How To Tie A Hammock To A Tree

There is nothing more relaxing then sliding into a hammock among trees. Hammocks give you a sense of seclusion and allow you to rest and relax almost immediately you get into them. Especially after a hard days camping. No really, camping is hard work. So learning how to tie a hammock to a tree is just as important as buying the best hammock for your needs.

Whats super attractive about hammocks are that they are very portable and can be carried anywhere, even in public parks if you do not have trees on your property. Provided you don’t damage the trees with the straps. This is only temporary of course as sleeping on a hammock is considered camping and you would need to check with the local authorities in regards to camping.

Video On Attaching A Hammock To Two Trees The Easy Way

 

Strapping A Hammock To Trees

If you have a solitary tree, you can put up a post to serve one end, or even on a hook on your vehicle if you are car camping. For the right use of a hammock, it needs to be installed correctly. People do come crashing down in hammocks, but it is generally because they have used ropes of the wrong capacity or not tied them properly to the tree. Using a decent hammock strap is the safest step you can control.

The first precaution one needs to take while hanging a hammock from trees is to choose strong rope. Mountaineering rope is strong but may be quite thick and difficult to tie. Polypropylene rope of three-ply i/4 inch should be able to take all the weight that you can put on a hammock, which is often your own weight. Use a rope of a higher gauge, if you think you are above standard weight. Test a rope for two or three times its rating, and you will be safe from rope breaking. Most hammocks use two ropes, so in effect, you are doubling the acceptable load. Bends and knots or hitches can reduce load bearing capacities by up to 20 percent.

Don’t Leave Your Hammock Exposed To UV When Tied Down

If you leave the hammock on the trees throughout the summer the rope will be weakened by UV rays, and can even fall prey to the gnawing of rats. This is more applicable to people that set up hammocks in their own backyards. So check your ropes every now and then. Replace them if you have any doubts. It makes sense to replace the ropes every season if you use them on more than the odd occasion.

Choosing The Best Tree To Tie Your Hammock On

When you are hanging your hammock from trees, you must make sure that the tree is strong enough and will not bend too much with the lateral force and weight that the hammock will impose on it. You are safe if your tree has a trunk of at least 6 inches in diameter.

If the tree is really well grown, you can even hang the hammock from branches on the tree that is separated by the distance that you require. If you have only one tree, you can put in a post at the other end that must be at least 8 feet height and inserted into the ground by at least three feet. The posts must be secured by concrete if setting up a permanent hammock. You can tie the ropes of the hammock around the tree, or insert hooks in the tree if you are sure it will not suffer any damage to its growth.

Using Hammock Tree Straps Are The Best Option

You can also buy tree straps that will protect the trunk of your tree and save your tree from a hook. This is not only better for the tree, but also for the longevity of your hammock. These straps are designed for hammock hanging, therefor are built to cater to the conditions.Hammock straps are also the easiest way to hang a hammock around a tree. No need for learning how to tie knot suitable to the occasion.

These straps will have softer, wider material loop at both ends. Wrap the strap around the tree and let it come out of one of the loops so that you can tighten it to the tree. You can then wrap the strap around the tree and bring the strap in through the tied portion till it is of the length that you want. The free loop can then take an S hook or another device to which the hammock rope can be tied.

Ideally, your trees must be spaced 14 to 17 feet apart, but larger distances mean you will require more rope. It’s best to check the manufacturers recommendations as to how far the trees should be apart as hammocks vary in length.

You can also protect the trunk of the tree with a thick layer of cloth over which you can tie your hammock rope. Hammocks are slings that can be made from ropes or fabric and are long enough to allow a person to lie in. Hammocks allow you to sleep off the ground, and provide safety from insects or snakes while in outdoor places.

Optimally the hammock rope lines form an angle of 30 degrees to the trees to which they are fixed. Hammocks must be tied in such a way that they are quite taut, as then the weight of the body will cause it to form the right angles that give the most comfort. The hammock must remain four feet from the ground, which is a height that is comfortable for a person to climb into.

Once you have your hammock set to the right height and position it’s time to kick back and relax. If you plan on taking your hammock camping, I would highly suggest you protect yourself from the insects with a external hammock net. This device will attach to just about any hammock and give you a complete insect free sleeping zone. Which in Summer is a must.

Setting Up A Hammock Anywhere You Want