Ok so a bunch of people on this site have recommended me a hammock or tarp tent instead of a tent. I am seriously considering it due to the lighter weight... not to mention I slept in a hammock over the summer.. and it was probably one of the most restful and comfortable naps I have ever taken.
Here are my concerns:
1. Have you ever been to a place where you were not able to find a place to hang your hammock? What would you do in that situation?
2. Weather resistance - I absolutely hate getting wet.. I have a major phobia of wet sleeping bags. I noticed most hammocks, the tarp you string over it.. doesn't look all that big. What happens during torrential downpours with diagonal wind-driven rain? Do you still stay dry? That's my biggest concern.
3. Durability. The HH in particular. are they prone to rips, tears, and other such abrasions... more so than your average tent?
I would really like to be able to be free from the whole tent thing.. but I can't get these concerns out of my head. I really appreciate the full enclosure that a tent provides.. and the peace of mind that I can sleep in my tent through a terrible storm raining cats, dogs, and frogs.. with high winds.. and still wake up bone dry. I feel secure in a tent. Well, it's not so much a fear of ME getting wet... so much as it is my gear.. and especially my sleeping bag, which is down.
Can you alleviate my fears? I would assume with so many people using hammocks nowadays.. that they are pretty stormproof.. but I don't know.. it doesn't look like the tarp covers the sides enough.. or provides enough coverage... does it?
Also.. what are the pros and cons of the Tarp Tent vs a Hammock?
I was also looking into tarp tent reviews. Most people seem to absolutely love them.. but I read a couple reviews about water droplets being 'blasted' in through the netting on the sides during heavy storms.. that scares me.
I want to be able to move to a lighter shelter.. and a hammock seems like a great choice - it's comfortable - it's light - no worrries about rocks or sticks poking into your back - no worries about waking up in the middle of a stream.... but does it stay totally dry underneath that tarp? Are my fears unfounded and irrational?
Ok so I know the pros to owning a hammock... what are the cons ?