View Full Version : Hammock Tent Hybrid
austin3420
09-29-2017, 19:31
I've hiked a couple of sections on the AT using a tent. This summer, I hiked the NPT in the Adirondacks. I bought a cheap Wal-Mart hammock (no mosquito net, no rain tarp, to quilt liner - just the basic hammock and straps) and threw it in my pack. Figured I'd give it a try and if I didn't like it, I wouldn't be out much money. I LOVED IT! I wore my mosquito head net and net shirt a couple nights when the bugs were annoying. When it rained, I just draped my rain poncho over myself. I woke up wet, but still slept like a baby. One night, it looked like rain, so I set up tent. Within an hour of tossing and turning, I went out in my hammock in the rain and slept great. I did need to use my sleeping pad to keep warm in the hammock. But I was able to roll back and forth or sleep on my back and I loved being out in the open air.
So, I think it's pretty clear that I'm a hammock girl. Here's my question. Either 2018 or 2019 I plan on thru-hiking the AT. Is the majority of the AT hammock friendly? Enough trees? And in the spots that a hammock won't work, what then? Should I research tent hammock hybrids? Or what do the people with regular hammocks do when there aren't trees around?
Sorry if my questions are a little goofy - just want to make sure I get as much info as I can! :o
Is the majority of the AT hammock friendly? Enough trees?
Yes and yes.
And in the spots that a hammock won't work, what then?
AT lean to's, AMC huts, in town stays, and going to the ground cowboy camping under fair weather.
Should I research tent hammock hybrids?
Not a bad idea. Also research how some hammocks can be erected on the ground with trekking poles.
Or what do the people with regular hammocks do when there aren't trees around?
Already answered in as far as what I do.
austin3420
09-29-2017, 19:59
Oooooh, the trekking poles thing has me intrigued. Going to look that up now. Thank you!
Check out the hammock forums. Those folks are insanely committed to all things about hammocking.
austin3420
09-29-2017, 20:31
I thought this forum was "Hammock Camping". Ha! I'm a NOOB, so forgive me. :D
Feral Bill
09-29-2017, 22:36
My hammock collapsed on a recent trip. I was using a regular tarp so no rain issues, and had a small Thermarest pad for ground insulation so slept okay. Lesson? Have an alternative for if you can't hang, and have fun.
I am planning a 2018 AT Thru Hike and haven't used a tent for 6 years now. I also know AT Thru Hikers that have used a Hammock the entire way. Although it probably never will be needed, I practice setting up my Tarp as a Tarptent on the ground, using my trekking poles. It sags a little and isn't pretty, but keeps the weather out. I am learning little improvements each time and now feel comfortable using this ground set-up in town or on a bald when trees aren't available. However, nothing beats sleeping in the trees as the hammock rocks! Hoping to do a video for my you tube channel in the near future. So don't give up on hammocking if you find it the most comfortable method to sleep.
HelloNeiman!
09-29-2017, 22:38
I am hammmocking the whole way for my thru next year. Will bring a Z-lite for ground/shelter sleeping if absolutely required.
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blue indian
09-30-2017, 10:23
My hammock collapsed on a recent trip. I was using a regular tarp so no rain issues, and had a small Thermarest pad for ground insulation so slept okay. Lesson? Have an alternative for if you can't hang, and have fun.
What do you mean it collapsed? What kind of hammock was it?
Feral Bill
09-30-2017, 10:58
What do you mean it collapsed? What kind of hammock was it? Byers Moskito Traveler. The numerous small support lines at the head and pulled out of the fabric in rapid succession. It would have been hilarious if someone else was the victim. I sent it back to LL Bean.
Feral Bill
09-30-2017, 11:04
Head end................
austin3420
10-01-2017, 19:29
Nice! I'll go check out your YouTube channel now! Hope to see a hammock video soon!
austin3420
10-01-2017, 19:31
"Z lite" .... I'll google that. :)
austin3420
10-01-2017, 19:31
Thank you for the encouragement! :)
BuckeyeBill
10-03-2017, 11:33
Go to Hammockforums.net (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/content.php?) It is a related site but strictly for hammock hangers. You will find an area there about hammock hangs in your area that you can travel to and ask all the questions you can come up with. Good luck.
HelloNeiman!
10-03-2017, 13:23
Go to Hammockforums.net (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/content.php?) It is a related site but strictly for hammock hangers. You will find an area there about hammock hangs in your area that you can travel to and ask all the questions you can come up with. Good luck.
The first thing you'll learn/hear at HammockForums is to review as many of Shug's tutorial videos on YouTube. He's the go-to guru and does a great job educating noobs. I definitely recommend getting a head start there :-)
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BuckeyeBill
10-09-2017, 14:45
And what he ^^^^^^ said.
DuneElliot
10-09-2017, 15:05
A tarp that you can use as a tent with hiking poles is a perfect solution for going to ground, but of course the need for ground insulation is always the issue. I have dogs and I carry a pad for them to sleep on, cut to just the right length for them to both curl up on but also for me to go to ground if necessary...they'd survive one night. It's an extra 10oz but since I have to carry it anyway, it's good to have a back-up
The AT is probably the only LD trail of the big 3 that is suited for hammocking the entire length.
I finally finished my YouTube video of how I take my HG Palace Tarp to the ground. It was three minutes too long to upload (something new to me and a real pain) so I had to devide it into two parts:
The set up:
https://youtu.be/fOzJlDYvG7s
And the take down:
https://youtu.be/Jj7xWriPOzY
Hope it helps. I’m no expert, just trying to learn as I go along.
Speakeasy TN
10-13-2017, 12:38
I converted to Hammocks when Hennessy hooked me at Trail Days (14 I think). When all the sales pitch they need is " Get in and try it " you know they are doing something right. I have the Deep Jungle which is a double bottom and it comes with an insulating pad ( think windshield reflector ). I will be doing a Thru this Spring and I think I might carry an inflatable pad instead, at least thru the Smokies because of the shelter regulations, but I don't see me ever going to ground on purpose again unless the dog is with me. Don't worry if the actual setup looks tricky. You'll get the hang of it ( see what I did there ). But I will say the Hennessy is easier to master as they are designed to be hung tight instead of you trying to get the magical 30 degree angle. See you on both forums!
gunner76
10-15-2017, 20:06
Those folks are insanely committed to all things about hammocking.
we are not insane, just committed :)
AfterParty
10-15-2017, 22:09
Buy your last hammock setup first or watch the money sail
Just Bill
10-16-2017, 10:11
we are not insane, just committed :)
No you are insane :D
Just Bill
10-16-2017, 10:42
Head to Hammock Forums, watch shug boil things and toss things and say silly things. You will learn alot.
One caution:
Hammock forums is a very diverse place, filled with incredibly nice people.
There are home hangers, RV users, bushcrafters, car campers, casual backpackers, scouts, backpackers and people that would never consider using a hammock in the woods.
Long distance hiking with a backpack doesn't have to be incredibly unique... but it does have some considerations that you might want to keep in mind.
You will get lots of good advice at Hammock Forums, even better advice and first hand experience at a group hang.
But that advice may not all apply well to LD hiking.
It is okay, occasionally desirable, or as Feral Bill shared sometimes necessary to 'go to ground'.
The AT has shelters and some hostels that may require you to sleep not just on the ground, but on a very hard surface.
Not to mention the times you may wish to sleep above tree-line, on a bald, in an open meadow, stealth camped in the bushes at the PO waiting for it to open....
You get the point.
Hammocks are generally a comfort choice, with some concessions to weight, pack size, etc. But it doesn't need to be as dramatic as some might say.
You might get amazing advice on how to set up the sweetest car camping rig you've ever seen complete with drink holders, just the right pillows, and even ridgeline lighting with strobe effects and Ipad storage for watching movies.
That is really fun!
But it might not be the best advice for backpacking. SO do your research before you buy anything.
And despite the overwhelmingly admirable enthusiasm among my friends in the hammock community: not everything was invented by cottage vendors in the hammock industry :rolleyes:
Tarps are tarps. They worked perfectly well as tarps long before Ed Speer hung one over a hammock.
Generally speaking- a hammock tarp is bigger than many ground based tarps- so for one used to using tarps as a backpacker... you'll probably find the hammock tarps easy to use.
I'm not a fan of just dropping your hammock on the ground as Shug and some others show.
You're better off carrying a piece of PolyCro and pitching your tarp just like a regular old ground dweller (backpacker) would.
If your hammock has an integrated net, and that's the 'feature' you're trying to use on the ground... just put the hammock on the polycro like a bivy sack. Try this a few times in your yard and at worst you may want to add a tab or two to the bug net so you can hang it off your ridge line.
All the bling you brought from Dutch to hang your tarp... still hangs your tarp. It doesn't magically fail or stop working simply because you put a ground sheet, sleeping pad, and Top quilt under it.
Hammock hangers did not invent top quilts.
Any backpacking top quilt works in a hammock... not all hammock top quilts work on the ground... but generally speaking they are cut pretty large and work fine.
Hammock folks did invent Under Quilts. It is really the only unique piece of gear that is unfamiliar to backpackers beyond the hammock itself.
It is also not necessary.
It is more comfortable, especially in a gathered end hammock, and especially if you have the wrong sleeping pad.
You need at least a large sleeping pad (wide). A 20" pad is too narrow, you will get cold.
Underquilts are preferred, there are ways to go the whole AT without a pad.
The question becomes if that's what you want to do... to commit so fully to hanging in your hammock that you limit your options.
The Hammock tent hybrid crap... mostly kickstarters, gimmicks, and toys. Stay away.
Unfortunately most hammock folks do not design systems intended to work with a pad... or for some LD hiking versatility.
A bridge hammock is the most friendly for pads. I do have three GE designs I haven't been able to bring to testing yet that are gathered end hammocks specifically made to work with a pad.
That said- you will find folks who have LD hiking mentalities/experience who really do enjoy a hammock.
I believe in the right gear for the right trip... more and more for me that gear is a hammock... but there are lots of ways to get a good nights sleep out there. You have to set your priorities for your own trip.
For some it's sleep, for some it's options, for some it's weight and bulk. You can find a nice balance... but keep firmly in mind that first and foremost you are a backpacker. If what you choose isn't in harmony with that goal then it's going to impact your trip.