Switching from tent to hammock? [Archive] - WhiteBlaze

KnittingMelissa

02-09-2010, 18:52

I've never hammock camped before, never even heard of it before actually, and, after looking into it, it looks more and more appealing. It is eco friendly (doesn't harm the trees when set up properly, doesn't leave a ground print), they have mosquito netting and rain tarps, they're light weight, and they come at competing prices against tents (a huge thing in my book).

But, well, I've just never seen or poked one before. Even at REI the only information the sales lady could give me was what was printed on the flyer, and from the website. Nothing else that I hadn't already walked into the store knowing.

I know I go nuts thinking about the rain (I grew up camping in the Pacific NorthWest, rain is a huge part of consideration while camping up there), and I am satisfied that, when put up properly, the rain fly can keep out rain and keep the sleeper from becoming drenched. And, because it's off the ground, there's no need to worry about flooding (or, if there is, you're pretty much screwed either way, and better just learn to swim.).

But there is the issue with heat retention. Because it's off the ground, you can loose heat from below you, which is bad. Looking over the specs, outside of a heavy 4-season setup, I can't figure out how it would do in the cold weather. I intent to start off on the AT in February next year (probably around Valentine's day), and the first section of camping is going to be cold (not to mention that, in WY, you always prepare for the cold when camping, no matter the weather).

How do you guys deal with that?

Yes, I fully intent to have a good down sleeping bag (men's bag, I'm six feet tall even) with me, so that should help, but is there anything else? I know sleeping pads are mentioned, would one of those cheap blue sleeping pads do the trick, or is there a different model/style for hammocks?

I'm looking at the Hennesy Expedition Asym at the moment, it looks like a good, light weight setup, but I'm just not sure how well it will perform in the elements.

And what are snake skins?

Tinker

02-09-2010, 19:09

Here's one way to stay warm. The sleeping bag must be snug. Wherever it sags there will be a cold spot (the same goes for underquilts).
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=38616&catid=member&imageuser=2502
Add a bug net and tarp of your choice and you're good to go. Make sure to use a metal connector (s-hook or carabiner) at the hammock/strap (or hammock/rope) connector, and make sure it's beneath the tarp. The water will run down the rope/strap, hit the metal connector, and drip harmlessly to the ground. Drip lines can be used as well but I'm not convinced that they'll keep you dry in a multiday rain.

russb

02-09-2010, 19:18

Pads and sleeping bags are all you need, but with a hennesy they will be a pain. You are better off with a top entry hammock like a Claytor, Speer, Warbonnet, Clark, etc... If you really get into hammocking, you will likely end up with a top entry style eventually anyway. Go to hammockforums.net for more information than you could ever need.

amac

02-09-2010, 19:18

This ought to provide everything you're looking for: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=88
In short, a wide ccf pad is the cheapest way to go. The down-side of a pad is it can slide around alot if it's inside the hammock with you. Double-layer hammocks prevent the sliding around since the pad is in between the layers. I am a hammocker and currently use a pad. But, I'll be looking to buy an underquilt when cash is available.

Mountain Wildman

02-09-2010, 19:20

http://hennessyhammock.com/video_setup.html

This page has set up video's. Snake skins are covers over the ropes at both ends and you pull them over the hammock when packing it up, The hammock and ropes store inside the skins.

KnittingMelissa

02-09-2010, 19:24

You are better off with a top entry hammock like a Claytor, Speer, Warbonnet, Clark, etc... If you really get into hammocking, you will likely end up with a top entry style eventually anyway. Go to hammockforums.net for more information than you could ever need.

Thank you, I'll look into those. I was a little nervous about the bottom entry hammock (I thrash in my sleep), and I'm really liking the Claytor prices...:banana

Marmotnj

02-09-2010, 19:27

I have recently changed to a hanger last summer. I have a Hennessy Hammock Explorer, with a Jacks'R better under quilt and a 0 degree marmot bag. i have been down to 15 degrees, and have been toasty warm both times.

mountain squid

02-09-2010, 19:31

I too was intrigued about using a hammock, and considered some of the same reasons you cited. One thing I overlooked however was the comfort factor (and how can you know until you've slept on one?). I didn't realize that I couldn't get comfortable in one until after I purchased a HH and used it several times. (I'm 6ft and toss and turn.)

Now, since I wasn't comfortable in a hammock anyway, the complexities of trying to stay warm helped me to decide that a hammock wasn't for me. And, once you add an underquilt and a sleeping pad, the whole setup is no longer very light either. I ended up with a TarpTent.

Snake skins are hollow sil nylon tubes at both ends of the hammock. When it is time to pack up the hammock, you remove any guylines tied to ground and then scooch (not sure if that is a real word?!?) the skins down over the hammock body until it resembles a snake. Then remove from trees and stow in backpack.

Anyway, my suggestion would be, if possible, spend several nights in a hammock before purchasing one. The comfort level is probably the most important factor. If you can't get a good nights sleep in it, is everything else worth it?

Just my .02 worth......

See you on the trail,
mt squid

KnittingMelissa

02-09-2010, 19:41

Anyway, my suggestion would be, if possible, spend several nights in a hammock before purchasing one. The comfort level is probably the most important factor. If you can't get a good nights sleep in it, is everything else worth it?

That's what I'm also afraid of: that I won't be able to get comfortable in one. No one I know in the area has one (my friends just kind of stared at me, like I had asked them if they wanted to go hunt wild chocolate bars out in the wilderness or something), and I've never seen one setup in a store before (I had really been hoping that REI down in Denver would at least have one setup to test, but sadly no).

Although, when I get tired I tend to just drop like a rock. And then thrash all night in my sleep and wake up wondering why everyone who had been near me in my sleep is staring at me like I'm possessed... :rolleyes:

Hmm. I might have to hunt out some hammock campers in the Laramie/Cheyenne/Ft Collins/Boulder/Denver/Colorado Springs area to see if they would be willing to setup a hammock to let me try out for a night. :sun

Tinker

02-09-2010, 20:01

Just buy one without any netting (approx $20.00). If you love it then you can look at something else. The ones with bug netting sewn on require the use of an under and over quilt or a closed cell pad (sweaty, from my personal experience).
Honestly, I prefer the simplicity of a separate hammock and netting - I've torn the netting where it's sewn on two hammocks, which I sent back. Carry the netting only when you need it.
I used to have a Hennessy Hammock. I got stung through the bottom of it. That can't happen with a separate net. I also used to hate wriggling into my sleeping bag after climbing up through the slit (don't worry, though, your legs don't go over the slit when you sleep, they go over to the right).
Another minus to the sewn in net hammocks is that the fabric part of the hammock is usually so wide that you can't see directly out of the hammock without pulling the mesh down to eye level or sitting up.
AND- with that wide nylon bottom often the cooling breezes of those hot summer nights go right over your sweaty body instead of around it.
SO - in the summer I carry a little more weight than the HH user but have more flexibility, and in the winter I carry quite a bit less weight than the HH (or other sewn in bug netting hammock) user.
Experiment, but start off slowly and cheaply.

sasquatch2014

02-09-2010, 20:02

mountain squid

02-09-2010, 20:19

I just did a cursory glance at your TJ. Since you are not starting until 2011, you might try to attend TrailDays (http://www.traildays.us/index.html) this yr. Hennessy Hammocks are usually set up plying their wares. You would at least be able to see one set up and possibly lay down in one for a bit.

It is a tough decision to make. Especially if you shell out $250 only to find out you are not comfortable. Because then you will need to buy a tent also, spending another $250. DOH!!!!

See you on the trail,
mt squid

Oh by the way....you don't need a hatchet!!!!

:rolleyes: Of course, for the price it might cost for you to get to TrailDays, it might be just cheaper to buy a hammock and a tent and then be prepared for everything :eek:......:)

Turtle Feet

02-09-2010, 20:33

Melissa, do your homework at www.hammockforums.net (http://www.hammockforums.net) Forget REI for this one. I recently picked up 2 hammocks, haven't decided if I'll use both on the trail, but I'm LOVING my Warbonnet Blackbird. I also bought a Nano7. It serves it's purpose, but if you're going to go UL, make your own (it'll save you at least $35-40 over what I paid for the Nano).

Once you get in a hammock, you'll wonder why in the world anyone would choose to sleep on the ground! Only wish I have found 'em 20 years ago!!!

Rocket Jones

02-09-2010, 21:15

One thing I don't see mentioned here very often is that some parks/forests/campgrounds do not allow you to use the trees for hammock hanging.

Prince William National Forest is very close to where I live, but if all you have is a hammock, then you're out of luck.

Maybe that's rare, but it does happen sometimes.

scope

02-09-2010, 21:33

I used to use a pad in my Hennessy and when it was pushing freezing, I'd just go to the ground and sleep under the tarp. I use a large tarp, not the HH stock tarp. I have an underquilt now and it makes a big difference in comfort. Pads are really just a stopgap until you can get an UQ, but they do work just fine.

p.s. to me, the "comfort" that you get from a hammock is in the amount of time you can stay asleep; you toss and turn less and as a result, you can get the type of deeper sleep that is really hard to achieve on the ground; when lying in the hammock, it doesn't just knock your socks off for comfort, but it does when you stand up in the a.m.

KnittingMelissa

02-09-2010, 21:43

sasquatch2014

02-09-2010, 22:04

KnittingMelissa

02-09-2010, 22:14

I went with a Clark for the reason that you stated that when you add all the extra crap that everyone needs to stay warm it gets heavy mine id not light in the summer but lighter in the winter. I went with a Clark North American and can say that with the right bag a small pad and some ziplock bags for the pockets that i didn't have gear shoved into have slept down into the single digest with ease. I sleep on my side some of the time and am still comfortable in it.

I am liking the Clark NA. It has heat retention, bug netting, light weight, though I probably would go with a bigger tarp (would like it to cover more). The price makes me hesitate, though. It is a good price for something that I would be living out of for six months straight, and it has excellent features.

This has given me a lot to mull over. And I would have to run around and locate a good, solid, light weight tarp as well. KMart will actually probably do in that department (it's just a waterproof tarp, after all, and people have thru hiked with less).

Thanks for your help, everyone. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be going with a hammock after all this. I just can't beat the weight and comfort ratio with a regular tent! :sun

sasquatch2014

02-09-2010, 22:17

I am liking the Clark NA. It has heat retention, bug netting, light weight, though I probably would go with a bigger tarp (would like it to cover more). The price makes me hesitate, though. It is a good price for something that I would be living out of for six months straight, and it has excellent features.

This has given me a lot to mull over. And I would have to run around and locate a good, solid, light weight tarp as well. KMart will actually probably do in that department (it's just a waterproof tarp, after all, and people have thru hiked with less).

Thanks for your help, everyone. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be going with a hammock after all this. I just can't beat the weight and comfort ratio with a regular tent! :sun

The Tarp that I went with was a 10X12 from Campmor Sil Nylon and weights almost nothing. Like i said gives me enough area under it in a regular rain to hang out and in a storm I can pitch to the ground and seal up to ride her out!

Old Hiker

02-09-2010, 22:26

I have a Clark Tropical - mid-grade. I use a closed cell pad that I line with a sheet if I'm just using my bag as a quilt. I've been down to 28* and have been great. I'm more than twice your age, so my hips and back were not cooperating on the ground, even with a thermarest. I'd toss from hip to back to other hip to back to first hip...... every 30 minutes or so. In my hammock, I crash and only have to wake up to.... never mind. I'm old. I'm 6'2", 200 pounds and I am very comfortable, even sleeping on my back. No knee hyperextension, but I usually sleep on my side, so as not to scare the women-folk and small children with my snoring. I hadn't seen or tried any other hammock and I was amazed at the hammock web site and here at WB at the varieties. Clark sometimes has a used sale as well. I believe they will take returns if you are not happy. I've literally had 2 inches of water flowing under my hammock and have been dry. THAT was neat! As for rules against hammocks, I wonder if it was because people used to drive nails or eye-hooks into the trees to hang them. All I know is, I move to the intense back of the camping area/site and I am careful in how I put it up. Try a few nights, both cold and hot to see!

randyanderson

02-10-2010, 00:35

Hmm. I might have to hunt out some hammock campers in the Laramie/Cheyenne/Ft Collins/Boulder/Denver/Colorado Springs area to see if they would be willing to setup a hammock to let me try out for a night. :sun

Cannibal over at hammockforums.net is in your area and would gladly help you out. :D

Randy

lazy river road

02-10-2010, 00:45

Im also new to hammocking and Id suggest a side entry hammock. A side entry hammock like a black bird are much easier to enter then a bottom entry one espically for a new hammocker. Look into the Warbonnet Black Bird. That was my first hammock and probally will be my only hammock. Ive only slept in it two night and its very comfy. Lays really flat. Price is no higher then a good two man tent. Good luck on your search

Hikerhead

02-10-2010, 01:05

I went with a Clark for the reason that you stated that when you add all the extra crap that everyone needs to stay warm it gets heavy mine id not light in the summer but lighter in the winter. I went with a Clark North American and can say that with the right bag a small pad and some ziplock bags for the pockets that i didn't have gear shoved into have slept down into the single digest with ease. I sleep on my side some of the time and am still comfortable in it.

I added a bigger fly than what it came with. I now have a 10X12 over mine and I can be the party spot in the rain when I am sitting in the hammock like a lazy boy cooking dinner while other people are on their bellies hoping they don't get flooded out. I even have enough space for my best friend to chill at night under me. Hank loves the big trap.

I have this same hammock and you're right about everything. Wouldn't have any other. With the weathershield zipped up tight, no wind blows in and it helps to keep your body heat in. The pockets underneath helps with keeping the bottom warm, the ziplocks sounds nice, I need to try that. With a small closed cell foam pad, that I carry in the pouch where the backboard used to be, and a 10 degree down bag, I can use it down into the 20's ok. It weighs a little more than most but you don't have to carry all the other stuff. It's simple, fast to put up, fast to pack up.

I'm not a hammock expert. There's a lot of them out there now that I've never tried. But this one has always worked for me for about 10 years now.

Check out their website. Search Clark Jungle Hammock.

KnittingMelissa

02-10-2010, 03:00

Cannibal over at hammockforums.net is in your area and would gladly help you out. :D

Randy

So... do I bring the chianti and fava beans, or does he? ;)

Just Jeff

02-10-2010, 03:10

Melissa - we're having a hammock hang Feb 27-28 at Burning Bear Campground near Grant, CO, if you want to come check out lots of different setups. We'll welcome ground dwellers too if your hammock setup isn't ready for winter conditions...should be camping near the vehicles so it's not a long hike in.

Right now we have 9-12 folks and are hoping for more as the date gets closer. We'd love to have another if you can make it!

Here's the thread...a lot of it is just discussion on when/where so you can skip most of it:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10522

KnittingMelissa

02-10-2010, 03:37

i would love to come, Jeff, but I don't actually have any gear at the moment, outside of a synthetic sleeping bag (part of my car emergency kit), though I might drive down to look at things, and then wander back home. I'll see what conditions are like that day.

Thanks for the invite! :sun

Hooch

02-10-2010, 11:43

Melissa, if you give enough notice, there are usually enough folks at these hammock hangs that you can be loaned enough gear to be warm, dry and comfortable with everything you need for a couple nights. Hammockers are notorious gear hounds and usually are nice enough to loan gear to folks in need, especially newbies to hanging. I won't mention any names, but their initials are Just Jeff and Cannibal. :rolleyes::D

As far as a good hammock goes, there are plenty out there, you just have to find the one that's right for you. Personally, I'm a fan of the Speer IIIa and the Warbonnet Blackbird. Both hammocks are made in the USA, Marion, NC and Ft. Collins, CO, respectively. Both cottage gear makers put out some of the highest quality gear you'll ever see backed by customer service that's second to none. Hennessy is an ok starter hammock, but plenty of his products are outsourced to China, so bear that in mind if that sort of thing is important to you. IMO, you can't go wrong with a Speer or Warbonnet. Best of luck to you on your quest for the right hammock for you!

Just Jeff

02-10-2010, 23:18

What? I only have the gear I need! I just need gear for four sub-zero hammockers ready to go at a moment's notice (which rarely happens, but it's always ready...). :D

I can bring some extra stuff if you want to try hammocking in single digits for your first time.

KnittingMelissa

02-11-2010, 00:20

I'm going to be borrowing stuff from Cannibal, but you might want to bring some extra stuff anyway, just in case. I was reading the forum thread over at HF, and it sounds like I'm not the only n00b that's going to be out there that night.

Better safe and sorry if the weather and chill does drop considerably.

cavscout

02-11-2010, 00:46

Make sure you check out Jeff's web site also. Tons of good info there as well. http://www.tothewoods.net/

Toolshed

02-11-2010, 07:10

Melissa,
AS you can see there are a lot of hangers here.
I am also a convert after many years of sleeping on the ground. In the last 10, I noticed I would crawl out of my tent stiff and sore. grunting and groaning as I try to stand up and straighten out (age is a bitch).
I started hanging about 2-3 years ago. I bought a Hennessy that was on their site at a deep discount due to colors running (I still haven't found any flaws, other than a slight rip in the tarp - Hennessy sent a new one without question a few days later).

I found hanging to be the best single thing I have done in backpacking to make it more enjoyable in over a decade. I wake up without backaches or being stiff. In fact I usually only wake up once or twice per night (to pee) instead of waking up 10 times per night to keep rolling over.
I too was worried about falling through the Hennessy - Not a worry there. The bottom stays closed (It only opens as far as the tops of your thighs, so you can sit and dangle your legs comfortably.
In fact, I was so concerned about how something so light could hold me, I set it up several times and didn't even get into it, finally slowly getting in and letting all my concerns about falling out, falling down, hearing the fabric tear, feeling the tree bend, or having the rope slide down the tree, just drain way...

While I winter snowshoe/backpack in the Adirondacks and on the AT and other local trails around PA/NJ, I still don't hang if it is lower than 40d. I find sleeping on the snow and multiple pads very comfortable and I just can't bring myself to hang in such cold temps (Plus the additional gear is very expensive :o).
Anyways, I hope you find someone with a hammock out in WY that can let you sample the good life :D.

Grinder

02-11-2010, 08:41

KM,

It's an intriguing concept, isn't it?

First, if $$$ are a concern, think homemade. Hammockforum s the place for guidance. After all, how complicated can a piece of material 60x120 be??

from weight POV, it's about equal. Pour in money to get lighter. stop when you are broke or can go no further either with tents or hammocks.

About sleeping comfortably: When started to "practice hammock" on the back porch, it took about three nights to actually sleep through the night. I also am a light , toss and turn sleeper. From that point on, the actual sleeping part became a big plus. I strongly suggest practicing at home a lot before heading up the mountain.

When I bring the hammock, I have to admit to a bit of envy when the tenters unzip and push out their packed up Pack, all dressed and ready for breakfast. With a hammock, you dress and pack under the tarp and are much more exposed to the howling winds that seem to be regular companions on my spring time section hikes.

bottom warmth: I recommend a two layer hammock with a pad between the layers.
On my setup, I have a home made pack (gearskin clone) which uses the pad as the pack frame, so my system is integrated and multi-use (catchy in-phrases eh???)

eddieinsc

02-17-2010, 00:41

I've been using a $20 cheapo hammock, a 8 X 10 tarp and a 20 degree bag for a couple years now. Very comfy compared to the ground. On cold nights I'll throw a couple hand warmers in the bottom of the sleeping bag. I've also wrapped the tarp around the hammock like a caccoon. Could use a pad, there are those cold spots,on the bottom, from the wind. Remember to tie up your hammock as level as possible or you'll slide to one end, as you sleep. Happy Hanging.