New light weight hammocks from Pack-It-Lite

[TZ75man]

This is from their Facebook page:

UPDATE 1/2/15: We will soon begin production of an Ultra Lite version of the F.O.B, ReconMN, Scout and Lightfoot Scout hammocks. These hammocks with still offer the same features as the current designs but at 1/2 the weight and stuff size. So, for all those folks who liked the Snowblind but asked for it in Woodland Camo or Olive Drab, your request will soon be in production and ready to sell. The Snowblind fly will also be available in Coyote Tan and Woodland Camo.

[theseakayaker]

So, when you getting yours? You need the Full Coverage Rain/Snow fly! Very warm and very large! http://camphammocks.com/accessories.html

[ADKGuy]

Interesting. Some nice features. In the video you're using a thin cord around the tree, which is generally accepted as bad for the tree. I see in the accessories page there is a webbing strap that goes with your toggle system. Is that also standard with a hammock purchase?

[TZ75man]

Yeah, I definitely want the full coverage rainfly, it's a money thing right now. Not getting overtime anymore.

[theseakayaker]

Interesting. Some nice features. In the video you're using a thin cord around the tree, which is generally accepted as bad for the tree. I see in the accessories page there is a webbing strap that goes with your toggle system. Is that also standard with a hammock purchase?

The system on my video is the old support and has been replaced with what you saw on the accessories page. The old system work good but had too much stretch when wet. The new system also takes into consideration weight distribution to keep the hammock taut with no sag. This is why the line that goes at the head of the hammock is only 12" long, since most of the weight is from the upper torso. And yes, it is part of the Full System package.

As for tree damage: I spoke with Dr. Don Marx with Plant Heath Care about this. He works with arborist around the world and the U.S Forest Service. He laughed when I told him about the concerns of many hammock campers damaging trees. He asked me if I ever got a blister on my foot from a hiking boot that rubbed the wrong way. I said yes. He then asked if, because of that blister, I had to have my leg amputated. No, of course. He explained that trees are the same way. Very resilient and hanging in your hammock a few days would put no more stress on the tree than it naturally experiences. Although, if you were to hang in that same tree day after day, year after year, yes, that would put the tree, mainly the outer layer of bark, under more stress. And, just don't hang in a forest of Birch.

[adrake64]

Nice response now if he could just talk to all the rangers.....

[Zilla]

I have seen trees grow with a rope tied to them for years and the tree just grew over the rope BUT with the availability of straps why would anyone want to use a small rope?
Just because this Dr. Don Marx thinks it's funny that most hangers show concern for the health of the trees that they are hanging on does not make it ok to use small rope??
Why leave a mark on a tree if you don't have to?.
It's that little mark that will have someone making a fuss that leads to hanging bans and regulations.
Why take that chance??
Leave no trace means LEAVE NO TRACE !!!

[theseakayaker]

I have seen trees grow with a rope tied to them for years and the tree just grew over the rope BUT with the availability of straps why would anyone want to use a small rope?

It's that little mark that will have someone making a fuss that leads to hanging bans and regulations.

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I think you will find that some parks will have these regulations because of the amount of use and traffic. If you are backpacking or camping in wilderness areas that traffic is more sporadic, the long term effect is extremely minimal. Also, most rangers do not have degrees in plant biology and arboriculture. Although, a lot of Forrest Service Rangers have taken his courses.
In the 30+ years I've been using a camp hammock, I've never had the ropes leave a mark on the trees. But, I also pick my trees very carefully. The only mark I leave is warm and wet.....