I hate Tree Huggers

**slowhike** · 12-18-2006, 19:01

Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

I weigh around 160lbs and wonder how much more potential damage, if any, someone weighing say over 200lbs would do to tree bark.

with no doubt, the more weight, the more potential for more damage.
also the less sag (that is, more tight, horizontal hang) the more force on the straps & the tree.
at first, some folks may not see this as a real concern, but the fact is that a rope is more likely going to cause damage to tree bark. some of the thin barked trees are more easily damaged than others.
even if it doesnt end up taking away from the tree's life span, it doesnt help the reputation of hammockers.

**Gypsy"04"** · 12-18-2006, 20:04

Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

I weigh around 160lbs and wonder how much more potential damage, if any, someone weighing say over 200lbs would do to tree bark.

I weigh 210 and I've been hanging around my trees for the past month and you would never know it. But like I said, I'm using 1 in. strap only.

**turk** · 12-18-2006, 20:32

As mentioned above. Totally depends on the type of tree and bark, and
weight of person and their rig. I am 180 lbs, and can hang off of some hardwoods
for days one end without so much as a mark, while just one night tied to say a blue
spruce will have my spectra cutting in like knives by morning. Totally depends on
time of year as well. Some trees run heavy with sap at different months of the year.

I will be first to admit/agree that if I was hanging in an area subject to heavy
hiker traffic, or an area where impact would be immediately noticed, I would
have to change my rig and go to webbing or treehuggers again. If I get the
opportunity head south this winter and do some hiking in michigan I will definately
be respectful and change out several aspects of my gear/habits.

**Coffee** · 12-18-2006, 23:38

I have noticed some bark damage using 1" straps. It was a soft bark tree though. Now I try to hang on harder dark trees when I can.

**titanium_hiker** · 12-19-2006, 02:44

Cmon guys- be friendly to the trees. They are giving us a place to hang our hammocks (and sleep comfortably) so respect them.

Gummy straps a problem? Don't ropes have the same deal?

Either: Webbing straps for all in one convenience, or weight savings of huggers+ropes.

This makes sense, guys. Please be sensible.

TH

**Ewker** · 12-19-2006, 08:54

just put an eye screw in the tree and leave it there for the next time you visit. The tree wil grow around it

**FanaticFringer** · 12-19-2006, 15:35

Originally Posted by Ewker

just put an eye screw in the tree and leave it there for the next time you visit. The tree wil grow around it

I just might try that. That is if it is alright with everyone.

**titanium_hiker** · 12-20-2006, 02:14

or you could get two of your strongest/tallest buddies and put eye screws in them...

**Ewker** · 12-20-2006, 09:03

Originally Posted by titanium_hiker

or you could get two of your strongest/tallest buddies and put eye screws in them...

trees are better since they won't get blood all over the hammock

**titanium_hiker** · 12-21-2006, 01:24

straps would be friendlier, to your friends, eh?

Look I know some of you guys are just ribbing, but seriously, we need to be friendly to trees, and encourage others to be friendly to trees.

TH