Hanging table

[Overgrown]

So this thread got me thinking, I have an old one of these...http://www.ratpadz.com/ It just happens to be the right size to fit into my pack as a type of support. With the contour against the tree and tied with a bungee cord or shock cord and supported in the front with a trek pole or something along those lines.

I have seen some sorta like this but made of metal, I already have this piece of useless plastic on hand and it is pretty light, And above all I can do this on the cheap. =)

[dirtwheels]

This frequent youtuber and serious stove craftsman has a sweet little woodtable design that could be adapted to other and possibly lighter materials. Did I say this guy is a craftsman?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvjqj...7&feature=plcp

I'm interested in making a hanging table. Similar to something like this- http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Expone...etosecrpack-20

I might just buy one of these and just use the table part. It says 20oz. I'm wondering how much the table part weighs. I figure I could ditch the strap (hang it from my hammock suspension strap), ditch the clamps/hangers, and replace the rope with amsteel or zing it. I'm wondering what the end weight would be?

Does any one have any experience with one of these? How strong and stable is the table? They say it will hold 25 lbs.

If I did it myself what could I make the table out of to be lighter? I'm thinking flat aluminum strips with a piece on each end perpendicular but then how do I hold it together? In theory it would pack up small. Another thing would just be a solid table that didn't break down, maybe a cutting board but how thick would that have to be to stay flat?

I mostly overnight hike with my kids, to have a food prep area out of the dirt would be worth the weight on short hikes with them. Even a flat leg less table would be nice. I guess I don't need to hang it, I could always find something in the woods to use as legs.

[Pipsissewa]

JC: I like your table better than the store bought one!! Now you can make yourself a mug slinger: mugslinger.jpg

to hang your cup from your ridge line in the hammock. I made one and I like it. Be sure to use a mug with a top. Thanks for posting this idea!

[BearBurrito]

Sousville and others have youtube videos about making lightweight tree tables. Search for bionic tree table or backpacking tree table. They have some great ideas on attachment to the tree. Uses one hiking pole for stability. Enjoy!

From sousville's video description:
JOINING THE TREE TABLE CRAZE , LOL....SMOKE AND YUKON....HERES ONE FOR YOU....90 GRAMS SOUNDS GOOD RIGHT?HOW ABOUT 70 GRAMS...AND WILL HOLD A 5 LB WEIGHT...