View Full Version : hammock or tent?
I have a ENO hammock setup that weighs 4.5lbs and i have been looking at tents that are in the 3-4 lbs range. It seems like at least the first month or 2 of the trail the weather would be the most unpredictable. Since hammocks are colder to sleep in, i would probably need to carry an underquilt, pushing the weight up another pound or so. I sleep better in my hammock and would like to use it. At least for the summer. Would it be worth it to start with a tent and then do a mail swap for my ENO once the weather warms up? Please don't try to convince me to just use a tarp... i'm not interested, i realize lighter is better, but, no thanks
I've used both and prefer a tent- specifically the MSR Hubba HP one person. Bombproof! It was so wet this year I ended up staying in shelters mostly.
Do think about weight..........every ounce counts when it's on your back!
I've used both, but am a dedicated hammocker. If you're talking 4.5 lbs for your hammock, tarp, stakes and suspension, you can go a lot lighter than that, trust me. My current setup for hammock, suspension, stakes and tarp is under 3 lbs. Go on over to WB's sister site, Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net) and check us out.
Just on a hunch, I'm guessing you're using all ENO products, which are terribly heavy. You'll definitely want to replace the ENO tarp, which has very little to offer for procection from the elements once the wind starts blowing. Their Slap Straps, regarless of type, are made of nylon and will stretch like a mutha, so avoid them at all costs. There's plenty of good advice over on HF, so go take a look.
Spokes, nice to see another Charlottean on here. Give me a shout some time and we'll grab a burger and brew at The Penguin. :D
you are right on, i have all eno parts for it, it was a christmas gift. A great one but yeah, I know its on the heavy side. I just don't feel like replacing gear that there isn't much wrong with. To get down to a 3 lb hammock i'll have to spend $300. Which is about what the tent would cost. Plus i would need to buy and underquilt if it gets cold.. more money.... I need a new tent anyway as i am hoping to go to grand canyon next fall, not many trees.
you are right on, i have all eno parts for it, it was a christmas gift. A great one but yeah, I know its on the heavy side. I just don't feel like replacing gear that there isn't much wrong with. To get down to a 3 lb hammock i'll have to spend $300. Which is about what the tent would cost. Plus i would need to buy and underquilt if it gets cold.. more money.... I need a new tent anyway as i am hoping to go to grand canyon next fall, not many trees.Actualy, I could get you to under 3 lbs spending a less than half of what you think.
Speer Winter Tarp (http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Tarps.htm) - $119
Strapworks Polyester Simple Sling 12' (http://www.strapworks.com/Strapworks_Simple_Sling_p/hss1p.htm) for suspension - $6.62
25' of 7/64" Amsteel for Whoopie Sling suspension (http://www.apsltd.com/c-1486-hightechsinglebraids.aspx) - $7.50
8 gutter nails for tarp stakes - $4.00
Total Cost - $137.12 before shipping
This would take your weight down from 4.5# to about 2.5#.
I know what you're thinking. You're welcome. :D:banana
kayak karl
09-29-2009, 17:00
if you use the tent you'll need a pad. UQ weight isn't much different. i agree 4lb is on the heavy side. could you list your two setups. it will help these guys out with suggestions.
YOU WILL NEVER REGRET BRINGING THE HAMMOCK:sun
YOU WILL NEVER REGRET BRINGING THE HAMMOCK:sunAmen, hallelujia, etc. :clap
my hammock set is- ENO doublenest 22oz. dry fly 22oz. slapstraps 12oz. mosquito net 16oz. 72oz. total. I definitely want the hammock but don't feel like buying the UQ so thats why i asked about switching part way. Would just my sleeping bag plus a pad be enough insulation to get me by? Is there a certain part of my setup you would recommend i change to lighten the load?
I go to the ground in colder weather under a tarp, one that I use for my hammock as well. I'm sure I would sleep better in my hammock with an UQ, but the pad is good enough in the hammock and on the ground I sleep OK when its cold and I'm wrapped up in my bag. I don't think you can do that with the ENO tarp, so you'd have to buy another tarp, but that's cheaper than a tent.
my hammock set is- ENO doublenest 22oz. dry fly 22oz. slapstraps 12oz. mosquito net 16oz. 72oz. total. I definitely want the hammock but don't feel like buying the UQ so thats why i asked about switching part way. Would just my sleeping bag plus a pad be enough insulation to get me by? Is there a certain part of my setup you would recommend i change to lighten the load?
1) Lose the heavy stock biners and cord that come in the ENO DoubleNest. Weight savings - 6oz.
2) Replace DryFly ('Cause it sucks and has exceptionally poor coverage) with Speer Winter Tarp. Weight savings - 6oz.
3) Lose the ENO bugnet. It's heavy and awkward. Besides, getting to be the time of year you don't need it. Weight savings - 16oz.
4) Lose the Slap Straps. They just plain old suck. They strectch since they're nylon and will leave your butt on the ground by morning. Replace with a Whoopie Sling (DIY project, instructions at Hammock Fourums). Weight savings - 7 oz.
Total weight saved - 35 oz.
You can stay worm with a pad, but how warm you stay is depedent on you. First problem is that it's not breathable, so you'll probably sweat underneath you between you and the pad. Second problem, it isn't particularly wide. But this can be solved with extra wide pads or by using a product like a Speer Segmented Pad Extender (SPE), link in a previous post. You can use a sleeping bag in a hammock, but like I said earlier, you're crushing the insulation under you just like on the ground and rendering that insulation under you ineffective as an insulator. That's why you use a pad on the ground; it's your insulator. Without a doubt, your best bet to stay warm in a hammock is to use an underquilt.
NOX, do yourself a favor and go sign up at Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net). Present your dilemma before the High Hammock Council and you'll have anwers, ideas and suggestions coming out the wazoo in a matter of minutes.
Thanks Hooch, I'm cruising around that site right now, I'll present my case. I might have to bring my tarp to REI and get one with straight sides, i got the scalloped edges thinking it would be easier to get in and out the hammock but i can see that if i go to the ground i would most likely get wet.
Thanks Hooch, I'm cruising around that site right now, I'll present my case. I might have to bring my tarp to REI and get one with straight sides, i got the scalloped edges thinking it would be easier to get in and out the hammock but i can see that if i go to the ground i would most likely get wet.Even if you don't go to ground with that tarp, you're gonna get wet when it starts raining and the wind starts blowing. It offers next to nothing in the way of lateral coverage at all. I used the same tarp when I started hammocking and got rid of it as soon as I could. It just isn't worth having.
And don't forget to tell 'em over at HF that Hooch sent ya. :D
Tipi Walter
09-29-2009, 19:24
I've used both and prefer a tent-
!
Amen, Hallelujia!:banana
Am I the only one who heard him say "Grand Canyon--not many trees?"
Am I the only one who heard him say "Grand Canyon--not many trees?"
Nope, you weren't. However, a good hamocking tarp can be pitched on the ground without difficulty for use by animals and anything else that crawls around on the ground. :rolleyes:
Tipi Walter
09-29-2009, 19:35
Nope, you weren't. However, a good hamocking tarp can be pitched on the ground without difficulty for use by animals and anything else that crawls around on the ground. :rolleyes:
I always figured myself to be a mammal AND an animal, no wonder I like tents.
A good tarp, much larger than anything ENO offers, can be pitched to provide a very spacious "front porch", better than that offered by a backpacking tent. This rig withstood substantial storms both Friday and Saturday night this past week.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/017a_563671.jpg
Hammocks rule, tents drool. Just ask anyone over on HF, they'll agree with me. :D Don't worry Tipi, maybe you'll evolve enough one day to get off the ground. No worries though, you're still one hikin' mutha! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-basic/bop.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Blissful
09-29-2009, 22:05
Boy that seems like an awful heavy set up for summer. Might try to pare it down somewhat. My hubby takes a 1 lb hammock for the summer and got the ultralight tarp to go over if from hennesy.
ChinMusic
09-29-2009, 23:48
I've got both, used both, and now rarely use my hammock. I find hammocks to be a hassle. Now that I use a 2.5-inch air pad ground sleeping is nearly as comfortable.
brooklynkayak
09-30-2009, 10:11
Please don't try to convince me to just use a tarp... i'm not interested, i realize lighter is better, but, no thanks
Your won't consider a tarp for backpacking the Grand Canyon? A tent is the only option? I suspect you had a bad pitch in a previous experience?
Maybe a tarp with a bug bivy/ tent inside? A tarp is the most practical of all shelters for desert heat, highly adjustable ventilation and ultra light.
A tarp has more options than a tent. People may disagree, but tarps can be the most bomb proof shelters in bad weather if pitched correctly. Add an ultra light bivy if you are worried about spray or condensation, it will still be roomier, lighter and cheaper than a tent.
Tipi Walter
09-30-2009, 10:27
Your won't consider a tarp for backpacking the Grand Canyon? A tent is the only option? I suspect you had a bad pitch in a previous experience?
Maybe a tarp with a bug bivy/ tent inside? A tarp is the most practical of all shelters for desert heat, highly adjustable ventilation and ultra light.
A tarp has more options than a tent. People may disagree, but tarps can be the most bomb proof shelters in bad weather if pitched correctly. Add an ultra light bivy if you are worried about spray or condensation, it will still be roomier, lighter and cheaper than a tent.
Reason #6 Against The Tarp:
One inch deep pooling ground water. My Hilleberg tent floor kept out every single drop of it.
yeah i had a bad pitch, woke up almost floating in mud. and another incident with skunk that didn't want to get rained on, at least with a tent he would have to chew his way in, not just walk under it... i might have been sprayed anyways but maybe not... by the way, skunks love marshmallows! :)
Tipi Walter
09-30-2009, 10:34
yeah i had a bad pitch, woke up almost floating in mud. and another incident with skunk that didn't want to get rained on, at least with a tent he would have to chew his way in, not just walk under it... i might have been sprayed anyways but maybe not... by the way, skunks love marshmallows! :)
I had a baby skunk run right into and out of my tent recently. Managed to take a fotog of the thing.
when i saw mine the last thought i had was to take a picture.. i wish i would have so i had a pic of the a$$hole that made me wreak for 2 days... Looks like yours was priming the hole hahaha
brooklynkayak
09-30-2009, 10:52
yeah i had a bad pitch, woke up almost floating in mud. and another incident with skunk that didn't want to get rained on, at least with a tent he would have to chew his way in, not just walk under it... i might have been sprayed anyways but maybe not... by the way, skunks love marshmallows! :)
I have had skunks under my tarps many times as a kid. They only spray if they are threatened. I've had raccoons snooping around and that can be a problem as they can be aggressive if they've been hanging around campsites stealing food.
Rabies can be a problem with some critters, but I've never heard of people getting sprayed or bitten under a tarp, it's always when the person was standing.
The little desert critters will sometimes chew holes in tents while people sleep. But I bet this is only when people store their food or eat in their tents.
Bearpaw makes a good point. There's nothing quite like having a good canopy over a hammock.
Ahhh, sitting under the "front porch" in a driving thunderstorm dry and cozy- now that's living!!!!
Spokes, nice to see another Charlottean on here. Give me a shout some time and we'll grab a burger and brew at The Penguin. :D
Mmm, The Penguin! Will do Hooch.
Desert Reprobate
09-30-2009, 12:56
Great pic of the southbound end of a north bound skunk
brooklynkayak
09-30-2009, 13:26
yeah i had a bad pitch, woke up almost floating in mud. and another incident with skunk that didn't want to get rained on,
A bivy or net tent with floor could have solved the mud problem, depending on how bad the pitch was. It would have kept the skunk from wanting to curl up on you to go to sleep, which they have been known to do.
Bearpaw makes a good point. There's nothing quite like having a good canopy over a hammock.
Ahhh, sitting under the "front porch" in a driving thunderstorm dry and cozy- now that's living!!!!
The front porch option is just one of many. Last December, that same Speer Winter Tarp, pitched low with the end flaps pulled in, shed plenty of wind during 40 MPH gusts on a night that got down to 18 F.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/047a.jpg
I slept warm and well.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/032a_28345.jpg