Hammocks

[rem]

There is some info on this here, and I did a search. I don't care about brands at this point. What I'm interested in is if any of you have found that you sleep more comfortably in a hammock than on a pad/mattress/whatever on the ground. I have some serious back problems when I sleep flat, even in most motel beds. Do any of you have a similar problem, and have found that a hammock alleviates it ??


Would appreciate any comments from those of you who have "been there/done that". Thanks. R

 

[Big Blu]

Rem, even a short nap in a hammock causes me back problems. The only way to sleep in a Hammock is on your back and my doctor says that a no no, and recommended I sleep on my side to reduce the chance of back pain.

My camping days are behind me but if I had to camp I consider a camping cot.

Paul

 

[echo_four_romeo]

I wouldn't say I sleep better in a hammock but there are some mornings I feel more relaxed after a night swinging in the breeze. I've got a Hennessy Hammock Expedition, so I lay kinda sideways in there otherwise I'd be folded in half. One thing to consider is that cold weather or a significant northern breeze better bundle up. It can get really cold.

 

[rem]

The only way to sleep in a Hammock is on your back and my doctor says that a no no, and recommended I sleep on my side to reduce the chance of back pain.

Paul

Hey, Paul … was your doc referring to sleeping on you back Period …. or …. sleeping on your back in a hammock ?? Thanks. R

 

[tomatocity]

http://www.sayyesmore.bigcartel.com/about-us

Dave uses a hammock as often as possible and provides good information about them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZ910bitU8 You can watch his search videos and learn more about his hammock adventures and improvements.

ADDED: http://www.hammockbliss.com/sky-tent-2

 

[Big Blu]

Hey, Paul … was your doc referring to sleeping on you back Period …. or …. sleeping on your back in a hammock ?? Thanks. R

Plain old sleeping on my back, anyplace, anytime, anyhow.
The spine is naturally curved and when sleeping on your back body weight is attempting to straighten out the spin...... or so he say's! It does make sense to me.
I've got a bit of arthritis and because of that even minor deflection of my spine is likely to irritate some nerves. Getting old sucks!!

Paul

 

[2112]

Getting old sucks!!

Yep, but it's better than the alternative....

 

[low drag]

I tried hammocks when in the Marine Corps many years ago, my intent was to get off the ground and away from the bugs. I had a young man's back so no issue there. However in chilly temps hammocks are cold. You can fix that with a foam mat. Some of the new hammocks have a 'roof' to them while I had to improvise that.

The other thing to consider is you lose shelter during bad weather and have no place to sit out of the weather & cook a meal/heat up some water for tea when it's crappy outside. Same for your gear.

 

[Nooner]

I pack both a hammock (https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/product/DOUBLE-DELUXE.html & https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/product/ASX001.html) and a nice tent (I have a mountainsmith with pole sections that are >18" so the poles fit in the bottom of my pannier).

I prefer to sleep in the tent (and stow my gear there) but the Hammock w/atlas straps sets up super-fast and is my go-to for quick naps/etc.

I know they make all kinds of stuff that is supposed to make hammock camping viable (insect screens, insulated bottoms, over-tarps, gear-slings, etc), and I can see the allure of being off the ground, but it is not always possible to find trees that are spaced out the right distance (though the slings make a huge difference).