2" suspension rule. Is there anyplace on the trail this applies to?

[ChuckT]

The one time I was asked, here in Florida, I replied that I had inch and a half straps (and I did) and nothing further was said nor was I inspected. This was late spring 2014.

[Creek]

go to walmart buy a boat winch strap for 10 bucks cut it in half and you have a long set of tree straps. I don't trust my sewing so I just put a girth hitch on the end with no loop to attach it to an aluminum O ring.

[Creek]

The one time I was asked, here in Florida, I replied that I had inch and a half straps (and I did) and nothing further was said nor was I inspected. This was late spring 2014.

I was in Torreya in March and on fella was allowed to make multiple wraps with his one inch straps, I think most of the rangers will work with you that way.

another thing that may be worth noting is that someone I know who works in FSP's has told me that the boss there listens and acts on input from individuals just as the members of hammock forums were heard so shoot em' an email if you have concerns or needs.

[maddog5150]

I had not considered this when thinking about hiking the AT. I might need to start experimenting with some 2" straps.

Thanks for bringing this up!

[HooKooDooKu]

GSMNP doesn't quote a strap size but instead says

Hammocks must be strapped to trees using Tree Saver straps or other wide straps that will not cut into trees.

[Dogwood]

You only need a 2" portion that surrounds the tree or limb. the rest of the strap assembly can be whatever diameter line or strap you wish

This! Cuts the need for a longer piece of webbing and likely the wt of the suspension system. I'm going to do it on my suspension system to save wt. I'll thread an adjustable 2 ft long or so webbing like sleeve onto my light wt much narrower part of my whoppie sling.

[KDogg]

I'm confused. Why are we talking about two-inch straps on the AT? They are not required.

[ChuckT]

Why not? This is a good place to discuss what may occur.
For instance right now in FL there's a state DEP reg being proposed to commercialize the state parks. Lumbering and cattle has been mentioned.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I'm confused. Why are we talking about two-inch straps on the AT? They are not required.

Well, there is no requirement nor rule that covers all of the AT - regarding most anything as it passes through many jurisdictions: federal; state; and local. But note that if a person in authority, be it police, federal or state ranger, etc., believes that whatever you are doing may be causing damage (such as to a tree from a hammock suspension, bear bag rope, or anything else), they have the power to require you to stop and/or cite you. It has nothing to do with a strap specification, but rather whether or not in the judgment of the authority it could cause damage. Several states have rules regarding hanging ANYTHING from trees, mostly because of historical damage from ropes and even nails/spikes. In the backcountry it typically isn't as big an issue nor enforced as diligently as it is in developed campgrounds. But every hiker I've ever seen with a hammock uses straps of some sort anyway, anywhere from 1 to 2 inches wide. Most hammock companies are now supplying 1 1/2" to 2" straps.

[stariondriver]

Instead of wider straps they should promote using tubular nylon armor on the strap. Make a huge difference in my experience. I use it on my mule tape straps.