Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
Alternatives To Nails ... Sept. 5, 2008 ... Back on August 30th, I'd featured my own view regarding an alternative to nails being used as hooks at campsites. In deference to the collective wisdom of a number of the Algonquin Adventures Forum online community, I've replaced the original article with this new one .. B. Bridgeford.
When at a backcountry campsite, it's definitely convenient to have hooks on the trees, from which to hang towels, coats, pots and pans. However, achieving these hooks by driving nails into the trees is both damaging and dangerous.
What's being proposed as alternatives to the use of nails - - -
'PaPaddler' ... " What we typically do is just tie a 1/8" rope around a tree then hook a carabiner from one of our nalgenes or packs." and "A second method we often employ is to string a short rope between two trees that are somewhat close together (so it's not a thoroughfare waiting to 'clothesline' someone) and then hang carabiners from that."
'Racoon' ... "Bungy cords have been put to good use and always leave with us as they are reused in the lashing of gear into the canoe."
So, alternatives to the use of nails include bungy-cords or ropes combined with carabiners, or S-hooks, or even another bungy-cord rigged to take advantage of its own built-in hooks (see photo >>>).
And what's proposed to deal with the holes remaining after nails are extracted - - -
'Tomek' ... "Do what people who drain sap do. After they drill a hole into the tree they hammer a small wooden stake in there. That stops the sap from leaking and protects the tree from damage from insects etc. We can do the same for nails IF we want to start pulling nails."
'Scoutergriz' ... "Golf tees. You can pick up a bag of a dozen or so unvarnished ones from the dollar store- bang them in and snap them off."
view002.htm