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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Sleeping in a hammock sucks
 
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bwcasolo
01/19/2018 06:13PM
 
Dbor: "I have for years seen my neighbor take naps in his yard. Watched people in parks string up hammocks and take naps. Canoed past campsites in the BW and viewed people taking naps in hammocks. It looks so tranquil and I want to like it.....but every time I try to sleep in a hammock I wake up feeling worse than when I felt before the nap.


I have tried several hammocks and they all are completely uncomfortable and should all be burned.


I for some dumb reason tried it again on my last trip. I woke up and my back was sore and somehow my right leg fell asleep. I could not step out of the hammock. I had to do a controlled fall to the ground . I finished the nap on a long flat rock warmed by the sun. It felt far better than any hammock.


Who is with me that hammocks should be added to the list of banned items in the BW. Right up there with cans and bottles..."

okay, i edited my previous entry to this comment. it's too bad you can't enjoy a hammock, there are thousands who can. i am one. to each their own.
 
Hank
01/18/2018 02:08PM
 
I like to take a hammock when I have a large group and everyone wants to sleep in their own tent. There just aren't 8 tent pads at most sites.


When I started canoe camping, we usually had 2 or 3 people in a 4 man tent. Yes it could be crowded and smelly and loud (earplugs are a must) but there was something about sharing space with friends. Now it seems everyone wants to be in their own tent, canoe, kayak whatever. Maybe it is just the company I keep, or my wit and extreme BO?
 
mjmkjun
01/19/2018 06:43PM
 
some folks just can't sleep in a hammock cuz it gives 'em a backache and numbness in extremities.
for other folks, it's godsent.
I'm gonna give it another try this upcoming paddling season.
I'm going to try to not focus on that poor kid who was mauled by a black bear while asleep in his hammock in Smoky Mountain National Park last Spring.
Like a hanging taco.
Oh, yes.
 
jcavenagh
01/03/2018 04:50PM
 
mjmkjun:
proselytize
intransitive verb
1 : to induce someone to convert to one's faith
2 : to recruit someone to join one's party, institution or cause



;-) had to look that one up. "

I always try to raise the level of discourse when I can, Hmm? :-) (Said ala Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson)
I "do words" for a living so I am always looking for a different way to say things.
 
jcavenagh
01/03/2018 04:56PM
 
OldFingers57:
This is exactly what hammock campers do. I was on a Facebook group and said I prefer a tent over a hammock. Everyone was like you have to try a hammock out. I said I did and I didn't care for it. They all said well you didn't have it rigged right. I said no I did as I tried another guys out and he had it set up. So then they were like well it must have been too short of a hammock and I was like it was such and such of a name brand. then they were like you slept in it wrong and again I was like no the guy showed me how to do it just like you guys state. Some of us just aren't hammock people. "

Yes. It becomes tiresome when folks are so obtuse. It's just camping. I get it that folks want to let you know about something that has improved their experience. But once you've tried it and found it doesn't suit you, then leave it be. Let a guy enjoy without harping about this or that.
Some folks really like synthetic underwear. I find it uncomfortable.
Some folks really think a fire piston is the bees' knees. I much prefer a fire steel.
Some folks really enjoy fishing for hours. I would rather paddle most of the day.
Some folks think bug nets are hot and stuffy and always sleep under an open end tarp. I prefer the protection of a bug net.
What does it matter. We each have preferences.
It's just camping.
 
jcavenagh
01/03/2018 05:09PM
 
double post
 
GraniteCliffs
01/15/2018 06:21PM
 
I do use a footprint on most of my tents. The weight is negligible to me and I do think it provides some protection for the floor.
With that said I have had problems with water pooling under the tent. One one occasion I felt like I was sleeping on a water bed.
Now I have taken it a step further. I carry a thin sheet of plastic to use on the inside of the tent. I can't tell you how much better I sleep when it rains.
Don't think there is a right or wrong answer on this one, just preferences.
 
HikingStick
08/21/2015 10:15AM
 
I'm not sure if you've tried, but if you lay your body diagonally across the hammock, you can lay pretty flat. If you don't like the curve, try it that way. Many hammock-sleeping indigenous groups do that.
 
Moss Tent
01/03/2018 11:33AM
 
Heywoodja: "Too each his own but have to say i love it




This is how you do a double."




10 out of 10 celibates surveyed recommend hammocks.
 
HowardSprague
01/03/2018 11:56AM
 
I've not tried one yet, but I think I'd enjoy a midday nap in a hammock.
I love sleeping in a tent too much to replace that....one can never have too many tents...., or canoes, fishing rods, guitars,....


I like sleeping on the ground, on my Thermarest (wish they made them wider without going to the tall/extra long sizes), being able to roll over on my side, on my stomach, on my other side during the night, being able to reach over and grab whatever I need off the floor next to me or in the vestibule,...too much fun & relaxation in a tent for me! A hammock, when I get one, will be one more fun thing I take along on some trips. Yeah, handy as well if you have to camp on a site with tons of deadfall and no space for a tent.

Very successful thread dbor! :)



 
Heywoodja
08/21/2015 07:23PM
 
Too each his own but have to say i love it



This is how you do a double.
 
yellowcanoe
01/21/2018 08:22AM
 
I love hammocking. Not so much when its my only shelter in the rain. Trouble is its not easy when you camp various places. Nothing on the Green is generally suitable for a hang and if you find trees on the Allagash suitable for hanging they are in the woods and the bugs will devour you.


And willows on rivers like the Buffalo or Yukon just suck for hanging. The point is that while there may be some campsites on each trip suitable for hanging, there is always the one that isn't
 
northallen
08/21/2015 03:26PM
 
I do enjoy sitting in the hammock sideways so I can swing front porch style. It is comfortable laying down if you get the straps at the right angle (not too tight), but what gets me is I can't see over the side; bugs me to not be able to see the horizon.
 
mastertangler
01/21/2018 08:03AM
 
The kid hit by a bear in a hammock very likely had some food with him. Probably would of had the same result in a tent. No candy bars!


I can't wrap my head around sleeping like a banana. But there must be something to it because it seems like a whole pile of folks like it.


But before I would sink a bunch of dough into a good set up I would need to try one out. I'm primarily a side sleeper and I can't see how it would work out.


Hammocks are great for an afternoon nap.........right up until the first fly discovers your resting body and then the rude awakening.......wham! Been there, done that many times with a backyard hammock.
 
mjmkjun
01/21/2018 10:50AM
 
I'm inclined to agree with you on the kid, Mastertangler. Snack food or he wiped food or fish smell off his hand on his sleeve. (He was bitten on the arm.) Good thing his dad was also hanging near to come to his rescue.
 
jcavenagh
01/15/2018 01:43PM
 
Renol: "I've been toying with this idea myself. I stopped by an REI and they pitched me on the ENOs, but I'm thinking of trying an OWL instead. Though after this thread maybe I should do a...what was it "warbird"? Jury is out.



I do really enjoy the idea of having VENTILATION even on a cool night. Tired of waking up dripping wet cuz I couldn't open the fly enough and still keep the rain out. Add to that, from what I've calculated, for two people it saves me weight. Less weight the better!



Summer needs to come. I'm looking forward to going out again.



"

Renol -If you are interested, I have an extra Warbonnet you could try for a few nights. That way you can get an idea before spending the do-re-mi.
I'm in Naperville. Just hit the email envelope under my screen name.
 
bwcasolo
08/22/2015 06:01AM
 
just finished a great night sleep in my back yard with my hennessy exp. asym. it was nice to wake up a couple times and see stars!
 
mastertangler
01/21/2018 11:35AM
 
mjmkjun: "I'm inclined to agree with you on the kid, Mastertangler. Snack food or he wiped food or fish smell off his hand on his sleeve. (He was bitten on the arm.) Good thing his dad was also hanging near to come to his rescue. "


Who knows for sure but I can't help but think that bears getting kids in tents is from food in the tent and then the fear and panic from the bruins intrusion gets an instinctive reaction from the bear......... Just conjecture though. Remaining calm and speaking with authority is step one..........if that fails running in circles and screaming like a little girl is step two ;-)
 
jondska
08/22/2015 11:11AM
 
Thanks for the info ManBehindThePlan. Didn't realize there was a whole section on hammocks.
And DBor, I did get your humor...didn't mean to hijack. And your blurb about conserving water made me remember a guy who joined us on a few trips and portaged a case of bottled water! We eventually gifted him a filter.
 
Dbor
08/17/2015 10:33AM
 
I have for years seen my neighbor take naps in his yard. Watched people in parks string up hammocks and take naps. Canoed past campsites in the BW and viewed people taking naps in hammocks. It looks so tranquil and I want to like it.....but every time I try to sleep in a hammock I wake up feeling worse than when I felt before the nap.

I have tried several hammocks and they all are completely uncomfortable and should all be burned.

I for some dumb reason tried it again on my last trip. I woke up and my back was sore and somehow my right leg fell asleep. I could not step out of the hammock. I had to do a controlled fall to the ground . I finished the nap on a long flat rock warmed by the sun. It felt far better than any hammock.

Who is with me that hammocks should be added to the list of banned items in the BW. Right up there with cans and bottles...
 
GraniteCliffs
08/17/2015 12:08PM
 
Great subtle post! While I don't agree with the view of hammocks totally I thought it was very funny!
 
shinythings
08/17/2015 11:59AM
 
Haha. I don't think hammocks should be banned from the bdubs at all. I find them rather comfortable, with my limited experience thus far, and look forward to my first real hang on my next trip in September. Were you laying as flat as you can in a diagonal in the hammock with the foot end slightly higher than head end ? How high off the ground were you ?



 
bhouse46
08/17/2015 12:15PM
 
Okay, I can join in this. I particularly like hammocks, but can appreciate any opinion.


While I have too much money wrapped up in composite canoes I personally think they are too light for on the water, they bob around blown by the wind. And speak about rocks, can't get close to shore so have to wet foot and dare hit one laying in wait just below the surface at full speed. They should all be banned and we all go back to aluminum barges.
 
OldGoat
08/17/2015 01:14PM
 
OK, I am a recent convert to Hammock camping so I will jump in here with my experience. I sleep much better in a CAMPING hammock than I do in a tent on the ground. Less back problems by far when the hammock is properly hung. That said, simple back yard hammocks are just that -- back yard hammocks. My system has hammock, tree straps, bug net and tarp. I added an underquilt to extend the comfort range down to cooler temps.


I don't disagree that you had a bad experience and will stick with the tent, but I won't go back to a tent as long as I can find two trees spaced the right distance apart.


Goat
 
GraniteCliffs
08/17/2015 12:08PM
 
I like the hammock for naps I still prefer the tent for sleeping at night
 
housty9
08/17/2015 01:59PM
 
Can't say I don't like them, I just like being on the ground more, storms kinda worry me a little when hanging in trees.
 
toddhunter
08/17/2015 04:14PM
 
Beats the ground any day. But that's ok; more trees for me!
 
thinblueline
08/17/2015 11:35AM
 
I don't get it either.
 
RMinMN
08/17/2015 12:42PM
 
quote Dbor: "I have for years seen my neighbor take naps in his yard. Watched people in parks string up hammocks and take naps. Canoed past campsites in the BW and viewed people taking naps in hammocks. It looks so tranquil and I want to like it.....but every time I try to sleep in a hammock I wake up feeling worse than when I felt before the nap.


I have tried several hammocks and they all are completely uncomfortable and should all be burned.


I for some dumb reason tried it again on my last trip. I woke up and my back was sore and somehow my right leg fell asleep. I could not step out of the hammock. I had to do a controlled fall to the ground . I finished the nap on a long flat rock warmed by the sun. It felt far better than any hammock.


Who is with me that hammocks should be added to the list of banned items in the BW. Right up there with cans and bottles..."



Go see a competent chiropractor and get your back adjusted to its proper position. From then on hammocks are wonderful.
 
mc2mens
08/17/2015 12:53PM
 
quote GraniteCliffs: "I like the hammock for naps I still prefer the tent for sleeping at night"


+2
 
Savage Voyageur
08/17/2015 02:20PM
 
What you are saying is heresy. :) I have had my best nights sleep in the woods in a hammock. I will never go back to being a ground dweller ever again. It's like sleeping in a cloud. No pressure points, no sore bones. Sorry you had a bad experience with them. As far as you leg going asleep you were probably had you leg locked and was hyperextended. You needed to support under your knees with jacket or pillow to keep your knees bent a bit.

 
toddhunter
08/17/2015 04:15PM
 
BTW, the reason you woke up as you did was because you slept so sound you never moved.
 
campcrafter
08/17/2015 01:41PM
 
quote OldGoat: "OK, I am a recent convert to Hammock camping so I will jump in here with my experience. I sleep much better in a CAMPING hammock than I do in a tent on the ground. Less back problems by far when the hammock is properly hung. That said, simple back yard hammocks are just that -- back yard hammocks. My system has hammock, tree straps, bug net and tarp. I added an underquilt to extend the comfort range down to cooler temps.



I don't disagree that you had a bad experience and will stick with the tent, but I won't go back to a tent as long as I can find two trees spaced the right distance apart.



Goat"



+1x2


hanging since 2008
 
Arkansas Man
08/17/2015 02:16PM
 
Okay, let me begin by saying I am a tent camper and will continue to be a tent camper. However, I take hammocks every trip for a refreshing afternoon siesta. Do I sleep well in a hammock?? No! But I enjoy lying there in a position to be moved back and forth by the wind (hard wind to move me) and just do nothing... one of the reasons I go to the BWCA for relaxation. Now my wife on the other hand, if I don't take a hammock... she don't want to go! Once as we were sitting in VNorth Bunkhouse about 7:30 I saw that I had forgot them. We had to hurry and go to Piragis and buy two new ones before we could go to sleep. She will take a sleeping bag and curl up in a hammock and sleep for hours... and that's cool, that's whats she's there for too. We do not go camping without them, tent camping or fifth wheel camping!


Bruce
On Little Loon in June!

 
sdebol
08/17/2015 04:08PM
 
Haven't tried replacing my tent with one, but laying in my ENO hammock reading a paperback book is one of my favorite BWCA activities...
 
AndySG
08/17/2015 05:50PM
 
quote housty9: "Can't say I don't like them, I just like being on the ground more, storms kinda worry me a little when hanging in trees."
Good point Mark. If your hammock is is attached to a tree that gets hit by lightning, are you fried into a tasty burrito? Inquiring minds want to know.


I am one who enjoys stretching out in my Eno for an hour or so to relax, but sleep much better on the ground. Exped mat, thermarest pillow, and my spacious rectangular down bag. Sweet dreams indeed.
 
Scout64
08/17/2015 07:15PM
 
I tent in the Bdub on canoe trips. I hang on hiking trips. I don't sleep well in either. Come to think of it, I don't sleep well in my bed at home. They all should be banned.
 
HangLoose
08/17/2015 07:39PM
 
It is certainly possible that you aren't a hammock person and that is fine. But it is also entirely possible that your hammock was not set up properly. It gets technical and I am still learning, but I have learned a lot from Shugemery on YouTube. Check him out. There are techniques that can make or break your hang. Hanging in a hammock is not always as easy as tying your hammock between two trees. There are ridgelines and angles and hammock size and having your feet above your head and sleeping diagonally and much much more. Sleep on a rock if you want to but a hammock ban is absolute lunacy.



 
OBX2Kayak
08/17/2015 08:07PM
 
Hammock Hangin' Shug Style ... Essentials for Noobs
 
08/17/2015 08:21PM
 
yes it does
 
GraniteCliffs
08/17/2015 08:30PM
 
Let remember old Dbor is joking------------at least I think----about the ban. Not so much about his dislike for hammocks!
 
mc2mens
08/17/2015 08:51PM
 
I can't sleep on my back (I wake myself up snoring if I try to) and I sleep quite a bit on my stomach. I love hanging in my ENO hammock, but don't really sleep in it, cause I can't sleep on my back. How do you hammock sleepers sleep? On your backs?
 
Oisinirish
08/17/2015 08:04PM
 
quote Scout64: "I tent in the Bdub on canoe trips. I hang on hiking trips. I don't sleep well in either. Come to think of it, I don't sleep well in my bed at home. They all should be banned."
+1


On a side note, my first Quetico trip with the BSA one of the older kids brought a jungle hammock and slept by himself. Talk about night terrors. That dude definitely kept the bears away. Not good for the younger kids though. Lol
 
HangLoose
08/17/2015 09:09PM
 
quote GraniteCliffs: "Let remember old Dbor is joking------------at least I think----about the ban. Not so much about his dislike for hammocks!"


Simply joking about a hammock ban is lunacy

 
Dbor
08/17/2015 10:22PM
 
quote lean: "I have tried it and it's not for me also. "


Ban them. That way I won't be tempted to try them again. It just looks so cool. It's like this hip/fun way to nap. Only it sucks. I've been on different types. Tried laying all different ways. I just can't get comfortable.


Other thing I would like banned.... if I'm in a We No Nah, no one I pass on the water or trail is allowed to ask me "do you know Na?? Cuz we no nah". Was not funny first time. Still not.



 
pastorjsackett
08/18/2015 09:25PM
 
Blackstone, I have to say that warbonnet does look cool....
 
George
08/19/2015 01:02AM
 
Well if you were sleeping in an Eno with straps, I totally understand why you would hate trying to camp in a hammock.


Did you have an under quilt or pad? If not, it was probably as bad (or worse) than sleeping in a tent without a sleeping pad. You did not have the right setup for all night sleeping.


Eno are great for hanging around town, reading, etc. But they are not ideally designed for an all nights sleep...especially if you didn't have an underquilt or pad.


If you want an actual shelter, to sleep in for an entire night, I'd go with Warbonnet. I have a Hennesy, two warbonnets and two Enos (Enos are for my girls to hang around at camp during the day).


The Eno (and I'd argue my old school Hennesy (from about 15 years ago) are not even remotely as comfortable.


If you live around Minneapolis, list your e-mail and I'll loan ya a real warbonnet to try (with underquilt).



 
George
08/19/2015 01:02AM
 

 
muddyfeet
08/19/2015 08:06AM
 
I drank the cool aid this year and won't go back to sleeping on the ground. It did take a lot of research and trials to get my setup right,though.


I really only began to find the comfortable flat diagonal hang after making my own 11' x 5' hammock. This led to a new skill of sewing and whole new concept of diy gear. I can make it exactly how I want it.


Also I love the benefits of having a tarp integral to the shelter and not packing up damp tents or groundcovers. Makes a wet trip more enjoyable.


Not for everybody, though! The salute recognizing different preferences of individuals at hammockforums is HYOH (hang your own hammock).


I'm banning PFDs. Too many people floating. ??
 
sueb2b
08/19/2015 09:17AM
 
Camping hammock vs ENO is very different. I can nap in my Woot hammock (like the ENO). But for sleeping, I love the WB blackbird.
 
unshavenman
08/19/2015 09:57AM
 
Love the pic George; that Copper Spur in the background is a great tent. That's what I take when I'm tripping with the kids, otherwise it's hanging for me.
 
Blackstone
08/19/2015 10:24AM
 
quote pastorjsackett: "Blackstone, I have to say that warbonnet does look cool...."


It's a great night's sleep, no pressure points, and integrated bugnet is nice. The stitching and construction is of the highest quality. The only downside is the spreader bars, specifically a little 6 inch long one that I'm constantly afraid of losing.


They sell bags for the spreader bars, something worth looking into if you buy one. It would be nice if people could try it out before buying it because it certainly is an investment, but I can't imagine any other way to sleep more comfortably. It's like a comfortable cot suspended in the air. No more finding that one sneaky rock that you failed to move before setting up the tent.
 
Savage Voyageur
08/19/2015 11:50AM
 
quote sueb2b: "Camping hammock vs ENO is very different. I can nap in my Woot hammock (like the ENO). But for sleeping, I love the WB blackbird. "


Hold on there Sueb2b, I have spent at least 45 nights in my ENO hammock. It has a bugnet, underquilt good to 20 deg, whoppie slings, structure adjustable ridgeline. It is a good hammock. There are many that use it for sleeping. I must say though, WB Blackbird is the way to go with this gives out. But I had this hammock already and a tarp so all I needed was a underquilt, bugnet. Go check out the ENO webpage and see 1000s of pictures from people sleeping overnight in their ENO hammocks. WB Blackbird hammocks are like Kevlar canoes and my ENO hammock is like an Aluminum canoe. The both will get you across the lake.
 
ManBehindThePlan
08/19/2015 01:29PM
 
quote Dbor: "I've banned hammocks in the Caribbean as well. "


Someone got out of the bed on the wrong side, I'll wager...
 
pswith5
08/19/2015 03:15PM
 
quote bhouse46: "Okay, I can join in this. I particularly like hammocks, but can appreciate any opinion.



While I have too much money wrapped up in composite canoes I personally think they are too light for on the water, they bob around blown by the wind. And speak about rocks, can't get close to shore so have to wet foot and dare hit one laying in wait just below the surface at full speed. They should all be banned and we all go back to aluminum barges. "
I think it would be better to ban the rocks! :)
 
gkimball
08/19/2015 07:59PM
 
Will never forget one stormy night, getting up to make sure the canoe was tied down, seeing a member of our group "sleeping" in a hammock.


As I walked by, the lightning flashed and I saw the hammock swaying and bucking like crazy. Cannot believe he could sleep through that. Went back up to my tent and fell back to sleep. Next morning he had some world-class bags under his eyes, but I never told him about what I saw.


Can't imagine how to weather out storms and lousy weather in a bag hung between two trees...
 
markaroberts
08/19/2015 09:07PM
 
very simple. You tie the lines on the side of the hammock staked to the ground.


Let's try it the other way. Rain comes in hard and water pools on the ground, and mud is thrown up from the rain. The hammock sleeper does nave to worry about this. The guy in the tent. . .not so much.
 
toddhunter
08/20/2015 09:48AM
 
I don't mind the swaying, but the tarp flapping can drive me insane. Solutions?
 
ManBehindThePlan
08/20/2015 11:38AM
 
quote toddhunter: "I don't mind the swaying, but the tarp flapping can drive me insane. Solutions?"


Sure - the shortest answer is to tie it tightly :)


That said, there are many techniques to make this happen. I'm a Scoutmaster, so it's all about knots for me. However, there's plenty of hardware solutions too.


Derek has a pretty nice essay on Continuous Ridgelines here, and I use this technique on the center ridge with great effect (we survived 40+mph winds when the storms blew up at the beginning of August).


Regarding the end tie-outs - there's plenty of ways to make these tight, from the simple (wrap the stakes well), to the more sophisticated (tying shock cord or rubber tubing into the line to take up the slack), to the hardware (more Dutchware or other toggles). I personally have a bowline loop in each of my tie-out ends to connect to the stake, and I have a prussik knot on the line connecting to the tarp. That way, I can adjust the tarp from the inside of the tarp, keeping out of the rain.


My solutions are mine, and there are plenty of others you can find in the Weather Protection forum of hammockforums.net. As is commonly said there, Hang Your Own Hang.
 
markaroberts
08/20/2015 12:12PM
 
We have survived some pretty strong storms in the BWCA in hammocks. We hang the hammocks pretty taut, and tie down the side guy lines. WE also use the hex tarps which are larger. If you are using a tarp and have in dropped on the sides, you should not have any wind hitting the hammock.


I am assuming your buddy swaying in his hammock was not using a tarp large enough and tied correctly to block the wind and/or had not tied down the side lines on his hammock.
 
jondska
08/20/2015 01:10PM
 
I have tented it for 30 some years and tried a Hennessy hammock in the Quetico for the first time 2 years ago. I typically sleep on my stomach so I was leery of the hammock. I set it up (for only the second time) with a rain fly just before a big storm rolled in and as the other guys were settling in to their tents, I crawled in and the storm hit. It blew good and I did not get a drop of water on me. I also slept like a baby with no aches and pains. Sold! That trip, the temps were in the 90's during the day. I am going up again in a couple of weeks and there have already been temps in the 30's at night up there. What do most of you guys use for insulation? Inexpensive double bubble pad or the supershelter kit? I would think you might slide around on the pad.
 
Dbor
08/20/2015 03:13PM
 
quote jondska: "I have tented it for 30 some years and tried a Hennessy hammock in the Quetico for the first time 2 years ago. I typically sleep on my stomach so I was leery of the hammock. I set it up (for only the second time) with a rain fly just before a big storm rolled in and as the other guys were settling in to their tents, I crawled in and the storm hit. It blew good and I did not get a drop of water on me. I also slept like a baby with no aches and pains. Sold! That trip, the temps were in the 90's during the day. I am going up again in a couple of weeks and there have already been temps in the 30's at night up there. What do most of you guys use for insulation? Inexpensive double bubble pad or the supershelter kit? I would think you might slide around on the pad."


I started this post to ban hammocks and now it is being used against me to help people use hammocks more often. Damn.


Gonna have to start a post now on how I feel that we should all portage in our own water to conserve the water resources in the BW. Maybe that will get some traction.
 
jcavenagh
08/20/2015 05:30PM
 
I like hammocks for camping.
Some people prefer tents.
Some people like just a tarp and ground cloth.
Whatever...have fun, go how you like to go.
Just do do that voodoo that you do do so well....
 
rtbaum
08/20/2015 07:33PM
 
quote Dbor: "quote jondska: "I have tented it for 30 some years and tried a Hennessy hammock in the Quetico for the first time 2 years ago. I typically sleep on my stomach so I was leery of the hammock. I set it up (for only the second time) with a rain fly just before a big storm rolled in and as the other guys were settling in to their tents, I crawled in and the storm hit. It blew good and I did not get a drop of water on me. I also slept like a baby with no aches and pains. Sold! That trip, the temps were in the 90's during the day. I am going up again in a couple of weeks and there have already been temps in the 30's at night up there. What do most of you guys use for insulation? Inexpensive double bubble pad or the supershelter kit? I would think you might slide around on the pad."



I started this post to ban hammocks and now it is being used against me to help people use hammocks more often. Damn.



Gonna have to start a post now on how I feel that we should all portage in our own water to conserve the water resources in the BW. Maybe that will get some traction. "



Bwahaha!!!
 
gkimball
08/20/2015 08:14PM
 
quote gkimball: "Will never forget one stormy night, getting up to make sure the canoe was tied down, seeing a member of our group "sleeping" in a hammock.



As I walked by, the lightning flashed and I saw the hammock swaying and bucking like crazy. Cannot believe he could sleep through that. Went back up to my tent and fell back to sleep. Next morning he had some world-class bags under his eyes, but I never told him about what I saw.



Can't imagine how to weather out storms and lousy weather in a bag hung between two trees..."



Don't mean to say I hate hammocks. I put one up in camp whenever I can, just don't sleep in them over night.



 
GraniteCliffs
08/20/2015 08:23PM
 
Dbor, I have enjoyed your cryptic and tongue in cheek posts here and on other posts. So cryptic and tongue and cheek that some folks don't see your humor and the fact that you are kidding.
You are kidding right? You are, right?
So how did this work out so far:
So your ban the hammock has rallied the hangers and brought a flood of I love hanging posts and a flood of outreach for others to join the hanging crowd.
And your Cholula post has people like me who had never heard of Cholula planning on hiding it in a glass bottle in my pack on my next trip.
Oh, yeah, lots of people think YOU should be banned!
Can't wait for you to weigh in on your next issue. It is great entertainment..............
And you for sure are kidding, right?

 
Dbor
08/20/2015 09:33PM
 
quote GraniteCliffs: "Dbor, I have enjoyed your cryptic and tongue in cheek posts here and on other posts. So cryptic and tongue and cheek that some folks don't see your humor and the fact that you are kidding.
You are kidding right? You are, right?
So how did this work out so far:
So your ban the hammock has rallied the hangers and brought a flood of I love hanging posts and a flood of outreach for others to join the hanging crowd.
And your Cholula post has people like me who had never heard of Cholula planning on hiding it in a glass bottle in my pack on my next trip.
Oh, yeah, lots of people think YOU should be banned!
Can't wait for you to weigh in on your next issue. It is great entertainment..............
And you for sure are kidding, right?
"



I hope you are not the only person on here that gets my humor.
 
jeroldharter
08/20/2015 09:44PM
 
"Sleeping in a hammock" can mean different things. I have a nice Warbonnet Blackbird and Hennessey hammock with under quilt and top quilt. Properly set up and some practice make a huge difference. Simply stringing up an Eno and curling up like a banana will not be a good night's sleep. Likewise, when I sleep in a tent, I don't just lie down on the ground. I have a fancy setup that has taken years to improve.


In general, I prefer a CCS lean with a cot and air mattress. But a hammock can be a great sleep system, especially if you break camp often.
 
ManBehindThePlan
08/20/2015 10:16PM
 
quote jondska: "I am going up again in a couple of weeks and there have already been temps in the 30's at night up there. What do most of you guys use for insulation? Inexpensive double bubble pad or the supershelter kit? I would think you might slide around on the pad."


There's a whole discussion in itself!


It somewhat depends on your method of entry. I have the classic bottom entry, which makes putting stuff inside to sleep on quite an exercise in shimmying.


I now have a JRB Winternest, but I doubt you're question deserves a $300 answer.


So, I started out cheap - last year in the BWCA I had a large truck windshield reflector from Wally World - it looks like silver bubble wrap with a poly border sewn around. On top of this, I put my Crazy Creek-like chairs Crazy Creek-like Kelty camp chairs, all flattened out. Then, I used a 20° mummy bag as a top quilt/cover. It took quite a bit of time to get things aligned, but I was good and comfortable all night.


So, some other considerations:


- JRB makes a Frogg Toggs poncho mod to use it as an undercover - much cheaper than the HH undercover, and useful during the day too. I'd say I can go into the 60s with just this on (don't forget a suspension)
- AHE has the Jarbidge Underquilt for $100 - I just bought one for my son, and am impressed. It'll cover most of your important parts.


And, I would be remiss in not saying - there's a whole forum for hammocking here - swing by and enjoy!


(And, as a tweak for DBor - how can you beat a vista like this - no tents possible on a granite slab!)



 
unshavenman
01/09/2018 09:31AM
 
Fizics: "Renol: "I've been toying with this idea myself. I stopped by an REI and they pitched me on the ENOs, but I'm thinking of trying an OWL instead. Though after this thread maybe I should do a...what was it "warbird"? Jury is out.




I do really enjoy the idea of having VENTILATION even on a cool night. Tired of waking up dripping wet cuz I couldn't open the fly enough and still keep the rain out. Add to that, from what I've calculated, for two people it saves me weight. Less weight the better!




Summer needs to come. I'm looking forward to going out again.




"




This is why people who do, hate hammocking. They buy (frankly) POS hammocks like the eno or whatever else REI sells. Even if you went to Midwest mountaineering you still couldn't buy a hammock in person that's worth a damn imo. Do some homework instead of going full yuppie at REI, research, order a quality hammock that is perfected for comfort. A chameleon, Warbonnet, dream hammock, take your pic. Get it right and you won't end up ignorant that there's a heavenly nights sleep out there that your cheap *** would never know of, complaining on here that your cheap POS sucks. "

Fizics is right. A camping hammock setup is completely different than a lounging hammock that you will find at a brick & mortar store. A quality hammock, hammock fly, top quilt, and under-quilt will come from a cottage vendor online. Some people will never sleep well in a camping hammock, but many more people try to sleep in a hammock not designed for sleeping and come away disappointed. Quality hammock setups can get quite expensive, so research instead of trial & error can save the experimenter a lot of money. I highly recommend delving into Hammock Forums and also watching Shug's videos on YouTube. It's an entertaining way to get educated.
 
bhouse46
01/09/2018 12:16PM
 
I so fully agree that not everyone will be good with the same thing. The exception is that when you join the Army the stuff you get is the best you will get so get used to it, it will fit in time.
I also am hearing folks who did not use good gear and then complained it did not work. My best advice is go to a wing event and try out or at least get a good visual on some of the options out there. Good gear is too expensive to take some one else's opinion. Try it out first. I have a cheap gathered end system, a Warbonnet Blackbird and a Ridgerunner and am more than willing to meet up and share the experience...once it warms up a little...and I am sure others here will do the same.
 
rtallent
01/10/2018 11:51AM
 
Quote ISRO: "Converted from ground to tree dweller 5 years ago, there is now way I am going back. "


Uh oh, we are evolving back to arboreal habits...
 
rtallent
01/10/2018 02:56PM
 

 
jeremylynn21
01/09/2018 05:18PM
 
hammocks are not for everyone. My 15yr old son loves his Hennessey while his older brother will never sleep in a hammock again.
 
HowardSprague
01/10/2018 12:59PM
 
Are any of you burrowers? I like how it gets me out of the wind. Good location selection, and all you need to protect from rain is an overcloth.

 
mjmkjun
12/30/2017 11:39AM
 
TomT: "mschi772: "I'd be a hammock camper full time, but there are lots of places I go or would like to go that don't have trees, and my dog is not a dog that would be OK without a tent. I'm VERY slowly trying to build-up a full hammock setup as I can, but it ain't cheap."


I get the no trees part, not much you can do there. But, I have the same issue with my dog and think I've solved that problem by getting her a little "Pup tent" designed for dogs. My dog is 50lbs. and there is a lot of room for a bigger dog in there. This is 1.5 Lbs. It's not completely waterproof but my idea is to have it under my tarp next to me in the hammock. I haven't used it yet on a trip.


Alcott Pup Tent
"

What a great idea, Tom T
#2 improvise for those with a smaller tarp: An section of Tyvek above dog's tent placed on a ridgeline A-frame style + guy lines. As long as the dog can get a visual of master it should be content.

 
SteveElms73
12/30/2017 12:20PM
 
I'm curious as to how many folks who have tried hammocks and do not like them did not sleep on a diagonal? When I first got into hammocks I slept straight along the center line and it was awful. I felt like a banana. Then I did a bit of looking online and realized I was doing it completely wrong. I tried laying on a diagonal and voila, I slept like a baby!


Since then I've moved from an ENO hammock (cheap, served its purpose, but short in length) and have spent a bit more money on an 11 foot (which apparently also makes a HUGE difference in comfort) Dream Hammock Raven and I love it. I suffer from 2 slipped discs in my back and a fused section of vertebrae so I always wake up with a sore back. When I sleep in my hammock I wake up feeling fresh with significantly less back pain. I'm going to be building a stand for my basement so I can sleep in it permanently I think (at least try it for a few weeks) to see if it helps with the daily back pain.
 
hooky
01/15/2018 01:18PM
 
Fizics: "Renol: "I've been toying with this idea myself. I stopped by an REI and they pitched me on the ENOs, but I'm thinking of trying an OWL instead. Though after this thread maybe I should do a...what was it "warbird"? Jury is out.




I do really enjoy the idea of having VENTILATION even on a cool night. Tired of waking up dripping wet cuz I couldn't open the fly enough and still keep the rain out. Add to that, from what I've calculated, for two people it saves me weight. Less weight the better!




Summer needs to come. I'm looking forward to going out again.




"




This is why people who do, hate hammocking. They buy (frankly) POS hammocks like the eno or whatever else REI sells. Even if you went to Midwest mountaineering you still couldn't buy a hammock in person that's worth a damn imo. Do some homework instead of going full yuppie at REI, research, order a quality hammock that is perfected for comfort. A chameleon, Warbonnet, dream hammock, take your pic. Get it right and you won't end up ignorant that there's a heavenly nights sleep out there that your cheap *** would never know of, complaining on here that your cheap POS sucks. "



I'll argue with you on that front. I've been using an ENO Doublenest for a few years now. I sleep soundly in it. I think it's more important to get the setup, especially the sag, correct. Once I discovered ridgelines, it was super easy to get that sag every time.
 
lean
08/17/2015 09:36PM
 
I have tried it and it's not for me also.
 
builditbetter22
08/18/2015 08:53AM
 
quote toddhunter: "Beats the ground any day. But that's ok; more trees for me!"


+1
 
markaroberts
08/18/2015 11:15AM
 
Crawling out of a tent on my hands and knees for the three times a night I get up is reason alone to go to a hammock. For the record, I sleep in my side in the hammock. There are also bridge hammocks that allow sleeping on your stomach. One final thought. . .set up and take down alone are enough to get rid of the tent. IN a hammock nothing touches the ground. . .never gets dirty or have mud splashed on it.
 
pastorjsackett
08/18/2015 05:48PM
 
I've never slept all night in my hammock but I do, like others, enjoy a nice nap. Last weekend on Robbins Island, my son took a two hour nap and I was fuming jealous that he was so comfy. Nothing in camp would do like the hammock and he had it!
 
ckmaui
08/18/2015 12:55AM
 
all canoes should be burned they suck !
I tried lots of them
they just tip over and are very unsafe !



one you learn about hammocks and how to hang them proper and lay in them proper etc....
are they for everyone ? NOPE but almost everyone who is not into them sets them up totally wrong and lay in them like a banana ?



posts like this are funny though :) ahhahahahahahah
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum
 
Thisismatthew
08/18/2015 09:34AM
 
I switched to a hammock a few years ago and will never go back to a tent, unless the type of trip really dictates it (no trees). I don't find a tent and sleeping pad uncomfortable, I just find a hammock much more comfortable. It's no different than a bed, some people like firm mattresses, others like soft mattresses, some like water beds, my best friend prefers his couch over his bed (he is unmarried, so it is not that he is in the doghouse all the time).


Only downfall of a hammock for me is my stuff is just under a fly usually elevated off the ground with rocks or logs, rather than in my tent. Not a big deal but it is one thing to consider.
 
ManBehindThePlan
08/18/2015 11:54AM
 
quote Dbor: "I for some dumb reason tried it again on my last trip. I woke up and my back was sore and somehow my right leg fell asleep. I could not step out of the hammock. I had to do a controlled fall to the ground . I finished the nap on a long flat rock warmed by the sun. It felt far better than any hammock."


Hmm - this looks like a temperature issue, where hammocks really do fall short in this area. Keeping your backside warm is a tough challenge when air can flow directly underneath you, and this can sneak up on you even on relatively warm days (70°-75°).


It's why hammocks are embraced in tropical cultures - you'll find no cooler way to sleep.


Us guys that have embraced hammocking as a full-time endeavor have a number of ways to mitigate the issue, from cheap (blue CCF pads from Walmart) to expensive (down quilts suspended directly under the hammock bed). Ultimately it's solvable - even using technology you already have (sleeping pad for your tent).


Also, the leg issue - well, that happens too, and is a function of how you are interacting with the hammock, and how the hammock is built. It may be a ridge of fabric raising up under your calf, or even forcing your knee to hyper-extend. This is also solveable, but will take some tweaking (adjustable ridgelines, better suspensions). Better hammocks also work better, but that's hard to diagnose from your post.


Think about it this way - you won't be less expensive in a hammock vs. a tent, and it does require research, skill and time to do well. But that's true of a lot of things going into the wilderness (food, canoes, fishing...)
 
unshavenman
08/18/2015 01:40PM
 
Dbor,
Sorry to hear hanging isn't working out for you. Specifically what model hammock and suspension system did you use? Were you just trying to nap or sleep overnight?
 
sueb2b
08/18/2015 01:56PM
 
S'okay. More tree space for me.
 
Dbor
08/18/2015 02:26PM
 
quote ManBehindThePlan: "quote Dbor: "I for some dumb reason tried it again on my last trip. I woke up and my back was sore and somehow my right leg fell asleep. I could not step out of the hammock. I had to do a controlled fall to the ground . I finished the nap on a long flat rock warmed by the sun. It felt far better than any hammock."



Hmm - this looks like a temperature issue, where hammocks really do fall short in this area. Keeping your backside warm is a tough challenge when air can flow directly underneath you, and this can sneak up on you even on relatively warm days (70°-75°).



It's why hammocks are embraced in tropical cultures - you'll find no cooler way to sleep.



Us guys that have embraced hammocking as a full-time endeavor have a number of ways to mitigate the issue, from cheap (blue CCF pads from Walmart) to expensive (down quilts suspended directly under the hammock bed). Ultimately it's solvable - even using technology you already have (sleeping pad for your tent).



Also, the leg issue - well, that happens too, and is a function of how you are interacting with the hammock, and how the hammock is built. It may be a ridge of fabric raising up under your calf, or even forcing your knee to hyper-extend. This is also solveable, but will take some tweaking (adjustable ridgelines, better suspensions). Better hammocks also work better, but that's hard to diagnose from your post.



Think about it this way - you won't be less expensive in a hammock vs. a tent, and it does require research, skill and time to do well. But that's true of a lot of things going into the wilderness (food, canoes, fishing...)"



I've banned hammocks in the Caribbean as well.
 
Dbor
08/18/2015 02:26PM
 
quote unshavenman: "Dbor,
Sorry to hear hanging isn't working out for you. Specifically what model hammock and suspension system did you use? Were you just trying to nap or sleep overnight? "



The last one was an Eno with the Eno straps. I have been on many others. I just never get comfortable. It is fun for about 10 minutes, then I'm done.


My six year old on the other hand loved laying in the pannock (hammock). Tyler, the word is hammock, not pannock. OK dad. (2 minutes later) Dad can I go lay in the pannock? Sure Tyler....the pannock is all yours.
 
yellowcanoe
08/18/2015 06:07PM
 
I like the idea of hammocks. I use one sometimes when I know there are trees. Often though on a trip there is at least one night when good trees are missing.


And I still go back to the night I got goosed by an animal when hanging ( at three am).
 
Diego
08/18/2015 09:05PM
 
Hammocks that you sleep on through the night as opposed to those made for naps, should be made so that you can sleep on a diagonal and your back is relatively flat. Ive seen lots of people even with the expensive hammocks not laying in them correctly and complaining after a night of lost sleep.
 
Dbor
08/19/2015 08:37AM
 
quote George: "Well if you were sleeping in an Eno with straps, I totally understand why you would hate trying to camp in a hammock.



Did you have an under quilt or pad? If not, it was probably as bad (or worse) than sleeping in a tent without a sleeping pad. You did not have the right setup for all night sleeping.



Eno are great for hanging around town, reading, etc. But they are not ideally designed for an all nights sleep...especially if you didn't have an underquilt or pad.



If you want an actual shelter, to sleep in for an entire night, I'd go with Warbonnet. I have a Hennesy, two warbonnets and two Enos (Enos are for my girls to hang around at camp during the day).



The Eno (and I'd argue my old school Hennesy (from about 15 years ago) are not even remotely as comfortable.



If you live around Minneapolis, list your e-mail and I'll loan ya a real warbonnet to try (with underquilt).



"



It was not all night. Only an hour nap.
 
Blackstone
08/18/2015 08:41PM
 
I tried sleeping in a gathered end ENO doublenest a few times and just couldn't quite get the right lay to be comfortable for a full night's sleep. However, I really liked the concept. I started researching some of the other models and designs and settled on a bridge hammock. My chief complaint with the gathered end hammocks like ENOs is that it can be difficult for me to get flat enough. Bridge hammocks looked like they offered a nice compromise.


I decided to buy a warbonnet ridgerunner and ordered it two weeks before my first trip to the BWCA last year. The owner of the company confirmed they could get it to me in time, even though they are/were built to order. I took a bit of a risk bringing a shelter I had never used, but it was worth it. It's like sleeping on air, and I can sleep on my back, sides, or front comfortably. If its going to be cold, I throw a short thermarest in between the two bottom layers for some insulation.




The ridgerunner is on the right. My wife used my doublenest, rainfly, and down bag that night. I left the second rainfly at home, and it ended up raining lightly for about an hour overnight. I slept right through it.
 
hooky
01/08/2018 11:07AM
 
jcavenagh: "OldFingers57:
This is exactly what hammock campers do. I was on a Facebook group and said I prefer a tent over a hammock. Everyone was like you have to try a hammock out. I said I did and I didn't care for it. They all said well you didn't have it rigged right. I said no I did as I tried another guys out and he had it set up. So then they were like well it must have been too short of a hammock and I was like it was such and such of a name brand. then they were like you slept in it wrong and again I was like no the guy showed me how to do it just like you guys state. Some of us just aren't hammock people. "

Yes. It becomes tiresome when folks are so obtuse. It's just camping. I get it that folks want to let you know about something that has improved their experience. But once you've tried it and found it doesn't suit you, then leave it be. Let a guy enjoy without harping about this or that.
Some folks really like synthetic underwear. I find it uncomfortable.
Some folks really think a fire piston is the bees' knees. I much prefer a fire steel.
Some folks really enjoy fishing for hours. I would rather paddle most of the day.
Some folks think bug nets are hot and stuffy and always sleep under an open end tarp. I prefer the protection of a bug net.
What does it matter. We each have preferences.
It's just camping."



Couldn't agree more. That ties into my thoughts around another necro thread regard Stu and BWJ. There's not a single best way for everyone to do this and gain enjoyment.


That said, if you haven't enjoyed sleeping in a hammock, there's obviously something wrong with you, the equipment you used or the advice you were given. ;-)



 
Renol
01/08/2018 08:56PM
 
I've been toying with this idea myself. I stopped by an REI and they pitched me on the ENOs, but I'm thinking of trying an OWL instead. Though after this thread maybe I should do a...what was it "warbird"? Jury is out.


I do really enjoy the idea of having VENTILATION even on a cool night. Tired of waking up dripping wet cuz I couldn't open the fly enough and still keep the rain out. Add to that, from what I've calculated, for two people it saves me weight. Less weight the better!


Summer needs to come. I'm looking forward to going out again.



 
Fizics
01/08/2018 11:10PM
 
Renol: "I've been toying with this idea myself. I stopped by an REI and they pitched me on the ENOs, but I'm thinking of trying an OWL instead. Though after this thread maybe I should do a...what was it "warbird"? Jury is out.



I do really enjoy the idea of having VENTILATION even on a cool night. Tired of waking up dripping wet cuz I couldn't open the fly enough and still keep the rain out. Add to that, from what I've calculated, for two people it saves me weight. Less weight the better!



Summer needs to come. I'm looking forward to going out again.



"



This is why people who do, hate hammocking. They buy (frankly) POS hammocks like the eno or whatever else REI sells. Even if you went to Midwest mountaineering you still couldn't buy a hammock in person that's worth a damn imo. Do some homework instead of going full yuppie at REI, research, order a quality hammock that is perfected for comfort. A chameleon, Warbonnet, dream hammock, take your pic. Get it right and you won't end up ignorant that there's a heavenly nights sleep out there that your cheap *** would never know of, complaining on here that your cheap POS sucks.
 
mjmkjun
12/31/2017 04:31AM
 
SteveElms, I knew a lady in New Orleans who set up a hammock in her home due to severe back pain. The only way she could get any restful sleep.

 
TomT
12/31/2017 05:24AM
 
Many venders also offer Bridge Hammocks which have spreader bars on either end. There's no pinching of the fabric around your shoulders. I haven't tried this style but if someone is having trouble sleeping in a gathered end style hammock maybe look into one of these.

Warbonnet Bridge Hammock






 
ISRO
12/31/2017 11:41AM
 
Tent vs Hammocks is similiar to a Quetico 17 vs Mn II conversation. In the end we all know which one is the better tool for the job.


Spent 10 days traveling Quetico last summer with members of our group using all of the above mentioned items.


At the end of the ten days lets just say there was some enlightened individuals.
 
Fizics
12/31/2017 12:02PM
 
ISRO: "Tent vs Hammocks is similiar to a Quetico 17 vs Mn II conversation. In the end we all know which one is the better tool for the job.



Spent 10 days traveling Quetico last summer with members of our group using all of the above mentioned items.



At the end of the ten days lets just say there was some enlightened individuals. "



That was the most neutral post on this topic so far. Care to share how said individuals were enlightened? Pro tent? Pro hammock?
 
ISRO
12/29/2017 08:12PM
 
Converted from ground to tree dweller 5 years ago, there is now way I am going back. Having quality gear and knowing how to set it up correctly is the key.
 
johndku
12/29/2017 10:47PM
 
I'm a fairly big dude, tried hammocking for the first time in the BWCA last year.


I slept way better in a $40 camping double hammock (Byer of Maine) than I ever did on the ground. My son had a $30 single hammock, and slept hanging directly above me, bunk-bed style, both of us under a Nemo bugout shelter. We ended up using our tent to store our gear in.


I'm not sleeping on the ground again if I can avoid it. Both my girls received inexpensive hammocks from Santa this year in case they go with us next year.



 
TomT
12/29/2017 11:30PM
 
I much prefer my sleeping hammock vs. a tent. When you set up there is nothing to do on the ground. Everything is at waist level and I enjoy the tarp setup over it.


The sleep for me is no comparison. When set up correctly in a quality hammock where you lay on a diagonal with a footbox like the Warbonnet Blackbird I use, the sleep is incredible. It's very hard to get me out of there in the morning. In a tent I would be crawling on the ground and have numb arms and hands form sleeping on an air pad.






 
mjmkjun
12/30/2017 03:07AM
 
jcavenagh: "Hammocks are great for some, not so much for others.
I am happy that I am comfortable in a hammock.
My back and hips don't hurt when I get up.
But proseltysing about the wonder of hammocks is a fool's errand."



proselytize
intransitive verb
1 : to induce someone to convert to one's faith
2 : to recruit someone to join one's party, institution or cause


;-) had to look that one up.
 
bwcasolo
12/30/2017 06:38AM
 
TomT: "I much prefer my sleeping hammock vs. a tent. When you set up there is nothing to do on the ground. Everything is at waist level and I enjoy the tarp setup over it.



The sleep for me is no comparison. When set up correctly in a quality hammock where you lay on a diagonal with a footbox like the Warbonnet Blackbird I use, the sleep is incredible. It's very hard to get me out of there in the morning. In a tent I would be crawling on the ground and have numb arms and hands form sleeping on an air pad.







"

that is well put, my experience as well with my dutch hammock and hammock gear. on the ground my shoulders take a beating, constantly turning during the night. I've had top pads as well. not so in my chameleon hammock.
 
mschi772
12/30/2017 08:34AM
 
I'd be a hammock camper full time, but there are lots of places I go or would like to go that don't have trees, and my dog is not a dog that would be OK without a tent. I'm VERY slowly trying to build-up a full hammock setup as I can, but it ain't cheap.
 
OldFingers57
12/30/2017 11:00AM
 
mjmkjun: "jcavenagh: "Hammocks are great for some, not so much for others.
I am happy that I am comfortable in a hammock.
My back and hips don't hurt when I get up.
But proseltysing about the wonder of hammocks is a fool's errand."




proselytize
intransitive verb
1 : to induce someone to convert to one's faith
2 : to recruit someone to join one's party, institution or cause



;-) had to look that one up. "



This is exactly what hammock campers do. I was on a Facebook group and said I prefer a tent over a hammock. Everyone was like you have to try a hammock out. I said I did and I didn't care for it. They all said well you didn't have it rigged right. I said no I did as I tried another guys out and he had it set up. So then they were like well it must have been too short of a hammock and I was like it was such and such of a name brand. then they were like you slept in it wrong and again I was like no the guy showed me how to do it just like you guys state. Some of us just aren't hammock people.
 
TomT
12/30/2017 11:24AM
 
mschi772: "I'd be a hammock camper full time, but there are lots of places I go or would like to go that don't have trees, and my dog is not a dog that would be OK without a tent. I'm VERY slowly trying to build-up a full hammock setup as I can, but it ain't cheap."

I get the no trees part, not much you can do there. But, I have the same issue with my dog and think I've solved that problem by getting her a little "Pup tent" designed for dogs. My dog is 50lbs. and there is a lot of room for a bigger dog in there. This is 1.5 Lbs. It's not completely waterproof but my idea is to have it under my tarp next to me in the hammock. I haven't used it yet on a trip.

Alcott Pup Tent


 
Savage Voyageur
12/28/2017 08:52PM
 
Do like I did. My first nights sleep was in the BWCA on a week trip. First night was rough but then I adjusted the suspension and dialed it in. I went all in that trip. Laying in the hammock the first night I was thinking how I made a huge mistake and I would just sleep on the ground the rest of the trip. I’m so glad I stayed with it. Hammocks rock.
 
Blatz
12/28/2017 09:30PM
 
I gave hammocks a very fair chance to work for me. I really wanted it to work. Took 5 trips with a quality hammock, learned how to set it up quickly and correctly, and basically immersed myself in them as far as using it for my primary shelter. Non the less after my last trip I decided to give up on my hammock and return to my tent and bivy. I could never get comfortable and felt way too confined.
 
jcavenagh
12/29/2017 08:10AM
 
Hammocks are great for some, not so much for others.
I am happy that I am comfortable in a hammock.
My back and hips don't hurt when I get up.
But proseltysing about the wonder of hammocks is a fool's errand.
 
Fizics
12/29/2017 11:18AM
 
Try a bridge hammock, I did. And never looked back.
 
mjmkjun
12/28/2017 03:47PM
 
Dbor: "quote lean: "I have tried it and it's not for me also. "



Ban them. That way I won't be tempted to try them again. It just looks so cool. It's like this hip/fun way to nap. Only it sucks. I've been on different types. Tried laying all different ways. I just can't get comfortable.



Other thing I would like banned.... if I'm in a We No Nah, no one I pass on the water or trail is allowed to ask me "do you know Na?? Cuz we no nah". Was not funny first time. Still not.
"



LOL! That's so silly it cracked me up. Funny!
I'm gonna give a hammock another go on my upcoming mid-June trip. Didn't like the first attempt because I couldn't sleep on my stomach. I just kept trying to find that sweet stomach position throughout the night. I recall It was so much simpler to break camp. Pull snakeskin and untie. Done.