Hammocks for Shelter

[Joe Real]

One trick that you might already know is not to lay your body in the long hammock axis but to tilt it diagonally, if your hammock is big enough to do that. This will help you to keep your back straight and will be much more comfortable, it will also allow you to sleep on your side rather than in tour back.
Regards

 

[kgd]

Can you point me to the set-up method with carabiners? I have a Hennessy Explorer deluxe with the Hex fly and have not even had a chance to set it up yet.

A long time ago I did a pictorial thread on it...I remember learning it from a youtube video but can't remember it either. Here's my pictures dug up way back in photobucket.

At this point, give the line a yank

Now you can easily self adjust the tension by simply pulling the free cord. Tie up the other end of the hammock and adjust each end to center the hammock between the trees and apply good tension. Once you have found the right tension and position lock it in with a single square knot.

 

[mtwarden]

I'd certainly entertain using a hammock/tarp in the summer, shoulder season & winter less so. Weight is also a deterrent for me- my current shelter w/ guys/stakes weighs in at just under a pound.

 

[ROCK6]

For the OP…I’ve found a few disadvantages of the hammock:

1. Without the extra weight/bulk of an under-quilt, cooler temperatures can be quite uncomfortable. With the under-quilt, you start to lose the advantage of weight and bulk compared to a tent.
2. Set up can be a challenge, especially when parks prevent you from using trees. However, with a little imagination, most hammocks can be set up just like a tent with no trees but using hiking poles or improvising with branches/sticks.
3. No different than a tent, but more susceptible, threats from window makers or falling branches can be a big concern…selecting a good site is still just as important as a tent in some ways.
4. Sex is really difficult and not the most comfortable…just saying

The beauty of a good hammock and having a separate fly is that it gives you more options. When the temperature drops you can just use the fly and set up on the ground with an insulation pad or natural insulation. If the ground is wet or swampy, a couple of trees can really make the difference between a good night’s sleep and absolute misery.

I won’t call it a disadvantage, but another major consideration that was mentioned was having protected storage for your gear. I would still debate that with the smaller solo-type tents, but with a larger fly, you can create your own vestibule for gear storage and I often use cordage or branches tied between two trees to get my gear off the ground (especially when went).

For the solo backpacker, a quality hammock with separate fly gives you so many more options. Even in colder temperatures, you can go to ground…in warmer temperatures or where the ground is swampy, wet, uneven or inhospitable, the hammock set up is much preferred.

ROCK6

 

[KBamhi]

The tie as shown is a bit different than what I use. I go thru both rings once, loop around and go just thru the first ring, or in between rings. The ropes can now be adjusted longer or shorter as needed with just a pull. When the proper length or tension is found, go around thru both rings one more time and secure with a half hitch or two. I have a mess of a time when it comes to knots but this is so amazingly simple you can do it one handed or even with your eyes shut.

 

[Woods Walker]

I camp using hammocks all the time but here are some of the (for me) downsides.

1. There is a diminishing return in terms of pack weight and bulk as the temps drop with hammocks. In the dead of winter I could be drinking mint hot chocolate in my short sleeves with a heated shelter for about the same weight as a hammock, under insulation, winter tarp and stove.

2. It must be level or someone will slide down to one side.

3. Getting into a sleeping bag is harder.

4. Without larger tarp changing clothes and protecting gear is harder. Add larger tarp it becomes a tarp shelter with a second floor.

5. You need two trees the proper distance apart for it to be a hammock. This is easier for me but could be problematic for others.

6. Bugs can be a problem even with a net. For example I took my undercover off the HH and got chewed up real bad once this year. Thin Nylon won't stop a mosquito bite.

7. Women and hammocks don't mix. I tried it. LOL! Most are for one person.

8. Without a pad or undercover cold back can occur in any season.

 

[averageiowaguy]

Check out the Feb 2012 issue of SWAT magazine! Thanks for the input!

 

[Woods Walker]

Hello,
I'm doing an article for SWAT on hammocks. I know what the advantages of hammocks are but I'd like to hear what you think the disadvantages are. Why have you chosen not to use hammocks?

When the temps get very cold the hammock gets tossed into the gear bin until next season. Other people like hammocks in winter and I tried it. Yup it’s workable but for the same weight and bulk of a winterized hammock I can pack a UL heated shelter and live like a king. I think this thread would be better placed in the gear forum.