hanging on horizontal trees

**Dlrocm** · 07-22-2020, 10:43

Anyone ever hang from a horizontal tree? I was nervous about the idea at first, so I climbed up the tree and jumped on it a bit where I planned to put my suspension (furthest away from the base of the tree). It had a bit of movement, but it supported my whooping 145lb securely. I decided to hang there because there were no other suitable spots.

Any thoughts, comments?

**Trail Runner** · 07-22-2020, 11:45

Nice. Looks like a good site.

**tsshaw78** · 07-22-2020, 13:37

I hung my hammock for casual one time from two branches because the trunk was inaccessible. They were strong enough for the task.
For the tree as shown, the physics might be in your favor as there is substantial load horizontally so the tree takes the load along it's length where it is likely to be stronger than it is in bending.

**Phantom Grappler** · 07-22-2020, 14:16

Possible chance of increased risk, adds to allure.
Good luck, stay safe...
Phantom2fat, tree limb might squish me like a squash.
Thanks for sharing your brave hang!

**blackmagic** · 07-22-2020, 15:12

There is a higher risk that the limb from which you are hanging may collapse on top of you. Realize that you're turning the limb into an enormous lever arm: the further out you are, the more torque you're applying to the limb's connection to the tree, or the ground.

Remember the famous Archimedes quote; it's used somewhat mystically these days, but he meant it quite literally: "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world."

**ofuros** · 07-22-2020, 16:08

Sometimes in the real world there aren't ideally spaced, the right diameter or nice verticals trees to hang from.
Be flexible & adaptable. There's always a workaround.

You assessed the risk & tested it to ease you mind...enjoy the hang.

**Dlrocm** · 07-22-2020, 16:12

Originally Posted by blackmagic

There is a higher risk that the limb from which you are hanging may collapse on top of you. Realize that you're turning the limb into an enormous lever arm: the further out you are, the more torque you're applying to the limb's connection to the tree, or the ground.

Remember the famous Archimedes quote; it's used somewhat mystically these days, but he meant it quite literally: "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world."

That was my exact worry. I put my whole body weight furthest from the roots of the tree and jumped on the trunk a bit. all of my weight was on the bad side, and the tree felt good. I risked it and lived to hang another day. I wouldn't do it unless there was no other option.

**Clisbyclark** · 07-22-2020, 17:33

It's funny how the mind works sometimes. During a hike last year, I got to thinking how long it would take to hang a hammock if you were forced to hang from only one tree. (I know, who's going to force you?!). Well, the old mind started spinning and after only a few more miles, I was able to come up with a scenario very similar to what you hung from. Great job of tempting death and living to tell the tale!

**SirDonB** · 07-22-2020, 18:21

I'd have done the same... assess, test, decide. Fortunately where I hang, there are plenty of vertical trees to use.

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