"Treeboats"

highclimber30

highclimber30

Location
south carolina
\"Treeboats\"

Here's a question I've been contemplating...the Treeboat is 300 some dollars, the Portaledge, some 600 or so. Has anyone made there own or found a suitable replacement for said items. Not to take away from their sales, but they are expensive and all of you guys are industrious... Just floating the question. I am in the middle of making my own "Treeboat", so I guess it is a loaded question!
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

I have a Treeboat and for 300+ bucks..... you will never have to buy another. I know people that spend more than that on soda in a year. I am sure you can make that in a day maybe a weekend? I don't mean to downgrade your idea of making one of your own, but it's money well spent.
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

It's not life support, so I don't see why one of those quick-attaching hammocks you can find for $30 won't work. I've been considering trying it out.

I have a new tribe tree frog and their work saddle, and I have to say that the quality of their stuff is incredible, I just don't think I would use the boat enough to drop $300 on.
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

get a freaking rope hammock with a 4 point attachment instead of just the 2.

Or go to REI or wherever and get a hammock that stuffs into a 4 inch pocket for 35 bucks. lightweight and has a 4 point suspension
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

So I am guessing from the responses that no one has made their own hammock? Guess I will have to post my own when I get it finished. Webbing and 50# test Dyneema. What are the the thoughts concerning those materials? The webbing is rated at 17kn. Dyneema is used for some rock climbing slings and also in super-braid fishing line. So, what do you think. Good enough, or foos erand?
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

How far are you packing the sleeping accomodations?

If you're close to the road the simplest and cheapest lodging is on a cut-down sheet of plywood with some ratchet straps for leveling. I built a tree ledge for a friend's backyard tree out of 5/8 exterior CDX. Rounded the corners and radiused the edges. The ledge is big enough for two and only cost about $50.

A chaise lounge/beach cot is cheap..the original portaledges owe their heritage to them. One time Jeff Jepson, Gary W [Pierce...are you reading this? :) ] and I camped in the top of a white pine near Jeff's. I used my six-strap portaledge, Jeff used a chaise lounge with straps and GW had a Treeboat. Jeff and I were laid out and comfy when GW was just getting his four corners tensioned. He still had to make the rounds to tighten/loosen in order to level his Treeboat.

The FIsh Econoledge is about as good a deal for portable tree camping as you'll find.

There are many hammocks and hammock tents on the market. consider how much cubic space they need for setup. The nice thing about a PL is that all you need is ONE support point and maybe a couple of side tie-outs to prevent spinning.
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

I've had a couple friends get the same idea. It certainly seems doable, but the folks I know both gave up and bought tree boats. I'm sure you could put together a good hammock, but not one that's anywhere near as well made and functional as a treeboat. Had mine for 2.5 years, use it 1-2 times a month and absolutely love it. Seriously, sleeping in a treeboat is some of the most comfortable sleep I've ever had, and it's become something I look forward to for the next camping trip. I even take my treeboat with when I camp in central oregon, where it takes some effort to find junipers close enough together to set it up.
As to the price tag, it's expensive for sure, but about the same as a solo backpacking tent. Unlike a solo backpacking tent you don't have to worry about mild abuse ruining your investment. Treeboats are made to LAST!
Portaledges can be fun, I think some folks prefer a flat surface, but the guying is a bit of a pain. If you're in a larger tree or far off the deck, you really have to dial in the guy lines or else every tiny breeze is gonna really push you around.
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

[ QUOTE ]
Sleeping in a Treeboat gives me banana back and makes me sore for a day. Not for me!

PLs setup much easier and quicker too.

[/ QUOTE ]

You need to stuff any spare clothes or backpacks etc under your knees, then its nice and comfy. I have back troubles so I need to be careful, but it can still be the best nights sleep outdoors you'll get.

Mine has the the sleeve for a thermarest mat to go into so that makes it warmer too.
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

I started using a TB many years ago. I tried all of the suggestions and none worked. My back needs a flat surface.

Over the years of discussing banana back I've found a generality. If the arbornaut is over 6' tall the TB does not fit their frame very well. Under six footers tend to fit better. It makes sense if you look at how the tension and radius of the TB forms. It is relatively flat in the middle then has a rise at the ends. A Jon Boat has a similar taper in the bow.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/517589_lg.jpg
 
Re: \"Treeboats\"

I'm a fraction under six foot so I guess I get away with it. I need a firm mattress but a tree boat is a pleasure everynow and then. MAybe a few nights in a row would help me form a better opinion.

They do an extra long one though.

The problem with normal hammocks in this country is the air temp at night is often quite low even in summer so you need insulation below you, and sleeping bags compressed under body weight are not good at insulting you. (one of my favourite mispellings!)

I've slept in mine in winter at just under freezing and it was all good!
 
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