How tight do the tree huggers need to be?

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03-22-2011, 20:55
C&PDad

How tight do the tree huggers need to be?

I have a HH and I use the "Tree Hugger" straps that came with it. In the Hennessy videos they normally wrap the straps around the tree a couple of times, but I've seen several videos on Hammock Forums where they aren't wrapped completely around the tree at all, they are just put on the tree and connected to the hammock, or biner, or whatever. So my question is this..... Is it ok to just let the strap hang on the tree. It seems like if I move around in the hammock the pressure will be let off the strap and it will fall down the tree? It also seems like when I get out of the hammock the pressure will come off of the straps and it will fall down the tree.
03-22-2011, 20:58
krugd

I just wrap them around the tree and then let the hammock pull them somewhat tight. I have never had a problem with the straps falling down the trunk. I think there is enough pressure from the weight of the hammock and suspension to keep this from happening. However, that is just my experience. YMMV
03-22-2011, 22:10
olddog

Don't believe it's anything to worry about. Now there are a lot of other things to worry about. Have fun!
03-22-2011, 22:16
Joey

Unless you've found some sort of slick bark tree, the strap will stay in place. I use Dutch clips, and give the strap a nice tight tug once it's around the tree. Never had an issue. I'm a restless sleeper too, so I toss around a lot and often get up for a nature call at least once/night.
03-22-2011, 22:16
gRaFFiX

Mabey, mmmaaabbbeeeyyyy, if the bark on the tree were exceptionally smooth, and you accidently smeared motor oil on it would it slide down. Otherwise, it's never been a problem for me.
03-22-2011, 22:20
Bubba

I'd only ever worry if you were going to hang off a fence post or something similar that is smooth. I think tree bark will give all the grip you need.
03-22-2011, 22:37
gmcttr

Quote:

Originally Posted by C&PDad

...but I've seen several videos on Hammock Forums where they aren't wrapped completely around the tree at all, they are just put on the tree and connected to the hammock, or biner, or whatever...

I think he is referring to going around the tree and attaching both ends of the tree strap together as I have seen used on tarp ridgelines to allow for clearance for the hammock suspension.
03-23-2011, 09:53
Highbinder

I wouldn't worry about a single rap - I've hung between a tree and a lamp post on single raps, as long as you cinch it tight by pulling on the suspension before you try the hammock out you should be fine.

As for a hugger that doesn't go all the way around - I'd imagine the majority of the force is applied onto the opposite side of the suspension, so as long as that and the connecting line is properly centred and pulling the force correctly you'll be fine. Never found myself in that situation however so please don't take my word for gospel.
03-23-2011, 10:52
OutandBack

If your going to use the Hennessy method I would go around the tree at least once. Other times around are just to shorten the tree huggers.
03-31-2011, 19:47
bkrownd

IMO, after wrapping around the trunk put one end of the strap through the loop on the other end, pull tight and then tie only to the one loop that's sticking out. It will grip wonderfully.
01-07-2013, 12:46
nj4x4fever

Being a noob myself. I set up my HH for the first time, when I sat down the hammock slid down just about an inch or two I thought for sure I was going to end up on my But much to my surprise it grabbed end of story. What a Rush! :)
01-07-2013, 12:48
OldRagFreeze

Well most people put a loop on the end of the tree straps and feed the other end through that... So it's going to be as tight as possible the moment you put your weight on it.
01-07-2013, 16:52
grannypat

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldRagFreeze

Well most people put a loop on the end of the tree straps and feed the other end through that... So it's going to be as tight as possible the moment you put your weight on it.

If OP is using the standard HH suspension/strap system, it doesn't work quite like that. I've had my straps fall down the tree while I was trying to make the figure 8, but not after I had hung the hammock. The tree bark and weight of the hammock hold it fine.