I've been seeing a growing number of people using mule tape as their tree strap material. Isn't the mule tape too narrow in diameter to be used in such a way? The mule tape I've seen has a very narrow diameter and would not offer much protection to the trees.
Are there some methods by which these can be used that also protect trees? Perhaps multiple times around the tree? But then you carry extra.
Any pictures?
Just really curious as to how this works.
"Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities." - Mark Twain
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs
I'd have to agree that it's too narrow for tree huggers. Mine was 5/8" wide and it would tend to roll into a round shape when weighted. Definitely not good for the trees. It works good for suspension from the hammock to the hugger, though.
Jerry
The "Search" function is your friend!
I haven't tried this, but probably will. The mule tape I got recently is 5/8" wide. If I used just amsteel 7/64" it might flatten out to 1/8" against the tree. My load is going to be less than 200 lbs. on the tree connection, even with the ridgeline pulled tight enough to make the sag angle at the tree 15° or so. Five times the area will give me 1/5 the pressure on the tree, or 40 lbs. max. I'm more worried about the loose weave of the mule tape getting snagged by the bark than the actual pressure on the tree, so will attach it carefully for the sake of the mule tape and the bark.
Oops. Thanks for the additional info, Jerry. I still may try it, but I'll watch closely to see how the mule tape behaves.
If you ensure that you always have a complete wrap around the tree, then you have tree circumference * 1.5 * 5/8", which is greater than a 1" webbing around a tree without a wrap. Seems like plenty of load spreading, if done right.
Just my 2˘ for what it's worth.
“Indian builds small fire and stays warm, white man builds big fire and stays warm collecting firewood”—unknown
“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea”—Karen Blixen
I'm using mule tape for huggers on the Molly Mac Gear Box, which will be a lot less load than a hammock with a person inside.
- MacEntyre
"We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
www.MollyMacGear.com
I guess I'll have to see some pictures of it being done correctly. I lived for a good while in Missouri -- you have got to "Show Me".
"Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities." - Mark Twain
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs
I've been using mule tape for the last few hangs and haven't noticed any damage to trees and I've been keeping watch. I double it up when I can. Mine hasn't rolled yet.
Exercise, eat right, die anyway -- Country Roads bumper sticker
Fall seven times, standup eight. -- Japanese Proverb
I couldnt' find the mule tape in Shipshawana, so I'm still looking for it. I plan on using it for my toilet hammock.
I like big hammocks - I cannot like.
Good luck in your quest for finding it! Please post pics of your finished project (but not in action please)
"Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities." - Mark Twain
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs
Trout,
How much do you need? I just got 120' from John Sawyer, and there's no way I'll use all of it.
David
Originally Posted by Trout
I couldnt' find the mule tape in Shipshawana, so I'm still looking for it. I plan on using it for my toilet hammock.
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