Summer hammock camping on the AT.

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Jun 3, 2010
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A friend came down from the cold north for a walk on the AT. The plan ended up being 45 miles for 5 days though the electronics said it was 58 miles as it measured each foot step. We got a late start on the first day so would have to pull some miles to get this done. Temps were in the 90's for most of the outing. Humidity was high. Out in the sun it was oppressive but under tree canopy more reasonable.

It's a GO!



Trouble brewing. My belt was too big as lost some weight over the past year or so. The result was all the weight was on my shoulders. This really really was a PITA. LOL! Canadian guy took his Pointman which worked out very well.





First night camping. Fenix CL20 lantern was my one luxury item.



The jet boil worked very great. I took my Pocket Rocket which also worked well but considering a Jet boil in the future.



Hammock camping. We both used Hennessy hammocks. I took a 10x12 tarp in case of rain.



Zebralight SC5w and DIY fire starter.



I hate to lose kit so bright/reflective cordage is often employed.



My UL kit.



Back on the trail.



Beavers!







Glacial erratic.



Upper Goose pond was a paradise on the AT. I got to swim and hang out with some cool thru hikers! I am going back here before they shut down. One of the largest shelters I have seen on the AT. There is another shelter near Bear Mountain in NY which is impressive but this one got that beat.

















Hard to see but the lake is out there. Good swimming!



Our target was North Wilcox however we found out it was dry so needed to go to South Wilcox around 16.5 miles. We came from October Mt.



On the trail.







My shoulders were killing me. I need to change my pack belt to a smaller one. Hiked into the might finally making it to South Wilcox.









Cooked in the lean-to but slept in the hammock. Setup the hammock without the rain fly for a change. Only packed the above Mora 2000 and a SAK Hiker for knives. Honesty I was covering too much ground for messing around in camp.



The shelter area was on a hill and lean-to smaller.



Water was tight for the entire trip. Found some in a rock spring. This water filter was useful.





Back on the trail.



Another shelter but only stopped for lunch. Once again I would be hiking into the night but this time some rain moved in.



Our camp setup around 1 am.



The big tarp finally came into play.



Nice to cook under such a large canopy.



Another hot day!



Back on the trail.



Made it!



It was a good outing with the exception of the shoulder stress from my pack which was just crushing. Oh well nothing is perfect. Our water filtration worked well. The Sawyer squeeze and Canadian guy's base camp filter really came through. I must have drank over 2 gallons in a day. Here is a video of the outing.

[video=youtube;drAZSj-mpgI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drAZSj-mpgI[/video]

Thanks for watching.
 
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Hi! Great post and nice pics :)! Seems a good trail to walk and a lot of fun :thumbup:! Hammock is something I need to consider; it looks a pretty cool set-up for overnight camps. Amazing what beavers can do :), we don’t have so many of them today here in my areas. Thanks for posting :) !
 
Great pix of truly beautiful country👍👍👍 How do you say envy😁

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you guys are hardcore hiking in this heat! i go from house to office to bar and that short walk in between not under a shade/inside a car is enough for me in this crazy heat.

that shelter is a woods mansion! did you still use an underquilt? i didn't see any from the pics. i'm a newbie hanger so i haven't figured out yet what temp i can get away without one.
 
you guys are hardcore hiking in this heat! i go from house to office to bar and that short walk in between not under a shade/inside a car is enough for me in this crazy heat.

that shelter is a woods mansion! did you still use an underquilt? i didn't see any from the pics. i'm a newbie hanger so i haven't figured out yet what temp i can get away without one.
go outside and find out!!!
 
Thank you for the beautiful pics! I feel as though I was there with you all!

I have 2 questions, what size tarp is optimal to set up above your hammock and of what I see are two different types, which one do you have? The sil type or the nylon type?
 
JV3, you're already there in NJ and you can sleep with the black bears in Sussex county ! After Labor day is a good time ,fewer tourist types. A week ago a huge storm went through -a wonderful light show with thousands of lightening strikes . Have fun !
 
you guys are hardcore hiking in this heat! i go from house to office to bar and that short walk in between not under a shade/inside a car is enough for me in this crazy heat.

that shelter is a woods mansion! did you still use an underquilt? i didn't see any from the pics. i'm a newbie hanger so i haven't figured out yet what temp i can get away without one.

It's not as bad as one might expect. Drank lots of water! I have a thin closed cell under quilt but it's covered by an over cover. Thanks for looking!
 
Thank you for the beautiful pics! I feel as though I was there with you all!

I have 2 questions, what size tarp is optimal to set up above your hammock and of what I see are two different types, which one do you have? The sil type or the nylon type?

I prefer a larger 8x10 or 10x12 on it's own ridge line when hammock camping. That is a silnyone tarp. Have also used my little stock siltarp but then use my poncho as a separate cooking/ gear tarp.
 
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