Hammock camping

[s.ga.rider]

How many of you hammock camp? I’ve spent 2 nights in my eno. We stayed at state parks and hung under the pavilion areas with the picnic tables so we didn’t have to worry about rain. I have a 11 day Trip next month and I’m going to use the hammock. I ordered a big net and still looking for a rain fly.

 

[spklbuk]

You have been assimilated. If you haven't, seek hammock forums.

With a properly set tarp, you will stay drier in hanging than in a tent.

I may have spent a night or two between trees over the last 15 years
Stoney Fork Campground near Big Walker Mtn, VA


A gear hammock (Macentyre) is the single best hammock accessory I've acquired.


Walnut Flats on the MABDR

 

[SkunkWorks]

I always wondered about rain possibly running down the ropes to the hammock...................Is that not an issue, or is there some way to mitigate that?

 

[spklbuk]

Mitagated by hanging a fine piece of line - a dripline - from each strap or rope. A second backup dripline if rain is really enthusiastic.

 

[SilverBullet]

...With a properly set tarp, you will stay drier in hanging than in a tent...

I don't see how. If you have a tent that doesn't leak you are dry, your gear is dry, you have a dry floor under you and you can take off/put on your gear while staying dry.

Besides only the dry criteria a tent protects you better from insects, provides increased privacy and gives you room to move to make inside activities easier like eating, taking a piss, etc. And if you travel 2 up your nightime ritual could be dangerous in a hammock. Tent campsite locations increase expotentially also without need for proper trees to setup.

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[Old Scratch]

Hammock camping is the way to go. So long as you have enough length of 550 cord! This is CUmberland Mountain State Park in TN along with my son and brother.

 

[Old Scratch]

I don't see how. If you have a tent that doesn't leak you are dry, your gear is dry, you have a dry floor under you and you can take off/put on your gear while staying dry.

Besides only the dry criteria a tent protects you better from insects, provides increased privacy and gives you room to move to make inside activities easier like eating, taking a piss, etc. And if you travel 2 up your nightime ritual could be dangerous in a hammock. Tent campsite locations increase expotentially also without need for proper trees to setup.

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My hammock have a built in mosquito net. It works great. and it has two pole that attach for the rain fly. I have swayed in a storm but remained completely dry.

 

[spklbuk]

I don't see how. If you have a tent that doesn't leak you are dry, your gear is dry, you have a dry floor under you and you can take off/put on your gear while staying dry. Besides only the dry criteria a tent protects you better from insects, provides increased privacy and gives you room to move to make inside activities easier like eating, taking a piss, etc. And if you travel 2 up your nightime ritual could be dangerous in a hammock. Tent campsite locations increase expotentially also without need for proper trees to setup. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

I don't see how. If you have a tent that doesn't leak you are dry, your gear is dry, you have a dry floor under you and you can take off/put on your gear while staying dry.

Besides only the dry criteria a tent protects you better from insects, provides increased privacy and gives you room to move to make inside activities easier like eating, taking a piss, etc. And if you travel 2 up your nightime ritual could be dangerous in a hammock. Tent campsite locations increase expotentially also without need for proper trees to setup.

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Perhaps stating that I stay drier in a hammock than in a tent would have been better.

Hanging is not for everyone; and you and I have already made up our minds. We could debate ad infinitum and neither would budge.

The OP expressed an interest in hammocking and I was simply trying to nudge him in the right direction.

Back on topic:

 

[ballisticexchris]

It brings back memories of my KZ750 traveling through the MS and LA with nothing more than the clothes on my back and a cheap hammock to sleep on. That was 35 years and 20lbs ago.......

I currently have a hammock I bring with me when camping to just relax and read a book or take a short nap. There is no way in hell my body could handle using it as a stand alone for travel these days.

 

[SilverBullet]

...Hanging is not for everyone; and you and I have already made up our minds. We could debate ad infinitum and neither would budge...

I carry an open hammock and sometimes use it. Especially with a park shelter as OP stated. But if raining the tent definitely gets used. But since I dont carry a hammock rain fly that is a given.

Definitely different comfort levels and preferences for everyone. A mix of the two methods should not be overlooked.

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[Madhatter]

hennesy hammocks , you will sleep cooler in a hammock

 

[s.ga.rider]

I have the double eno and a wise owl bug net. Now to find a good inexpensive rain fly. Amazon has a good bit of options.

Splkbuk, Thanks for the tip on the gear hammock. I haven't thought of that but will definitely be ordering one.

 

[spklbuk]

I have the double eno and a wise owl bug net. Now to find a good inexpensive rain fly. Amazon has a good bit of options.

Sir, you will be hard pressed to find (if you can find) a better budget tarp than these...

Chinook All-Purpose Tarp - Chinook Technical Outdoor (CTO)

Quality camping gear and outdoor equipment. Chinook Technical Outdoor (CTO) and Trailside.

m.chinooktec.com

It will stretch some when wet but it will take a beating that sil-nylon simply can't withstand.

EDIT: Guess I'm out of date (usual); the Chinook had been discontinued. Here's a discussion of sensible tarps:

Budget tarp.

Hey all I found quite by accident a budget tarp on Amozon the other day. From a company called Chill Gorilla. It's 11'x9' hex with guy lines and 4 stakes. For about $35.00. Chill Gorilla Hex Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp Waterproof Camping Shelter. Essential Survival Gear. Stakes Included...

www.hammockforums.net

 

[bnschroder]

I have done more hammock than tent camping by now, including in the rain. I think the advantages of the hammock are that you don’t need a smooth ground and it’s cleaner to pack (no dirty ground cloth), and on a dry night I just love to look at the stars without a rain fly/trap. But I don’t think I sleep better in it, it’s a hassle to take a piss, and you can’t store your gear. So every time I go moto camping I am debating over again.


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[spklbuk]

I have done more hammock than tent camping by now, including in the rain. I think the advantages of the hammock are that you don’t need a smooth ground and it’s cleaner to pack (no dirty ground cloth), and on a dry night I just love to look at the stars without a rain fly/trap. But I don’t think I sleep better in it, it’s a hassle to take a piss, and you can’t store your gear. So every time I go moto camping I am debating over again.


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Molly Mac Gear Box Ultralight Waterproof Gear Hammock - Molly Mac Gear

Hammock gear box made by Molly Mac gear. stores your gear in a waterproof hammock. For camping, hiking, backpacking.

www.mollymacgear.com

MacEntyre's gear hammock will store all your gear in a highly weather-resistant sil-nylon cocoon (add driplines). Other gear hammocks out there too.


Many think that the quality of sleep in a hammock is better than in their bed...

Why Hammocks Make Sleep Easier, Deeper

A gentle rocking motion makes people fall asleep faster. And they sleep more deeply, their brains waves show. Swiss researchers say the changes in brain activity are a surprise.

www.npr.org

After getting past the first night effect, which can play a role in any sleep system, I sleep like a log in a hammock. Quite the opposite sleeping in a tent for me...fish flopping on a boat deck.

 

[Mak10]

In cooler weather, what do you do to stay warm? On those 35f nights I froze in a hammock.

 

[JamesGang]

Hammock curious here.
I sleep almost exclusively on my sides. Could I be comfortable in a hammock?

 

[Fennellg]

Back sleeper here. Hammocks only work that way.

 

[JamesGang]

That's what I figured, Fennellg.
Like your sig.!

 

[thughes317]

No problem at all sleeping on my side in a hammock! I've been hammock camping for years and this was a concern when I first started (being a side sleeper and hearing people say things like "you can only sleep on your back in a hammock"). It does take some experimenting to get your rig to where you like it though.

Like everything else, it comes down to knowledge and application: If your hammock is long enough (@11 feet), hung properly (correct amount of sag), and you are positioned on a diagonal, you will find that you lay very flat. Rolling onto your side to sleep, even curling your legs up into a fetal position is not a problem.

Some tips:

Side sleeping: Shug is super entertaining and a definitive source for all things hammock: