How do you pace off the distance........

**Wise Old Owl** · 07-18-2011, 21:32

Ok I have the HH and I noticed I can find the trees, but the distance can be decieving.... what do you do?

**GrizzlyAdams** · 07-18-2011, 21:41

Originally Posted by Wise Old Owl

Ok I have the HH and I noticed I can find the trees, but the distance can be decieving.... what do you do?

My arms spread apart are close to 6' in span. Each hiking pole is 3.5' - 4' long. So with my arms spread apart with poles extended I have a fair idea of distance...I look for trees that are at least as far apart as this spread.

The only time I need to do this is if I have any doubt whether the trees are far enough apart. Otherwise eyeballing it works for me.

**zukiguy** · 07-18-2011, 21:44

I'm 6'0" tall and have my poles adjusted to a little over 4". So if I grab each pole and stretch my arms out in each direction I'm just shy of a 14' reach. This makes it easy to find a pair of trees the right distance apart without a bunch of pacing.

**Wise Old Owl** · 07-18-2011, 22:00

Great that's what I was looking for. pacing kinda sucked.

**JaxHiker** · 07-18-2011, 22:22

Hmm, I just eyeball it.

**hiker_DC** · 07-18-2011, 22:30

Two of my average steps is 5 feet.

**redhawktx** · 07-19-2011, 03:07

I usually pick two trees that look about right and run a ridge line between them. I then put my tarp over the ridgeline and find out they are two close together. Next I curse quietly to myself so as not to offend anyone camping close by and then pick two more trees. I repeat this process until I locate two trees that are an appropriate distance apart. This method has never failed me.

**MAD777** · 07-19-2011, 05:32

Originally Posted by redhawktx

I usually pick two trees that look about right and run a ridge line between them. I then put my tarp over the ridgeline and find out they are two close together. Next I curse quietly to myself so as not to offend anyone camping close by and then pick two more trees. I repeat this process until I locate two trees that are an appropriate distance apart. This method has never failed me.

I too have found this to work 100% of the time

**jwright** · 07-19-2011, 10:32

Originally Posted by redhawktx

I usually pick two trees that look about right and run a ridge line between them. I then put my tarp over the ridgeline and find out they are two close together. Next I curse quietly to myself so as not to offend anyone camping close by and then pick two more trees. I repeat this process until I locate two trees that are an appropriate distance apart. This method has never failed me.

Then realize that the wind/rain is blowing right down the ridgeline, so curse slightly louder, buch up/take down tarp, turn 90 degress to one side and start process all over again, much to the amusement of my now tent dwelling, dry friends.

Jason

**leepingreenlizards** · 07-19-2011, 11:10

Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams

My arms spread apart are close to 6' in span. Each hiking pole is 3.5' - 4' long. So with my arms spread apart with poles extended I have a fair idea of distance...I look for trees that are at least as far apart as this spread.

The only time I need to do this is if I have any doubt whether the trees are far enough apart. Otherwise eyeballing it works for me.

Excellent idea “Griz” and you can also use a string cut to the max allowable length and just lay it on the ground between the trees. This is helpful in thick groves where you can drive a stake next to a tree or tie off to a limb close to the trunk or to your pack, attach one end of the string to it, hold the loose end and walk back and forth from tree to tree until you find a good setup. Sounds weird, but it works and you'll get a better feel for "eyeballing."

Once you get used to the distance required it's easier to eyeball the distance, but thick groves can be a bit more challenging. Eyeballing is best though, especially when it's pouring rain and your in a hurry to get the tarp up.

By the way, if the tarp will fit the hammock will.

LGL