TreeBoat Hammocks

**FireFlyburns** · 05-02-2010, 08:31

Originally Posted by wisenber

Yes, but a BB is not designed to hold you steady 100' up in the trees.

a 100' ladder exceeds my packing weight limit

I would be a nice view though.

**FireFlyburns** · 05-02-2010, 08:34

Originally Posted by wisenber

I've used a portaledge before when doing some big wall climbing. Those will give ya the heebee geebee's.
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com...gle-portaledge

Six attachment points with a single suspension point. I'll tell you, there was not a minute that night that I did not think about that single suspension point...especially when the wind hit.

I don't think I have the walnuts to do that! I'd be to scared to take off my harness.

**FireFlyburns** · 05-02-2010, 08:36

Originally Posted by iggy

I've never used one, but I'm aware of their use. There's many tree climbing clubs out there, kind of a sub culture. The tree boat is very cool and designed to tie out on all four corners to make a platform for sleeping, eating, or just hanging. Check out this web site for more info: http://www.treeclimbing.com/

And their worried about OUR tree straps hurting the trees

**wisenber** · 05-02-2010, 09:31

Originally Posted by FireFlyburns

a 100' ladder exceeds my packing weight limit

I would be a nice view though.

That's where the hammock folks got zing-it line and such, from arborists. Throw a lead, pull a rope and break out your ascendors.
I've used te same techniques mountain climbing, but not tree climbing.

**wisenber** · 05-02-2010, 09:35

Originally Posted by Sailor

Redwood trees are tall and straight, and limbs at 90d, and people have enjoyed climbing them for reasons other than topping. I believe some of the arborist style of movment. I used to do some redwood tree work, and at those altitudes, I can guarantee that if I decide to hang overnight in a tree, I will be top roped and my hammock suspension won't be 1/8 amsteel...

I'll second the top rope. Still it looks pretty cool. There are still a number of old growth areas around here in the national forests and such. I'm sure the rangers in the GSMNP would justifiably kick you out if they found you doing that.

**wisenber** · 05-02-2010, 09:39

Originally Posted by Dutch

I think that thing uses spreader bars. 4 pounds 10 ounces is a little much for me. I think I will stay 1 foot off the ground for a 1.5 pound hammock.

If I'm trying to cover 20 miles, I'll go the 1.5 lb hammock route. Now if I'm focusing more on 200 feet, I might be more willing to use a hammock designed for it.
Unfortunately, my "testing center" in my back yard consists of 80' tulip poplars whose top branches tend to snap pretty easily.

I can just imagine the DIY reports if some of started trying to make those. Lots of funerals and hospital visits...

**Col_M** · 05-02-2010, 10:04

The only problem with these is that the further up a tree trunk you go the more it moves. If you're tied to two trees 20m up and there's a bit of wind it'll be a bumpy ride. If for some reason the trees go from close to far then the hammock will go from loose to taut and you could get catapulted out of it, it'll be a fun ride until you hit the ground

**sir_n0thing** · 05-02-2010, 10:09

Originally Posted by Col_M

The only problem with these is that the further up a tree trunk you go the more it moves. If you're tied to two trees 20m up and there's a bit of wind it'll be a bumpy ride. If for some reason the trees go from close to far then the hammock will go from loose to taut and you could get catapulted out of it, it'll be a fun ride until you hit the ground

That's NOT a happy thought! I bet with enough sway really high up you could literally rip your hammock apart...

**wisenber** · 05-02-2010, 11:28

Originally Posted by sir_n0thing

That's NOT a happy thought! I bet with enough sway really high up you could literally rip your hammock apart...

It could. The Treeboat uses nylon straps which in this case, stretch is good. It also has 4 attachment points instead of 2. If there was a lot of wind, it's probably not a good idea to try.

The bat hammock on the other hand has a single attachment point. That would reduce your chances of having sway rip your hammock apart, but you also might find yourself spinning uncontrollably.

Still, it does look like something interesting to try.

I saw on one YouTube lecture that man is the only primate with a fear of heights.

**DavidWa** · 05-02-2010, 14:22

Originally Posted by wisenber

Just think. Don't hang your bear bag, just hang yourself.

I believe that idea is what Ed Speer claims got him started in hammock camping when he did his inside passage kayak trip northward along the Canadian coast. Big bears were a concern and along with hanging his food bag Ed decided to hang himself too. And somewhat high in the trees to if I recall correctly, using cliff climbing gear. I would have to go back and read through the book again to find the exact story.

d