--PICTURES-- Climbing and Hammocking in the Winter Treetops

**JohnVH** · 12-23-2011, 13:04

Great trip/technique report! Looks like I just might have a use for all that old climbing gear in the garage after all.... BTW Petzel had a recall on the GriGri 2 http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/reca...ement-grigri-2 might want to go to their website and check your serial number if you already haven't.

**Refreshing** · 12-23-2011, 13:29

^Hey thanks for the heads up. Mine came with the green sticker denoting that it was not part of the recall so no worries. Thanks though!

Refreshing

**Nighthauk** · 12-23-2011, 14:36

I have been wanting to do this for a while now. My Dad has a nice white oak in his yard that has a good enough spread on some leaders that will give me a great hanging spot. I am an arborist so I have a couple of concerns/suggestions.
1. I personally when hanging from the two leaders/trees as in your case I would tie myself into BOTH of them. If something were to happen to your suspension you would go swinging like a pendulum. When tied into both leaders/trees you would drop a little straight down as opposed to getting momentum sideways.
2. watch out for wind sail. You did mention it about the wind that there was hardly any. With the white pine being taller and still having a sail effect just keep your suspension a little lose or that could have an bad effect.
3. Lastly just because your IN the tree does not mean that you don't have to worry about window makers. Inspect EVERY crotch and branch around you for any stress cracks.

All in all Very cool and very jealous on my part. Have fun, stay safe and enjoy.

**Refreshing** · 12-23-2011, 15:15

Originally Posted by Nighthauk

1. I personally when hanging from the two leaders/trees as in your case I would tie myself into BOTH of them. If something were to happen to your suspension you would go swinging like a pendulum. When tied into both leaders/trees you would drop a little straight down as opposed to getting momentum sideways.

Of course! Why didnt i think of that? Haha. I was always a bit worried about the swing that would occur if my hammock did give out but what a simple solution! Is it safe to assume that a leader is just a huge branch?

Originally Posted by Nighthauk

3. Lastly just because your IN the tree does not mean that you don't have to worry about window makers. Inspect EVERY crotch and branch around you for any stress cracks.

What is the definition of a widow maker in the arborist community? I am embarressed to admit that I am not completely competant when determining a good branch vs a dangerous one. I was a bit worried about this trip because it was the first time I was going to climb in a leafless tree (leafs help me determine how alive or dead a branch is). It worked out great being in a coniferous tree and I always followed the 3 points of contact rule so if the new branch that I was grabbing or stepping on broke I would still have three points of contact holding me up.

**SoundMan** · 12-23-2011, 15:54

Looks like a great hang technique for Sasquatch country!

Be safe and keep pushing the limits. I enjoyed your report.

**bloomgorge** · 12-23-2011, 16:28

that's just crazy...so do you hang your bear bag higher??

**Fronkey** · 12-23-2011, 16:29

Originally Posted by bloomgorge

that's just crazy...so do you hang your bear bag higher??

I think he is the bear bag.

Fronkey

**bloomgorge** · 12-23-2011, 16:56

what's the weight of the extra gear you need to carry to be able to do this?

**kbajg** · 12-23-2011, 18:29

I'm surprised you picked a white pine as that is the favorite tree for raccoons! (Kidding)
That is crazy awesome.
I've slept/napped many a time in the trees myself but never over 30ft or so. The tree-stands used for hunting are pretty comfy nowadays. Especially after a long hike.

Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

db · 12-23-2011, 18:39

That is pretty crazy. How long does the whole set up take? Are you planning on making it to the frozen butt hang 2012. I'm sure a lot of us MN guys would like to see this in action.