LNT Recommends 2-4-inch Webbing Straps

[XTrekker]

Lets not forget about root damage from foot traffic causing soil compaction. Recommend using wider shoes or snowshoes to distribute the psi over larger area. Think a pair of those clown shoes Shug wears from time to time might work.

Aren't we getting carried away just a little. I'm all about LNT but when LNT starts to drift too far without evidence to back it up, it might start to turn people off from even bothering with LNT. There are already enough extremists out there giving LNT a bad rap and turning it into something unrealistic. Reminds me of the person in corporate trying to justify their job by conjuring up new policies to implement without investigating whether or not it is truly needed. Each week it just gets more radical and unrealistic. Lets not push too far until we get some solid evidence that can be duplicated. I think we are already doing pretty good with the 1" straps. Not condemning larger straps just dont think it should be pushed as a standard until we find it is needed. Individual parks will choose what strap size they want you to use. We do a pretty good job of policing ourselves everywhere else.

[Floridahanger]

Thanks for the explanation, but it still sounds like speculation to me. I don't know how you could scientifically prove the twig theory's effectiveness. As I said before, the twig theory just sounds like the force is localized to the twigs rather than being spread out over a larger surface area (the strap itself).

Your welcome.
Remember, the sticks were first started with cordage/stick combo to spread the forces from the cordage used. I agree with you that straps would be a different set of specs to deal with and a moot point with sticks in mind.

That's why I only use straps and leave the sticks to my toggles, or wood stove.

[Riverpirate]

This is the problem with all this "green" stuff. It starts off as a good idea and gets way out of hand.

[dejoha]

Aren't we getting carried away just a little. I'm all about LNT but when LNT starts to drift too far without evidence to back it up, it might start to turn people off from even bothering with LNT.

I just want to reiterate that LNT is committed to use scientific evidence to back up their recommendations. There is no need to speculate or go to extremes at this point. As I mentioned in a few earlier posts, I am working with LNT on some recommendations we plan to release in the spring.

For better or worse, there isn't a lot of "demand" for the research at the point because hammocks haven't been one of the hot button items facing land managers. As long as we play like "good citizens", like using straps and camping on durable surfaces, following the posted rules, hammocks will continue to float below the radar.

Honestly, I'm not concerned about the HF audience. What worries me most are the casual recreationalists who frequent campgrounds and use ropes, wires, and 550 cord to hang a hammock in popular areas. This audience may not even "hammock camp" as we define it, but just use a hammock as a lounger. It is this audience I am thinking of.

My outreach efforts are also aimed at hammock manufacturers who feed this market. If I can gain their support, they can help with the education of their audience. I don't think I'll convince any to include straps with every hammock purchase, like Hennessy does, but it is their best interest to make sure their consumers "follow the rules" so that their bottom line isn't impacted.

I think the best thing we can do as an HF audience is be good examples and educate folks that we have influence over.

[Floridahanger]

Good call, Derek.

Seems like many of the "survivalists" that "use" hammocks and show it on youtube like to pull their rigs super tight using cordage. Then they cinch it tighter to keep it from "drooping" when you get in. Makes me yell at the screen.

Derek, come on down to the 4th Annual Florida Hang at Buck Lake in Ocala, Fl in Jan, MLK weekend and do some scientific testing with LNT crew. We would love to have you there.

[dejoha]

Derek, come on down to the 4th Annual Florida Hang at Buck Lake in Ocala, Fl in Jan, MLK weekend and do some scientific testing with LNT crew. We would love to have you there.

Florida in January? Sounds divine! I'll have to check my calendar...

[Detail Man]

Florida in January? Sounds divine! I'll have to check my calendar...

Two years ago at the FH2, my kids (including a then 3yr old) set there coldest hang record of 24*F. FYI...non-Floridians go to FL in January expecting a respite from winter. Floridian hangers want January to be as cold as possible, because they'll finally get to test their UQs.

[lostagain]

this has been an interesting read.

For those who have asked earlier, I, in fact, use a piece of 3' tubular webbing for threading my tarp ridgeline through as I use the thin Amsteel line, not ZingIt or LashIt. CAn't remember the diameter, but, when I looked at it, I thought, "Man...this could maybe damage some bark if I put it under load and tighten it around a tree. What can I do to prevent this? I know! I'll use some tubular webbing and thread it through!" So far I haven't noticed any damage that's been caused by the strap, and I haven't used the rope all by itself. But I figured, what the heck...be friendly to the trees and they'll be friendly to you. Ya never know when an Emt might wander by.

[DemostiX]

What's wanted -- and maybe one or more specialists will come up with one, is a 2' / 60cm fabric bandolier with sleeves for numerous regularly placed stiff "matchsticks" (instead of ammo cartridges). The 1" strap you already use gets threaded at just 2 or 3 places through the ends and maybe middle of the bandolier, and the load gets distributed over all those vertical match-sticks. The bandolier can be made of heavy rip-stop nylon fabric.

Think of broad shoulder strap pads that adjust fore / aft. over narrower webbing that runs from bottom to top of your pack.

Dejoha is wonderfully positive, but the frequent denials of interest here are not encouraging of belief that leadership by example and profession are widespread and will come from HF members.

[DemostiX]

Thanks for the explanation, but it still sounds like speculation to me. I don't know how you could scientifically prove the twig theory's effectiveness. As I said before, the twig theory just sounds like the force is localized to the twigs rather than being spread out over a larger surface area (the strap itself).

Buy your wife some flowers, SilvrSurfr. Get out a magnifying glass and an Exacto (tim) knife. With one set of stems, stab them with the knife blade horizontal, around half the circumference. For the other set of stems, make just as many stabs with around half the circumference, but with the blade vertical. Reserve the third set of stems as "control."

Put the stems all back in water, and see which ones hold their blooms longest.

You hike, you carry a pack, and I know you know the impact of the load on your shoulders and how it is affected by the width, shape, and location of the straps.

But, if you want an analog to the "twigs', that is really do: Cut some 2" lengths of stiff 2mm cord and place them vertically under the tight cuffs of your socks. Compare with the effect if you girdle your ankle with horizontal cord placed under the cuffs. I'll take the relative size of your leg below and above the cuffs to be indicative of hindrance to circulation.