Hanging in undergrowth?

[Bushwhacker]

What do you do if the trees are dense? For instance: short dense conifers.

What about undergrowth and bushes?

What about raspberry bushes with thorns that might get caught on the underquilt?

On my last trip out I was pretty fortunate to find this hang, even though it was located under a widow maker. I had to wade through waist high pine trees to get to it.

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It looks like my next trip will be in an even denser forest with a few large clearings. I'm going with a group of ground dwellers, so I can't just take off and find a better location on the edge of the forest.

It looks like this, if you're curious:
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[Campdavid]

Machete? I've used one sparingly and have also made good use of the little saw on my SAK. Don't clear more than you need to...if it's brush it will grow back fast enough.

I know, I know...LNT but when Mother Nature just won't cooperate.....


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[DuctTape]

I find it easier to locate a good spot to hang in dense forest compared to ground dwellers. I can be above most of the stuff. Thorny bushes are an issue, I do avoid those. A stand of conifers only a few feet tall is not ideal, I'd look elsewhere as there probably isn't a [place to hang from anyway. Rarely is a decent spot too far away. But undergrowth is generally not a problem, since the hammock is above most of it. Plus, it all makes great tie off points for those of us who don't carry stakes.

[Big Sweets]

When I canoe down the Wisconsin River every October the sandbar islands always have out of control undergrowth. I bring a cold steel kukrie and clear it all out. It grows back quickly.

[Phantom Grappler]

I just cut it back with a knife or saw. I have confidence in undergrowth growing back.


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[obxh2o]

I made the mistake of hanging on top of a briar bush one night. Since I'm anal about LNT, I tried to tie down the briars to keep them away from my hammock.

By morning, my double layer WBBB was shredded. The plus side? I got to purchase a new one. :-)

[Red Wing]

Hmm.. interesting quandry between LNT and doing what you want.

[MrJames]

If you have no other options, then a lightweight folding pocket saw is the one I would take and could rely upon. *Depending upon where this is, who owns it, regulations, etc. etc.* Lighter than a machete. most brush and scrub quickly returns when cut.

[cougarmeat]

Amazing isn't it When I started hammock camping I imagined it would be the easiest thing in the world to find a pair of trees from which to hang. I do agree with previous posters that you will probably have more options than the ground dwellers. Expect when in an official "park". Because it seems the designers of most "camping areas" have decided to remove all those pesky trees.

It does take the adventure out of it a little - to pre-scout an area. But if you are using a hammock and want to stay with other people who are using tents - then it's wise to know ahead of time if the area will accommodate both. Or, have a "Plan G" were you sleep on a pad on the ground under your hammock tarp (which might be strung up using your hiking poles).

[fallkniven]

just another reason why I carry a large knife...