Help with strap length 72" VS 100"

[lchavez]

Looking for personal experience and advice on strap length. Other than tree distance, is there any disadvantage to 72" straps? It more of a weight issue than a cost issue and comfort rules over all.

Thanks.

[Paulie]

Keep in mind tree circumference as well.

[MAD777]

Strap length, (assuming you are using whoopies, etc. for or the remainder of you suspension,) is purely a function of the larger trees that you'll likely encounter. You will want enough length to go around the tree, have a sewn loop, and enough tail to for a Marlin spike hitch.

Many of us carry unequal straps, say a 7' and a 5' which saves a bit of weight but still allows for one larger tree. I also carry a 4' dogbone (length of cord with a sliced eye loop at each end) of Amsteel, just in case I'm stuck with an unusually large tree.

[Nodust]

What MAD777 said.

Longer straps can be used on bigger trees and trees further apart if need be.

I carry 12' just because that's what I bought and the weight penalty isn't enough to worry me. Plus I can give my kids and wife the easier to hang spots and I can be prepared for any tree if needed.

[The Old Boot]

Here in Ontario I rarely need a tree strap longer than 72".

Good thing I planned ahead for the trip to the west coast last month. I took a 12' and a 15' strap and had to use them both on occasion. I still had the shorter straps in my kit (we were car camping so weight didn't matter). I use straps for both my hammock and my tarp and more than once I had to tie the shorter ones together for use with the tarp while saving the longer continuous ones for hanging from.

Better that you have a couple of feet left over than not enough.

[lchavez]

thank you all for the clarification and tips.

[OutandBack]

In Colorado we have some really fat trees. All my tree straps are 12-15' long.
I would be really bummed if I found the perfect view from the hammock but could not hang there
because my straps were too short all to save a few grams.

[bohdisattva]

Its better to be 5 feet too long than 1" to short.

Happy Hanging
B

[karls]

The extra length can be used as a dripline. I'm with the other poster who would rather have extra than be a single inch short. I think you'll find that the answer is within the woods where you intend to hang despite the experience of others who span the country.

[bghiker]

Thanks Mad777 for the dogbone idea...I frequently run into large tree issues and have been carrying an extra set of straps just in case. Looks like I needs to be splicing me some amsteel instead...