Saturday and Sunday were almost shirtsleeve weather here in Carolina. I took my new gear and went for a long hike up the ridge overlooking Asheville. I found myself a very nice pine a few feet off the top of the ridge and did my first real tree climb up to a nice big limb about thirty feet up. Beautiful view.

Next time I come I will bring my backpacking gear and spend the night at the _base_ of the tree and try to be in the top for the sunrise.

A really great reason to go for a hike.

Burt,

Glad you had a good outing. What equipment/technique did you use?

Also, as far as sleeping at the _base_ of the tree you should consider getting a Treeboat (look at New Tribe)....that way you can sleep in the trees and already be up there in the morning. I have my Tree Boat in the mail for my Christmas present.

Later

Troy

Dude: Chameleon rope and Double rope with a Blakes friction hitch. I have a New Tribe harness. Petzl William screw-lock carabiners.

I'm not sure about spending money on a treeboat. I already own a portaledge and I've spent enough nights on it to think that it might be just as good as a hammock.

Did you use a bark saver? Will keep you rope from getting all covered in sap.

I've tried a few but my favorite is the 30" Su Rope Sleeve from new tribe. For some reason or another all they sell is the 18" version now.

Lots of discussion on portaledge Vs Treeboat. I've slept in neither so can't really say.

Later

Troy

Portaledge sounds good to me. I love my treeboat but a portaledge can be hung on a telephone pole if necessary. The treeboat requires enough distance between two branches and/or a branch and the trunk. Can be challenging to find a place to hang on some trees. It's less gear intensive than a portaledge it's just fabric and webbing. There are pro's aand cons to be weighed for each climber's needs. If you already have a portaledge you're all set.

Congrats Burt on your first "real" climb!
-moss

I agree with Moss on the difficulties on setting one up in the tree. The right branches had to be close by in the right alignment kind of way or you will take quite a while to set it right with extra webbing etc. It takes experience to get it set right - I assume. Another issue (for me) is the "Unnatural" posture of being in the boat. My knees can not bend in the right direction so I have sleep on one side with the legs bent down which is somehow uncomfortable. Other than that they are Ok and I am not opposed to owning one if you are camping on trees or campout anywhere for that matter. They can be used at low level also in a regular city park as far as two trees are close enough to hold the treeboat! Others with more experience settting them up will shime in soon I hope.