View Full Version : Hammockers, Where Do You Put Your Pack?
Dear hammock campers,
Looking for advice from experienced hammock campers. I am looking to purchase a hammock but I'm trying to think through the scenarios of hammock camping.
OK, it raining, and I've decided to stop for the day and up my hammock with the oversize tarp. 50 yards away I throw a line over a branch and hang the food bag.
Now before retiring for the night, what is the safest way to store the pack? I'm not sure I want to leave it on the ground under the hammock as I'm sure it will soak up water, and I'd be keeping one eye open all night thinking an animal will steal it. How about lifting it into the hammock, has anyone done that or is there some other tip
:confused:?
I usually camp near a shelter and put the pack there, where other hikers can keep an eye on it (it isn't the kind of pack anyone would want to steal). If I'm not near a shelter I use the hip belt to tie it upside down (so rain won't get into it)to a tree nearby.
I snap it to the hammock ridgeline with a carabiner if raining, to one of the slap straps around a tree or on another line strung between two nearby trees if not raining
sasquatch2014
04-24-2010, 19:55
Most of the time I leave it under the hammock. I often pick a spot where it will not become a lake under my hammock. I leave pockets open so things can crawl in and out w/o chewing their way in. If I am really worried about it I can attach it to one of the ends of my hammock and have it hang under the trap. If I spilled anything that may attract a bear I wait until dark and then store it under Tinkers hammock. :D
white_russian
04-24-2010, 20:01
I snap the waist belt and sternum strap around the hammock's line.
restless
04-24-2010, 20:03
have to agree with Sasquatch. i usually just leave my pack under my hammock with the rain cover on top of it. Never had any problem.
me, too. under the hammock with a rain cover on it.
Most of the time I leave it under the hammock. I often pick a spot where it will not become a lake under my hammock. I leave pockets open so things can crawl in and out w/o chewing their way in. If I am really worried about it I can attach it to one of the ends of my hammock and have it hang under the trap. If I spilled anything that may attract a bear I wait until dark and then store it under Tinkers hammock. :D
I don't like to leave anything on the ground that will eventually be against my body (ticks). Lyme disease doesn't get easier after you've had it three times.
Sometimes I think I must be paranoid about the little boogers, but that's why you won't see me lying on the ground during rest stops. I might pull out a pad and sit on a rock or log, though.
I put on the pack cover and attach it to my suspension where it attaches to the tree.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/013a_778968.jpg
I snap it to the hammock ridgeline with a carabiner if raining, to one of the slap straps around a tree or on another line strung between two nearby trees if not raining
Same here.
Just Jeff
04-24-2010, 22:15
I have a mini-biner on my pack's lift strap, and just clip it to my hammock supports most of the time. Sometimes I leave it on the ground below the hammock.
If it's a really wet area, I'll have a contractor bag as a pack liner. Then I just put my stuff in it and leave it under the hammock...a little more protection.
most animals are pretty honest. never had one steal from me, unless he was hungry. :D
if it's raining, find a few dead branches about 2-3" thick, lay them under the hammock, and set your pack on top. keeps it out of any water.
if it's not raining, and not going to rain, i hang it off the tree hugger or strap it to the tree at the foot end.
redmarbleshoe
04-24-2010, 22:57
I agree with you all. I hang my pack off the tri-rings on my Warbonnet Blackbird tree straps if I want it under my tarp. Otherwise I hang it directly to the tree straps near my dutch clip.
I use an "S" biner. They work great.
thekalimist
04-25-2010, 14:14
all of the above, every situation is different.
wisenber
04-26-2010, 23:04
During colder times, I might put my pack under my legs in the hammock. The pack is off the ground and I get more insulation. Depends on how much stuff you leave in your pack.
East Coast Alex
04-26-2010, 23:56
I put on the pack cover and attach it to my suspension where it attaches to the tree.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/013a_778968.jpg
Is that your hammock?
Could I be so pesky as to ask which make and model that is (or if anyone else knows)?
I've finally given up on the tent thing after my last trip, as I have resigned myself to the idea that tents cannot in any way be conducive to "fast and light" fastpacking. My Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 tent [I](though one of the lighter and more compact tents out there), is just too bulky for my idea of what 'fast and light' means. 17 inches is way too much pack space to be eating up... totally doesn't mesh with fast and light travel (specifically, trail running where I am camping overnight between my day runs).
I think I'm officially announcing my conversion to tent hammocks which is going to undoubtably lead to a series of me pestering people with various questions about hammocks.
I thought about going the bivvy route, as that's probably the lightest method overall.... but I think I'd rather be off the ground away from the bugs. Not a big fan of insects.
modiyooch
04-27-2010, 08:47
my bp is not an issue whether tenting or hammocking. it's free standing and clears the ground. I just throw a garbage bag over it and stand it under a tree.
Just Jeff
04-27-2010, 09:14
That hammock is a Warbonnet Blackbird from www.warbonnetoutdoors.com (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com).
Is that your hammock?
Could I be so pesky as to ask which make and model that is (or if anyone else knows)?
That hammock is a Warbonnet Blackbird from www.warbonnetoutdoors.com (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com).
Very true. I am a bigger guy, so I went with the double layer 1.7 ounce Blackbird. But for smaller folks (under 200 lbs) you can get a considerably lighter hammock by going with the 1.1 oz series. There is even now a 1.0 ounce double layer Warbonnet Blackbird in a gorgeous coyote brown nylon. Check them out. They are the pinnacle of a mesh-enclosed hammock at the moment.
They are MUCH easier to hang than the standard Hennessy suspension, and the footbox allows for a much flatter lay than any other hammock I have used (which includes Hennessy, ENO and Clark - though the Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock may be flatter). The gear loft on the Blackbird is also roomier than any other hammock I have tried. It really is superior to any other hammock out there IMO.
Check them out. You won't regret starting with the best.
kayak karl
04-27-2010, 21:43
don't put your pack under your hammock on the ground. i woke up to noise in NH there was a skunk sitting on pack pulling on zipper. we were 12 " nose to nose. when the skunk left i ran my pack into hostel. fat chap said it was a trained skunk. right.
hung my pack in hawk mt shelter and the mice ate my clothes. i hiked 60 days with a duct tape x on the crotch of my rain pants.
hang from foot of hammock, or head. either or:)
AmonStone
04-30-2010, 22:39
What I found that works well is to hang my pack under my hammock. I have an older Army surplus jungle hammock that has a sheath built in for a weapon as well as a loop with a snap to hang your boots. I use the snap-loop to hang my pack.
I dont carry a gun while camping, but I often carry a video camera mounted on a tripod. Fits perfectly in the sheath meant for a rifle.
Hope that helps.
WILLIAM HAYES
05-01-2010, 15:14
i clip it to the hammock straps or ridgeline if its raining i never put my pack on the ground at nite
Nightwalker
05-01-2010, 15:52
I'm currently using and loving a Byer Moskito. It lays diagonally, has netting and weighs one pound.
Very true. I am a bigger guy, so I went with the double layer 1.7 ounce Blackbird. But for smaller folks (under 200 lbs) you can get a considerably lighter hammock by going with the 1.1 oz series. There is even now a 1.0 ounce double layer Warbonnet Blackbird in a gorgeous coyote brown nylon. Check them out. They are the pinnacle of a mesh-enclosed hammock at the moment.
They are MUCH easier to hang than the standard Hennessy suspension, and the footbox allows for a much flatter lay than any other hammock I have used (which includes Hennessy, ENO and Clark - though the Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock may be flatter). The gear loft on the Blackbird is also roomier than any other hammock I have tried. It really is superior to any other hammock out there IMO.
Check them out. You won't regret starting with the best.
peter_pan
05-03-2010, 21:27
Use a combination gear hammock/ pack cover...
Pan
Strategic
05-03-2010, 23:09
I thrown the pack cover on mine and hang it from the suspension just above the hammock knot at the foot end. I use an HH Hyperlight, so that puts the pack right where I can sit up, swing my feet down (but not put them on the ground) and access whatever is still in my pack. It also acts as a kind of windbreak at the foot end.
Here's a picture of one of my hangs without a fly (I use a blackcat style hex in green kite poly) and with the pack cover off. Normally, I'd pull it on backwards and cinch in the drawstring over the front of the pack.
[QUOTE] Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearpaw http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/wb_style/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1004428#post1004428)
I put on the pack cover and attach it to my suspension where it attaches to the tree.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/013a_778968.jpg
Is that your hammock?
Could I be so pesky as to ask which make and model that is (or if anyone else knows)?
[QUOTE]
Is that a Big MammaJamba I see? If so, are you happy with the coverage over the ends of the hammock?
[QUOTE] Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearpaw http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/wb_style/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1004428#post1004428)
I put on the pack cover and attach it to my suspension where it attaches to the tree.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/013a_778968.jpg
Is that your hammock?
Could I be so pesky as to ask which make and model that is (or if anyone else knows)?
[QUOTE]
Is that a Big MammaJamba I see? If so, are you happy with the coverage over the ends of the hammock?Nope, from what I can tell, that is a Speer Winter Tarp in brown. I'm also the proud owner of one as well and it's definitely one of my favorite tarps.
Nope, from what I can tell, that is a Speer Winter Tarp in brown. I'm also the proud owner of one as well and it's definitely one of my favorite tarps.Would like you to explain further. Why do you like this tarp over others?
don't put your pack under your hammock on the ground. i woke up to noise in NH there was a skunk sitting on pack pulling on zipper. we were 12 " nose to nose. when the skunk left i ran my pack into hostel. fat chap said it was a trained skunk. right.
hung my pack in hawk mt shelter and the mice ate my clothes. i hiked 60 days with a duct tape x on the crotch of my rain pants.
hang from foot of hammock, or head. either or:)
Probably good advice, although I've never had a problem with it. I do carry a tyvek "floor" to put under my hammock, not only to acct for possible runoff coming under the hammock, but also to step down on during the night before finding my crocs.
I have also used a jumbo ziploc to put my pack in when I'm using a smaller pack. Fits the regular Granite Gear packs well, but my main pack is a little too tall for it.
[QUOTE] Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearpaw http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/wb_style/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1004428#post1004428)
I put on the pack cover and attach it to my suspension where it attaches to the tree.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/013a_778968.jpg
Is that your hammock?
Could I be so pesky as to ask which make and model that is (or if anyone else knows)?
[QUOTE]
Is that a Big MammaJamba I see? If so, are you happy with the coverage over the ends of the hammock?
Nope, from what I can tell, that is a Speer Winter Tarp in brown. I'm also the proud owner of one as well and it's definitely one of my favorite tarps.
Correct, that is a Speer Winter Tarp. I like it, but I have since gone to a Big Mamajamba with detachable doors.
The Big Mamajamba:
battened down,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Fall%20Creek%20Falls%202%2010/027.jpg
It gives superior protection to my SWT, closing up tighter.
It also works well in "front porch" mode.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Pinhoti%20GA%20May%2010/046.jpg
The biggest beauty is that during warmer weather I can leave the doors at home since cold wind is not an issue. The tarp by itself is more than enough to protect from rain.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/BMT%206%2010/059.jpg
The doors are definitely a bit fussier than the Speer Winter Tarp, and the WB tarp is a bit heavier, but I really like the flexibility of the overall system.
Would like you to explain further. Why do you like this tarp over others?
Good tarps are cut well so that its easy to setup and stay taut - notice the catenary curves on this one.
Also, this is a "winter" tarp which means its large enough for the sides to be pulled down all the way to block wind AND the ends of the tarp can staked as to provide closure on the ends of the hammock. Makes it look like a levitating tent.
TinaLouise
07-09-2010, 09:41
Where I put my pack at night depends on where I'm hanging and the weather. Raining, it's either attached to the end of my hammock, on the ground if I'm positive the ground will not be turning into a river or inside my hammock. Nice weather, it's attached to my tree strap on the tree, on ground under hammock or if there are bear cables, I'll hang it up. If light rain, I'll still use bear cables if they are available. If I'm in a place with bears about, I'm usually hanging my pack away from me. But that's because I've left my food and smellys in it. If I remove everything, the pack stays with me.
my Hammock & tarp is a Clark. I prefer my pack to be hanging off the end of my hammock and that's my first choice when storing it for the night.
TinaLouise
Liv2Ride
07-09-2010, 21:04
I'm with you TinaLouise. I opt to always hang my pack. Whether it be on the suspension at the foot end or on another tree. If it's raining I'll cover it with the raincover if I brought it or if I didn't bring it than I'm good to go with the trash bag that I packed everything in. No problems so far since the pack is pretty darn empty once I'm all set-up and I've hung the food etc. for the night.
Undershaft
07-12-2010, 09:26
Most of the time I camp near shelters and I'll just hang my pack up inside. If I'm stealth camping I'll put my pack and boots inside a large drawstring trash bag and leave it on the ground directly underneath my hammock. The pack is mostly empty so I've never had an issue with critters bothering it, and it's always stayed dry.
mak52580
07-15-2010, 03:12
I have a mini-biner on my pack's lift strap, and just clip it to my hammock supports most of the time. Sometimes I leave it on the ground below the hammock.
Ditto. I usually either just throw it under my hammock or put the carabiner to my lift strap and clip it to the hammock supports. This works especially well to block wind if you can't close off your tarp ends.
Great White
07-15-2010, 17:23
Has anyone tried to use a small dedicated hammock for their pack? I am thinking of a gear hammock that could hang near the sleeping hammock.
TinaLouise
07-16-2010, 07:38
yes on the gear hammock, although not me, I've only read of other's doing that. Also I've read of some having a gear hammock and their dog sleeps in it!!! Plus the gear hammock can also be a chair. Some will hang it under their main hammock, you just have to adjust the height of everything so the gear doesn't touch the ground.
HikerRanky
07-16-2010, 09:43
I use one of these (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/JGHPC.htm) for storing my pack in... I hang it under my hammock and UQ just a few inches above the ground. It also functions as a pack cover rather well.
Just Jeff
07-21-2010, 23:35
Re: the Gear Hammock, the attached picture is the kids hammock (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearKidsHammock.html) that I used as a gear hammock, which was the precursor to the DIY Gear Hammock Pack Cover (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearPackCoverGearHammock.html), which JRB began producing as linked above.
WalksInDark
07-22-2010, 00:17
I too use a carabiner to hook my pack to the hammock tree huggers. Rather than use my pack cover, I take a commercial trash bag (heavy mill), and put it on my pack from the bottom up...then I just tie a loose knot on the top.
Yes, in heavy rain some water leaks down the carabiner, but because I use another commercial trash bag as my pack liner...I don't really care.