WhiteBlaze Pages 2024
A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook.
AVAILABLE NOW. $4 for interactive PDF(smartphone version)
Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store

Results 1 to 19 of 19
  1. #1
    Registered User Big Dawg's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-23-2004
    Location
    NC
    Age
    56
    Posts
    1,631
    Images
    67

    Default Is a pillow necessary when using a hammock?

    Do you hammock campers use a pillow or not?

  2. #2

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by James
    Do you hammock campers use a pillow or not?
    You can use a fleece or some other clothing item.

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    09-25-2003
    Location
    Nova Scotia
    Age
    70
    Posts
    209

    Default

    I think most of us use something, even if it's just a stuff sack filled with spare clothes. If it allows you to sleep better, then it's absolutely necessary.

    cheers,

    PKH

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    03-13-2005
    Location
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Age
    48
    Posts
    4,109

    Default

    I usually put a stuff sack or fleece between my knees to relieve lower back pain, but not always. Every now and then I use a pillow for my head, but I don't find it necessary for comfort.

    In a Speer, you can put your knee over the side, too.

    The MOST comfortable neck pillow I've used is those horseshoe travel pillows. I put it with the open part at the top and it cradles my head perfectly.

    If you're not using an underquilt or your pad doesn't reach to your head, you'll need something for insulation...a balaclava might not be enough.

  5. #5

    Default

    I use a stuff sack and some clothing for a pillow - its a comfort item plus it helps keep my head warm and my feet on the mat - I'm a little taller than the mat I use in the hammock so the pillow lets me sleep higher up on the mat thus keeping my heels on the mat.

  6. #6

    Default

    I use a small pillow, more comfortable that way.

  7. #7
    Registered User neo's Avatar
    Join Date
    06-16-2004
    Location
    nashville,tn
    Age
    65
    Posts
    4,177
    Images
    337

    Default

    i never use one in hammock neo

  8. #8
    LT '79; AT '73-'14 in sections; Donating Member Kerosene's Avatar
    Join Date
    09-03-2002
    Location
    Minneapolis
    Age
    67
    Posts
    5,446
    Images
    558

    Default

    On the ground I'll use a stuff sack filled with clothes and wrapped in my fleece (or a partially inflated water bladder wrapped in fleece). In my hammock I just put my fleece under my head, since my head is partially raised anyway.
    GA←↕→ME: 1973 to 2014

  9. #9

    Default

    I like to use a pillow. I find it to be a more comfortable position in my hennesey.

  10. #10

    Default

    Usually some balled up piece of clothing will do the trick, more for insulation than comfort though.

  11. #11
    Registered User
    Join Date
    02-03-2003
    Location
    Lugoff, South Carolina, United States
    Age
    58
    Posts
    639

    Default

    When car camping, I use a pillow, but when backpacking, I do not.

  12. #12

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by James
    Do you hammock campers use a pillow or not?
    When I read, I put my clothes bag under my head. When I sleep, I do not use a pillow. For warmth, I sometimes put my hat under my head and in cold months I always wear a balaclava.

    However, I find that my head is already higher than my shoulder because of the shape of the hammock.

    BTW, I do use a pillow in bed.
    Walk Well,
    Risk

    Author of "A Wildly Successful 200-Mile Hike"
    http://www.wayahpress.com

    Personal hiking page: http://www.imrisk.com

  13. #13

    Default

    I always had to use one on the ground, but don't now that I'm in a hammock.

    Niftiest idea I've seen so far for a pillow... Go into a dollar store and get a pair of kiddie "water wings." Cut the connecting plastic on one of them and you're left with a miniature inflatable pillow. I'd probably use it along with a stuffed-stuffsack though.

    Doug Frost

  14. #14
    LT '79; AT '73-'14 in sections; Donating Member Kerosene's Avatar
    Join Date
    09-03-2002
    Location
    Minneapolis
    Age
    67
    Posts
    5,446
    Images
    558

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DLFrost
    Niftiest idea I've seen so far for a pillow... Go into a dollar store and get a pair of kiddie "water wings." Cut the connecting plastic on one of them and you're left with a miniature inflatable pillow. I'd probably use it along with a stuffed-stuffsack though.
    I picked up this idea from WhiteBlaze. Works like a charm when put into my stuff sack (usually with some clothes behind it) and wrapped in my fleece. I don't use when I hammock, though.
    GA←↕→ME: 1973 to 2014

  15. #15

    Default

    usually, no, I don't use a pillow in the hammock (it gets in the way!) I have spent many nights inside with pillow in the hammock- but I have found that I don't need or want one. However sometimes I hate the feeling of "empty space" under my neck- a rolled up fleece/soft sweater does the trick. It all depends on whether I feel like sleeping on my back or on my side, (or even on the tummy!) so yeah. not necesary- but whatever floats your boat.

    titanium_hiker
    just call me TH
    woman with altitude

  16. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    11-18-2003
    Location
    Edmonton, Canada
    Posts
    306

    Default pillow

    Sleeping in shelters, I usually used my hammock for a pillow. Sleeping in the hammock I usually used the hood on the mummy bag as a pillow of sorts because it rarely got cold enough to actually need it.
    <A HREF="http://www.jackielbolen.blogspot.com/"TARGET="Jackie's BLOG">http://www.jackielbolen.blogspot.com/</A>

  17. #17

    Default

    oh yeah- love the mummy bag hood for a pillow. reccomended.
    just call me TH
    woman with altitude

  18. #18
    Springer-->Stony Brook Road VT MedicineMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    09-30-2002
    Location
    Roan Mountain,TN
    Age
    65
    Posts
    2,286
    Images
    522

    Default little swimmie arm supports

    or whatever they are called, cut it in half so its not a circle anymore, inflate to desired level, cost around $1 at wallyworld, weighs less than an ounce, very comfortable in the hammock either under the neck or head, wrap in shirt/fleece/whatever if you dont like the plastic feel
    Start out slow, then slow down.

  19. #19
    Registered User IdahoDavid's Avatar
    Join Date
    02-24-2003
    Location
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
    Age
    68
    Posts
    102
    Images
    11

    Default

    Works nice to use a stuff sack and to tie cords to lines on hammock. Keeps the pillow from sliding down behind your back at night.
    Last edited by IdahoDavid; 06-20-2005 at 14:56. Reason: typo
    What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about?

++ New Posts ++

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •