View Full Version : Need reassurance
Hi, I'm hoping some experienced hammockers can help me with my overnight fears.
This summer my husband and I hiked the NJ and most of NY sections of the trail.
One of us carried a hammock and the other a tent so that we could "experience" both.
I loved the comfort and ease of set up of the hammock but had lots of trouble sleeping because I felt so vulnerable with nothing underneath me. Every noise I heard startled me into thinking an animal was going to take a bite out of my backside! Or destroy my backpack.
I keep trying to remind myself that we both survived with our backpacks and backsides intact but I'm still feeling fearful. I know a tent doesn't offer much more protection but it just feels safer lol.
Has anyone else had to get over that fear or just had years of safe experience in a hammock? I'd love to have the reassurance of hearing those things.
Speakeasy TN
11-01-2014, 17:38
I'll chime in as a user of both tents and a hammock! I'm taking the hammock on the attempt this spring because of the comfort factor. In '11 I woke up to every sound, as you describe. I hope to be sleeping and not notice this year! Realistically I'm protected by nylon either way!
I'll figure out stowing the pack, but how secure is a tent vestibule really?
4eyedbuzzard
11-01-2014, 17:44
2880828809Take your pick ;)
Damn Yankee
11-01-2014, 17:48
Now that's funny right there
Offshore
11-01-2014, 17:49
It's probably just a matter of getting used to it - pretty much human nature. Besides, think about all the things that creep, crawl, slither and scurry on the ground that can't get to you in a hammock. Anything bigger will find a way irregardless of tent or hammock. Besides, I'd think that using a hammock on the NJ section would give you a lot more choices in camp sites due to the rocky terrain and dense trees.
For me, I realized that the only three animals I was really concerned with were bears, snakes, and mice. Then to realize that the mice were interested in the shelter, the bears were in town raiding the trash cans, and the snakes were all either chasing the mice in the shelters or more likely hibernating. Everything else was just leaves rustling in the wind....
Besides, it's the bugs that will most likely get you by an over 10:1 margin. (intestinal, spiders, ticks and mosquitos)
For me, I realized that the only three animals I was really concerned with were bears, snakes, and mice. Then to realize that the mice were interested in the shelter, the bears were in town raiding the trash cans, and the snakes were all either chasing the mice in the shelters or more likely hibernating. Everything else was just leaves rustling in the wind....
Besides, it's the bugs that will most likely get you by an over 10:1 margin. (intestinal, spiders, ticks and mosquitos)
Thats right, as to the rodents I have seen a few snakes over time posted up in a shelter wait'in on a shelter mouse...
kayak karl
11-01-2014, 19:46
i had a skunk under my hammock pulling on the zipper to my pack. i grabbed my pack and ran into the hostel. Fat Chap didn't tell me till morning it was a pet skunk. one morning i found a hiker under my hammock. his tent leaked in the night.
It's probably just a matter of getting used to it - pretty much human nature. Besides, think about all the things that creep, crawl, slither and scurry on the ground that can't get to you in a hammock. Anything bigger will find a way irregardless of tent or hammock. Besides, I'd think that using a hammock on the NJ section would give you a lot more choices in camp sites due to the rocky terrain and dense trees.
Not true, they can climb!:) 28810
Thank you all for helping me laugh about this and not feel so alone :-)
hikehunter
11-02-2014, 00:30
Get a 3 or 4 season tarp with doors...it has more of a tent feel....play tricks on your own mind....you will love them when it rains and the wind blows...;):cool:
urbansix
11-02-2014, 08:47
For me, it's been years of safe experiences. The only anxiety the first few times out was more about camping solo so far out in the wilderness.
I will however attest to some FREAKISHLY realistic and vivid dreams my first few nights spent in a hammock. The kind where you ask yourself if it really happened. I think it must have something to do with the swaying. I've heard some descriptions form other first-time hangers that confirm this.
I have used both a tent and a hammock while backpacking. Although I tend to prefer a hammock for comfort, my wife likes a tent for the warmth and being together while sleeping. If you decide a hammock is for you then as Hikehunter suggested try a tarp with doors. It is basically a tent suspended above the ground. This may provide you with the "security" you are seeking.
Wise Old Owl
11-02-2014, 09:29
Good Posts everyone... a hammock requires setting up in the backyard for a few nights and getting used to the experience. Although more comfortable, its all in the head.
Yes, having the tarp with doors does give it more of a tent like feel. It makes it super easy to change and also experiment with different levels of ventilation.
I was hanging with a warbonnet blackbird, an underquilt, and superfly tarp, which has the doors. Everytime the doors made any kind of flapping noise I was sure it was a creature clawing in to eat me as a human burrito!
You have no idea how helpful it is to know I'm not the only one whose mind thinks this way.
I did sleep many many nights without fear in my backyard; but the woods was a whoooole different set of noises and I have campground camped my whole life. It really is a different experience but worth getting familiar with.
I have had many "peaceful" moments in the woods but gosh the wood can be super noisy at night lol! Thanks again for all the laughter and tips. :-)
I think you will get use to sleeping in the hammock, at least I did. I remember the first time I slept in a hammock on the AT was at the Standing Indian shelter. There were reports of bears being active and it was a very windy night. I think I woke up at every sound thinking it was a bear. Now I sleep better in my hammock than my tent.
Wear ear plugs till you feel comfortable sleeping in a hammock. It keeps out all of the sounds of the woods.
I've been hammocking for years now, and I feel very comfortable and safe inside, especially after the first night or two of an extended trip. I'm sure you'll feel that way too after a while.
momo3boys
11-02-2014, 23:38
I feel safer in the hammock than a tent. I'm above most if the trouble. That said, the northern LT has very good climbing mice that will "peek" in to see how you're doing.
Most if it is just experience and what you're used to. My husband was raised to fear nature and he has come a long way from his first nights in the woods. I was raised to study it and learn about it. Big difference for us when we hear a ruffed grouse drumming at 3am! Lol
Give it time. Or take a Benedryl before bed like my mom does. ;)
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rocketsocks
11-03-2014, 00:08
...never give up your back.
My winter setup is pretty exposed and I feel comfortable. I started with a hennessy in the spring and fall. with its little tarp pulled in close, it feels very snug and secure. Then I moved up to the bigger hex tarp for rain concerns, and felt a little more open. Now I have an ENO hammock with NO skeeter net or anything for the winter, and just that big hennessy tarp above me. Someone could walk right under the tarp, reach over and touch my nose without going through any material. There is a false sense of security that walls give us. Sure, if something really wanted to, it could grab your backside in a hammock. The same goes for a tent, however. Tent material is nothing special, just like hammock material. A few teeth or a sharp claw and whatever it is will be inside your tent, just as easily as it could be in the hammock. I ham mocked and camped over 500 miles or so and never had an intruder, and although I've heard some strange sounds, most were easily explained by fellow hikers. I couldn't see myself sleeping on the ground at this point. And having the big hex tarp is nice. Since it gets put up last, it comes in handy providing a nice dry place to eat on rainy mornings. Five of us ate under it during our last trip.
namaste7
11-06-2014, 16:32
I had the same problem with the noise. Hope this time is better. I'll probably stick with my tent. One of the nights last year was really windy and the person in the hammock had quite a time getting blown around. She did not have a good night:/
Charliev
11-26-2014, 21:30
Nothing much out there gonna bother you unless in Grizzly country, nevertheless i carry a small pistol and keep it handy. Also I had much be in a hammock where I can see what is making the noise so I can deal with it.
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Pistol, right. Maybe 41 magnum full metal jacket thru the open mouth, during a full on charge, leaving tell-tale full charge tracks, the bullet penetrating to the back of the skull might be successful. No kidding, and then, the grizzley has to fall dead in a heap, on you, to prove it was self-defense. For real.
I live in grizzley country.
The laws are tough.
I had the same feeling, as the OP, the first time at the campsite I reclined in my brand new hammock. This is great! Uh, I am wrapped up like a big burrito. Would a grizzley bear take a bite, or, knock me around before taking a bite?
I have my hanmock for kayaking, on the coast.
I feel more safe, not particularly noticed, on the ground. I don't like a tent, because I want to be able to roll-out quickly, any direction. My tents all had two doors, when I had tents. I still have The Borth Face Comet, if I could fund the tent poles. Hmm. Well, I use No Scent laundry products. I use Opsaks. I put the garbage Opsak far from the campsite, just in case the grizzlies can get the scent of garbage.
So, yes, I take precautions. I like the soft ursa bear bag, but no tall enough trees high up the mountain.
Reply, about that tree climbing snake, page 1.
Now, that is scarey.
Where is that, exactly?
Do we have that in North America?
hikehunter
11-27-2014, 01:59
"carliev" ........a pistol or gun is not really needed or practical on the AT......many have to fly or take some kind of public transport to and from the trail.....this could be difficult at best with a fire arm..
hiking in montana or the yukon....you bet your sweet bootie I would carry the S&W 44....
there is a big size difference in black and brown bear.....:eek::eek::eek:
Gram Weenie
11-27-2014, 09:43
Do any of you carry Bear pepper spray?
I carried Counter Assault bear spray, the approved bear spray, for in Glacier National Park, MT. It is for sale at the Visitor Center. It is VERY strong. The label recommends spraying a little downwind to see the distance it sprays. I got a tiny little bit backspray, I guess. It was that or a wisp of air brought the spray back onto me. I don't recommend getting it on yourself. If a bear was in full on charge, not bouncing around in "bluff charge" I might use it, not to get mauled or die.
I would rather rely on what I know about grizzley bears.
I have a lightweight backpack. I walk with head up, aware of my surroundings. I am on the look out for tracks or scat.
I completely avoid finding myself between baby bear and momma bear. I see a baby bear and I do not see momma bear, I leave.
Bears like to nap in a thicket. I am wary.
I am not silent on the trail. I do not want to startle a bear.
If I feel "creepy" at all, maybe "sensing" a predator, I move off and I go the other way: I can hike that trail another time, or, make camp further back and go thru the next day.
Reply, about that tree climbing snake, page 1.
Now, that is scarey.
Where is that, exactly?
Do we have that in North America?
That is a black snake and was beside the trail in the Shenandoah park in Virginia. He was just hangin' out trying to catch some sun and or a mouse.
RADHiker
12-21-2014, 21:42
I'm with you....haven't conquered the fears yet, but am working on it. It didn't help that my first night out included a foraging bear much too close for comfort...but, he didn't bother me or attempt to investigate my camp. Every sound woke me up. I'm not sure how long it's going to take to be as mentally comfortable in my hammock as I am in my tent.....but I really hope it comes soon!
yerbyray
12-21-2014, 21:54
I'm with you....haven't conquered the fears yet, but am working on it. It didn't help that my first night out included a foraging bear much too close for comfort...but, he didn't bother me or attempt to investigate my camp. Every sound woke me up. I'm not sure how long it's going to take to be as mentally comfortable in my hammock as I am in my tent.....but I really hope it comes soon!
Just keep in mind that most things in the woods are more scared of you than you are of them. Just separate yourself from your food and toiletries as they ought to be hanging away from your tent. I will confess....I have been in the woods for years, heck I was even a forest ranger here in NC, and the only thing that freaks me out is walking into a spider web. That still makes me dance like a drunk freshman at his first frat party.