you should contact HH. They would have a real product liability problem and should either recall the straps or put out an advisory notice. Someone could badly hurt their back if this fails while hanging over rocks or a gully.
Please let us know how you tension your lines. Do you pull the spectra line through to full tension, then bend it round and tie off, or do you pull against the tree drawing it through the loop like a "commando wire saw" drawing against a sapling?
For what it's worth, if you get a new set of straps, a stainless steel triangular quick link would eliminate your problem.
Just to follow up on some of the questions asked:
It was a new hammock and I've stored it in the house since I bought it at REI.
It hasn't been exposed to any chemicals that I know of other than beer fumes.
I didn't know you could register your hammock with Hennesy. If they will let me at this point I'll do that.
I didn't go overboard with the tie off. Just pulled the rope through the tree hugger loops hand tight and started the figure 8 wrapping.
I sent off an email to Hennesy earlier today, but have had no reply yet. I will let you know what happens.
Thanks for all the support and good advice. I had considered the use of biners, and am going to at a minimum include those in my setup.
schrochem
09-04-2007, 20:35
Just to follow up on some of the questions asked:
It was a new hammock and I've stored it in the house since I bought it at REI.
It hasn't been exposed to any chemicals that I know of other than beer fumes.
I didn't know you could register your hammock with Hennesy. If they will let me at this point I'll do that.
I didn't go overboard with the tie off. Just pulled the rope through the tree hugger loops hand tight and started the figure 8 wrapping.
I sent off an email to Hennesy earlier today, but have had no reply yet. I will let you know what happens.
Thanks for all the support and good advice. I had considered the use of biners, and am going to at a minimum include those in my setup.
I'm sure Hennessy will send you a new set. They have pretty good customer service.
In the mean time if you need a loaner let me know and I'll hook you up.
hangnout
09-04-2007, 21:28
I think that the term "spectra" rope may be used to describe many versions of rope that contain spectra cores. I am not a Hennessey expert but the one I did own had a spectra core with a covering that could be considered abrasive. Spectra (dyneema) is actually quite slick and will not hold knots like tautline hitches very well. The spectra rope I use would not be considered abrasive and I have used with nylon, polypro, and poly tree huggers with no ill effect. Most spectra comes with a coating to protect the spectra from abrasion. The coating actually makes it slide easily. Does the HH in question have a spectra core with something else for a sheath or cover?
warbonnetguy
09-04-2007, 23:56
did they say what this new tree hugger webbing was made of? inquiring minds want to know.
Hennessy recently notified me of the possibility of the spectra line cutting through the tree huggers. They sent new huggers for my HH hammocks - no charge. The new huggers are of a different material. The spectra line is prone to cut through the original huggers, or common nylon webbing if you make your own.
Personally, I have been using carabiners at the huggers for convenience, then tying the rope off to the ' biners, and thus have seen no damage.
I would definitely recommend you give them a call.
I take it you did not register your hammock with them?
This thread has been haunting me since I read it. I am now convinced I noticed wear on my tree huggers last time I was out......... I really should just go in the basement and inspect them..........
I do think in the future I will use something to attached my line to the tree huggers rather than running the line through the loops.
johnnyquest
09-13-2007, 16:49
im not in austin but im close enough. if ever there develops an austin...or central texas hammocking group let me know!
tom hennessy is good folks. he will take care of anything wrong with one of his products.
i have switched to an eno slapstrap/carabiner on one end and a cc buckle on the other end.
I also had signifigent wear on my huggers from the spectra. I think it had alot to do with the knot tightening down on the edges.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/4/0/9/ATT00013.jpg
That way I can replace it when it wears and it doesn't rub or squeeze on the same spot.
Ok so I finally inspected our tree huggers. The stock pair on for my wifes ULB do not look good at all. The inside of the loops look almost melted! Kind of shocking since her hammock has 24 hangs tops (including practice hangs in local parks. The look bad enough that I do not want to risk her using them at the Maryland hang in two weeks.
So I am considering taking the DIY plunge (or toe dip) and two sets of tree huggers.
I remember in a post somewhere (can't seem to find it now) around here that someone attached a ring to one end of the hugger and had a loop on the other end that was big enough to pass the ring thru to which they tie the spectra from the hammock two. I am really considering this option, does any one have any additional thoughts on this?
Also any suggestions on where I can get four rings and the straps from fast enough so I can have them ready for the MAHA hang?
While I am in question mode what type of straps should I get? What kind of thread should I use? How long should I make the straps?
I hope I don't sew my fingers together!!!!!
wamyteipen
09-24-2007, 22:04
Are you referring to the ring buckle setup? If so REI sells the SMC lightweight aluminum rings if there is one near you. Ed Speer sells the majority favored polyester 1" webbing and ships very quickly in my experience although ordering through his site is kind of a pain unless you go through Paypal. Most on this forum use between 10 - 15 feet of webbing on each end depending on your personal preference. I started with 15 feet then cut it down to 12 feet as I found 15 feet to be uneccessarily long for me. There's lots of great info on this forum on this topic if you do a quick search.
You might also want to swing by the Figure 9 thread.... :D
That's one of the reasons I switched to the ring buckle system also. I noticed the loops in the tree huggers were wearing from the friction of pulling the spectra thru them when setting up and re-tightening. Made me nervous.
I used the REI descending rings tied directly to the spectra and the Harbor Freight tie down webbing. I just left the steel hooks in the webbing instead of using a 'biner. (most of my camping is car camping or short hikes so the few extra ounces doesn't matter, plus it's one less piece of equipment).
It makes setup and adjustment much quicker and i feel safer than using the tree huggers.
John
Are you referring to the ring buckle setup?
Nope not the ring buckle setup. Now that I think about it was a post on another site.
I want to keep my spectra and only use webbing for around the tree.
My main concern is not having the spectra running through the tree huggers.
I will go check up on Figure 9 thread. The small Figure 9s are awesome for my tarp.
Nope not the ring buckle setup. Now that I think about it was a post on another site.
I want to keep my spectra and only use webbing for around the tree.
My main concern is not having the spectra running through the tree huggers.
I will go check up on Figure 9 thread. The small Figure 9s are awesome for my tarp.
Running your spectra through biners will alleviate wear and tear on the loops. Or you could give the top of the loops a wrap of duct tape.
I have some extra tree huggers I recycled from some expired child car seats. They are seat belt material, about 36" long, and have the loops already sewn in. Might hold up better if you don't mind the extra weight. I can bring them to MAHAA if you want them.
Running your spectra through biners will alleviate wear and tear on the loops. Or you could give the top of the loops a wrap of duct tape.
I have some extra tree huggers I recycled from some expired child car seats. They are seat belt material, about 36" long, and have the loops already sewn in. Might hold up better if you don't mind the extra weight. I can bring them to MAHAA if you want them.
Funny you should mention biners. I recently bought a few Black Diamond Hotwires. I plan on trying them at MAHAA.
Thanks for the offer but I just remembered that I have an extra set of tree huggers I ordered with my hammock since all the trees where I used to live were huge!
FanaticFringer
09-25-2007, 15:58
Are you referring to the ring buckle setup? If so REI sells the SMC lightweight aluminum rings if there is one near you. Ed Speer sells the majority favored polyester 1" webbing and ships very quickly in my experience although ordering through his site is kind of a pain unless you go through Paypal. Most on this forum use between 10 - 15 feet of webbing on each end depending on your personal preference. I started with 15 feet then cut it down to 12 feet as I found 15 feet to be uneccessarily long for me. There's lots of great info on this forum on this topic if you do a quick search.
Speer webbing is polypropylene not polyester. It works well but I switched to polyester recently.