do you all carry multiple lengths of tree straps?

[ezwicky]

hi all,

i am just getting into hammock camping. haven't even received my gear yet, but i was wondering what people do with regard to trees of widely-varying circumference. do you carry long, medium and short tree straps?

i'm sure for hikers, there's a more elegant solution, but i am primarily a motorcycle camper, so i can afford to carry more stuff. just curious.

thanks in advance,

-eric

[joker421]

If you're not concerned with weight, just get the longest tree straps you think you'll need. If the tree is smaller you can always wrap the strap around it two or three times to take in the extra strap...

[pgibson]

I would not think that most folks would cary multiple sets. I know of some that cary 2 different lengths but still just the one pair of straps. The variable to consider is the size of trees that you might run into on a trip and take the straps that would suite that situation. Back east where the trees seam to be semi consistent in size and availability shorter straps are probably fine...under 7 foot length. Out west here it can vary more and 8-10 foot should get the job done many places. Costal CA, OR and WA can get into some very large trees so 12-15 foot are not out of the question and some folks go larger than that.

It comes with experience, knowing what size will work well for you and where you are headed. You can also wrap a strap around a tree more than once to shorten it's length should you need and if your able to wander around a bit you will likely find other trees than the biggest ones to hang from.

[FLRider]

hi all,

i am just getting into hammock camping. haven't even received my gear yet, but i was wondering what people do with regard to trees of widely-varying circumference. do you carry long, medium and short tree straps?

i'm sure for hikers, there's a more elegant solution, but i am primarily a motorcycle camper, so i can afford to carry more stuff. just curious.

thanks in advance,

-eric

Not really. I carry two eight foot straps, but am going to transition back to long straps with Dutchware rather than whoopie slings and straps on my next rig. I no longer need shorter straps as part of my pack system, so simplicity and ease of set up wins out.

[FireInMyBones]

I carry one 7' and one 9' strap. If I need a bigger strap than I have, I walk just a bit more and then set up where I can.

[12trysomething]

Since switching to speed hooks I carry 2 - 3' sections of straps and 2 7' leads my straps incorporate Dutch clips which allow me to us my amsteel lead to go around larger diameter trees. The speed hook system is a winner for weight reduction. Check them out with Dutch.

[TwistingInTheWind]

Carry the longest tree straps you feel comfortable with and make them adjustable with Marlin Spikes.

Shug is the best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giumWY1zknU

I use an old aluminum arrow shaft I cut for my toggles, but sticks work too.
Sticks are free and always seem to be laying around under trees for some weird reason...

[SilvrSurfr]

In the Northeast, I find 4 ft. straps sufficient for 90% of trees. On the odd occasion I need something bigger, I have continuous loops to extend the tree straps.

If I hung a lot in old growth forests, I might think differently, but the East Coast was pretty much clear cut last century and I hardly ever see the big trees.

[sargevining]

I carry two 10 foot straps, and another of 5 foot around my waist to hold up my trousers. I figger if I ever need it, I won;t be wearing my pants anyway.

[Floridahanger]

I use 6' straps with 5' leads and Speed Hooks. I also carry another set of 6' straps as back ups for my hammock and also for my tarp in case Mr. Ranger wants me to use straps for said tarp. The extra strap is for either set up, so, I consider it as insurance and multiuse(cinch up a bunch of branches, easier to carry).