Hammock

[Miles]

Anyone have any experience using hammocks while in the backcountry?   Any advice, likes, dislikes, etc...?   I'm contemplating this as an option when hunting solo and in snake country.  I can't stand the thought of sleeping in my floorless shelter in rattlesnake country.

Looking for a lightweight option with screen/rain fly like the hennessy hammock.  Are there any alternatives?

[sebek556]

I used to have a little green one kinda like a fishnet, plus a poncho. Used it many times in the field. think they cost about 15 bucks plus 15 for the poncho.

[UBA]

Jungle hammock. Only way to go

[FishEKat]

Check out hammockforums.net. It has lots of info, items for sale, etc.

[Special T]

I used to sleep in one exclusevely while back county hiking. I just bought a cheep light weight one and used a 6x8ft blue tarp... The only down side is you need a warm bag because you have air circulating all around you, and it sucks in the cold wind/rain. 

[JackOfAllTrades]

I'm switching from mesh hammock that I've used for years to a lightweight tent.  Used to be Bivy bag, sleeping bag, hammock and tarp.

Dump the bivy for a sleep mat of less weight and better R value, same sleeping bag, and the double shell tent with stakes/groud cloth comes in at less than 3 pounds. No snakes can get in and can be set up without trees if need to.  I'm adding a pound and a half but I'll sleep comfortable and dryer for a longer period in the woods.

Scouting trips or just the overnighter, I wouldn't hesitate to use just a mesh hammock and bivy in good weather.  I never used one of the Hennesy covered styles, but I've read that they are durable. Still, they weigh just as much as my tent. If you're a big guy, scratch the hammock idea...

-Steve

[rosscrazyelk]

I was given a hammock from rei for my birthday, looking forward to using it. I took it out of the bag the otherday guess it does not come with a way to attach it to a tree. Any suggestions?

[dreamingbig]

I'm switching from mesh hammock that I've used for years to a lightweight tent.  Used to be Bivy bag, sleeping bag, hammock and tarp.

Dump the bivy for a sleep mat of less weight and better R value, same sleeping bag, and the double shell tent with stakes/groud cloth comes in at less than 3 pounds. No snakes can get in and can be set up without trees if need to.  I'm adding a pound and a half but I'll sleep comfortable and dryer for a longer period in the woods.

Scouting trips or just the overnighter, I wouldn't hesitate to use just a mesh hammock and bivy in good weather.  I never used one of the Hennesy covered styles, but I've read that they are durable. Still, they weigh just as much as my tent. If you're a big guy, scratch the hammock idea...

-Steve

Finally!  I have never understood hammocks.  They seem to be a pita and have been for everyone I have gone with who has used one.  Some awesome lightweight tents available these days.

[Special T]

For attaching a hammock i always liked a rope off each end.  My bro always had at least 3 cari-beaners with him to that he could use one on one end then tie the other... -

[Hunter mike]

Hammocks = people either love 'em or hate 'em...  Try one out to see if it's for you!

I use a Grand Trunk ultralight - it's pretty cheap ($20 or so if you shop around), very basic but gets the job done.  I ditch the crappy s-hooks that come on the GT and replace them with two rings on each side.  Then I take 2 webbing tie-down straps (just cheapies) and cut the hooks off of each end and use the sewn-in loops for carabiners.  The other end of the webbing goes through the rings attached to the hammock (think like a motorcycle helmet strap) and gets a half-hitch to keep from slipping.  I get to my spot, wrap the tree with the carabiner and clip it back onto the webbing, adjust the length at either or both sides of the hammock, add the half-hitch and ready to go.  Throw up a tarp for rain/wind protection and good to go!

You really need insulation under your sleeping bag with the cold air circulating around you - I just use a cheap closed-cell foam pad for this.  My hammock, rigging, and pad are all under 2lbs, about another lb for the tarp, but it would be easier to find a lighter one.  Cheap, simple and works for me!

Sleeping in the hammock takes a bit of getting used to, but I don't wake up feeling sore and tight like I do in a tent on the ground.

Much fancier hammocks and rigging are available, but I like my simple setup.  A lot of people who don't like hammocks aren't able to sleep diagonally - it's very uncomfortable if you can't figure this out because your legs will be bent wierd all night.

Like I said - some love it, some hate it but I really enjoy it and haven't looked back!

[Special T]

HM I like you webbing idea... much better way to reduce stretching and slippage. 

[rosscrazyelk]

For attaching a hammock i always liked a rope off each end.  My bro always had at least 3 cari-beaners with him to that he could use one on one end then tie the other... -

Lol. I got that part. I guess you would have to see the hammock I got to understand.. Its complicated.LOL

[shanevg]

I've never used a hammock  but have been thinking about it.  Another advantage of a hammock that no one has mentioned is the ability to pitch one in any timber patch around, including on a very steep hill.  I don't know about you guys, but I have a lot of spots that I hunt in the backcountry with now flat spot within 1.5 miles of the area I'm trying to hunt.  It would be really nice just to bail one the backside of the ridge and pitch a hammock for a good sleeping spot. 

[YellowDog]

My brother and I both have Jungle Hammocks.  We haven't used them much due to an injury he had last year.  Once you get the hang of hanging them and getting them strung up correctly and get the stretching issue resolved they are comfy.  My back gets all knotted up sleeping on the ground and I don't get that with the hammock.  You do need to have a good warm bag and a sleeping pad helps a lot if you are in colder temps.  No more rocks in the back, rolling off the side of a hill, etc.

[dreamingbig]

You are in a hammock and it is raining sideways... How do you get dressed without being miserable?  Where do you store your gear?