How necessary are tree huggers?

[DerNageler]

The huggers are really needed. I have tried to explain this to the Scout in our troop. The more we show that we are trying to use park and forest resources the more likely we can keep our hammocking priveledges.

[wisenber]

Tree huggers are no more needed than digging a cat hole or making sure your campfire is out.

[DavyRay]

If they are your trees, do as you will. If they are trees on public land, there are those other considerations.

Also, I use thin Amsteel lines. If I used them directly on rough bark, I think they would need replacing more often.

[Streetgang]

Don't want to wander too far OT but is there a list of which states ban hammock use in state parks. I live in the Peoples Republik of Marylandistan and would expect this state would have such a ban.

[wisenber]

Don't want to wander too far OT but is there a list of which states ban hammock use in state parks. I live in the Peoples Republik of Marylandistan and would expect this state would have such a ban.

Most states do not have an official policy. It is left to the discretion of the park's rangers.
That is one reason why we tend not to pursue an official policy since when pushed for a "yes or no" answer, the answer will usually be "no" just avoid any controversy.

[Redoleary]

Don't want to wander too far OT but is there a list of which states ban hammock use in state parks. I live in the Peoples Republik of Marylandistan and would expect this state would have such a ban.

Unless it is well posted I take the "ask for forgiveness" approach, just go in and hang your gear like you're supposed to and hope for the best. Some places like NY state parks make it pretty obvious that they don't want anything touching their trees so I didn't even try it there. But last spring went to IN state park and without knowing I shouldn't I just hung my stuff and the Ranger came by, sold us some firewood and never mentioned I shouldn't be hanging.
Only later that year when talking to a local did I find out they don't allow it.

[Pipsissewa]

Don't want to wander too far OT but is there a list of which states ban hammock use in state parks. I live in the Peoples Republik of Marylandistan and would expect this state would have such a ban.

See HF's "Hammock Friendly Campgrounds" spreadsheet: Spreadsheet

[MAD777]

I highly recomend straps. They will prevent any real damage to the tree and equally, if not more important, will prevent the perception of damage. Live in Florida where hammocks are banned from all state parks. I come from an ultralight backpacking background so every ounce counts to me. However, there other factors that sometimes trump weight -this is one of those times. So, for the good of my fellow hanging friends and for the trees who are also a hanger's friend, I'm using my tree straps.

[lori]

California parks often have regulations due to people who use trees as fence posts, drive huge nails into them, and otherwise do damage - nothing is to be attached to a tree in any way in many state or regional parks, especially hammocks.

Use the straps. Don't hang where it's not permitted unless you're also willing to pay the fine when they accept your apology.

Also, hanging from dead trees is a bad idea unless you like hospital bills.

[Riverpirate]

The fact is hammocks straps or not will do no more damage than mother nature. But it is a conceived damage by those not in the know so we have to use straps. It is funny here in Georgia. State parks don't usually care if you use straps. And those same parks don't care if you drive a nail in a tree. Then there are all the wildlife management areas and national forests where we are also told to use straps while deer hunters are allowed to climb trees using portable stands that tear bark completely off.