BSA Hammock Rules

[4CouncilsScouter]

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...

[TAHAWK]

https://www.scouting.org/Home/HealthandSafety/Safety_Moments.aspx

Links to: https://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-055_SafetyHammocks_WEB.pdf

 

[qwazse]

Love the "use only manufacturer's replacement ropes" line. (No pun intended.)

Manufacturers often ship hammocks without ropes!

[Tampa Turtle]

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. 

[4CouncilsScouter]

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." 

[ianwilkins]

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.

[Tampa Turtle]

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. 

 

[RememberSchiff]

I would think not a problem ... for a Turtle. 

[Tampa Turtle]

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.

[Jameson76]

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.  

[Eagledad]

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

[Tampa Turtle]

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.

[Col. Flagg]

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.

[Tampa Turtle]

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.

[perdidochas]

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