The suspension system, which is essentially how you hang a hammock, is a vital component of the hammock experience. Suspension systems are available pre-assembled, or you can construct your own using ropes. The most convenient way to hang your hammock is with hammock tree straps, a topic we'll explore in this post, as well as the best strategies to prevent tree damage.
WHAT ARE HAMMOCK TREE STRAPS USED FOR?
Although it's possible to hang your hammock from a tree using a rope, there are several benefits to utilizing tree straps.
You don't need to know how to tie knots to hang a tree strap! The best straps contain easily adjustable loops, enabling you to achieve the right hang in seconds.
Tree straps are not only easy to set up but are also extremely safe. There's no need to worry about your knot untying itself in the early hours, as the assembly process is hard to mess up.
Finally, using specially designed hammock straps is the best way to protect the environment. Leave-no-trace straps are strong enough to minimize tree damage and feature padding to prevent bark stripping.
DOES EVERY HAMMOCK PURCHASE COME WITH HAMMOCK STRAPS?
Some hammocks include straps, but most do not, so you'll need to buy them individually. However, most hammocks come with carabiners, so you won't need to buy any extras unless you wish to hang items from your hammock straps or use them around camp. Carabiners are generally useful, so having a few additions isn't bad.
Instead of carabiners, some hammocks include built-in straps and buckles. Double-check what's in your gear before stepping outside and discovering that you're missing key components for your hammock setup.
TYPES OF ADJUSTABLE HAMMOCK STRAPS
There are a variety of hammock tree straps and suspension systems to choose from.
Daisy Chain
Daisy chain straps are divided into two categories: beginners should use daisy chain webbing straps. They're thick, and a carabiner is all you need to secure your hammocks to the strap.
- Closed Loop: Straps that are the thinnest, lightest, and easiest to pack. These are ideal for hiking and backpacking.
- Open Loop: Large eye loops on the straps that are simple to clip into. They include a little more material that helps to distribute weight more evenly.
Ridgelines
The phrase "ridgeline" refers to a suspension strap that runs from tree to tree. You can use it to hang a rain fly or a bug nett or make your hammock more comfortable by adjusting the sag.
Ridgelines are often more suited to advanced hangers, but it's a fantastic item to add to a hammock kit list if you plan to hang frequently.
Hammock tree straps that are extra long can also be used as a ridgeline!
WHY DO SOME PUBLIC PLACES BAN HAMMOCK HANGING?
To Protect Trees
Trees are an important element of building beautiful, pleasant, green city places, and authorities become concerned when hammocks endanger tree health. Hammocks are frequently prohibited for this reason. Hanging hammocks without leave-no-trace straps can be quite damaging to trees. Insects, animals, fungus, and the drying impacts of wind and sun can all be harmed by thin straps or ropes cutting into their bark or stripping it off completely.
Wrong Placement
Unfortunately, it's pretty usual to see individuals who have placed hammocks over walkways or "stack" multiple hammocks on top of each other up to two trees, obstructing the sight for other park visitors. These trespasses make it impossible for others to enjoy the park or campus, and they give hammocking a bad name. In some cases, the issues are caused by careless hammock hangers instead of the hammocks themselves.
HOW TO ETHICALLY HANG HAMMOCKS WITH HAMMOCK STRAPS
We must recognise these concerns and do our best to be mindful of others if we want to continue to enjoy hammocks in public parks and other places. To prevent getting a citation, verify your local restrictions and always use hammock Trunk Straps or Tree Slings that leave no trace and do not harm the trees. Of course, using a hammock stand eliminates any concerns about trees being harmed.
If you live in an area where hammocks are prohibited, exercise caution when speaking with local officials. There are numerous excellent ways to express your concerns and thoughts and assist others in doing so. One approach to demonstrate how much support your cause has is to start a petition.
Hammocking is not a punishable offence! However, you may do it more securely and courteously. Hammocks are designed to be enjoyable and relaxing, and we can all train to hang with care with some self-awareness and regard for others.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER IN A HAMMOCK TREE STRAP
A hammock strap requires a little more ingenuity than a basic rope. The proper strap is designed with the right materials, load bearing capacity, thickness, and convenience of usage. A couple of the traits we like to search for are listed below.
Materials
The quality of the material used to make the straps is directly proportional to its durability. The majority of straps are composed of polypropylene or polyester, superior to tubular nylon in terms of stretch.
It's important to pay attention to the stitching because it affects the cloth's static. Naturally, the material will stretch the first few times you wear it, and even if it doesn't, it will ultimately settle to your weight. However, it should not be stretchy or stretch more than half an inch.
Your straps' durability is determined by the loops' size and the stitching between them. If the straps use a daisy chain method, which moves the load to the sewing between the circles, go for triple stitching.
Durability
The majority of the larger brands, including hammock straps, give warranties on their products. Pick one that does, and they'll be able to replace it if something goes wrong. We've never had this issue before, but we haven't tested every strap available. We also don't hammock camp all that often. If you plan on sleeping in your hammock overnight, you'll want to make sure it's a high-quality strap that can survive repeated use.
Maximum Supported Weight Capacity
Once it comes to weight limit capacity, there are two factors to consider:
- Maximum Breaking Tension: The maximum weight that the hammock tree straps can support without breaking any loops. It's usually the number that follows "tested to."
- Maximum Load: This is the value that governs how many people can use the hammock simultaneously. According to the rule of thumb, the hammocks should have a maximum load capacity that supports double your body weight.
Length and Thickness
You should acquire a longer strap if you want your hammock straps to span broader, and you're probably hanging the hammock from dense trees. Six feet is a perfect length to aim for since it will fit most tree diameters while still allowing you to hang.
To avoid tree damage, straps should be 1-2 inches broad. It distributes weight and protects the bark, which is especially important on slender trees.
Great to Use with Trees
To avoid tree damage and impact, you must follow the leave no trace rules. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- Choose the thickest bark you can find, as trees with thinner skin are more susceptible to injury.
- If the sap is pouring near the tie-in you've made, leave it alone and look for another tree.
- If you have no alternative but to pitch your hammock with a rope or a very thin tree, place a pad between the strap and the tree.
HAMMOCK TREE STRAPS EXTENDERS
Some straps are quite long, but sometimes you need more space to work with. The strap extenders are here to help.
These straps can provide your hang setup more length, which is useful not just when branches are far apart. You occasionally find yourself in the vicinity of some large ass trees. Those big trunks take a huge amount of strap real estate, and before you know it, you've exhausted your strap with nothing left to clip onto. Attach these extenders to your straps to acquire even more extension and flexibility while hanging.
They also aid in the preservation of trees. With the popularity of hammocks on the rise, we all must do our part to conserve the trees. Some of the straps are thin and narrow, which isn't ideal for our live, breathing forest companions. When the hammock's whole weight is concentrated in a tiny region wrapped around the tree trunk, the straps tend to dig into the bark and cause harm to the tree. They're powerful, but they're not invincible.
UNDERSTANDING THE RIGHT HAMMOCK ANGLE
The angle at which you hang your hammock is equally important as the type of straps you use. The recommended angle is 30 degrees. This angle distributes weight evenly across the hammock, reducing pressure on the anchor points - in this case, the trees. Hanging at this angle also optimises comfort, as it allows you to lay diagonally across the hammock. This position flattens the body posture, reducing the banana shape curve, and minimises back strain. To measure this angle, you can use your hand – your thumb and little finger extended in a 'hang loose' gesture approximates 30 degrees.
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO HANG A HAMMOCK WITHOUT HAMMOCK TREE STRAPS
Straps are suspended from trees or posts. If you don't have any trees or want something more permanent, a hammock stand can be a good option. While stands aren't as portable as adjustable straps, they do have the advantage of being put up almost anyplace. A freestanding hammock stand is a terrific choice if you don't have any trees—or if you don't have enough trees. There are hammock stands that can support one, two, or three hammocks. There are numerous types, shapes, sizes, and pricing points.
If you wish to hang a hammock in your bedroom, indoor hammock hanging kits are available. These are less intrusive than a hammock stand because they are intended to go directly into your walls, a wooden stud. It may easily be clipped off when the hammock is not in use.
Finally, a foldable hammock with its collapsible stand is convenient for hanging out. It's wonderful for camping and many of these double as cots. Most are more compact than the hammock stands indicated above, and you can carry them into your camp with you at night.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAMMOCK TREE STRAPS
What Else Do Your Tree Straps Require?
It's a good idea to double-check that your hammock straps include carabiners. But if they do, you must get some extras. If it comes with a string pouch to keep the straps rolled up, that's a plus.
Also, ensure the carabiners you choose are suitable for the ends of your hammock, and you can expand the hammock's length with a whoopie-sling.
Can I Hang a Hammock with Ropes?
While you can hang a hammock with ropes, you should avoid doing so. Thin ropes can pierce the tree's bark and cause harm. Thus, several states and parks have imposed restrictions on your methods of hanging your hammock. For example, you'll be obliged to wear a strap with a minimum thickness of one inch in several national parks.
Is There a Weight Limit on Hammocks?
Each hammock has a maximum weight capacity. The limit is determined by various factors, including the textiles used in the construction, binding techniques, anchor and suspension, and the hammock.
HAMMOCK TREE STRAPS FROM SIESTA HAMMOCKS
Siesta Hammocks is your one-stop shop for everything about hammocks in Australia. We offer hammock tree straps and hammock hanging kits to help you enjoy your hammocking experience. You can also find freestanding hammocks and hammock stands you can also use for a portable hammock experience.
Always remember to try and not hurt trees while hanging your hammock!
Comments