Talking about the anchor points of the tarps ridge line to the trees. Whether it be two separate tie outs or a continues ridge line.
I have been using a CRL with 1.75 Lash-it and 1.75 Zing-it prussic's. Normally I wrap my line around one tree, use a knotbone then wrap the other end around the other tree and use a figure 9 to tighten everything up. On a recent hang while setting up my tarp, I noticed when I started cranking down on my CRL I had marked the tree bark because of its small diameter. Maybe I cranked down a little too much, but the potential of the small diameter line to mark the tree would also be there if winds picked up and continuously rub and tug on the tree. I know we all like to leave no trace and we normally think of our hammocks suspension as the point of possible tree damage. So most of us use wider straps rather than small diameter lines.
What are some possible solutions to minimize tree damage by our tarp lines? I have some possible solutions but would love to hear some more.
- Quit cranking down on it so hard you ape.
- Use something with larger diameter like para cord as a kind of tree strap then attach line.
- Attach directly to hammocks tree straps.
- Maybe add some trail sticks between the tree and line.
- Don't worry about it, the damage isn't significant enough if you quit cranking down on it you ape.
I know, the first and last is probably the answer but, what if you run into a particularly picky ranger, attendant, or person that has something against the idea of using a hammock. They may not have the authority to do something at that time or instance because of no rules against hammocks, but they may raise the question to the appropriate people who set behind a desk and have no clue to the little mark we may have made, compared to a blown up story they may hear. I think hammock use is going to grow, and keep growing with more people being introduced to it. But if we could start figuring out ways to minimize impact even more before it grows. It may just allow us to use our hammocks everywhere for a long time. Then again, maybe I'm worrying and over thinking too much about it. Let me know your thoughts. Me personally, I'm going to start trying a few of the things I listed just in case.
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