I am a hanger and I've found that taking advantage of elevation differences on the ground means you often don't need to throw the rock on the rope over the highest brances.  I find a manageable branch to toss the line over near the top of a drop off.  With the pack on ground at the bottom of the drop off, I attach a second line.   Then I hoist the pack half to 3/4 of the height I intend for it to be.  Taking the second line, I simply walk down hill which pulls the pack away from the supporting tree, and higher into the air.  If necessary, I will throw the end of the second line over another tree, but usually can find sufficient "holes" in the on the granite shield to get it done without this.  My packs are always 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the nearest tree.  I have found this to be the easiest way to get a hang that makes me comfortable.