View Full Version : Thinking of hammock camping
Cottontp
02-21-2012, 20:23
It will be a five day trip, in north Georgia. Temps around freezing at night.
Thought the five day trip would be a good benchmark test to see if I want to continue hammock camping.
So I thought I would ask the pro's what can I do to make this an enjoyable experience.
And was planning on using a Hennessy explorer:zip side. With a two layer(foam/egg crate style) pad. And 40 degree mummy bag
Your hammock questions will be better answered at hammockforums.net. Sister site to this one.
gunner76
02-21-2012, 22:55
+1 on go to Hammockforums for your questions
WingedMonkey
02-22-2012, 02:30
What makes a sister site? Who is WhiteBlaze's brother?
It's a pay site. Whether or not you'll get better information is anyone's guess. Usually there's just more noobs chiming in without contributing much other than thread activity.
Your setup seems OK but a 40* bag is gonna be a little light if the temps really get down to freezing at night. I think the pad will work ok. If you are car camping, bring along an extra 20* bag - just in case. If you are backpacking, bring your cold-weather gear (balaclava, booties, poly-pro tops/bottoms, etc.) and a foam sit pad you can use for cold spot treatment when sleeping.
It's a pay site. As pointed out to you previously, this is not so. Hammock Forums, like WhiteBlaze, has a donating member status, but no payment is required to access the wealth of information regarding hamocking that is contained at HF. In order to access the donating members off topic forums (topics that are not directly hammocking related, such as backpacks, paddling, camp kitchen, clothing, and cutlery, etc), you have to be a donating member. The main reason these topics are "off topic" is because at Hammock Forums, we tend stay focused on hammocks. There are enough websites, including WhiteBlaze, among many others, that discuss these other topics at length. Without a doubt, Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net) is the go-to resource on the internet for all things hammocking.
What makes a sister site? Who is WhiteBlaze's brother?It has no brothers. It's a sister site because both HF and WB are owned by the same person.
just make sure that one of the pads wraps up around enough to cover your shoulders and the pads should be fine at that temp... but I would definitely not take a 40 degree bag. and set up out of the wind, somehow...
gunner76
02-22-2012, 14:30
"It's a pay site".... we had poster in Hammockforums.net recently who could not understand that all the hammock related topics are free to everyone and the non hammock stuff was available to donating members only.
Cottontp
02-22-2012, 15:08
as for hommockforums.net i totally get it a forum that is based around hammock camping. Just didnt want to have to re register with another site just to ask a question i can ask here.
thank you for those who answered the question instead of not answering the question and directing me to another site. geez do you people make money off of the other site or something, weird....
ok so now that that is out of the way.
do you think the 40 bag, and pad i describe would work if i use some under armor, or is it useless to argue, and i should save myself/my balls and buy a warmer sleepign bag?
Cottontp
02-22-2012, 15:09
oh and i dont think that pad is wide enough to cover my shoulders
KnotHere
02-22-2012, 15:51
I have a 40* mummy bag and am playing around with different setups using just pads. I will let you know if I strike something good.
if possible, take the second ccf pad and cut it in half. Use those two sections perpendicular to the other pad. This will give you the shoulder and hip coverage you want (make the hammock feel wider too). Also, a poncho hung below your hammock will block a significant amount of air movement greatly increasing the warmth.
oh and i dont think that pad is wide enough to cover my shoulders
Depends on how you lay in the hammock. If you lay on your side, your back & bottom will get cold. If you lay on your back the tips of your shoulders will get cold. Any area of your body that compresses your bag against the hammock wall needs extra insulation. And insulation can be coats/pants/sitpad, etc. If at all possible, try out different combos in the back yard to see what does and doesn't work before hitting the trail. Have fun!
if possible, take the second ccf pad and cut it in half. Use those two sections perpendicular to the other pad. This will give you the shoulder and hip coverage you want (make the hammock feel wider too). Also, a poncho hung below your hammock will block a significant amount of air movement greatly increasing the warmth.
this is good advice. real cheap fix would be to go to Jacks r Better and buy their modified driducks pancho... really cheap. they do really really help under the hammock and will hang on a HH really easily.
about the bag -- it does get cold in a hammock and if it is below 40 you are probably going to be unhappy. if you are committed to the 40 degree bag, i'd suggest you try a home made breathable fabric overcover which would clip to your ridge line and hang down over your bug net on both sides -- perhaps with little pockets for pebbles to keep it hanging in place. this could be as simple as a rectangle of fabric with a few strings tied on. the hh overcover (not sure it is still available) used to be silnylon and had a breathing hole in it... it fit loosely enough so that condensation wasn't a huge problem. i've been happier with a "sock" of breathable material, which I hardly ever pull up over my head, and hangs over my ridgeline (like your ridge/bug net). another option is to get that driducks poncho and use it over the top of your hammock as an overcover or as a bivy-like blanket in your HH.
I apologize for the quantity of unfocused advice... hammocks do require experimentation, so some back yard time, as others have suggested, may be in order.
sonnynGA
02-22-2012, 18:36
I froze with a pad and a zero bag. Eventually went to an UQ and a TQ. Have been very happy since. They are light weight and packable. A bit pricey but I have found they meet all my needs. I too have a HH explorer with zip mod. Ill be doing a 6 day in NC next month and hoping temps will stay above freezing.
kayak karl
02-22-2012, 19:46
With a two layer(foam/egg crate style) pad. And 40 degree mummy bag
are these 1/2 in thick pads? are they ccf? if not you won't get to 20 degrees. extra cloths will help from top with a 40 deg bag, but not from the bottom.
cold where you are now. test it.
as for hommockforums.net i totally get it a forum that is based around hammock camping. Just didnt want to have to re register with another site just to ask a question i can ask here.
thank you for those who answered the question instead of not answering the question and directing me to another site. geez do you people make money off of the other site or something, weird....
ok so now that that is out of the way.
do you think the 40 bag, and pad i describe would work if i use some under armor, or is it useless to argue, and i should save myself/my balls and buy a warmer sleepign bag?
I make no money off the other site. Just offering you the best information out there. Didn't know it was a crime and that hard to register at yet another site. Don't lose your log in information for WB, I would hate for you to have to reregister.
kayak karl
02-22-2012, 21:29
I make no money off the other site. Just offering you the best information out there. Didn't know it was a crime and that hard to register at yet another site. Don't lose your log in information for WB, I would hate for you to have to reregister.
and you don't need to register to read past posts. guy asking tonite about pads over there. :)
KnotHere
02-23-2012, 00:18
I registered there about 18 hours ago and still have not been added by the mods. Excitedly yet impatiently waiting :) Also do they have an app for the phones like WB does? I am sleeping in my HH and browsing the forums as I speak. Love it!
Hairball
02-23-2012, 09:47
If you have Tapatalk you can add Hammock Forums. Not sure if they have a free mobile app.
Sent from my R800x using Tapatalk
SouthMark
02-23-2012, 11:12
as for hommockforums.net i totally get it a forum that is based around hammock camping. Just didnt want to have to re register with another site just to ask a question i can ask here.
thank you for those who answered the question instead of not answering the question and directing me to another site. geez do you people make money off of the other site or something, weird....
ok so now that that is out of the way.
do you think the 40 bag, and pad i describe would work if i use some under armor, or is it useless to argue, and i should save myself/my balls and buy a warmer sleepign bag?
I used to work for a guy who was always asking my opinion or advice on something but he was never happy when it was not the answer he wanted.
It will be a five day trip, in north Georgia. Temps around freezing at night.
Thought the five day trip would be a good benchmark test to see if I want to continue hammock camping.
So I thought I would ask the pro's what can I do to make this an enjoyable experience.
And was planning on using a Hennessy explorer:zip side. With a two layer(foam/egg crate style) pad. And 40 degree mummy bag
If you use a hammock with a pad, unless you are very slim, the hammock, because it wraps around you, will compress the insulation of your sleeping bag against your shoulders, making it next to useless. It's necessary to have a pad that is wider at this point. You can make your own add-on "wings" with closed cell foam and duct tape (I did this early on in my hammock experimentation), and it works fairly well, except that closed cell foam, being stiff, tends to fight you while you sleep if you're a restless sleeper (the pad slips out from underneath you at times, especially in the HH with its lay-flat diagonal design). I even tried slotting the pad on each side where it hinges under my hips, with little success. With a HH or other lay-flat style hammock, an underquilt is the way to go.
If you use an underquilt (or overbag, which cannot be used in a ridgeline hammock), the insulation must be tight against the bottom of the hammock. Pockets of cold air form wherever is is not, because the underquilt does not create heat in itself, a concept which a few folks seem to have difficulty comprehending.
Cottontp
02-23-2012, 22:34
Yeah I like the adding flaps idea to the pad for the shoulders.
gunner76
02-23-2012, 22:48
geez do you people make money off of the other site or something, weird....
The money goes towards paying for the site hosting ect.
As hammockforums is dedicated to all things hammocks it is the place to go to for information about all hammock related questions just like Whiteblaze is the place to go to for AT related questions
I have use a wallyword waffle pattern blue foam CCF pad that is about 24" wide and it does not wrap around me or crush my insulation. I am 6ft2 and 280 lbs so I am not a little guy. For comfort, a UQ is hard to beat. I own and use 5 UQs depending on the trip/weather.
Cottontp
02-23-2012, 23:02
Sorry I know I'm
A total noob when it comes to this type of thing, I have a question over the under quilt. I've read a couple threads that mention them, which only confused me more.
And I've seen a video on utube on how to make one.
And I know I'm making it more complicated in my head ten I'm sure it is, but is it basically like another sleeping bag?
Raul Perez
02-23-2012, 23:14
Kinda... It goes on the outside of the hammock to insulate your bottom.
A top quilt is more like a sleeping bag with no back or hood
Stats 2012
02-23-2012, 23:42
I use a HH, with SOLite pad, 20° down bag, and (when very cold) a VBL without issues. here's one of my blogs from a very cold night:
http://atstats.blogspot.com/2012/02/hanging-out-one-cold-cold-night.html
I think of the Top quilt (TQ) and Under Quilt (UQ) as two parts of a sleeping bag (they are not, but think of it). Think of taking a sleeping bag, then think of cutting out the part on the bottom, from the knees to the shoulder. That is the UQ part. The rest, is the TQ. The UQ hangs UNDER the hammock, right up next to it. Thereby, it doesn't compress from your weight and loose it's insulating properties. In real cold, use the CCF pad under you (two layer hammocks have that so you can slide your CCF between the parts). The TQ should have a foot box area that goes up to your knees. Mine is snapped so I can open it like a true quilt.
Sorry I know I'm
A total noob when it comes to this type of thing, I have a question over the under quilt. I've read a couple threads that mention them, which only confused me more.
And I've seen a video on utube on how to make one.
And I know I'm making it more complicated in my head ten I'm sure it is, but is it basically like another sleeping bag?
Well next time you are cruising YouTube, watch Shug's videos. I think he has about 10 of them. He covers pads and underquilts pretty well and he is a serious cold-weather hammocker. Seriously - no better source of information.
I started with pads and quickly went to a full-length underquilt. But I had the extra $ to do it. (see my setup (https://sites.google.com/site/hobbyhintstricksideas/Home/cozies-kettles-stoves-etc#TOC-Shelters)). One lesson for me is that although pads work, there is a fair amount of experimentation required, so working stuff out in the backyard, park, garage, etc. is preferable before hitting the trail.
A 1/2" WhatEverMart Blue Closed Cell Foam pad is good insulation (will take you to the mid 20's*F), but is typically 20" wide (and slippery in a hammock). Most large males, lying in a gathered-end hammock mummy-style, would need about 26" at the shoulders minimum. Smaller folks might be OK with the typical 20" pad. 1/4" pads, (especially Evazote), come in wider widths (Jack's R Better sells some right sized chunks for a fair price - avoid Gossamer Gear's pad as it is much too bulky and expensive), but 1/4" isn't much insulation (there's no magic), and by itself is good only into the 40's*F. My best pad solution was a regular size Z-Lite coupled with a chunk of blue CCF for the shoulders. An even better solution would've been to cut down my short Z-Lite for my shoulders - but I couldn't bring myself to killing my favorite Z-lite :) . My particular hammock is 2-layer, so by inserting the pads between layers I avoid the hassles of the pads sliding around. Again, there's a really good Shug video on making pads work.
IF you are committed to hammocks and IF you've got the $ then a down under-quilt is the easiest, most comfortable insulation solution.
I went to a hammock system primarily because I'm a geezer and I value sleep comfort. The hammock has delivered.
Hammock Hanger
02-24-2012, 16:17
I use a HH, with SOLite pad, 20° down bag, and (when very cold) a VBL without issues. here's one of my blogs from a very cold night:
http://atstats.blogspot.com/2012/02/hanging-out-one-cold-cold-night.html
I have been hammock camping for well over 20 years. I found your post interesting. Txs
I have been hammock camping for well over 20 years. I found your post interesting. Txs
me too... drives the point home that it is important in cold weather to have a simple enough set up so that you can take it down (and put it up...) with numb fingers. quickly is a bonus, too!
Cottontp
02-24-2012, 23:35
Wow jut watch a couple of shugs videos, reminds me of a professor I once had who admired to dropping to much acid in his younger years, great teacher. Anyways do you remember what the video was called that explains how I make pads work? Shugs got a ton of videos
Probably in the 10 video's he has for newbies. Your correct, he has quite a few and they are all worth watching
Stats 2012
02-24-2012, 23:46
I have been hammock camping for well over 20 years. I found your post interesting. Txs
I appreciate the feed back, Hammock Hanger and Lazarus.
I just received a new little gadget that I believe will greatly simplyify securing my tarp. Perhaps you've heard of it: Figure 9's by Nite Ize. I ordered a pack of 4 of these small, very lightweight pieces that attach to the guy lines and allow you to pull tight and sinch down any lines from a tent or tarp. I think having these will be fantastic when the temperatures are so cold that even tying a simple tautline hitch is painful! A quick pull, loop, and sinch and it's done! I'm trying them out in the field tomorrow.
I appreciate the feed back, Hammock Hanger and Lazarus.
I just received a new little gadget that I believe will greatly simplyify securing my tarp. Perhaps you've heard of it: Figure 9's by Nite Ize. I ordered a pack of 4 of these small, very lightweight pieces that attach to the guy lines and allow you to pull tight and sinch down any lines from a tent or tarp. I think having these will be fantastic when the temperatures are so cold that even tying a simple tautline hitch is painful! A quick pull, loop, and sinch and it's done! I'm trying them out in the field tomorrow.
The Figure 9's are great.
While the figure 9's are great, you should check out Dutch's gear at:http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cottage-industries/dutchware/
gunner76
02-25-2012, 21:24
+1 on anything made by Dutch
Monkeywrench
02-26-2012, 05:43
You miss out on so much when you hammock; sleeping on a dirty, hard wooden floor, next to total strangers who snore and fart all night. Having mice climbing over your head at night. Some hiker's dog leaving muddy paw prints on your sleeping bag. Mosquitoes buzzing in your ears. Waking up with a sore back and stiff legs in the morning, making those old man noises when you stand up.
kayak karl
02-26-2012, 09:51
Wow jut watch a couple of shugs videos, reminds me of a professor I once had who admired to dropping to much acid in his younger years, great teacher. Anyways do you remember what the video was called that explains how I make pads work? Shugs got a ton of videos
i think your realizing why we suggested hammockforums in the beginning :) although dutch gear is great you can buy what you need at home depot, S biners, fig. 9, descending rings and even straps. my first UQ was a child's sleeping bag from Goodwill (great place for hiking clothes also). suspended it with bungee cord to test out. put a piece of pad under feet. once i realized i liked sleeping in one and really liked the UQ to pads i was hooked. that was 4 yrs., 6 hammocks , 5 tarps and 4 types of suspensions ago.
i now use for winter a 12' - 64" DIY hammock, z-pack 9-11 tarp, Te-wa 2/3 quilt, High Sierra Sniveller (wareable quilt) and 12' straps w/descending rings @ 5.3 lbs (i feel whoopies and tree straps limit hanging span too much) this has got me down to -5 degrees.
my 70lb. Lab sleeps in this DIY hammock with me.
Cottontp
03-04-2012, 23:00
ok guys and girls
i just got done with my trip trying out hammocking for the first time. and here is my review and follow up questions.
first i dig hammocking, easy to setup camp after a long day of hiking, and leaves me with a quick breakdown of camp when heading out on the trail, which i like alot.
only problem that i faced with my hennessy explorer ziper entrance, was that i didnt like the rain fly. it seemed a little small and would have liked one similar to the one shug has in one of his youtube video. a full rain fly with doors, looked like a haommock in a tent basically. and the reason i say that is, because i caught some crazy weather two nights ago, and the hammock got just a little wet(nothing to complain about, just noticed)
And the next day i got crazy cold due to some heavy winds we experienced. which needs to be fix so it doesnt happen agian.
another problem i faced was that when i initially hung the hammock, it would be at eye level(inside the smake skin) then after sitting in it it was get lower. this isnt a problem for the guide-lines/shock-cords on the hammock themselves(which i learned once i got home that i need those lines to be attached to points higher then the hammock.) but for the rain fly, there guide-lines/non shock-cords would be tought/tight when i setup the hammock, but after i get in the hammock it woudl sit lower causing the guide lines to be come loose, and let the rain fly flap in the wind.
i think a can fix rain fly loose/tight problem by making a ridge line for it, basically making it independent of the hammock.
ok, pros, what do you think?
Definitely rig your tarp independent of the hammock for a good, taut pitch.
Also, the Hennessy stock tarps are way too small to be of much help in a heavy rainstorm. One of the things I did after realizing how inadequacy of the tarp with my first hammock was to buy a larger tarp. There are plenty of manufacturers out there, including Warbonnet Outdoors, Arrowhead Equipment, Jacks r Better, and Tree to Tree Trail Gear. A larger tarp will not only give you better weather protection, but it'll give you room to sit under in foul weather to sit, cook, read, pack, unpack, etc. You really can't go wrong with any of the manufacturers I listed above.