For a while now I have been contemplating the use of a hammock while in the back country. I have run into a few people, with in the last year, that insist hammocks are the way to go. One of these encounters told me as long as there are trees where he is going he uses a hammock, and even if there aren't trees he still doesn't bring a tent. He just sets his hammock out on the ground and uses his trekking poles to prop up a rain fly.
So the reasons for hammock over tent (according to these guys):
1. Light weight
2. Comfort, some say the best sleep you'll ever get camping.
3. Being off the ground keep you and your bag dryer
4. Rodents can't get to you, and most bugs that crawl leave you alone too.
5. As long as you have a good sleeping bag weather won't hinder your sleep either.
All these advantages have me sold, but am I ready to give up my tent and spent a couple hundred dollars on a decent back country hammock? Probably not.
The most important thing most backpackers worry about is weight in their packs. So instead of investing in new gear I think next time I go out I'm going to use some gear I already have. My tent's rain fly, poles, steaks and floor footprint work together to make a light weight shelter. My hammock will have to wait a while.
Check this out:
Mountain Man Am I: To sleep under the Stars? or in a Tent?
Very good points. I have a cheaper hammock that the wife bought me but have only tried sleeping outside once. The wind was blowing hard, which made the sides of the hammock flap uncontrollably, and which left my back-side pretty cold. I need to try it again, but think that I will use my sleeping pad as a layer of insulation between me and the air.
ReplyDeleteP.S. thanks for spotting my blog:)
ReplyDeleteno problem, you happen to be my only follower at this point
ReplyDeleteHey, Geoff. I'm glad you sent this link out to us. I love hiking and am chomping at the bit to get out more as my leg heals. I still don't have as much endurance as before, but plan to recover fully by September. In the meantime, I hope to get out on some trails that will be a good hike for about an hour, which is about my endurance level for now. Maybe 2. Any suggestions? I'm new to this area as of last August. I've hiked and snowshoed a bit at Harriman State Park already.
ReplyDelete