Using a hammock in a thunderstorm

[Snowfire]

Just wondering what folks thoughts and experiences are on using a hammock during a thunderstorm.

I've camped in a tent plenty of times during thunderstorms without any problems. But when I was a kid I was nagged to stay away from trees during storms and it's bugging me whether it's safer to be sleeping off the ground or on the ground during a storm.

 

[JonathanD]

No more dangerous than a tent, in fact probably less so. Depends on location of course. All in all not worth worrying about really.

 

[Nagual]

Interesting question. If you were hammocked to a tree that got struck, I'd not like to be there. Damaged trees, fires etc don't sound very nice. Or worse if the lightning jump to you in the hammock..

 

[Shewie]

Nag just beat me to it but if a tree takes a direct hit then the loud crack and shower of splinters would give you enough to think about. If you were to pitch a tent between the same two trees you'd be just as worse off I reckon.

A couple of interesting threads from over the pond ...
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18102&highlight=thunder+storm
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14124&highlight=lightning

 

[Dangerous Dan]

I just rely on probability. Assuming you're in wood you're just one of hundreds or thousands of equally attractive targets. As Jonathan and Shewie say, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference if you're in a tent or hammock. Two isolated trees on top of a hill... that's probably not too smart

 

[gregorach]

Yeah - the advice to stay away from trees during thunderstorms mainly means isolated trees... If you're pitched off the only two trees in the middle of a plain, yeah, you've got problems. If you're pitched in a group of trees or a small wood, in a valley or other sheltered spot, you're probably OK.

 

[J4C3]

did it recently if your already out and it starts and your in thick woodland then its up to you,i think the risk is minimal myself

 

[EdS]

beech trees in spring a re a bigger worry.

 

[Nagual]

beech trees in spring a re a bigger worry.

So avoid beech trees in spring during a spot of lightning then?

 

[drewdunnrespect]

personally as along as your not on the top of a hill in the only to tree for a hundred miles i dont think there is anything to worrie about

 

[Chris the Cat]

beech trees in spring a re a bigger worry.

Why, especially? Widow makers?
Cheers.
Chris.

 

[JonathanD]

Why, especially? Widow makers?
Cheers.
Chris.

Yeah, you just hear a big CCCCRACK before the big squish.

 

[jackcbr]

The way I look at it, lightning has just traveled several 1000 feet through the air, so being a few feet of the deck ain't gonna help you. If it does hit the tree you're in, again a few feet ain't gonna make much difference. So if you are out in a hammock in a thunderstorm, I'd change your underwear just in case, but as long as you are sensible with your location...

Having said that, we had a lightning strike on a tree in our wood - at the bottom of the hill it is on and not the tallest. It's not so much the highest shortest route that lightning takes but the line of least resistance.