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Tent vs. Hammock System

KuRUpTD

KuRUpTD

Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Messages
20,082
I'm going on a backpacking trip in 2 weeks to upstate New York ( Catskill Region ) and was wondering what method you all prefer. It's probably going to be chilly at night so I'm not sure what the warmth factor is using a Hennessy Hammock system for example.

Any advice is appreciated.... thanks
 
I find the hammock much easier to pack, more comfortable, and if you take the proper sleeping bag just as warm.
 
I agree with Tony, I find hammocks easier to manage than tents. I would be aware that because you are suspended though, there is airflow all around you, meaning it could be colder - especially with wind.
 
cool .... Is there a "special" type sleeping bag needed for use with the hammock or would a decent regular bag be okay ?
 
I use a Clark North American jungle hammock. Much more comfortable than a tent however you will lose heat due to convection of air blowing under the hammock. This can be mitigated by the use of a pad (closed cell foam) under the bag in the hammock. You only need to use the pad in cooler weather.
 
I use a Hennessey and used it almost year 'round. I've slept comfortably in very cold weather. I've slept down into the teens and even woke up with it snowing hard. Recently I rode out a massive thunder and lightening storm at 4000' including high wind, subtantial rain, and modest temps. It was quite the rodeo!

Anyway, here is what works for me in cold weather.

Hang it low to the ground to reduce wind which cools it 360. Sleeping on the ground is basically warmer because you don't get the 360 cooling effect.

Set up on the south side of the hill/mountain for longer warmth exposure. Put it up in an area where wind will be mitigated.

Finally, go to auto parts store and get one of those shiny metallic type windshield reflectors that people put in their vehicle windows to reflect the heat away from the car's interior. They fold up small. Put that down under your sleeping bag because your backside compresses the insulation in your bag and you will get cold - trust me. This helps reflect heat back into your bag and reduces heat/cold tranfer. For $5 bucks it is a cheap source of insulation and it really works. You may choose to trim yours to fit better - I didn't need to in mine. I have tried both the closed cell pads and this...and I find this actually works better. But YMMV.

Finally, take a warm bag!

For serious cold weather I use a tarp shelter because I can configure it for a number of different situations and scenarios (weather etc) and I can have a reflective fire shoot warm/hot heat into it...something I can't do with a tent. Finally, I can see out of a tarp shelter so I have great security and ingress/egress options.
 
Very informative post Quirt ..... looks like its a tarp / hammock system for me.

Thanks to everyone for their input .... now it's time to get all the necessary gear together .... can't wait to get out there.

This forum is awesome ... you guys are very knowledgeable and give great advice.
 
Do your utmost to test your system before you go into the field, especially re the cold on the bottom.

I cut a 1/2-inch closed cell foam pad into two sections, both roughly 2 x 3 feet long. You can arrange these side-by-side, or in a T-shape. That lets you keep your shoulders and arms warm.

Bear
 
I've not tried any of their products, but this company makes underquilts that attach to the bottom of hammocks. http://www.jacksrbetter.com/

The insulation being under the hammock cloth means that you don't pack it down when you lay on it, and it retains its loft and insulative value. You then bring a blanket of some sort for on top, and voila!

They also sell some pretty neat tarp-y kinds of things made for working with hammocks. I especially like the looks of the 11x10 "Cat tarp"
 
I have been using my Clark Jungle Hammock alot over the last year, and I really love it. I'm a huge Hammock fan now. :thumbup::D
 
I've used my Hennessy in the low 40's with a Z-rest sleeping pad and it kept me nice and warm in my 20 degree sleeping bag. Comfy, those hammocks are.
 
this is great stuff ... so along with the hammock, tarp , warm sleeping bag , closed cell foam pad / reflective windshield reflector, mosquito netting is there any other "essential" piece of gear needed when using these hammocks?

Someone mentioned to me having a pee container is a good idea so not to have to get out of the hammock in the middle of the night.

Thanks again for all your ideas / responses :thumbup:
 
Definately a pee bottle, I don't know why but I tend to pee alot more with the hammock then in a tent:confused:
 
I understand the hammock attraction, but if I were to go into a unsure situation I'd probably go with a tent - just because that matches my experience and I know what to do in the event that I experience cold on the first night. If my mat and sleeping bag weren't cutting it, then I'd be adding pine bows to the floor of my tent and bringing in a candle lantern for warmth. These have worked for me in the past in winter camping. Amazing what a little candle lantern hanging at the top of the tent can do to add 2-3oC more warmth inside.

Of course - you have to be confident enough to sleep with that candle still on and that the alumnimum guard at the top of the lantern is sufficient to keep the tent from burning. Its never bothered me, when a camping buddy asked about it the once, our agreed on comprimise was to add some more length to the hanging candle by attaching 4" of jute twine. Our rational was, if the candle got hot enough to start fire it would burn the jute twine before the 'flame' resistant tent and the candle would wake one of us when it fell and poored its how wax all over us :)
 
I forgot to mention to you that the windshield shade slips and slides a whole lot less than a Thermalrest type of pad.

Also do a search and look for the tarp shelter thread...i posted a number of two angle shots of various types of tarp shelter designs some for cold inclement weather to hot weather with a more open design.
 
Kgd

I have gone camping / backpacking for the past 18 years and have always used tents.
Would like to experience the hammock to change things up but I totally understand your concerns.

I'll keep you posted as to how it went.
 
Big Agnes sleeping bags work well with a hammock in cold weather as there is a pad sleeve on the bottom so you never slide off. Their thought is the insulation in your sleeping bag is going to be compressed, so why not leave it out and save the weight. A closed foam pad insulates better or they offer an insulated air pad.
 
Myakka said:
I have been using my Clark Jungle Hammock alot over the last year, and I really love it. I'm a huge Hammock fan now. :thumbup::D
Click to expand...


Actually I'm in the process of making a hammock choice now. And I'm really leaning towards the Clark Camo NA.

Does it not have a bag on the bottom and sides that you can fill with insulation?
 
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