Hi, this is my first post here. I’m new to hammock camping and I’ve learned a lot from you guys (and girls), so I wanted to try to give something in return. I think I just found my opportunity.
The other day I set up my new hammock in my back yard and practiced with some knots and different tensions ect. After I finished, I ended up leaving the hammock set up in the yard.
When I looked out my window today, I saw that a huge limb had fallen onto the hammock. I ran out to see if it had done any damage. Attached are the pictures. They don’t do this branch any justice at all; it’s actually bigger and heavier than it looks. I certainly wouldn’t want to have been hit in the face with it while sleeping. Luckily no one was hurt.
Here are some of my thoughts on this event:
1. I noticed that the dead branch was in the tree above me while I was setting up the hammock, but it was offset about 90 degrees from where my hammock was hung. So if it had fallen straight down, it wouldn’t have hit the hammock; I didn’t think it would be a threat. What were the chances of it falling anyway? Apparently it picked today to fall.
2. I found that branches don’t always fall straight down. This one must have bounced and ricocheted off of other branches in order to hit my hammock. So don’t think you’re totally safe just because a dead branch is on the other side of the tree. Choose a different tree.
3. If I had a structural ridgeline set up, it might have absorbed the blow. Of course this would only work when the branch falls on an angle like this one did, but why not stack the odds in your favor? Maybe there are some added safety aspect to strong ridgelines. I’m going use one.
This weekend I’m going out on a three day trip. This will be my first time out without a tent (I’m a newie). Wish me luck. I hope this wasn’t an omen.
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