One tree hang

**Savage Voyageur** · 05-08-2010, 15:38

I like to go camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. Some times the campsites do not have two trees in an area that I want to hang. One is in the right spot but a second tree is nowhere to be found. Using my Boy Scout skills can I lash two good sized logs/poles together in a "A frame" shape and stake to the ground with a rope to use as the other tree? If I can do this what size poles rope and stakes do I use? Thanks for your help.

**Black Phoenix** · 05-08-2010, 16:01

It certainly could work but I'm not sure how well I'd sleep that night.

**turnerminator** · 05-08-2010, 16:03

See this thread

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...mprovised+tree

**canoeski** · 05-08-2010, 16:49

One "Tree" (4x4 timber lashed to clothesline pole

) and willow tripod:

**WeekNDHiker** · 05-08-2010, 19:21

Lol.....God how we go through just about anything in order to hang!

I've used a single tree and a loose 4x4 before. I used two guy lines set at 45° from the pole or 90° from each other. It works just as well with any sturdy stick or log. Just make sure you've anchored it in the ground. Once you have weight on the pole it's not going anywhere.

**pedro** · 05-08-2010, 20:29

Ski poles. Check my gallery.

**Savage Voyageur** · 05-09-2010, 12:40

Originally Posted by canoeski

One "Tree" (4x4 timber lashed to clothesline pole

) and willow tripod:

Canoeski, I like the tripod idea, will try to remember this for June.

**canoeski** · 05-10-2010, 01:24

Originally Posted by Savage Voyageur

Canoeski, I like the tripod idea, will try to remember this for June.

Hello SV,

I don't mean to mislead and suggest the tripod is the best solution, just another method. I just rigged it up without plans just before Thanksgiving, and it works well enough that it is still up, and I may hang tonite.

However, if I were to do it over I would not bother with the tripod. It doesn't add any stability over a true A-frame. Both have to be guyed out well to resist the collapsing force of the loaded hammock.

I have my "ridge line" made of heavy (?1/2"), inexpensive hardware store rope, and it is anchored to a very large Arbor Vitae with a climbing sling, and tightened with a trucker's hitch. The tripod (or A-frame) just keeps the line from sagging and gives you a place to tie off to. Even, still it requires two additional stabilizer guy line (35-45° off the center-line).

Just lash an A-frame like the capital letter "A". I might use "tubahfors" next time.

(I'm also testing out aluminum gutter spikes for tent-pegs tonight.)

HTH,
~bill.