Hammock?

[Vo2max]

So, in search of a light weight sleeping arrangement and am considering using a hammock. Besides the need to sleep btwn trees... any draw backs regarding a hammock?

Erik

[sumpnz]

Tag.

[davk]

Can sway a little bit in the wind.  Some people feel more exposed in a hammock.  With all the options for hammocks, tarps, quilts and suspension systems it can be more complicated and a bit overwhelming for some compared to just buying a tent. 

I started hammocking last year and sleep so much better.  Main reasons for going to a hammock was to sleep better and not having to find a flat spot.

[swanny]

Depending on the rest of your sleep set up can be cold on the backside, so in later seasons you will still want a insulating sleeping mat. If you are a side sleeper or stomach sleeper, traditional laying hammocks may not be comfortable for you.

[dscubame]

For side sleepers is there a style other than traditional?

[davk]

I think they are called bridge hammocks.  I have no trouble sleeping on my side in a traditional hammock.  Sleeping pads in a hammock can be a b#*$@.  You'll probably get sick of it fairly fast and want an underquilt.

[Miles]

I like the Eno hammock that I have.  I bought the strap set up that they sell as well.  Comfort depends a lot on how you set it up.  Set up right, you can lay pretty flat and sleep comfortably.

[KFhunter]

I think they are called bridge hammocks.  I have no trouble sleeping on my side in a traditional hammock.  Sleeping pads in a hammock can be a b#*$@.  You'll probably get sick of it fairly fast and want an underquilt.

Thanks, I wonder if I can put a spreader bar in my traditional hammock to see if I like that better.   Gave me some ideas to try out, I'm a belly/side sleepr

[Skyvalhunter]

I think they are called bridge hammocks.  I have no trouble sleeping on my side in a traditional hammock.  Sleeping pads in a hammock can be a b#*$@.  You'll probably get sick of it fairly fast and want an underquilt.

Sleeping pads are not an issue if used in a sleep system like Big Agnes where the pad slides in a sleeve. Some people use the pad inside their sleeping bag or use a windshield heat reflector to reflect the body heat.

[KFhunter]

I'm on the big agnes site and I don't see hammocks with a slide in sleeping pad holder

[chester]

I'm on the big agnes site and I don't see hammocks with a slide in sleeping pad holder

Look at bags with a pocket for one

[KFhunter]

I'm on the big agnes site and I don't see hammocks with a slide in sleeping pad holder

Look at bags with a pocket for one

Oh,  I misunderstood I was thinking a hammock with a pocket.  A sleeping bag with a pocket, makes more since.

BA Whiskey Park 0°

or

BA  Elk Park -20°


Park Series Synthetic bags are cut tall and wide, ideal for campers of a larger stature, barrel-chested strong men, or for folks who just want more room to move around at night. Ideal for hunting camps, base camping, or road tripping.  Slip one of our 25" wide pads into these Big Agnes System bags, which utilize our full pad sleeve design.  With double zippers and top corner hand pockets that feel just like your comforter at home, the Park bags' unique quilt-like construction turns your bag into a backcountry bed.  So comfortable won't want to go home!

[swanny]

Our Exped Scout Hammock has a separate sleeve for a mat so it does not slide around, does make sleeping easier and stiffens it up some for side sleeping. Still not perfect though for a side sleeper, but better since the pad adds a sort of landing zone.

[Tjv28]

I just imagine trying to change clothes, tie boots, etc... my Big Agnes copper spur weighs 3lbs. 1oz.

[zackmioli]

I use an eno double nest hammock during archery elk and love it. I have a bug net for the summer months to keep mosquitoes off my face at night as well. I sleep like a dang baby in that thing. Im upgrading my tarp this year for the hammock as well to make it much better for stormy weather (last year i packed in a regular blue tarp). gives me plenty of space to keep my pack, bow, boots, etc dry and i have plenty of room to put clothes on. i never wake up in the middle of the night because my back or shoulders are hurting and dont have any soreness the next day. its seriously changed the way i sleep in the backcountry.

[dscubame]

Our Exped Scout Hammock has a separate sleeve for a mat so it does not slide around, does make sleeping easier and stiffens it up some for side sleeping. Still not perfect though for a side sleeper, but better since the pad adds a sort of landing zone.

Excellent to know.  Sounds like a must have.

[Skyvalhunter]

Cant go wrong with Hennessey Hammock

[j_h_nimrod]

I started using a cheapo Walmart camping hammock 5 years ago and love it. I would have upgraded to and ENO or Hennessy but have not felt the need. I did upgrade the suspension, otherwise the hammock itself works well. I am primarily a side sleeper and have no problem. A traditional pad is a pain sometimes but not a big deal for the most part. I sleep great in it and many of the places I am at have more trees than flat ground. I carry a one side reflective survival tarp that makes a great cover and has plenty of room to keep my gear under, stand up and change clothes, and cook if you clip the hammock up.

I still like a tent in many instances but for quick and light the hammock is great.

[davk]

I just imagine trying to change clothes, tie boots, etc... my Big Agnes copper spur weighs 3lbs. 1oz.

?  You basically have a chair and a huge area to get dressed under instead of trying to shimmy into some pants inside a tent.

[ruger357]

IMO hammocks are the way to go if you don't mind putting in some time figuring it all out I made a 12' hammock and all my quilts.  The longer the hammock the better the lay and more comfortable you will be. I started with the eno double nest and it was ok but the 12 footer I made is way more comfortable there are lots of companies out there that make hammock and top quilts and under quilts so it may take some research to find what you want. A good place for info is hammockforums.net there is a lot of info there and the diy gear forum  is a good spot to find info on building your own stuff. My hammock quilts and tarp all together come it at about 7 pounds


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[Primus82]

Ruger357's picture also shows whats known as the diagonal lay. Hammocking requires a bit of figuring as the angle of the hang has a lot to do with how flat you sleep. Basically the distance between the ends of your hammock (when hung) should be roughly 83% of your hammocks total length. You can achieve this with a hammock ridge-line that sets the length when suspended. Furthermore, a flatter lay can be achieved by laying  diagonally across your hammock, this should help with side sleepers.

[DJ_Mack]

Just bought a Eno singlenest from REI.  Going to be trying it out in two weeks for a 1 night hike and see how I like it.  What rain fly or tarp do you guys use?

[dscubame]

I use an eno double nest hammock during archery elk and love it. I have a bug net for the summer months to keep mosquitoes off my face at night as well. I sleep like a dang baby in that thing. Im upgrading my tarp this year for the hammock as well to make it much better for stormy weather (last year i packed in a regular blue tarp). gives me plenty of space to keep my pack, bow, boots, etc dry and i have plenty of room to put clothes on. i never wake up in the middle of the night because my back or shoulders are hurting and dont have any soreness the next day. its seriously changed the way i sleep in the backcountry.

I picked up the eno double.  Is your bug nest made by eno also?

[Troutpounder]

Tag

[fillthefreezer]

i guess i just dont get the hammock thing. i have one, and its ok. summer backpacking its pretty nice, and theres definitely been times when im tired and nowhere flat in site, but plenty of sturdy trees around.. but overall, i cant see taking one on a hunting trip. just too finnicky and heavy if you actually need to keep warm.
most peoples setups that can actually handle weather are 7+ lbs and i see people talk about using hammocks to save weight 

[sumpnz]

i guess i just dont get the hammock thing. i have one, and its ok. summer backpacking its pretty nice, and theres definitely been times when im tired and nowhere flat in site, but plenty of sturdy trees around.. but overall, i cant see taking one on a hunting trip. just too finnicky and heavy if you actually need to keep warm.
most peoples setups that can actually handle weather are 7+ lbs and i see people talk about using hammocks to save weight 

This a little where I'm at.  I like the idea of the hammock, but practically speaking I'm not sure it's the right solution.  For a solo hunt it might be a decent setup, but if you're hunting with even one other person I'd think a good 2-3 person tent plus sleeping bag/pad would be lighter than 2 hammocks.  Though, if one hunter is a snorer being able to separate might be a huge advantage.

[SteelheadTed]

I just bought these two things:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EFH7MOK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H5S7476/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Based on the good reviews on Amazon and a friends recommendation.  They are both amazingly small packages and don't weight much.  I'll be trying it out next week.

[fillthefreezer]

See this is my point. 19oz. You still need to add under insulation. A ridgeline tarp. It just doesn't seem efficient..


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[Nmesub]

I sleep in a clarks hammock. I love it. 4 season, lightweight, durable, packs up easy. I suggest getting the underquilt. I've slept in it dead of winter with only a sleeping bag and stayed warm. Only drawback is price. They also set up on the ground as a bivy if there are no trees. www.junglehammock.com/product/nx-270-camping-hammock/

[Shawn Ryan]

Lighter:  https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/shop/hammock-suspension/helios-suspension-system/ 

And this:  https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/shop/hammocks/singlenest-hammock/

20 oz. of mid-day napping without ants crawling on me. Not a sleeping system replacement for me.  Just luxury for when I don't mind carrying extra weight.

[Shawn Ryan]

See this is my point. 19oz. You still need to add under insulation. A ridgeline tarp. It just doesn't seem efficient..


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FTF, 37 oz with suspension, no over-tarp or under-insulation.

Ted, not meaning to troll you, just pointing out the need for suspension and it's weight.  Hope you enjoy the hammock.

[fillthefreezer]

Lighter:  https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/shop/hammock-suspension/helios-suspension-system/ 

And this:  https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/shop/hammocks/singlenest-hammock/

20 oz. of mid-day napping without ants crawling on me. Not a sleeping system replacement for me.  Just luxury for when I don't mind carrying extra weight.

Agree Shawn. I had a local guy make me one, maybe one day I'll weigh it 😬😂😂


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[Shawn Ryan]

FTF, if you want to carry it in your pack, that Helios suspension is only 4 oz. Almost a pound lighter than full webbing straps. You can even set it low and glass from it!

[zackmioli]

might have to pick up that helios strap system. thanks for posting about that.

I have an eno doublenest, and picked up a hammock gear 0 degree quilt and a hammock gear tarp for this season. The quilt weighs just over 1lb, and the tarp is 7oz.

Ill weigh my entire sleep setup and let ya know what it all comes out to.

[kodiak 907]

I use my eno double for archery elk hunts and turkey season.  For me the quality of sleep in a hammock is better.

Also, being able to set up on a steep drainage to be on the elk first thing in the morning is critical.

[WAnoob]

I use my eno double for archery elk hunts and turkey season.  For me the quality of sleep in a hammock is better.

Also, being able to set up on a steep drainage to be on the elk first thing in the morning is critical.

Nice setup Kodiak, have you ever ran it in bad weather?

[kodiak 907]

I've been in 20f at night with this set up. Wool layers and a ccf pad. I get pretty good rest.

I grew up hunting in Alaska sleeping mostly on the ground under a tarp so my hammock seems like the ritz.

[Pegasus]

I have used the old surplus jungle hammocks that most of the camping and hunting hammocks have expanded from. They were easy to set up as long as you had two trees available, unlined so your back froze, tough on backs for people with spine issues, had netting to keep the skeeters, centipedes and scorpions out and great in places with a lot of snakes. Most now offer some lining for warmth.

[Elkhound]

A comfortable and warm hammock setup won't always be lighter than a quality 1 man tent, sleeping bag and pad. However, I cannot sleep flat on my back because of lower back pain and tend to sleep with my knees elevated or on my side when at home. I switched to an Eno Doublenest hammock and Eno Profly tarp setup up for archery elk last year........best thing I have ever done for backcountry sleeping. Must hang your hammock with a fairly significant "sag" and then position yourself at a slight angle. This will allow for a comfortable spot so you can sleep on your side or your back. I prefer a double hammock like the Doublenest (there are now many less expensive options on Amazon) so that I have more room for my feet when laying at an angle. Also, there is a new air pad by Klymit.....the Klymit Hammock V and it comes in an insulated and non insulated version. This is a great product designed to help with those cold spots if you don't want to go the underquilt route. You need something as a barrier from the cold air under the hammock. I love not having to find a flat spot for ground sleeping. If you use a pad with your hammock, you always have the option of sleeping on the ground if you don't have adequate trees....which I have never had to do. Hope this helps!

[yakimanoob]

I use a Hennessy Hammock expedition ultralight (the new version with the side zipper), mtn hardwear 20 degree down bag, a sea-to-summit ultralight pillow, and a thermarest prolite 3/4-length pad.  It's a combination I've honed over a lot of years of backpacking and camping and I absolutely love it.  I've found my full-length pads do tend to move around a bunch and wake me up, but the 3/4 stays perfectly underneath me.  I'm not sure if it's the shape, or the particular fabric of the specific pad or what, but I never have a problem with it moving.  The entire system (hammock, bag, pillow and pad) fits neatly into the sleeping bag compartment of my pack. 

I sleep like a baby in it unless it's mid-30s or colder at night.  If it's gonna be cold I fall back to my tent and full-length sleeping pad. 

I love it because of how comfortably I sleep in it.  But if you need a place to hang out when it's raining, or some space to live in to escape the mosquitos, etc., then a tent may be the way to go.  But trading weight and cost for living space and flexibility is the classic balance we have to deal with. 

[Saltdiver]

Used a hammock exclusively when I lived in Hawaii for a year. So nice. I could camp for days out of a 10lb pack. Moved back to wa and always cold...I know some that use them, but if you watch those guys, they're always fidgeting and trying to find a way to warmer or more comfortable. Go with a tent/tarp/tipi. You'll be much happier in Washington weather