Skip to content

Treble Hammock Tree-O Hammock Frame Prototype Preview

treeo-pavilion-kids

Tree-O Multi Hammock Frame Prototype

I got a chance to preview the Tree-O Hammock Frame from Treble Hammock, which is currently working on crowd-funding through Kickstarter. The Tree-O is a modular frame, capable of supporting up to three hammocks in various configurations. This preview is based on a prototype I was sent, so I don’t have all the technical details, ratings, and material information to share as some of this may change on the final version. What I can speak to is the overall concept, design, and usability.

Concept and Design

The design offers more variation than its simple design would let on. Unlike fixed multi-person hammocks and platforms like the Clark Vertex Hammock or the Stingray from Tentsile, the Tree-O frame is adjustable, which means you can attach to trees that are less than “ideal.” One drawback I’ve found with the Vertex and Stingray is that when trees are outside the ideal margin, one side can have less tension and go slack. By allowing each of the three straps to move independent of each other, the Tree-O frame can “adapt” to trees in less ideal configurations.

treble-tree-o-hammock-frame

The other thing I really like is that this frame allows for configurations for one hammock and up to three hammocks by design. The long tree straps combined with the daisy-chain design of the frame means you can reach trees that are much further away than the recommended 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.5 m) and still have a perfect place to hang your hammock. This has been great for my situation at home where I don’t have any trees in my 2.5 acre lot, but I do have a porch with a 30 foot (9.1 m) span that isn’t ideal for hanging a hammock since I’m limited on how high I can hang straps.

treeo-center-ring

Like the Tentsile design, the Tree-O frame is set up more like a slack line, with a fairly taut setup. The prototype uses steel O-rings to form a cinch buckle that many hangers will be familiar with. The rings not only simplify the set-up, but it also lightens the entire kit. The rings on the prototype are robust. Threading the steel rings is easy. The tree straps have loops on both ends, and the free loop can be used as a handle to pull the strap tight. The good news is that the frame does NOT need to be cinched slack-line tight; just taut enough to set the frame up.

treeo-end-ring

The downside to the O-ring cinch buckles is that they tend to slip pretty easily, so always tie a slippery half hitch after threading the steel rings. If you do this, the straps won’t slip, and it will still be easy to untie and loosen. To loosen, pull the slippery hitch and then push the rings in opposite directions while pulling the strap down and it comes apart easily.

The other important set-up instruction is to attach the hammock to the frame and not the loops. The loops should point up to the sky.

Usability

I’ve had a blast trying out the prototype Tree-O frame. As I mentioned, this frame is perfect for my backyard. I had a similar idea of putting up a tow strap between my porch pillars to achieve the same thing, but the Tree-O frame has much more usability. The idea reminded me of those crazy photos of slack liners who hang hammocks on the line that crosses big canyons.

NOTE: Because this frame requires a tighter pitch, you should consider bringing small lengths of closed-cell foam pads to put between the strap and the bark or use wider webbing straps to help disperse the force on the trees.

treeo-1-hammock

One thing I really like about the frame is that is works great for hanging two hammocks side-by-side. So many people ask me about two-person hammocks, and to me, this set-up is ideal. I could set up two hammocks in a way that allows them to intersect so that we could face each other and be really close. In my opinion, this was better than any tent set-up I’ve ever experienced. It was fun to lay back in my hammock and look directly at my wife and chat.

treeo-2-hammocks

If there is a drawback, it is that if you want to hang three hammocks, you will need to find three trees that provide a configuration that can pull the Tree-O frame apart enough to fit all three hammocks.

 

For me, I can’t wait to see what subtle changes may come for the final version. It’s a great concept, nicely executed, and fits a great niche for hammocks and hammock camping.

Known Features/Specifications

Prototype Features

  • 7 Steel O-rings (2 for each “leg” and a center ring)
  • Daisy chain connections on the frame provides multiple quick hang points
  • Adjustable ring cinch suspension system (no ratchet machinery)
  • Hang extra gear, lights, accessories from the daisy chain loops
  • Stack frames for multi-hammock set-ups
  • Each strap is removable from the rings so they can be used as individual tree straps when necessary
  • The stuff sack is large enough to hold a few simple gathered-end hammocks inside

Specifications

  • 1 in (2.5 cm) “cargo” style 100% polyester webbing straps (both the tree strap and frame strap use the same webbing) rated at 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
  • 2 in (5 cm) stainless steel O-rings rated at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
  • 750 lbs (340 kg) rated weight capacity

Prototype Weight

  •  80 oz (2.2 kg) (5 lbs)

Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear. I was under no obligation to publish a review of this item.

13 thoughts on “Treble Hammock Tree-O Hammock Frame Prototype Preview”

  1. HI, Like the idea, but what about the tarp going over the top….how or would you suggest to hang the tarp? (as here in the UK we have a lot of rain!)

  2. Derek, what are your thoughts on how to rig the tarp(s) for this type of setup? I get the feel that one should be able to let the tarps rest on top of the rigging? Sort of having the rigging being the frame for the “roof” and then tying down the tarps towards the ground?

    1. It really depends on how you’ve set up the Tree-O, Tord. For a Y-up, side-by-side, a single hex tarp will easily cover both hammocks. If you have a more equilateral set-up, then a trio of overlapping diamond tarps would work very well. Check out my post on the 3-person hammock stand to see the overlapping option.

  3. I think this could be nice for desert backpacking where you plan to camp at a spring or creek where you don’t know the layout in advance. Sometimes at such places, there are trees, but they are spaced far apart and it can be hard to find the right span. This could definitely be an addition in certain situations to help hammockers in the desert southwest avoid having to go to the ground. The 5 lb. weight could be off-putting, but could be worth it the the right spot!

  4. Derek,

    Looking at the specs, it reads
    “750 lbs (340 kg) rated weight capacity”. Does that mean the hammocks, people, and all gear hung on it cannot exceed 750lbs?

    That seems to really limit it’s use to 2 person hammock camping than three, unless you are using it for kids.

    Do you know if Treble Hammock are working on this issue?

    Will you get to review the final product when it’s available?

    Thank you,

    Dan

    1. From what I’ve been told, the weight capacity is total weight, so that would include gear. It really depends on who’s hanging. Three adults who weigh 200 lbs each is only 600 lbs, which leaves 150 lbs for gear. That’s plenty of wiggle room for 3 adults, plus or minus on the scale.

  5. Hi Derek, do you know of anyone who is making something similar or of a good way to DIY one? Treble Hammocks seem to have only run it for the Kickstarter and haven’t gone back to it.

    1. The frame itself is made up of 8 to 10 foot daisy chain straps, but then connects by rap rings to much longer straps. You can span 20+ feet easily, and probably longer, with longer straps.

Leave a Reply to Tord Hoppe Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.