Securing a Hammock to a Tree

**Reinh** · 12-23-2013, 09:55

First time hammock user. I just bought the Clark Vertex - hammock to two. I had a hard time securing it to the tree. Just using the ropes it came with and using a bowline knot. Kept sliding down, had to re-tie to adjust - it was painful. I've read through some threads and all the knots. There has to be an easy way to secure to the tree and easily adjust. What is the best way to do that? Is there some kind of strap that is the easiest and can adjust without re-tying? Thanks to all the experts out there for a quick reply.

**Shug** · 12-23-2013, 10:02

Using tree straps is the best way. Read up and peruse this section of hammock forums…..https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...splay.php?f=86
Also here….https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...rchid=10794785
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=15516

Make sure to check out all the Stickys at the top.
Carry forth.
Shug

**jtdad13** · 12-23-2013, 10:05

Invest in some tree straps, just using rope is bad for the trees (they're friends)! Im unfamiliar with Clarks suspension but maybe you could swap it out with some whoopie slings and toogles or dutch buckles. Do a search on the forums or YouTube on hammock suspension, you'll find something; )

**321jer** · 12-23-2013, 10:07

I would watch the professor hammock videos on YouTube. Here is episode 1. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1f2Xts3Spsc
Good luck.

**tri-pod bob** · 12-23-2013, 10:17

Welcome to HF.....from the "Wilds of western Mass!" You will want to use some straps around the trees. They save you from the slipping you've experienced, but more importantly, they save the trees from damage due to the stresses we exert while in our hammocks. From the straps, there are multiple options for securing your hammock to them. Go to the FORUMS page at the top of this page & scroll down to the 'SUSPENSIONS SYSTEMS' section. I'll also recommend going to YouTube & watching the videos that Shug Emery has there. He's a member here & has a ton of good hammock info in his vids. Also a very entertaining gent! Then there are a lot of "STICKYS" in each sub-category on the FORUMS page. As a new hanger, you will get a ton of info from them to answer most, if not all, of your questions. Feel free to ask about anything you don't quite understand. This community is always ready & willing to help. Glad to have you on board!

**Tonopah** · 12-23-2013, 10:26

You can replace the OEM rope with a large carabiner (available at REI) and then just use Enos Atlas straps. The Atlas straps have many attachment points. They don't damage trees. The carabiner attaches to the Atlas straps and you're done.

Or, get a cinch buckle suspension from Arrowhead Equipment and replace the OEM ropes with that.

**Tonopah** · 12-23-2013, 10:29

**Tonopah** · 12-23-2013, 10:31

REI has both carabiners. I used this set up for a while and then switched to a cinch buckle set up from AHE.

**BrianDK** · 12-23-2013, 10:36

Dutchgear has been great for me! I don't think I will go with anything else. Plus his customer service is top notch. Bought some stuff recently, and it was shipped within four hours.

**OutandBack** · 12-23-2013, 10:36

Not many here with experience using a hammock for two.
Most of us 1 person per hammock use tree straps 1" to 2" wide and rated between 900 and 1500#

I think a hammock for two would need a pretty heavy duty strap to
handle the weight of two occupants moving around and protest the tree.