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Wondering what people think of hammocks hanging in trees at the crag?
Personaly, I only seem to notice them being used by groups and newer climbers.
I don't like them because, to me, it is just spreading erosion/impact further into the woods, and putting stress on the trees.
Did you come to climb, or take a nap?

I love a good hammock........ but not at the crag. You are right hammocks on those small trees (they usually are kinda small at the base of the cliff) tied up high creates a lever which pulls on the soil and loosens compaction which eventually leads to errosion.


leave em at home......

depends, if I am at a not so popular crag with an odd number of people and want some rest time between burns, hammocks are the bomb yo. But when other groups are trying to get by or I have to go off trail to find a spot to hang it, well I probably would not put it up.

Chris Linder uses a hammock, I've seen it. So, if I use one also will I be able to climb like Chris Linder? Just wondering.

An anti-hammock thread? You gotta be kidding. I have to rest at least an hour between hard burns.

Jeff wrote:Did you come to climb, or take a nap?

oh, and mostly I came to be outside and sometimes that means taking a nap, weather on the dirt or in a hammock.

At a busy crag, and if they are in a way, they can be annoying.

But on the flip side, last summer I went climbing with someone who brought the hammocks for (my) kids. He has kids himself, and while his kids weren't present, he thought it would be good for my kids, too... I have NEVER seen the kids be so quiet, content to stay in one place and out of everyone's way -- they usually are pretty well-behaved at the crag to begin with, but this was above and beyond, by far. So I admit, ever since that one trip, I have been thinking of getting the hammocks... but I haven't yet. The kids only come climbing with me maybe 3-4 times a year, it isn't a big deal.

I don't see hammock use to be a big issue. Maybe if the practice spreads and you have hammocks hanging off of every available tree at every crag, it would be bad, but I hardly ever see them right now... I think I saw them this weekend at Drive-by, and that's the first time this year.

Stress on the trees!? Most climbers barely weigh a buck twenty five. I put more stress on a tree leaning against it then most climbers would with a hammock.

Agree about the kids thing too... I haven't tried with my son, but I have seen others at the crag with their kids in a hammock reading a book. I'd much rather have that then kids screaming.

bcombs wrote:Stress on the trees!? Most climbers barely weigh a buck twenty five. I put more stress on a tree leaning against it then most climbers would with a hammock.

Then stop leaning on trees

But okay I can dig your reasons with kids. I never really thought about that. But either way as long as you are not in the middle of the trail, we dont have a dozen at the same crag, and its not tied to too small of a tree. (yes this will do damage to the root base over time for sure, but somthing tells me your just fuckin with me... ) I suppose why not?

Just dont expet me not to dump you out of it when you doze off

lena_chita wrote:
last summer I went climbing with someone who brought the hammocks for (my) kids.

That sounds like a great idea for when I bring my daughter. She loves to climb, but is so restless when it's not her turn. The boy, on the other hand...I can't help but think my son would find a way to turn the hammock into a projectile-firing weapon of some sort...