Other hammock uses...

[tomsawyer222]

Anyone ever think of using a hammock for a long distance system instead of using it to save weight? The advantages of being able to camp where ever you want can actually allow you to make more miles quicker than an ultralight hiker just because you can keep walking till you want to stop. Also a hammock simplfies your planning either before the hike or as you go cause you are not tied to going toone place or a certain distance if you dont want to.When i do the AT in 2009 i plan on being on the trail for about 9-11 days at a time between stops in town unless the trail runs right through a city which allows for less zero days and money spent in towns. I have not thought how hard that would be to do with a tent.

[CoyoteWhips]

Are you on the Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net/)?

[Deadeye]

I'm a hanger, and it doesn't save me any weight, in fact my hammock setup with a Speer winter tarp is about a half-pound heavier than my Henry Shires TarpTent. I don't see how it gives me any more freedom to camp than a tent or tarp would, either. For me, it's all about the comfort. YMMV.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Other hammock uses? Other than shelter/sleep system? Can't think of any except that bear pinata always comes to mind. I'll have to try one someday. I'm mildly claustaphobic, don't know if it will be an issue.

[peter_pan]

Several hammockers have thru hike the AT and many have done multi week sections of the AT in hammocks.... they really are a great way to go.

Speaking of going..... go check the archived Hammock forums here on WB... great stuff.... then go to Hammockforums for current info/chat on all things hammock.

Pan

[Cannibal]

I'll be thru-hanging this spring. Total weight for shelter and sleep system is just over 5 lbs. This will get me into single digit temps.

Warbonnet ElDorado hammock: (+straps, rings, & blackbishop bag) 30.2 oz
Custom torso length underquilt: 16.09 oz
Jack R Better Rocky Mountain Sniveller (top quilt): 28 oz.
1/8" ccf pad: somewhere around 3 oz.
Still secret tarp (tba later): 7 oz.

= 84.29 oz. (5.27 lbs) or there abouts. Plus, I still have a couple of tricks for dropping another few ounces by switching out a couple of components for lighter weight ones (rings and webbing).

I will gladly carry this weight for the comfort and flexibility it provides. :D

[sasquatch2014]

I chose to go with a hammock first for the comfort that it provides. I have had two back operations and the ground gets harder the older I get. Secondly was the reason you stated of being able to hang pretty much anywhere. I don't need a flat spot or to get to a shelter. Most UL hikers can do the same just find a small spot and call it good but then I go back to my first reason. It all comes down to preferance.

[take-a-knee]

I'll be thru-hanging this spring. Total weight for shelter and sleep system is just over 5 lbs. This will get me into single digit temps.

Warbonnet ElDorado hammock: (+straps, rings, & blackbishop bag) 30.2 oz
Custom torso length underquilt: 16.09 oz
Jack R Better Rocky Mountain Sniveller (top quilt): 28 oz.
1/8" ccf pad: somewhere around 3 oz.
Still secret tarp (tba later): 7 oz.

= 84.29 oz. (5.27 lbs) or there abouts. Plus, I still have a couple of tricks for dropping another few ounces by switching out a couple of components for lighter weight ones (rings and webbing).

I will gladly carry this weight for the comfort and flexibility it provides. :D

Cannibal, I'd add one of those Balaclavas from Backpacking Light to sleep in, that JRB RMS will have everything well covered but your head. You might want to think about a second pad to start (I don't remember how early you are starting). You can always mail it home if you don't need it.

[Grinder]

I got into hammocking in an effort to reduce my motorcycle camping gear weight. I had seen the Hennessy Hammocks and it sounded great.

I felt they were too expensive and so pursued the DIY course of action.

Then followed lessons in bottom insullation, top tarps etc. By the time I was done, Hammock gear turned out to be about equal in weight to conventional camping gear. They are more comfortable though.

A regular poster at Hammock forums, Hammock Engineer, is in the final stretch of a through hike right now (at around 1800 miles) . He has abandoned his hammock for the shelters, citing ease of setup (no tent to set up) and warmth as the main reasons.

I guess there is no one best way. It just depends on the particular circumstances.

Miles of Smiles
Tom

[Cannibal]

Yes I neglected to include any clothing weights, but I consider those dual-use. I'm making my first DIY attempt on a balaclava next week.

On a side note: I was told to try using a dust mask (those cheap ones you buy at Home Depot) for sleeping. Keeps anything from touching your mouth or nose and does an AMAZING job of adding warmth for very little extra weight. I couldn't believe how much it helped, just make sure you brush your teeth before bed. :D