if you set the strap good enough then it dont matter if the tree is wet or dry , atleast if you use a summit
My climber is a Summit also,andI think you're right,but early in'sidea is awesome. That much more peace of mind when it comes to safety. Any hook would do the job, too. Even those cheap sets at Wally World would work. No need to spend $$ when59 centswill get the job done.