Marlin Spike Location

**Triptease** · 06-12-2010, 14:06

I just got my whoopies in from AHE yesterday and put them on the WBBB last night. I'd like to get out and sleep in it tonight, but am unsure where to put the marlin spike hitch in the tree strap? Is it necessary to put it close to the tree or can it go further down the strap? Does it even matter? Thanks!

**beep** · 06-12-2010, 14:10

Originally Posted by mak52580

I just got my whoopies in from AHE yesterday and put them on the WBBB last night. I'd like to get out and sleep in it tonight, but am unsure where to put the marlin spike hitch in the tree strap? Is it necessary to put it close to the tree or can it go further down the strap? Does it even matter? Thanks!

I usually put it close to the tree. I don't think it matters all that much.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 06-13-2010, 00:53

Strictly from the point of view of supporting the hammock, it doesn't matter. Beyond that, you can hang between trees that are farther apart if need be by putting the hitch nearer the tail of the webbing, whereas you can better snug the webbing loop up against the tree (and hang between closer trees) if you put the hitch near the tree.

Generally I aim to attach as close to the tree as I can and still reach between the trees I'm hanging on, just to try and get the benefit of the snugger webbing loop, when I can.

**Triptease** · 06-13-2010, 03:10

Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams

Strictly from the point of view of supporting the hammock, it doesn't matter. Beyond that, you can hang between trees that are farther apart if need be by putting the hitch nearer the tail of the webbing, whereas you can better snug the webbing loop up against the tree (and hang between closer trees) if you put the hitch near the tree.

Generally I aim to attach as close to the tree as I can and still reach between the trees I'm hanging on, just to try and get the benefit of the snugger webbing loop, when I can.

Thanks Grizz. This was sort of my assumption but I just wanted to make sure.

**MedicineMan** · 06-13-2010, 05:28

Where i put the MSH sometimes depends on how much and how hard its raining...if I can reach the tree hugger and pull it under the tarp the MSH ends up further down the tail...if its dry out and i'm not soaked and wanting to change clothes I snug it up to the tree. Key here for me is to remember to put the tree huggers on the trees while i'm setting up the tarp

**dmrichm** · 06-13-2010, 08:41

It shouldn't matter where you put it just so long as the hitch is in line with the hammock (ie don't put the hitch ON or touching the tree). Make sure the line from you hammock is also resting on the webbing and not solely on the toggle/stick/any solid object (essentially the line from your hammock should cinch the webbing down on the toggle so it is squeezing the toggle, not supporting your wieght). Also if your using a trail stick for the MSH make sure it is at least the thickness of a sharpie and not rotten in the middle, which is pretty easy to find.

One day I was getting testy with the thickness of the stick in my MSH and got down to a pencil size stick....it held me for about 5 minutes and then my rear end met the ground...very very quickly (gravity is a hell of a thing

)