Aimed at the beginner hammockers...

["ME & U"]

Hammock Packing list for the beggining hammocker


by Me & U
Last edited 8 April 2005

Lots of hammock styles out there! Hennesy's , Speer's, Jungle hammocks, both civilian and military, Byer's, and more I'm sure of it.

We used Byer Backpacker Hammocks for our thru hike in '03. Since then we've custom made our hammocks using a spin off of the Speer method.

Basically, a nylon rectangle with knots tied at both ends. A webbing on both ends for tying off to trees, or whatever, and an 8x10 silnylon tarp set up with two stakes in a diamond shape.

Our sleeping bags are also a spin off from Speer. Two Army poncho liners sewn together, velcro along the long edges to form a cylinder when connected, and draw strings at either end to form the caccoon.

The hammocks also have velcro along the edges to attach our bug nets, when needed.

The insulation factor in a hammock is different from that in a tent. In colder weather, you need to be a little more creative than simply jumping into a sleeping bag. In a bag, on the ground, you tend to have pressure points along the bony prominences like hips, shoulder blades, ect... you toss and turn, even if dead to the world, and this keeps the insulation in your bag fluffed, providing the warmth that your bag is rated to.

In a hammock, there's no ground. No ground, no pressure points. No pressure points, no tossing and turning... you get the idea.

A sleeping bag in a hammock works, but has it's limitations as far as warmth, expecially on your back. A better approach might be a caccoon style bag. This provides an envelope of warmth that surrounds your body and won't suffer the flattening effect underneath you as you sleep peacefully. It also provides a multitude of options to play with in regard to staying warm. For example, in colder weather, I place a thin bed mat under my hammock, on top of the inside of my caccoon. This gives my system another layer from the outside. I then place my hiking clothing on top of the matt. Another layer. I then open the draw strings a bit to provide some ventalation, and place my head tube into the mix and I'm good to go! I also use a Thermo Lite Reactor from Sea to Summit if it's real cold. This is a bag liner thats made of Thermo Lite by Dupont. I simply use this as a sleeping bag inside my hammock.

Many thanks go to Ed Speer for providing the public with ideas he's shared in the arena of hammock camping. Those who have not read his book should. That being said, I'd like to add my idea, which I've mentioned, the head tube.
This is a light weight fleece bag with velcro on one end. The shape is that of your skull, chin to crown. Take a piece of string and wrap it around your head as if to wear a birthday hat. That is the measurement for the bag. The velcro attaches to the velcro on the caccoon providing an opening. While you lie in your hammock, install the tube above your head and lie back, then slip the fleece over your head. The idea here is that when your lying down, your looking straight up through the opening. Your breath exits through this opening and the condensation goes with it. On a cold hike recently I was able to give it a good test. I was chilled to the bone! I flipped on my lamp and noticed my breath covering my body. I put the tube in place and instantly felt warmer!! It works like a charm, takes some getting used to, and multifunctions as a pillow when you don't need it.

The following is a list of my gear for a mild weather hike:

*Pack:
Mountain Smith Phantom pack

* Living room/ bedroom:
Tarp
Hammock
Poncho Liner
Bug net
Head tube
2- stakes
beanie hat/light wt gloves

*Kitchen:
2- 1L soda bottles
1-1L water bag
esbit stove and fuel (both in a gatorade container)
windscreen
matches
MSR Kettle
12 oz Nalgene
spork
spice kit
food
bear bag rope

*Clothing:
1- long sleeve synthetic shirt
1- pair compressoin tights (for sleeping)
2- pair socks (one a liner)
Light wt soft shell top

*Essentials:
2 oz first aid kit
tooth brush/listerine pocket packs
2- steel backed razor blades
sun glasses
1/2 oz headlamp w/spare coin cell batteries
1 oz bottle of bleach
camera ("ME" carries it)
8 oz listerine bottle (flask)
journal/pen


Round about 10 lbs base gear.

Give or take 1 1/2- 1 3/4 lbs food per day.
Gormet style cooking in a kettle, a meal example: a pasta dish like mac n cheese with chunk cheese, some veggies, and spice, an oriental soup with tofu, (pour your pasta water into the 12 oz nalgene) (I use the tofu to clean my kettle of the cheese) crackers, some sort of meat stick or the like, and a desert shake or cookies. A night cap and occasionally a rum soaked apricot or two. (for the pain)

When I set up my hammock I consider cooking. I set it low enough to be able to sit and cook at the same time. My tarp is high enough to be free of the heat, and I usually have the East side propped up for the sunrise. My gear is organized such that I pack three compartments, livingroom/bedroom, clothing, and kitchen. My essentials go in the top of my pack. Packing only takes a few minutes this way and always provides an effecient set up. I pack my tarp in a stuff pouch on the outside of my bag with the stakes. This allows for a dry set up in the rain.

Our favorite hammock sites are those away from others. We like to be way off the beaten path and save time for searching out a cool site that no one will bother us in. In this sense we're "solo hikers". I enjoy sleeping near rocks and usually seek out a crag or spot where I can strap up to a tree on one side and a rock on the other. We also set up using three trees in an "L" shape and the resulting camp site is pretty cool with two diamond shaped tarps set up with trekking poles facing the East for the sunrise.

Consider using trees at least 4 inches thick or bigger. With my hammock size I use 5 paces between tieoff points, and always look for overhanging limbs or things that may fall in the night. We don't usually have fires (2 on our thru hike) but the "L" setup is perfect for it, a fire right in the center of us so we can both sit and enjoy.

My hope here is to help our fellow new hammockers with ideas on set ups, simple light loads to save money in the long run, and great ways to cook. There's nothing like a biscotti with your hot mocha/b-fast drink in your hammock while you sit in comfort and watch the sun rise with your honey. Or alone for that matter!



sincerely,

"U"

[SGT Rock]

I would like to see a break down of equipment so you have stuff like:
o Kitchen
o clothing
o Hammock/sleeping
o Pack

you get the idea.

I also think that, especially with the hammock related items for insulation and such, that you might want to have a brief discussion about those sorts of things.

[Big Dawg]

I must say I'm intrigued! I will admit that I've seen threads about hammocks in the past & wasn't at all interested. But after reading a few hammock threads recently, I must say, I gotta see what all the fuss is about. As I lighten my pack weight by replacing some pieces of equipment, I was just about zeroed in on the Tarptent Squall2 for my next shelter when I stumbled on the hammock threads recently,, & after much research, feel the Hennessy Explorer Ultralight A-Sym would work for my size (6'5", 225 lbs). But before I can get comfortable w/ changing my whole mindset of a shelter, I need to lay down in one of these hammocks & see for myself what everyone is raving about, but no outfitter in my area stocks hammocks. Any suggestions?

[SGT Rock]

Go to Trail Days and talk to Tom Hennessy or Ed Speers. Either one will show you the hammocks and talk for hours. I know Tom had hammocks you could lay in and I think Ed did too.

[Doctari]

I would like to see a break down of equipment so you have stuff like:
o Kitchen
o clothing
o Hammock/sleeping
o Pack

you get the idea.

I also think that, especially with the hammock related items for insulation and such, that you might want to have a brief discussion about those sorts of things.

Perhaps also (even if included in instructions that come with a hammock):
Some tips for first time set up of hammock AND tarp.
What to look for in a site (specially useful for those of us who havn't yet made the change).
Minimum distance between trees (average?)
Maximum distance between trees (average?)
Minimum/maximum tree diamiter?
Hints for overcoming that pesky minimum/maximum thing?

Maybe for a more "advanced" art: How to cook in/from a hammock. Gear storage (UL, Light & traditional?). Set up when no trees etc avalable.

BTW: I am going to convert, just waiting on "extra" $$$$

[Oracle]

How about hammocks for people over 200lbs? Most of the hammocks I've seen seem to limit the weight of their occupants to 200lbs. I'm nearly 6'3" tall and have a 50" chest, me getting below 200 would be a difficult proposition. I'm not fat, my chest is significantly wider than my midsection, just big.

[SGT Rock]

Hennessy Safari Delux.

[Youngblood]

Go to Trail Days and talk to Tom Hennessy or Ed Speers. Either one will show you the hammocks and talk for hours. I know Tom had hammocks you could lay in and I think Ed did too.Ed is going to be at Trailfest in Hot Springs, NC later this month (23 & 24th) and he is sponsoring a hammock campers get together. I'm planning on being there and I believe Peter Pan (he uses a Hennessy A-sym backpacker) of Jacks'R'Better said he was going so that may be a good opportunity to kick a few hammocks around. Sarge, are you going?

Youngblood

["ME & U"]

I must say I'm intrigued! I will admit that I've seen threads about hammocks in the past & wasn't at all interested. But after reading a few hammock threads recently, I must say, I gotta see what all the fuss is about. As I lighten my pack weight by replacing some pieces of equipment, I was just about zeroed in on the Tarptent Squall2 for my next shelter when I stumbled on the hammock threads recently,, & after much research, feel the Hennessy Explorer Ultralight A-Sym would work for my size (6'5", 225 lbs). But before I can get comfortable w/ changing my whole mindset of a shelter, I need to lay down in one of these hammocks & see for myself what everyone is raving about, but no outfitter in my area stocks hammocks. Any suggestions?EMS.COM order a byer hammock for $20.00 and then go hike the AT with it... We did!

Thanks for the suggestions, will follow up asap on the other ideas of hammocking.
"U"

[Dances with Mice]

I must say I'm intrigued! I will admit that I've seen threads about hammocks in the past & wasn't at all interested. But after reading a few hammock threads recently, I must say, I gotta see what all the fuss is about. As I lighten my pack weight by replacing some pieces of equipment, I was just about zeroed in on the Tarptent Squall2 for my next shelter when I stumbled on the hammock threads recently,, & after much research, feel the Hennessy Explorer Ultralight A-Sym would work for my size (6'5", 225 lbs). But before I can get comfortable w/ changing my whole mindset of a shelter, I need to lay down in one of these hammocks & see for myself what everyone is raving about, but no outfitter in my area stocks hammocks. Any suggestions?

You do need to try it. I'm 6'4", 240# and like the UL A-Sym very much. I added an 8X10 silnylon tarp, snakeskins, and a closed cell foam pad.

[SGT Rock]

I was going to go, but then the Army decided it had better use for my time. So I'll miss that one and be at Trail Days. Unless the Army finds something else for me to do then as well.

[JoeHiker]

I was just about zeroed in on the Tarptent Squall2 for my next shelter when I stumbled on the hammock threads recently,, & after much research, feel the Hennessy Explorer Ultralight A-Sym would work for my size (6'5", 225 lbs). You know what, I couldn't decide myself either between those exact same two shelters, so I bought them both! This fall I'll be doing a 2 week hike in Vermont and I think I'm going to bring them both and see which I like more. I'm 6' tall and weigh about 155-160 so either one should give me plenty of room.

I figure it only costs me an extra 2 pounds and for 2 weeks, that's not a big deal.

["ME & U"]

made some revisions and wanted to bring it to the front...

Thanks everbody,
"U"

[The Biss]

I also am 6'3" with a 52" chest. My HH Asym Explorer Deluxe has been a very comfortable sleep for me down to 40 degrees w/out an underpad. Granted, I am a warm sleeper and was out last night with my sleeping bag unzipped. I would think that cold sleepers need to go to additional lengths to keep warm in a hammock.

[Univega23]

I am presently 6'4" and also use the HH Asym Explorer Deluxe.. sleep like a baby. First time I used it i didnt think about the cold and it got a bit chilly, 32*F.. The next time I took it out I had bought one of the aluminized windshield sunblockers and I slept nice and toasty. The sunblocker only added 6oz to my packload and it packed(after crumpling) in my sleeping bag compression sack. Hammocks rock and you get a decent nights sleep

[Groomez]

Also check out Eagle Nest Outfitters hammocks. They are based out of Asheville, NC. I just bought a single with a rain tarp. Works awesome.

-shaun

ps ..and no I don't work for them.:cool:

[Tobiah]

I made my own hammock/tarp from the Wal-Mart $1 shelf - they had 2.? ounce ripstop nylon, which could be visually confirmed, and when I tried to blow thru it it was very difficult. Bought 6 yds, took it home and confirmed it was waterproof: treated with silicon. I went back and bought the rest of what they had, about 8 more yards. Had enough altogether to make hammock, 9x12 tarp, a homemade 2500c.i. pack, and a half dozen stuff sacks. All the seams were painted with generic seam-sealer. Bought 40ft. of climbers strap from Mountaingear.com for $16, using it for a complete tie-off/ridgeline... The whole setup cost me less than $30 and about 2 hours on the sewing machine. It works great, is very comfortable...I'll have trouble tenting ever again! Then my local Wal-Mart closed out the fabric department, eliminating my supply of heavy-duty silnylon. Homemade gear is cheap, and there are url's all over with ideas.

[JAK]

Do any hammock hikers and campers keep everything off the ground, even when cooking? Also wondering how far some of them go up, just of the heck of it, or is that getting into a whole other field of endeavour of which hammocking is just one part?

[peter_pan]

Do any hammock hikers and campers keep everything off the ground, even when cooking? Also wondering how far some of them go up, just of the heck of it, or is that getting into a whole other field of endeavour of which hammocking is just one part?


JAK, et al,

There is no need to take cooking off the ground.....FWIW, it is probably safest on the ground....Also when set up a couple feet from the hammock center one can easily sit in ones hammock and cook in comfort...

All my gear other than Waldies is off the ground....In the bear bag or in my gear hammock at the foot of my hammock...(Sorta like an Army footlocker at the foot of your bunk approach...super convient).

If you want to study hammocker in their subcultural environment go over to www.hammockforums.net

Pan

[sarahgirl]

Just wanted to say thanks for the great info. I especially appreciated the "head tube" idea and can't wait to try it. I got a little chilly last oct while camping in BSP. I have a -15 bag, but it didnt help protect against the condensation of my breathing which obviously made my bag damp. It was very frusturating, because I knew what was causing it and I was helpless! I'm getting off the ground for my AT thru next year, and hope there will be other "hangers" as well :)

[Noah Genda]

I bought a ENO Doublenest to find out what the hub-bub was all about...first, the ENO is comfy. I even installed two heavy duty eye-screws in the livingroom to hang (because the weather hasn't been cooperating). You truly have to practice using a hammock to learn how you can find the best positions for your sleeping style...taking a nap is the best way to practice, but sleeping all night is a different trick.

Those who tout that sleeping in a hammock (as opposed to the ground in a tent) as "the best sleep they ever got" are likely the kind of people who typically sleep on their back or semi-sided, or those who don't need to be as horizontal as a sleeping pad will allow. Wriggling in a hammock is easy to get in a new position, but it becomes complicated when you have to consider the underquilt or pad underneath your body - staying on the pad or other form of insulation is a challenge if you tend to be on the wriggly side.

I don't expect to leave my Hammerhead tent home, but will pack the hammock once in a while for a nice place to relax. I love the pro slap-straps and ease of putting the hammock anywhere - that's a no-brainer. I can stay in the hammock well into the evening reading a book near the fire where my underside can feel the warmth, and perhaps doze off, but bedtime awaits on ThermaRest NeoAir. I am a 6'2" and a 245# side sleeper, but the hammock just doesn't allow me to find the sleep zone I prefer, but I can get some quality rest in it...just not throughout the entire night. More practice? Doubtful...but not that I won't try just for trying!

Get a nice hammock that you can tote on your adventures...don't rush out and buy bug nets, rain tarps, underquilts, and all the other gizmos that hammock-hawkers claim you need...the hammock itself will pay dividends for years!

[Just Jeff]

Well, keep in mind that you only tried one model, in your living room. ENOs have a following but no one claims that an ENO is the most comfortable hammock they've tried. And slap straps stretch b/c they're nylon instead of poly.

It's cool that you gave it a try and don't feel like it works for you, at least not to sleep in...just asking that you keep in mind your sample size when drawing a conclusion about hammocking in general.

[wisenber]

Get a nice hammock that you can tote on your adventures...don't rush out and buy bug nets, rain tarps, underquilts, and all the other gizmos that hammock-hawkers claim you need...the hammock itself will pay dividends for years!

I might see questioning a "hammock-hawker" as that would be someone who sells hammock gear. The bugnets, tarps and quilts were recommended by hammock users not hammock sellers.

My advice:
1.) If you don't mind getting bitten by flying insects or having ticks visit you, don't bu a bug net.

2.) If you have no desire to stay dry during a rain even while sleeping in your hammock, skip the tarp.

3.) If you're not interested in the most comfortable way to stay warm in a hammock, don't even consider getting an underquilt.


By following these simple bits of advice, you can maximize your chances of having a cold, wet or bug ridden night; and that's what hammock camping is really all about.

[SerenitySeeker]

Have the two of you ever used the two person hammock, or anyone else who are hammock users, do most couples use two person or individual hammocks? I hope to hike with a partner eventually and wonder about the comfort of sleeping two in the caccoon. I can see already i want the versatility of being able to use the hammock as a tent when necessary. Also any opinions on if the two person hammock is just too big for a single camper, or if say a 300 pound man would fit more comfortable in a two person hammock?

[dbright]

How easy is it to use a hammock at the shelters on the AT.

[Old Hiker]

How easy is it to use a hammock at the shelters on the AT.

On my section hikes from Springer to the NOC, there seemed to be plenty of space for hammocks. My Troop didn't stay too often at shelters, but I could have with my hammock with no problems.

[RadioFreq]

How easy is it to use a hammock at the shelters on the AT.

Last summer (2009) I did Springer to Duncannon with a hammock. I almost always hung near a shelter site. There's were always plenty of places to hang, usually far enough away from the shelter that late arrivals and early departures didn't disturb me.

[toemaetoe]

I recently managed to hang my hammock over a game trail and, over the course of the night, was visited repeatedly by a very confused moose. You bet I learned an important lesson that night!

[buzzamania]

Unless you live where there are no bugs don't buy any hammock without a bug netting (i.e. Eagle nest). There's no sleep for me when bugs are buzzing in my face and sucking the life blood out of me. Better to go with a Hennessy. I have 2.

[BobL]

Just did my first trip with a Hammock sleep system. Didn't want to carry my half of a 6 lb pup tent. My son and I got a couple of $20 (w/ s&h) hammocks from Campmor and used a couple blue tarps for rain protection. I have to say they were very comfortable and dry. It did rain and i've had a wet floor in every tent i've used. My son and i stayed dry and comfortable. In the gear list it is mentioned a bug net. here in the NE, that is a necessity in the spring though not needed during my trip in September. Are there any suggestions for a reasonably priced bug net that can be added on to my existing hammock or should i just bite the bullet and buy one with the netting built in?

[Raul Perez]

Papa smurf over at www.mydiygear.com makes a bug sock.

[TechNaBill]

Tech-Na-Bill Here (First Post)
Hennessy Hammock (HH) user and loving it. I had a homemade Tarp-Hammock-Shelter, but it had no bug net, and the freezing rain finally took my water proofing with it after 20 years of use. I loved my home made because it was attached on one side creating a pocket for putting stuff (My entire pack contents), and caused the air to circulate and trapped it so I stay toasty. The HH works well.

I carry a 20 pound setup, just cannot seem to get it lighter.

I have a Marmot Bag (Gore-Tex), first year they came out and it has saved my life 2 times when I fell in the river and had to use it to get dry (2 hours and I was damp dry).
1 of those new silicone fabric poncho
1 4oz umbrella
1 Everware pot set (4oz, they don't make these any more. 1 cup and 1 pot with a lid. Perfect for everything.
1 Titanium tea pot 5oz
I use a isopropanol stove, usually carry 2 small refill tanks
1 shower water bag that I cut down to just be a carrier with the drain head for washing
1 universal tool
2 small knives
1 medium knife (sometimes a very light Stainless steel hatchet (just under 1 pound)
A bag with Salt, pondered cheese, instant coffee tea bags, spoon, pot holder, and a small foot powder.
A bag with my food (Dried broccoli, rise, noodles), I add the mice.
A toilet bag with a homemade hammock sh^ter, paper, and a couple of sponges on a stick, in case I run out of paper.
A Peg bag, 4 tent pegs, Hammock tree slings (So I don't hurt the trees), and some thin climbing rope.

That is about it, and I still am 20 pounds, MAN! Oh well, I've done a lot of medium strip camping while hitch hiking in my younger days with a lot less.
Just my 2 cents.
Tech-Na-Bill<o:p></o:p>

[Venture Bear]

I'm an advisor to a Venture Crew (Boy scout unit, co-ed, ages 14-21) and most of our crew including leaders all use hammocks. We backpack quite often along the AT and other local trails in VA all year round. We have a variety of hammock types and methods of setting up in our crew. I use an ENO Double, with the straps and a light tarp that I use in a diamond shape. I like the double because it completely surrounds me in a cocoon even when I have my sleeping bag, mat and anything extra stashed in there. I absolutely love it. I am in my 40's with some back issues and find this way of sleeping provides the best rest and recovery for the next day's activities. I only go to a tent when hammocking is not an option. (Although I will admit to using my vehicle as one of the "trees" during one event where only one tree was available for use--arghhh!!!) I use a ThermoLite sleep mat for that extra layer of insulation when the temps dip low at night. My sleeping bag is a Cat's Meow (womans lite) to 20 degrees...when needed, I add a fleece liner and use a fleece hat/neck cover with cord around the face area to make a small opening just for the nose. When it is really cold, we heat up rocks in the campfire, wrap them in socks, camp towels or bandanas and place them in our sleeping bags. Think of the "old" days when bricks, irons or water bottles were warmed up and placed in bed covers to provide warmth.
Bugs are sometimes an issue---saw the idea of using velcro to add mosquito netting....thinking of how I might modify my hammock for the upcoming summer's fun--heading west to Wyoming to hike in the Big Horn.
One of our crew is completing her thru hike this year and used her hammock most of the way......she is an ultra light hiker and made several modifications to her straps and tarp.
My uncle thru-hiked in 2005 and tried a hammock. he had an issue staying dry in rainy weather. I've been out in all kinds of weather, including severe wind and rain and for the most part, have been quite dry.......The times I did get wet were due to my own inexperience in setting up the tarp....I've learned the hard way how to set up, stay dry and stay warm.
Hammock camping is definitely worth trying.....I do suggest talking to an experienced hammock camper and if possible, go out on the trail with them to see how and what they do.
Venture Bear
S.U.N.B.E.A.M. (Stop Untimely Notions Balance Energy And Motion)