A Tree Climber's Hammock for the Winter Tree Canopy
When I am standing on a branch looking at the 70 foot gap between me and the ground the last thing I want to do is jump around trying to figure out how to set up my tarp, so I usually don't :cool:. However, tomorrow will be the first time I bivy in the treetops where I can't just rappel to the ground and hike a half mile to my car so I decided to make a tarp that fits my unique needs when I am setting up my campsite in the tree canopy.
My Criteria:
1- Sleek design that will fit anywhere my hammock will.
2- No guy out points required because there are usually no anchor spots.
3- Allows easy hammock entry from any possible angle.
4- Cheap so if it gets destroyed during the climb I can make another.
5- Lightweight (duh!)
6- Does not get in the way of my climbing rope (my safety line!)
Here is what I came up with. It couldn't possibly be easier to set up, just unpack and clip my hammock through it.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...pade/WHTT1.jpg
My winter insulation (1 xl ridgerest and 1 reg ridgrest for the core)
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...pade/WHTT2.jpg
Here is a closeup for anyone curious as to how I hang my hammock. It is a prusik knot tied to each end of the hammock which allows my too tighten or loosen my hammock by simply sliding the knot back and forth on the ridgeline.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...pade/WHTT3.jpg
The tarp tapers at the feet and clips to the end so I can bunch it down or pull it up with ease.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...pade/WHTT4.jpg
Here is the tarp deployed.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...pade/WHTT5.jpg
Inside the tarp.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...de/WHTT6-1.jpg
I am OK with a little snow getting into my hammock but if the temps rise and it starts raining I can go totally bombproof and zip my rain jacket over the opening (only problem at that point would be condensation).
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...de/WHTT7-1.jpg
I will be leaving tomorrow morning for the Superior Hiking Trail so when I get back I will post pictures and a link at the end of this thread. I am hoping to break my hammock height record so I am PSYCHED! Let me know what you think!
:mellow:Refreshing:woot:
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EDIT: Total investment into BOTH my hammock and tarp is 31 dollars and 3 hours of work.