Question for rock climbers...

**Scottybdiving** · 04-15-2010, 22:43

I ordered the set of 4 with the Dyneema straps from REI (20% coupon). When I get them, I am going to hike up the Barton Creek Greenbelt and try them out with the hammock and tarp, on the rock cliffs. I will not sleep there, it's only a day hike, but if everything works out, I will post some photos.

**mbiraman** · 04-15-2010, 23:00

Look forward to the pics and the report

**Jim S** · 04-19-2010, 23:12

Since you asked climbers - if I was gonna do it, I'd take a couple of cams.

Many nut type things don't stay in place without a load on them. Look at the rock and determine the size of the cracks you have to play with. And with wire, you will most likely need a carabiner to attach rope.
Jim S

**Scottybdiving** · 05-21-2010, 17:58

Originally Posted by Scottybdiving

I ordered the set of 4 with the Dyneema straps from REI (20% coupon). When I get them, I am going to hike up the Barton Creek Greenbelt and try them out with the hammock and tarp, on the rock cliffs. I will not sleep there, it's only a day hike, but if everything works out, I will post some photos.

Finally received the Camp Dynema Tricams, but I have been travelling the last couple weekends. I took my Switchback and a BDWD to the greenbelt today to try my luck at hanging them from a rock bluff. In this area, there are lots of rock faces with trees near-by, so picking a spot was pretty easy. Finding the right crack in the right place was also easy, but I assume that will not always be the case.

After inserting the largest Tricam and pulling on it enough to feel secure, I hung the hammock, connecting it with a CAMP 20 Kn / 7 Kn wire gate biner. After a little fussing to get the angle correct and what I perceived to be level, I sat down gently. It was apparent that it wasn't going anywhere and I laid down in the hammock. It would have been secure from now on but due to the heat and humidity (90 degrees, 70%), I didn't stay in it very long. I took a few photos and the last thing I did was to string up the ridgeline with the tarp in it's snakeskins. I wasn't sure how well it would work, using the same biner that was connected to the Tricam, but it worked well. When I sat in the hammock, there was a little to no loosening of the tarp's ridgeline. I would say this test was a complete success, although I am somewhat skeptical that this will always be the case.

P.S. Jim the set I bought has 4 Tricams.

**1022** · 05-22-2010, 20:49

(an actual trade name for some of the original spring-loaded cams) Actually the newer flexible stem cams could work better. Cams also cover ranges of sizes for flexibility of placement. (they tend to be pricier though) but fun toys...

you may be able to find them used on Ebay... climbers would not be interested in lead climbing on unknown/used gear, but in this application they do not need to hold a "fall" or dynamic load, they could be tested easily to see if they will hold a few hundred pounds. used should be a bunch cheaper on ebay, like climbing-rated carabiners, this gear is rated in KN of force rather than LBs test strenght, but any of it should be more-than-strong-enough to "hang" from.

**mbiraman** · 05-22-2010, 22:06

Originally Posted by Scottybdiving

Finally received the Camp Dynema Tricams, but I have been travelling the last couple weekends. I took my Switchback and a BDWD to the greenbelt today to try my luck at hanging them from a rock bluff. In this area, there are lots of rock faces with trees near-by, so picking a spot was pretty easy. Finding the right crack in the right place was also easy, but I assume that will not always be the case.

After inserting the largest Tricam and pulling on it enough to feel secure, I hung the hammock, connecting it with a CAMP 20 Kn / 7 Kn wire gate biner. After a little fussing to get the angle correct and what I perceived to be level, I sat down gently. It was apparent that it wasn't going anywhere and I laid down in the hammock. It would have been secure from now on but due to the heat and humidity (90 degrees, 70%), I didn't stay in it very long. I took a few photos and the last thing I did was to string up the ridgeline with the tarp in it's snakeskins. I wasn't sure how well it would work, using the same biner that was connected to the Tricam, but it worked well. When I sat in the hammock, there was a little to no loosening of the tarp's ridgeline. I would say this test was a complete success, although I am somewhat skeptical that this will always be the case.

P.S. Jim the set I bought has 4 Tricams.

You know it may be the old climber in me but i would back that up with a second piece of pro. It does my old climbing heart good to see that. Like the other fella said , friends are a great option but a bit pricey.

**Gnome77** · 05-23-2010, 07:29

I'm with Mbiraman, Always backup The Pro's. Got some gear haven't used in a while, Since Son was Born, Felt a need to stick around. Mechanical and TriCams are Easiest, then there's Cure Nuts and Wedge Nuts which you'll need the Tool to get out. When you place them you'll want then in a little from the lip. Out west in AZ & Utah you'll find a lot of Sand Stone watch-out Bad Rock. Have Fun." Climbing is a Dangerous Sport ETC..."

**Scottybdiving** · 05-23-2010, 07:51

Always backup The Pro's

OK, as a non climber, what does "back up the pro's" mean? Does this mean to add a second attachment point? If so, does that mean to connect the hammock suspension to two different Tricams located close together, with one biner? A failure would be most unpleasant, probably not deadly, buy a very rude awakening.

BTW, I have no intentions of climbing with these.

**Gnome77** · 05-23-2010, 08:25

Just good practice when climbing to backup Protection from a fall. The more you have the safer you are. One would work, if set good, for hanging a Hammock. I would set Hammock a little closer to Ground if using single pro.

**Bat** · 05-23-2010, 10:22

Cams are to heavy to justify for backpacking. Your use of Tri-cams is good and hexes are your lightest gear option. However you can also place a rock into a crack and then sling it. You have to be able to find rocks that fit and have cracks that are bigger above and constrict narrower as you move toward the ground but it is an option.