Best huggers for extended outdoor exposure

**Snaps** · 03-21-2019, 03:51

We've just bought a house, and as I'm going through the inside doing a bunch of work, my mind drifts to what I'm going to use to hang my hammock outside.

There's a very stout tree in the corner of the back lot, and a shed >20' away. I'd like to find some huggers that I can leave on the tree: one for the hammock, and probably another one for a swing for my son.

I'd like to find out what material will best stand up to the elements long-term; maybe 3 years, minimum. I'm thinking 2" seat belt straps would be OK. They're unlikely to get direct sun exposure due to the tree coverage, but what they will get is brutal (FL). Darker colors that blend in with the tree will have a much higher WAF.

Any other ideas?

**Phantom Grappler** · 03-21-2019, 08:36

WAF, multiple meanings-when I looked it up
Wife Approval Factor?
Twenty feet apart attachment points, might lead to flatter hang angle than 30 degrees. If your suspension is close to a horizontal flat line, then stresses on suspension might cause failure of suspension or tree or shed. This can be avoided by attaching higher up tree and shed.
I reckon, leaving any gear set up in yard over time will age your gear at a faster rate than if removed when not being used.
A suspension might last longer outdoors if it is rated for most weight.
All of the above is me guessing and parroting from my reading. You are the best judge of your suspension and if and when you will want to replace it with new straps.
Good luck

**wbJohn** · 03-21-2019, 10:45

The thing that occurs to me is the damage to the tree from leaving anything on it that long. I could see the bark growing over the straps and the tension making the tree lean toward the shed. Why not put up a stand and just screw in some eye bolts? I put two 6X6 poles up 15 feet apart and take the hammock down when not in use. I test all my gear there and sometimes sleep there just because it's nice out.

**ofuros** · 03-21-2019, 11:31

Climbers tubular webbing/tape comes in 1" & 2" widths. Will fade over time as most things do in direct sunlight.
Tie or sew loop. Many colours. Will last. Strong

**Dirtbaghiker** · 03-21-2019, 11:59

20170916_132631.jpg 20170916_123720.jpg 20170916_123705.jpg 20170916_123647.jpg
2 posts and some cement and you all set.

**Groundskeeper** · 03-21-2019, 12:48

I'm thinking wrap the tree is CCF under the webbing, then paint whichever webbing you decide on. The UV will attack the paint first.

**dirtwheels** · 03-21-2019, 16:41

Howdy,

You bought the house and I assume the tree. If that's the case you are free to "abuse" the tree as much as you please. More on that later.

You mention you have a son who may or may not be swinging on the hammock straps. As a father, I'd suggest steel cables, chains, large eyebolts or hooks. I know the whole tree loving community just spewed cheerios, coffee and other miscellaneous partially consumed edibles all over their monitors and keyboards. BUT, your kid is well... human, and your tree just doesn't rate as high on the value charts.

My parents sunk 1/2" hooks into 2 pine trees about 30 years ago for a hammock overlooking a lake, when we sold the place the trees were still standing, only taller and thicker, we couldn't find more than a small bump where the tree consumed the hooks. Not a soul fell from failure, nor was any tree harmed in the making of much merriment.

Pro-tip, paint the eye bolts black and back the out a bit every decade or so.

Just a suggestion from a guy who loves trees but prefers people. YMMV

Originally Posted by Snaps

There's a very stout tree in the corner of the back lot, and a shed >20' away. I'd like to find some huggers that I can leave on the tree: one for the hammock, and probably another one for a swing for my son.

**Snaps** · 03-21-2019, 16:52

Originally Posted by dirtwheels

You mention you have a son who may or may not be swinging on the hammock straps. As a father, I'd suggest steel cables, chains, large eyebolts or hooks. I know the whole tree loving community just spewed cheerios, coffee and other miscellaneous partially consumed edibles all over their monitors and keyboards. BUT, your kid is well... human, and your tree just doesn't rate as high on the value charts.

I’ve been tuning into this thread throughout the day, but it’s been a busy one: picked up & installed a fridge, rewired a few rooms and moved more boxes than I thought we could fill (and didn’t make a dent).

There’s a lot of carefully considered advice in this thread that I appreciate, but I’ve just sat down and had the chance to read a bit. Your suggestion is very likely what I’ll end up doing. I had already thought over that I should circle a stud in the shed with a cable rather than using an eyebolt. As for the tree, here’s some context I didn’t provide earlier: it’s very likely to be cut down in 3-5 years anyway. So some sort of metal/mechanical solution that offers a high safety factor is probably the best way to go.

Also, re: hang angle; the main trunk of the tree is quite high. It also has a very thick branch that extends toward the shed and above it, and I believe the shed roof is >10’ high on that side. I just might be able to get anchors high enough to hit that 30-degree sweet spot.

Thanks all... now, back to the fun of Old Home Restoration While Simultaneously Moving In.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-21-2019, 17:00

I don't see what's so hard about taking the straps down, especially if you're taking the hammock down. I would personally prefer to hang in a hammock (using tree straps) that's not a time bomb waiting to go off.