valuable lesson learned

**BillyBob58** · 06-21-2011, 10:20

Well that's about the worst story I have read here. Unless it's the one where the fellow (sorry can't remember who?) who fell on the cross bar of the (Edit typo) VARIO hammock stand severely bruising his tailbone. Sorry to hear about your mishap!

That's another reason why – most of the time anyway – I always hang as close to the ground as reasonably possible. Even though I find it much more preferable to hang higher up, especially with the bottom entry hammock. It's also why I try to not hang over anything threatening like rocks or roots, when possible. It is not always possible.

I hope you heal up soon with no lasting repercussions.

By the way, the 1 inch ratchet straps I use(Harbor freight) are rated for 1500 pounds. (At least when new) I guess it was just a matter of the strap coming out of the hook, rather than the strap actually failing?

**Pipsissewa** · 06-21-2011, 10:31

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

That's another reason why – most of the time anyway – I always hang as close to the ground as reasonably possible. Even though I find it much more preferable to hang higher up...

+1 on that! Sorry for your pain, brother. **** Proenneke (one of my heroes) would say, "At least, you'll heal. A torn hammock would never heal!!" Thanks for a good reminder to all of us!

**Alamosa** · 06-21-2011, 10:59

Wow, aj, sorry to hear that. That is one heck of a price to pay for such a small fail. Hope you recover soon!

WV · 06-21-2011, 11:24

And Shug was lucky that he was sitting up when the cinch buckle failed. If he'd been lying with his head at that end, he might have had an experience similar to yours. If your hammock rope breaks, you really want it to be the foot end that gives way, but better none at all.

**beep** · 06-21-2011, 11:44

Arrgghhh!! I'm really sorry you hit the ground so hard, but as you said "valuable lesson learned". I'm hoping you get back off the ground soon with no lasting aftereffects from your tumble...with good 1" polyester straps and adequate suspension.

**TC195** · 06-21-2011, 20:48

Keep hangin and hope you have a speedy recovery.

**aj angiuli** · 06-21-2011, 23:59

THANKS EVERYONE!!!! Much appreciated and many kind words....I am a bit tougher then to let this keep me from hanging again..... as a matter of fact ill be out this weekend on the AT in NY (sect 10 NB) for an overnight hang and maybe a dip in lake tiorati..... i have hopefully resolved the suspension issue at least for this weekend....(Hoping i get some answers on a question posted over in the suspension forum) But i really wanted to say thanks so much for the kind words and well wishes...im feeling a bit better today and hoping the next couple days offers me enough to get out there this weekend....
AJ

**oldgringo** · 06-22-2011, 08:30

My phobia re: hammock stands that rely on structural members under my back has been re-enforced...have a good hike this weekend.

**canoebie** · 06-22-2011, 08:39

Originally Posted by oldgringo

My phobia re: hammock stands that rely on structural members under my back has been re-enforced...have a good hike this weekend.

Amen, nice to know I am not alone on this. I really check my suspension each and every time. I had a cinch buckle slip once, and while it let me down gradually, it still was no fun. The $ needed for good straps and suspension is minimal compared to the pain of injury.

Given all the stuff I have tried in my life, particularly my youth, it is amazing that I am alive.

**KerMegan** · 06-22-2011, 08:44

at OG: phobia is defined as 'an irrational fear'
I think your apprehension is justified; ie. not irrational,
so; not a phobia!
KM (who lives with a DH raised by an English teacher..sorry for picking nits...)