REALLY beginner suspension question!!!

**PJinRochester** · 09-09-2013, 14:31

I have been innocently using B

yer Micro-rope for my hammock...nothing as technical as everything on here....Red/blue poly rope with aluminum sliders...Seem to work great but what am I missing????

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-09-2013, 15:04

Do you have a pic of your setup?
How long are those ropes?
Do you put the 'micro-ropes' around the trees?

**Shug** · 09-09-2013, 15:09

Originally Posted by PJinRochester

I have been innocently using B

yer Micro-rope for my hammock...nothing as technical as everything on here....Red/blue poly rope with aluminum sliders...Seem to work great but what am I missing????

Tree straps would be ideal.....http://dutchwaregear.com/tree-straps.html We swear by them on here. Helps the trees and our public image as hangers.
Carry forth.
Shug

**PJinRochester** · 09-09-2013, 15:42

I will try to post the pic of them...They come right from Byer the hammock people.....about 7 feet long each...nice polyester, actually....wrap around the tree?...yes....Keep the tips coming...trying to be a real hanger and give up my security blanket...I mean tent...

**sargevining** · 09-09-2013, 15:50

I've seen the Byer's Micro-ropes and Shug is right, go with tree straps. They are easier to use and don't cause any damage to the tree.

**Scottymac** · 09-09-2013, 15:52

Like most of the hangers here, I use straps on the trees. Very little added weight for the tree protection they provide. Hang on!!

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-09-2013, 18:52

Originally Posted by PJinRochester

about 7 feet long each...nice polyester, actually....wrap around the tree?...yes....Keep the tips coming..

Definitely, get some webbing and make yourself some tree straps. Hammockers can't afford getting a reputation for damaging trees, or we'll have bans all over the place.

My suggestion would be some not-very-stretchy webbing 1" or wider for tree straps - big enough to go around the larger trees you'll meet, with enough to have a loop free when you're done. You can just put figure-8 (or overhand) knotted loops in the webbing. Then, a couple of CAMP Nano or other climbing rated carabiners on the end of your rope system, to attach to the tree straps.

Though there are many, many other options here.....

**pgibson** · 09-09-2013, 18:57

But be sure to get the right stuff for tree straps. There are 100 kinds and types of webbing that don't make good straps and only a few that make straps that are usable and a very few that make great quality straps.

**weaver2469** · 09-09-2013, 19:02

Welcome to the world of hanging. I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but most new hangars would benefit greatly from watching Shug's 10 part series of hammock videos. You will learn everything you need, and they are pretty darn entertaining. Here is a link to the first one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0

(by the way, to anyone who knows, how do I insert that link but rename it, for example, call it "Shug's first video" or something. )

**gnar** · 09-09-2013, 19:16

Originally Posted by weaver2469

Welcome to the world of hanging. I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but most new hangars would benefit greatly from watching Shug's 10 part series of hammock videos. You will learn everything you need, and they are pretty darn entertaining. Here is a link to the first one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0

(by the way, to anyone who knows, how do I insert that link but rename it, for example, call it "Shug's first video" or something. )

oh man, i think i watched them about ten times! gotta love the shug vids!!!!!