4CouncilsScouter 23 Posted December 10, 2017 I finally found the official BSA rules on hammocks: https://www.ncsbsa.org/resources/general_files/Home/Program Director/680-055_SafetyHammocks_WEB.pdf I'll just leave this here... 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAHAWK 894 Posted December 10, 2017 https://www.scouting.org/Home/HealthandSafety/Safety_Moments.aspx Links to: https://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-055_SafetyHammocks_WEB.pdf 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qwazse 2484 Posted December 11, 2017 Love the "use only manufacturer's replacement ropes" line. (No pun intended.) Manufacturers often ship hammocks without ropes! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tampa Turtle 1010 Posted December 11, 2017 Well at least they didn't say we couldn't use them! (I have been using a Hennessy for years). I am surprised they didn't say something about: (1) Hanging a hammock to a too small tree where you can damage it. (2) Using Straps or Tree Savers around trees to lesson damage to the bark of trees. (3) Hanging a hammock (especially on Friday nights in the dark!) under a dead limb (look up and use your flashlight). (4) Another danger of small boy 'hammock stacking' is the fart in the face. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4CouncilsScouter 23 Posted December 11, 2017 I'm guessing they're assuming that "Hang hammocks in secure locations" is sufficient for making sure you have a sturdy enough tree; but, they do mention "If you are using solid, living trees, special care should be taken not to damage the outer bark." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianwilkins 263 Posted December 11, 2017 18 minutes ago, Tampa Turtle said: Well at least they didn't say we couldn't use them! (I have been using a Hennessy for years). I am surprised they didn't say something about: (4) Another danger of small boy 'hammock stacking' is the fart in the face. Or, from observations, the upper hammock being tied a little looser than the lower hammock, and/or with heavier contents, the hammocks can get, err, well, a little too close for comfort. I've had explorers triple deck hammocks before, I really don't like it, as the top "bunk" is 6ft off the ground, but apparently they know everything and "it'll be fine". It was, as it happened, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tampa Turtle 1010 Posted December 11, 2017 I have hammocked (is that a word) between two trees by the water's edge (very restful) only to find when I awake that the tide has come in and I am over water. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RememberSchiff 1603 Posted December 11, 2017 I would think not a problem ... for a Turtle. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tampa Turtle 1010 Posted December 11, 2017 7 minutes ago, RememberSchiff said: I would think not a problem ... for a Turtle. Old fat middle aged men struggling to get our of a hammock look remarkably like a turtle trapped on his back....anything for the enjoyment of the lads. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jameson76 661 Posted December 11, 2017 Hammock stacking is definitely a thing, especially when some do not bring a rain fly, if you stack, less rain flys.... Great place to nap during campouts, I am not a fan of all night, like to move around too much. On outings our troop is about 90% sleeping in hammocks, they pitch tents to store gear. Most like they are level, no rocks or limbs in their backs, and unlike the leaders, they don't have to get up 3 times during the night for the call of nature. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagledad 1456 Posted December 11, 2017 (edited) I tried the hammock because I'm always looking for something to smooth out the hard ground. But I couldn't fall a sleep while shaped like a taco shell. Scouts enjoyed it for naps. Barry Edited December 11, 2017 by Eagledad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tampa Turtle 1010 Posted December 11, 2017 13 minutes ago, Eagledad said: I tried the hammock because I'm always looking for something to smooth out the hard ground. But I couldn't fall a sleep while shaped like a taco shell. Scouts enjoyed it for naps. Barry You gotta sleep at an angle to centerline to get the back straighter. I prefer it to the ground but I find fighting the thermal loss a hassle sometimes. I have had some excellent sleeps in them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Col. Flagg 908 Posted December 11, 2017 1 minute ago, Tampa Turtle said: You gotta sleep at an angle to centerline to get the back straighter. I prefer it to the ground but I find fighting the thermal loss a hassle sometimes. I have had some excellent sleeps in them. My ENO hammock and the REI Flash air mattress (insulated and not fully inflated) has solved that issue for me. I am amazed at how comfortable I sleep...and I am a "stomach sleeper" but I sleep like a baby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tampa Turtle 1010 Posted December 11, 2017 It's Brian is preparing an article a safety article: 'Hammocks of Happiness or Scouting Shrouds of Sorrow: 68 steps for a BSA approved hammock setup'. Just now, Tampa Turtle said: It's Brian is preparing an article a safety article: 'Hammocks of Happiness or Scouting Shrouds of Sorrow: 68 steps for a BSA approved hammock setup'. English is my 2nd language after Dyslexia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
perdidochas 599 Posted December 12, 2017 (edited) On 12/11/2017 at 5:21 AM, qwazse said: Love the "use only manufacturer's replacement ropes" line. (No pun intended.) Manufacturers often ship hammocks without ropes! And hammocks really shouldn't be using ropes to contact the tree. Ropes can connect the hammock and straps (and usually are), but straps should be all that contact the tree. That, and some of us have homebuilt hammocks. I guess that means I can use any "rope" as I am the manufacturer of my hammock. Edited December 12, 2017 by perdidochas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
