Does anyone have any pros / cons on the hammock vs tent question? My husband and I will be making our first trip into the BWCA over Labor Day weekend. We will be going with our son and his family; it will be our son's 5th trip; 2nd for wife and children.

Since we are starting from scratch on gear, would we be better off to invest in hammocks or a tent? (We have friends who 100% recommend hammocks; others I've talked to have always used tents.)

Before we invest in anything, I'd like input from people who have used both.

If we go with hammocks, what brand(s) would you recommend / not recommend?

Thanks!

Kathy

I was a tent camper from when I was a toddler up til my late 20s. I can never remember getting a good night's sleep in a tent, and I'd usually wake up with a back and neck ache, regardless of what kind of mattress or pad I tried.

So I decided to invest in a good hammock, if I wanted to keep camping. After reading lots of reviews and information, I decided to get an Amok Draumr hammock. They're not cheap, but I believe in the principle of "buy once, cry once", and for me it's been worth every penny. I sleep as well in it as I do in my bed at home, and no more back or neck pain. Another huge advantage of hammocks is you can use them anywhere there are trees large enough to support it. No worrying about finding a level tent pad without rocks or roots. Some aspects of using a hammock take a little getting used to, like getting into and out of a sleeping bag while in the hammock, but once you've done it a few times it gets much easier. Bottom line: I will never sleep in a tent again unless there are no trees available for a hammock.

I realized I might have posted in the wrong one so here is my copy

I have not done both however I have reasons why that might help.

- You would only need 1 or 2 tents as opposed to however many hammocks you need.

- If you go hammocks you have to find a site that can accommodate them. Some sites its not the easiest finding hammock worthy trees.

- A tent you can pitch damn near anywhere even if you someday go to a park with very little trees. Even if the site has poor tent pads.. you can still set it up.

- I find sleeping in hammocks to be very uncomfortable for extended times. Naps are fine but all night I am not sure I would sleep well.

Obviously I am pro tent ;) the only pros for hammocks are you aren't on the ground (a good mat takes care of that for a tent), and you can get further away from someone who snores.

I have an Eno (spelling?) hammock for day use. I use a REI 4 man half dome tent at night.

A hammock is not a turnkey conception. There's a much steeper learning curve associated with them. Give yourself some time and do research on the various types and setups. It would be a mistake to waltz into canoe country without adequate due diligence as you could with a tent.

I am not trying to turn you off the idea. I switched to a hammock two years ago and love it.

I switched from tents to a hammock 5 years ago and will never go back. Initial cost was a little steep but I’ve never slept better in the BW. I use a bridge hammock that gives a much flatter lie than a gathered end so I can side sleep. I do 2 trips a year and have never had trouble finding a place to set -up even with 2 other hangers besides myself .

My group all use RidgeRunner hammocks made by warbonnet Outdoors.

Argo: "A hammock is not a turnkey conception. There's a much steeper learning curve associated with them. Give yourself some time and do research on the various types and setups. It would be a mistake to waltz into canoe country without adequate due diligence as you could with a tent.

I am not trying to turn you off the idea. I switched to a hammock two years ago and love it. "

Agreed.

Better path may be to rent tents from an outfitter, and explore the hammock options (so many more possible configurations than tents) carefully and over time. They are indeed - for many folks - wonderful, but do your research first. Hammockforums.net, the Ultimate Hang book, and Shug's videos are all worth exploring.

Argo: "A hammock is not a turnkey conception. There's a much steeper learning curve associated with them. Give yourself some time and do research on the various types and setups. It would be a mistake to waltz into canoe country without adequate due diligence as you could with a tent.

I am not trying to turn you off the idea. I switched to a hammock two years ago and love it. "

Argo and Moray both make very valid points. They are pretty simple to use once you know what you are doing but you really do need to commit some time and effort into becoming proficient with them. In my opinion, if done right with quality gear they are far superior in comfort than a tent. Done poorly with low quality gear and they are miserable.

My wife and I made the switch from tents to hammocks about 5 years ago and would never go back. I did invest a lot of time and a fair amount of money to get it right the first time. We have Warbonnet brand hammocks, an asymmetrical gathered end Blackbird XLC and a bridge style Ridgerunner. I love them both but I think the Ridgerunner is the easier of the two to use well.

Hammocks are a rabbit hole for sure. If you want to dive in they are game changers. My wife and I are both in our 50’s with many years of wilderness travel experience. Prior to discovering hammocks we were slowly phasing out of camping due to sore backs, shoulders, hips etc. We just couldn’t get much quality sleep anymore. Now we can’t wait to crawl into our hammocks.

My advice is to search out YouTube videos from BWCA.com members like Shug and another guy “Adventures With the Marine?” They will teach you all about the various types, how to hang them, underquilts, tarps etc etc. This will get you started and you can gauge your own interest better at that point. Think of hammocks as an investment, If that sounds like more than you want to get into then I would save time and money and just go with a tent.

Best of luck and be sure to browse the hammocking sub forum. There are lots of folks willing to answer questions you might come up with.

Good morning,

My .02 is that Hammocks are the way to go for the following reasons:
-Lighter overall weight
-Never have to worry about a leaky sleeping pad. This can really suck.
-You never have to worry about a site with a flat spot on the ground or rocks
-You will stay dry regardless of how much it rains once you understand how to pitch the tarp. We did a trip last September to Lac La Croix and it rained for four days straight. I was the only guy sleeping dry and the only guy in a hammock. My group was very jealous by day three.
-Easier to roll out and pee at night since you have no zippers or crap that are noisy.
Cons:
-Learning curve to getting the right pitch so you don't end up like a banana in the middle
-Less privacy since you are exposed under the tarp.
-Need to work out ways to keep your gear dry. I hang my pack from a tree next to my hammock with an extra strap
-Can be cold under your back if you don't buy an underquilt
I'd recommend either a Superior Gear hammock since it is a really simple concept and a really simple strap setup. I've slept in mine to -40 on winter trips and never had any issues. I slept like a baby. I also like Dream Hammock if you want to be able to adjust and vary your underquilt temperature in the summer.

The hammock game has advanced in an astronomical fashion the last decade or so. What I have found is that most people that have had bad sleeping experiences with a hammock either have only tried the standard ENO banana shape or haven't properly underquilted/sleeping padded for warmth. As someone who's well past a couple hundred nights in a hammock, I can attest that there are bad nights there just like there are bad nights in a tent, but there are far fewer. For me, the bridge style (in my case, a warbonnet ridgerunner) was a huge improvement in the comfort category. Having a hammock with a bug net setup is essential for any sort of true overnight experience (you wouldn't leave the door open in your tent, an open-topped hammock is about the same.) A double layered hammock is also key, especially during the summer. Mosquitos in particular can bite through a single layer of fabric which can lead to a pretty miserable experience choosing between a hot sleeping bag or being covered in bites. The up sides to hammocks though are site adaptability where you can sleep on a level surface even if you're set up on a rock face/steep slope. It does take some getting used to as any thing does, and planning for water running under you and possibly soaking gear below is a lesson too often learned the hard way, but I can attest to sleeping comfortably from well below zero up to the hottest summer nights.

The primary downside to a hammock is no "sitting up" lounging space out of the bugs. For me, I don't spend much time in the tent either way so it doesn't make much of a difference. And the ridgerunner has these huge pockets letting me keep a book with me and read while laying down which is great.

That said, I often switch back to a tent for winter camping. I have seen set ups where a hammock tarp has a stove jack for hot tenting with a hammock. I've never used it and I would be worried about swinging into the stove pipe, but if I had a big enough tent it sure sounds like a dream.

I wish I could sleep on a hammock. To me they seem like a smart way to go. I am envious of hammock users because the concept appeals to me, but the reality of my three back surgeries just isn't something that would work.

I'm a tent guy because I'm a stomach and side sleeper. I know there are some hammocks advertised as flat (or nearly so), but I don't think that they would work for me. Any bend at all would not work for my back.

I have also heard that finding trees for hanging a hammock is not always easy.

The other issue for me is long-term rain. I know tents can leak and individuals under hammocks can stay bone dry after several consecutive days of rain. However, if I am tent bound I like the ability to sit up and stretch and change positions, something that cannot be done in a hammock. My wife and I can also play cards and games rain-bound in a tent, which can't be done in a hammock.

Mike

Good question. I have always been a tent guy, but that was based on my Fathers equipment and stuck with it as "if it ain't broke, why fix it". HOWEVER, last year my older son and I purchased Amok Draumr hammocks and did a short equipment try-out trip with them. We also brought along a tent, just in case. Set up was easy, sleep was great, comfort took a few minutes to learn but was great, even as a side sleeper. Lots of pro's; light weight, easy set up, seperates the snorers from non-snoring people, (ha), converts to a swing chair, GREAT sleep. A few con's: Cost, takes practise to get in and out of, remember to take an underquilt or purchase the Amok's winter pad. Laying in a hammock on a sleeping bag even with a regular pad gets compressed and loses all insulation benefits. With a family with "little" kids, I would still look at a tent for their anxiety level, (and Mom and Dad's as well) if they are worried about being alone. Secondly, a tent can be used as a bug shelter if needed, a hammock can be used by one person, hard to play cards in a hammock.

Why do people claim an entire hammock system is lighter than a tent? My solo tent weighs much less (and packs much smaller) than my husband's hammock system. And 2 hammock systems would weigh more than our 3-person tent. I'm sure there are situations and products that would make this the opposite, but don't assume all hammocks are lighter than all tents.

I am a tent person all the way. I like to shift around a lot during the night and am mostly a side sleeper. I like to stretch my legs and arms in different directions. A hammock feels very confining to me. Even a sleeping bag feels too confining for me so I use a quilt.

My son and husband both have hammock systems and like them in certain situations. But in hot, buggy weather they find a tent much, much more comfortable.

If you are considering a hammock system, I would recommend trying it out before buying to make sure it is something you really like.

I haven't tried both so have held off on adding my 2 cents until now. But I completely agree with straighthairedcurly. I'm well into my 50s and I still love sleeping in a tent.

I have followed the issue enough to know that per person, hammocks are not in general lighter than tents. I don't feel the need to bring all of my gear into the tent at night, so there are plenty of true solo tents (as light or lighter than hammock systems) with ample room for electronics, personal items, and to stretch and change up sleeping positions.

And hammocks seem a lot more complicated to me.

Hammocks apparently make sense for a lot of people, but don't assume tents are obsolete.

Renting both before committing might make a lot of sense.

straighthairedcurly: "Why do people claim an entire hammock system is lighter than a tent? My solo tent weighs much less (and packs much smaller) than my husband's hammock system. And 2 hammock systems would weigh more than our 3-person tent. I'm sure there are situations and products that would make this the opposite, but don't assume all hammocks are lighter than all tents.

I think it's because in general, moving from a mid-range backpacking tent to a mid-range backpacking hammock typically does save weight and space. If you're already using something like a tarp tent then the weight savings are probably negligible or even nonexistent with a hammock.

I've done both tents and hammocks. I prefer a hammock, so I'll give you my list of pros and cons. Keep in mind some of these pros may have a "con" side (for example, hammocks eliminate the need for flat ground, but unlike tents they require two trees far enough apart for a good hang).

I am somewhat apathetic on this -- hammocks work better for me, but I understand a tent might work better for the next guy. That's fine. I'm not going to try to convince him otherwise.

I will say in all my years of backpacking and canoeing, I've never had any trouble finding a decent spot to hang.

Hammock PROS:

- Can get to an ultralight weight and pack space savings at a lower price point

- Better in hot weather as air can move over them, and no condensation issues

- Are easier and faster to set up and pack up

- Suitable for any terrain (don't need flat ground)

- Never have to worry about ground water seeping in during hard rains

- Provide a good view of surroundings (nothing like being able to look out from bed at a beautiful backcountry lake as the sun rises)

- Less points of failure than a tent (no poles)

- Eliminates the need for sleeping pads

- Can be double purposed as a chair

- Fewer critters get in them (I woke up to a mouse in my tent once -- has never happened with a hammock)

- SOME people find them more comfortable than tent sleeping

- Can be peed out of (I've never done this myself since I don't want to step in pee in the morning, however some of my tripmates have. BUT getting out of a hammock to pee in the middle of the night is so much better than getting out of a tent)

- Are more modular than a tent, so if you want to change a component like your tarp, you can do so easily without having to purchase an entirely new setup

Hammock CONS:

- The learning curve

- The litany of hammock products and opinions online can make the hammock world overwhelming

- Takes some trial and error to figure out your perfect hang

- A bad night in a hammock is worse than a bad night in a tent (in my experience)

- Are single-person only, so no shared weight savings and no hanging out in the hammock

- Further to the above, forget sleeping with friends, a partner, or your dog

- Gotta have trees

- Cooler than tents. In cold weather, this can lead to a miserable night unless you have a proper underquilt (speaking from experience)

- Require slightly more complicated insulation (underquilts)

- Less privacy than a tent

- Can't store gear in a hammock (although I've always been able to fit all my stuff on the ground under my tarp)

- SOME people can never get comfortable in a hammock

- You can FEEL more vulnerable in a hammock, although in reality it's the same amount of fabric between you and a hungry bear

TreeBear: "Mosquitos in particular can bite through a single layer of fabric which can lead to a pretty miserable experience choosing between a hot sleeping bag or being covered in bites. "

While this is true, I always use an underquilt, even during hot summer nights, so the mosquitoes never get to me. I've never felt too hot with my underquilt, even in 80 degree nighttime temps. (The topquilt is a different story...)

Excellent synopsis Summerskin.

On a separate note, a more fulsome comparison of relative weight between a hammock and a tent needs to consider other accessories required when tenting such as a sleeping pad, poles and perhaps a footprint as well. Having said that, I am not convinced that weight-saving argument is always in the hangers' favour.

As for mosquitos, a double-layered hammock solves that issue. A pad can also be inserted between the layers for colder conditions. I would not recommend a single-layered hammock.

I don't know where to even start to thank everyone for taking the time to give your input. And I haven't quite figured out how the forum works on this site . . . hence the (accidental) "double post" last night (and I can't find any way to delete the other one.)

After reading through all of this, I'm realizing I don't have enough time to do adequate research between now and the time we leave to make an intelligent decision about which kind of hammock would be best -- or even IF hammocks would be best. (I'll be volunteering at a youth Bible camp almost the entire month of July, won't have time for much research while I'm there, and will only have about a month between the time I get home from camp and the time we leave for BWCA.)

I'm wondering if we might be best off to just get a good tent for now, and then investigate the whole hammock thing over the next year. (I'm already planning to make this a yearly event, as long as I'm physically able. I'll be 72 in October.) I would like to have camping equipment we can share (take others camping with us), and "they" might not want a hammock.

There seem to be a lot more hammock options than I had any idea about. How do we "try" something if we don't know anyone to borrow the brand we're looking at from, that we can try for a night or two in the woods on the hill above our house? Someone said, "try before you buy" -- how do I do that? Stores don't typically take "used" stuff back . . . so how do I "try" and then return it if it doesn't work?

Someone else said something about a "hammock forum" on this site -- where do I find that?

Again . . . thank you SO much to everyone who has taken the time to respond to my questions. This is all pretty "overwhelming" right now. :-)

I'm highly experienced in both tent and hammock in the BWCAW and other wilderness areas. I've introduced many to the hammock world. After 35+ years of wilderness travel, I prefer hammock to tents. But if this is your first trip to the BWCAW, then I highly suggest a tent for your first BWCAW experience. Hammocks almost always require a bit of tinkering to get set up properly. Depending on the hammock then you may need to learn some specialized knots like the Truckers Hitch etc. Tents are much easier and quicker to set up without any experience necessary. Additionally, with a group of 4+ then you might need to get very creative to find 4+ sets of trees suitable for your hang in one BWCA campsite. You can rent a tent or purchase a suitable 4 person tent for $200. A suitable hammock setup with rain fly that you'll be happy with long-term will start at $400 per person and a hammock that you'll be comfortable with long-term will cost much more than that. I'd make sure that you love the BWCA before investing in multiple hammock setups. Just my 2 cents.

Argo: "Excellent synopsis Summerskin.

On a separate note, a more fulsome comparison of relative weight between a hammock and a tent needs to consider other accessories required when tenting such as a sleeping pad, poles and perhaps a footprint as well. Having said that, I am not convinced that weight-saving argument is always in the hangers' favour.

As for mosquitos, a double-layered hammock solves that issue. A pad can also be inserted between the layers for colder conditions. I would not recommend a single-layered hammock."

Thanks. Why wouldn't you recommend a single-layered hammock? With a proper underquilt, I've never had an issue with mine.

SummerSkin: "

Argo: "Excellent synopsis Summerskin.

On a separate note, a more fulsome comparison of relative weight between a hammock and a tent needs to consider other accessories required when tenting such as a sleeping pad, poles and perhaps a footprint as well. Having said that, I am not convinced that weight-saving argument is always in the hangers' favour.

As for mosquitos, a double-layered hammock solves that issue. A pad can also be inserted between the layers for colder conditions. I would not recommend a single-layered hammock."

Thanks. Why wouldn't you recommend a single-layered hammock? With a proper underquilt, I've never had an issue with mine."

I don't want to pack and suspend an underquilt just to fight mosquitoes.

Most underquilts are not head to toe. Most underquilts are shoulders to thighs or knees. Even if the underquilt was head to toe, they are not 100% sealed and they're will be gaps. Mosquitoes ABSOLUTELY can bite through a single layer hammock. Those little buggers

HangLoose: "I'm highly experienced in both tent and hammock in the BWCAW and other wilderness areas. I've introduced many to the hammock world. After 35+ years of wilderness travel, I prefer hammock to tents. But if this is your first trip to the BWCAW, then I highly suggest a tent for your first BWCAW experience. Hammocks almost always require a bit of tinkering to get set up properly. Depending on the hammock then you may need to learn some specialized knots like the Truckers Hitch etc. Tents are much easier and quicker to set up without any experience necessary. Additionally, with a group of 4+ then you might need to get very creative to find 4+ sets of trees suitable for your hang in one BWCA campsite. You can rent a tent or purchase a suitable 4 person tent for $200. A suitable hammock setup with rain fly that you'll be happy with long-term will start at $400 per person and a hammock that you'll be comfortable with long-term will cost much more than that. I'd make sure that you love the BWCA before investing in multiple hammock setups. Just my 2 cents. "

Thank you!!

Switched from a tent to a Kammok Mantis Ultralight hammock and couldn’t be happier. Gear is stored in a mini hammock underneath.

Having individual hammocks instead of a shared tent will prevent accidental pregnancies.

I think with your group and circumstances, with lots of able hands, I'd do both. Plan on using the tents, but take a couple of hammocks with all the accessories, (straps, bug nets) and take turns trying them out at night if no threat of rain. If weather is warm enough you shouldn't need any underquilt, we just use our sleeping pads in the hammock just as we'd use them in the tent. Also, if you do it this way, you can get some inexpensive hammocks before committing to better ones for future trips.

They'll also be nice to catch that 3:00 PM nap with a good book.

johndku: "I think with your group and circumstances, with lots of able hands, I'd do both. Plan on using the tents, but take a couple of hammocks with all the accessories, (straps, bug nets) and take turns trying them out at night if no threat of rain. If weather is warm enough you shouldn't need any underquilt, we just use our sleeping pads in the hammock just as we'd use them in the tent. Also, if you do it this way, you can get some inexpensive hammocks before committing to better ones for future trips.

They'll also be nice to catch that 3:00 PM nap with a good book."

Thank you!

That sounds like a really good idea.

What kind of inexpensive hammocks would you recommend?

We bring a group of 14 to 22 men up every year (we go into 3 camps). We have been coming up for 15 years. We all started out with tents. Now everyone is in a hammock except for one guy.

I have a bridge hammock. A Helsdon Hammock. You can sleep on your side or stomach and it has storage front and back, mosqito net, and rain fly. Even double bottom to you can slide any type of insulated mat in there for insulation, or use an underquilt.

We go to the Gunflint area. There are always trees for hammocks. Rarely do we find camp sites, however, that would handle 4-6 tents. As we are all men, and most individuals, "bunking up" never was very popular.

Biggest reason we left tents. . .no more crawling out on our knees. . .finding every rock. . .the 2-3 times a night that we all seem to be getting up.

Switched from tent to hammocks probably 7 to 8 years ago and I haven't looked back. I am a side sleeper but I can still get a good night sleep in our Warbonnet Blackbirds. We don't even have underquilts and use our exped sleeping mats. Sure they move around but we've managed ok. I need to get some underquilts and I would bet the sleep would be even better.

kyhtak: "

johndku: "I think with your group and circumstances, with lots of able hands, I'd do both. Plan on using the tents, but take a couple of hammocks with all the accessories, (straps, bug nets) and take turns trying them out at night if no threat of rain. If weather is warm enough you shouldn't need any underquilt, we just use our sleeping pads in the hammock just as we'd use them in the tent. Also, if you do it this way, you can get some inexpensive hammocks before committing to better ones for future trips.


They'll also be nice to catch that 3:00 PM nap with a good book."

Thank you!


That sounds like a really good idea.


What kind of inexpensive hammocks would you recommend?"

The community here will probably frown, but last 2 trips I've used an inexpensive Byer of Maine double hammock when tripping. I'm a bigger guy, and it gives me plenty of room. I do have a higher quality straps and bug net for it. We don't usually trip in shoulder seasons so don't need an underquilt. I've hung it both under a CCS tarp and a NEMO bugout shelter with no issues.

Also forgot to mention I usually hit the hammock and the bug nut with some permethrin spray to keep the skeeters away....

I usually go with a mixed group; half tenters and half in hammocks. There is no question the two of us that sleep in hammocks get much more and higher quality sleep. That being said (as it's been stressed on this thread already) I highly recommend some backyard practice before heading into the BWCA. If you can, try to sleep a night in the rain to work on getting your tarp setup adequate for a trip.

kyhtak: "...

Someone else said something about a "hammock forum" on this site -- where do I find that?

"

https://www.hammockforums.net/ Go ahead and start with the free membership. There is a paywall for non-hammock related posting which you might want to explore in the future.

As far as a place to start your research, most of us started with Shug's YouTube site His videos and entertaining, educational and a bit addicting.

For what it's worth, I'd suggest a tent with the most plush pad you're willing to portage until you have had time to try a hammock. HammockForums members are nearly as generous as the BWCA.com membership. You might find someone willing to meet up at a local park to let you try their set up.

Good Luck

Hi Kathy,

Welcome! You've gotten some great advice. With all you have going on with this crew and a first time trip - maybe not the ideal time to begin hanging / sky-sleeping / hammocking as well?

As others have said, it's a bit of a curve for most people. If a component of it doesn't go well, it could make you decide you don't like it / aren't good at it / hate it when, in fact, you just needed a little more practice. And then with practice, you decide, "this is just not for me" --completely fair.

Here's what we did as a family - we bought an ENO (which, twenty-some years later, is still in like-new condition despite heavy use), and hung it in camp. My sons played in it and napped in it when they were little, then started using it for camping when they were high school. Their interest and experiences in genuine hammock-camping lead me to explore it as a way to keep camping comfortably into my later years. I began using a hammock exclusively in 2019. I would use a tent now only when in "little stick country" or knowing I'll be in a burn area. If given a choice, I'd use a hammock, regardless of season / weather.

We still have those ENO's and they're perfectly fine, but as you get more interested in customizing your own set-up, maybe you want a bridge, or a built-in underquilt, or a double-layer (highly recommend in MN), or whatever. So, maybe it's a bit much to put all that on yourself and on the group? Maybe I'm an idiot?

If you're within shipping distance, I'd be happy to loan you an ENO or two or three. If you're within visiting distance, I'd be happy to show you a set-up and let you try it out. 10-10 with the Shug videos. He's really the greatest. He recently released a video that addresses why hammocks are really not the be-all, end-all and have some challenges. It's spot on, as usual. There's also a book called Ultimate Hang, and the Hammock Forum.net is also great. There's a forum here that is also really helpful, under "Hammock Forum" folder.

Hope you have a terrific trip, tent or hammock :)

OCDave: "

kyhtak: "...Someone else said something about a "hammock forum" on this site -- where do I find that?"

https://www.hammockforums.net/ Go ahead and start with the free membership. There is a paywall for non-hammock related posting which you might want to explore in the future.

As far as a place to start your research, most of us started with Shug's YouTube site His videos and entertaining, educational and a bit addicting.

For what it's worth, I'd suggest a tent with the most plush pad you're willing to portage until you have had time to try a hammock. HammockForums members are nearly as generous as the BWCA.com membership. You might find someone willing to meet up at a local park to let you try their set up.

Good Luck "

Thank you! I've joined Hammock Forums, and looked up Shug's YouTube site. But it's getting close to bedtime here, so I'm not going to start down the YouTube rabbit hole tonight. In reality, it will probably have to wait until I get back from summer camp the end of July, as I won't have the Internet bandwidth to watch while I'm at camp. I'll share the link with my husband (who is not going to camp) though.

johndku: "

kyhtak: "

johndku: "I think with your group and circumstances, with lots of able hands, I'd do both. Plan on using the tents, but take a couple of hammocks with all the accessories, (straps, bug nets) and take turns trying them out at night if no threat of rain. If weather is warm enough you shouldn't need any underquilt, we just use our sleeping pads in the hammock just as we'd use them in the tent. Also, if you do it this way, you can get some inexpensive hammocks before committing to better ones for future trips.

What kind of inexpensive hammocks would you recommend?"

The community here will probably frown, but last 2 trips I've used an inexpensive Byer of Maine double hammock when tripping. I'm a bigger guy, and it gives me plenty of room. I do have a higher quality straps and bug net for it. We don't usually trip in shoulder seasons so don't need an underquilt. I've hung it both under a CCS tarp and a NEMO bugout shelter with no issues."

Thank you! I'll look into that!

jillpine: "Hi Kathy,

Welcome! You've gotten some great advice. With all you have going on with this crew and a first time trip - maybe not the ideal time to begin hanging / sky-sleeping / hammocking as well?

As others have said, it's a bit of a curve for most people. If a component of it doesn't go well, it could make you decide you don't like it / aren't good at it / hate it when, in fact, you just needed a little more practice. And then with practice, you decide, "this is just not for me" --completely fair.

Here's what we did as a family - we bought an ENO (which, twenty-some years later, is still in like-new condition despite heavy use), and hung it in camp. My sons played in it and napped in it when they were little, then started using it for camping when they were high school. Their interest and experiences in genuine hammock-camping lead me to explore it as a way to keep camping comfortably into my later years. I began using a hammock exclusively in 2019. I would use a tent now only when in "little stick country" or knowing I'll be in a burn area. If given a choice, I'd use a hammock, regardless of season / weather.

We still have those ENO's and they're perfectly fine, but as you get more interested in customizing your own set-up, maybe you want a bridge, or a built-in underquilt, or a double-layer (highly recommend in MN), or whatever. So, maybe it's a bit much to put all that on yourself and on the group? Maybe I'm an idiot?

If you're within shipping distance, I'd be happy to loan you an ENO or two or three. If you're within visiting distance, I'd be happy to show you a set-up and let you try it out. 10-10 with the Shug videos. He's really the greatest. He recently released a video that addresses why hammocks are really not the be-all, end-all and have some challenges. It's spot on, as usual. There's also a book called Ultimate Hang, and the Hammock Forum.net is also great. There's a forum here that is also really helpful, under "Hammock Forum" folder.

Hope you have a terrific trip, tent or hammock :)"

Thank you so much. We have friends who will loan us an ENO or two, at least for backyard practice, after I get home from summer camp (sleeping on a bunk bed in a cabin) the end of July.

We're near Chattanooga, TN -- if you live anywhere close (you probably don't), I would love to visit and get some tips from an expert!

And, no, you're not an idiot.

The only ones in the group even considering hammocks are my husband and myself. Our son, daughter-in-law, and their three children (12, 9, and almost 7 when we make the trip) will be sleeping in a tent. Also, our daughter (if she is able to go) will be in a tent. (She has mild scoliosis; something I was reading today indicates she might not be a good candidate for a hammock because of that.)

This will be our son's 5th trip to BWCA; the second for his family. It's only a first for my husband, our daughter, and myself.

At this point, we're most likely going to take tents and good sleeping pads for everyone, and take one hammock for all of us to try out. That way, no one is "stranded" in a hammock with no other options.

My husband is inclined to do some research, and see if we can find one good hammock (rain fly, bug net, underquilt, etc.) to take, instead of spending money on inexpensive ones that might not give us a good feel for what hammock camping is all about.

I'm going to look into return options; we can always sell it if it can't be returned and we hate it. But I don't anticipate hating it.

Chattanooga has an REI store -- I plan to go down there (after camp) and pick their brains on this topic. They might have some set up in the show room that I can try. I believe they have a one-year return policy, which might give us the opportunity to take one with us on this trip.

I actually own a single-nest Eno hammock (that I've never tried, because I'm not sure how); but everyone I've talked to tells me a double-nest hammock is much superior.

From what I've read, I'm likely going to want a good underquilt -- I get cold easily (inherited from my dad), and have a difficult time sleeping if I'm not warm. I especially have trouble with my legs staying warm, so I'd want a full underquilt, not just one under my torso, as I read about somewhere. Especially since our son said they had some night time temps in the 30's over Labor Day weekend last year.

If your friends would let you try them out before the trip that would be best. Not everyone can sleep in hammocks comfortably. Plus each system has its plus and minuses. I like a tent but you may really enjoy hammock camping.

SevenofNine: "If your friends would let you try them out before the trip that would be best. Not everyone can sleep in hammocks comfortably. Plus each system has its plus and minuses. I like a tent but you may really enjoy hammock camping."

That would be good!

I kind of figured each system has pros and cons . . . and they will likely be different for each person. The trick will be to figure out which one will be best of US.

Thank you!

I do both depending on season and type of trip.

Shoulder season solo then it is a hammock as I will not need a bug enclosure to enjoy sitting around in the evening as I can use my hammock and fly for rain tarp duties as well.

Bug season I will use my Lean 1 + as It is my tent/tarp/ and bug enclosure all in one fell swoop. I will trip with that as a 2 person user set up as well.

I use my underquilts/overquilt while in hammock mode and Exped thermarest and top quilt while in Lean mode.

ISRO: "I do both depending on season and type of trip.

Shoulder season solo then it is a hammock as I will not need a bug enclosure to enjoy sitting around in the evening as I can use my hammock and fly for rain tarp duties as well.

Bug season I will use my Lean 1 + as It is my tent/tarp/ and bug enclosure all in one fell swoop. I will trip with that as a 2 person user set up as well.

I use my underquilts/overquilt while in hammock mode and Exped thermarest and top quilt while in Lean mode."

That sounds like a really good plan.

Next question: I keep hearing people talk about "shoulder season." Um . . . when is that? And what does that have to do with bugs and type of equipment.

Sorry if these are "stupid" questions . . . this BWCA stuff is all new to me, and I (sometimes) feel like I'm "drowning" in information.

Not stupid questions at all. At some point everyone here was where you are now. Shoulder seasons (as I understand and use the term anyway) are basically spring and fall, or more specifically for the BWCA where winter often comes early and stays late, late spring and early fall. Roughly the months of May and September, although that depends a bit on the weather of a given year.

They're my personal favorite times to be outdoors, since the weather is generally mild, there isn't as much precipitation on average, and the bugs are either not out yet in great numbers, or already mostly gone.

As far as equipment goes, tripping in shoulder seasons means you'll need cool-weather gear rather than summertime equipment. A 20° sleeping bag rather than a 50° one, for example. And when tripping in the spring, be prepared for cold water.

NEIowapaddler: "Not stupid questions at all. At some point everyone here was where you are now. Shoulder seasons (as I understand and use the term anyway) are basically spring and fall, or more specifically for the BWCA where winter often comes early and stays late, late spring and early fall. Roughly the months of May and September, although that depends a bit on the weather of a given year.

They're my personal favorite times to be outdoors, since the weather is generally mild, there isn't as much precipitation on average, and the bugs are either not out yet in great numbers, or already mostly gone.

As far as equipment goes, tripping in shoulder seasons means you'll need cool-weather gear rather than summertime equipment. A 20° sleeping bag rather than a 50° one, for example. And when tripping in the spring, be prepared for cold water. "

Thank you so much for that explanation!

Once again, I REALLY appreciate all the tips and suggestions from everyone here!

It seems like every new post, regardless of how many there are, has some new tip, some angle I haven't considered before.

If nothing else, our grandchildren will likely enjoy spending time in any hammock we take, even if no one actually sleeps in it overnight! (But I plan to sleep in it at least one night, and I think my husband does, too.)

I will try to remember to let you know what our final equipment decisions are . . . and how things went (after we get back).

I'm going to give another perspective as well: both are good, so bring both!

I think if you set up any tent or hammock properly it will give a great rest. You can watch about 2-3 videos (probably 5-10 minutes) on how to hang a hammock and be set - and you don't need an expensive hammock to try it.

I've been a tent sleeper for camping all my life until probably 3-5 years ago when the wife and I got some hammocks (cheapies on a black friday sale - I think we paid less than $15 per hammock? Still in use, they are 'double' hammocks); we took them camping in N. Wisconsin on a whim and fell in absolute love. Snoozed the night away (even through a storm) and have since agreed "yeah, this is nice"; they pack up so small (probably a little bit larger than a softball - at most, 2 softballs in size, weighing almost nothing) and I like that. Easy to stash an 'extra' just about anywhere 'in case'.

If you're a warm sleeper (like me) then perhaps trying a hammock would be a fun thing! I tend to get hot in tents and always have; often just sleeping in as little clothing as possible laying on top of whatever sleeping device I brought - the hammock eliminates that for me personally. I got downright cold in the hammock (which I loved)! For me, the fix was simply putting something under my back (I used a jacket I had handy which worked great). It's worked just fine for the summer months. Never do much chillier weather, but want to try some cooler weather this year. I got myself a sleeping pad to put in the hammock and an underquilt. So packing the hammock will take a bit more space/weight with those items, but I'm curious and will try it.

That said - we pack a tent like we used to, but because the hammocks are so light/small? We bring them as well. The tent only occasionally gets used anymore; but we've got it just in case we don't feel like hanging up the hammocks. On those days we pull the tent out and enjoy all the same delights as we always have.

So, if possible - try both. I (personally) think most hammocks will do fine - even the dirt cheap ones we use - as long as you hang them properly. If nothing else, you might find that having one just 'hanging around for a lazy afternoon' to be ideal!

Cheers!

Kathy
You have received a LOT of good advice here.
I'm not sure what I can add of value except to share my story.
I have been backpacking and camping since college. I am now 63 years old.
I like to buy high quality durable gear and keep it for a long time.
I have a Eureka Sentinel two person freestanding winter tent and a small single person Moss Solet tent. Both are great, but not manufactured anymore of course.

The Eureka Sentinel is now about forty years old. I have taken care of it, kept it clean and reapplied seam sealer when needed. About three years ago I was canoe camping in the Adirondacks with a buddy and we got a week of rain. My trusty old tent was leaking badly. Everything was wet. My only saving grace was that I had started using a cot which at least kept my sleeping bag off the floor and mostly dry. Nonetheless, it was miserable.

I realized that seam sealing again was probably not going to solve the issue. The floor fabric waterproofing layer was starting to break down. So..I was looking at spending probably $400-600 on a decent tent.
I had heard people yakking about hammocks. My only experience was with the typical LLBean backyard rope hammock and the ENO recreational hammocks. Both have their place but in no way are suitable for any kind of sleeping or camping. The more I read, the more hammocks made sense. Still, I was very on-the-fence.

As I did research, I went through a range of hammocks...each subsequent "decision" was followed by another "better choice". I started with a Lawson Blueridge hammock...kind of a tent and hammock in one. But, it's not really well-regarded among experts. Then I went to Hennessy Hammocks. A tier up. These are relatively well-made and affordable. A good entry point that will get you a very usable hammock for a reasonable price. And certainly better than all the crazy Chinese Amazon products. Avoid all that stuff like leprosy.

My next step was Warbonnet...the Blackbird XLC being their premier hammock system. A LOT of people use these and love them. But I continued researching and saw the zone of "custom" hammocks. There are several small manufacturers...generically called "cottage vendors" that make very customizable hammocks where you can select various parameters that suit you. These guys also make "off-the-shelf" ready-to-go hammocks as well.
I decided if I was going to do this, I was going to go high quality and trust that I was making a good decision.

I went with a small family-run company in Ohio called Dream Hammock. They were EXTREMELY friendly and helpful during my process with explaining everything and helping me make decisions. I got a Sparrow, custom, 11 foot, with the interchangeable bug net and a winter cover. Double layer.
For me, I wasn't concerned with saving a few ounces so I didn't NEED to have a single-layer. When you see the world of fabrics that are available when you go custom, it's eye-opening. Now I can select a fabric for the inside where I can get a beautiful color and a very soft cottony feel. And select a fabric for the outside that is muted color and extremely durable. And I get to put a light pad in between the two layers when it gets very cold to extend the comfort range. You can get the Sparrow bare bones with no winter cover, for $200 off-the-shelf, single layer, in whatever color or materials they happen to have made and have in stock. My fully-custom hammock, with the winter cover and some small accessories, was $400.

Dutchware and Simply Light Designs are two other highly competent manufacturers. I ended up getting an underquilt by Simply Light Designs (The Trailwinder system) and I love it.

No longer worry about rain, leaking, flooding, bushes, rocks, stumps and uneven ground. I really was nervous about spending so much without having tried it before. But you cannot see this stuff in stores anywhere, so...

It ended up being so comfortable that after I set it up to try it out in January when it arrived, it stayed up. All winter...all summer....I sleep in my hammock every single night. It's awesome. Normally I'm a side and stomach sleeper in a bed. And since I was 50 or so, I have had all kinds of aches and pains from sleeping in weird positions. All of that is gone. I sleep on my back 90% of the time and on my side about 10% of the time. It is so comfortable. It feels like God has me in his hands in the clouds. I absolutely love it. Being outside in the fresh air every night, ESPECIALLY in winter, to me, has great health benefits. Usually I get a cold every winter that quickly progresses into bronchitis. I suffer a lot and have to try and sleep sitting up, coughing constantly and lose more than a week of my vacation time staying home. All that is gone. I have not had a single cold since I started sleeping outside!

To me, the tent is so obsolete...that if I had to go camping in a tent...well... I just would not. No way. It takes me longer to pitch camp with a hammock system, and the system is somewhat heavier than a good one or two-person tent but to me the rewards are enormous. I also get to sleep and wake up with the view of the lake or pond right in front of me instead of being in "a room".

You do have to figure out Suspension systems and Tarp systems...and these can be pretty simple or pretty complex. Everyone figures out their own system. I will say if you are the kind of person, like my wife, who could care less about knots and "string" and figuring out systems...talk directly to someone who can guide you through the process. Once you get something figured out that works, you don't need to change it. There are camping hammock hang-outs around the country where hammock people camp out and have fun for a weekend...and that's a GREAT way to see a lot of different system, try things out and talk to the experts.

Good luck on the journey!

Blackdogyak: "
As I did research, I went through a range of hammocks...each subsequent "decision" was followed by another "better choice". I started with a Lawson Blueridge hammock...kind of a tent and hammock in one. But, it's not really well-regarded among experts. Then I went to Hennessy Hammocks. A tier up. These are relatively well-made and affordable. A good entry point that will get you a very usable hammock for a reasonable price. And certainly better than all the crazy Chinese Amazon products. Avoid all that stuff like leprosy.


"

The only downside to Hennessy's are their antiquated suspension system. That's why they are cheaper. Once you factor in the cost of subbing out the ropes for Dutchware straps and buckles for instance, they are about the same cost as other leading brands.

Otherwise, their design, tarps, fabrics and zippers are top notch in my opinion.

Where do Eno hammocks fit into this picture? That seems to be the choice of our local hammock-using friends . . .

Our son is going to bring a couple of hammocks with him, and a friend is going to let us try out their Eno hammocks next week.

For this trip, I think we're going to go with a tent. I just don't have the time and energy to figure all this hammock stuff out between now and our departure date the end of this month.

Again -- I really appreciate all the feedback I've gotten, and I'm going to dig deeper into it over the next year.

I've tented for years, bought a hammock in the spring of 22.

My goal on the hammock was weight savings and pack space savings. It failed at both and I returned it without ever using it.

I think if you're primarily a warm season camper, you might be able to accomplish those things, but we mostly go in may and oct.

I quality solo tent, sleep pad and bag took up way less space than the hammock, underquilt, over quilt and tarp.

Speckled: "I've tented for years, bought a hammock in the spring of 22.

My goal on the hammock was weight savings and pack space savings. It failed at both and I returned it without ever using it.

I think if you're primarily a warm season camper, you might be able to accomplish those things, but we mostly go in may and oct.

I quality solo tent, sleep pad and bag took up way less space than the hammock, underquilt, over quilt and tarp.
"

Interesting.

The predicted environment surrounding me in the BWCA at night over Labor Day weekend look like they will be similar to the uninsulated, unheated cabin I call "home" in northeastern WA for three weeks every July. That means I would need the underquilt, over quilt, tarp, mosquito net . . .

Speckled: "I've tented for years, bought a hammock in the spring of 22.


My goal on the hammock was weight savings and pack space savings. It failed at both and I returned it without ever using it.


I think if you're primarily a warm season camper, you might be able to accomplish those things, but we mostly go in may and oct.


I quality solo tent, sleep pad and bag took up way less space than the hammock, underquilt, over quilt and tarp.
"

Edit: Had responded to your post without reading it fully.

I do think a high quality one-man tent, bag and sleeping pad could easily eclipse the weight and volume of a hammock assembly. But I think a lot of people still use bulky synthetic bags and pads. And my friends each use a two-person tent as a single (which they really are if you want a bit of storage).

By comparison, my son and I came in at 70 lbs of of pack weight in 70L and 115L bags. My buddies with the tents were 104 lbs in two 115L bags. Of the group gear, my son and I carried the NoBugZone tarp as well as an axe and saw. They carried a much lighter tarp. There is obviously more to this story than tent vs hammock. But those components were significant contributors to the disparity in weight and volume between our two-man teams. Had you been on the other team, that outcome would have been significantly different.

Argo: "

Speckled: "I've tented for years, bought a hammock in the spring of 22.

My goal on the hammock was weight savings and pack space savings. It failed at both and I returned it without ever using it.

I think if you're primarily a warm season camper, you might be able to accomplish those things, but we mostly go in may and oct.

I quality solo tent, sleep pad and bag took up way less space than the hammock, underquilt, over quilt and tarp.
"

Edit: Had responded to your post without reading it fully.

I do think a high quality one-man tent, bag and sleeping pad could easily eclipse the weight and volume of a hammock assembly. But I think a lot of people still use bulky synthetic bags and pads. And my friends each use a two-person tent as a single (which they really are if you want a bit of storage).

By comparison, my son and I came in at 70 lbs of of pack weight in 70L and 115L bags. My buddies with the tents were 104 lbs in two 115L bags. Of the group gear, my son and I carried the NoBugZone tarp as well as an axe and saw. They carried a much lighter tarp. There is obviously more to this story than tent vs hammock. But those components were significant contributors to the disparity in weight and volume between our two-man teams. Had you been on the other team, that outcome would have been significantly different. "

That sounds like a fascinating story that you only told half of.

I hadn't heard of the NoBugZone tarp until you mentioned it. I just googled it. It looks like a really useful piece of equipment!

My husband and I both have good mummy sleeping bags and Therma rest pads, but we have a 3+ person tent, for gear storage.

Everything I read here gives me just a little more information I didn't know I was ignorant of. I really appreciate everything everyone has posted here!

I strongly recommend you invest the time and energy in investigating a hammock system before you get there and use it for the very first time in the BWCA. Join hammockforums.com or right here we also have a hammock forum. Ask a million questions. Try your hammock overnight somewhere in the woods to see if you can actually sleep in a hammock. Some people find them too confining, others find them claustrophobic, others have shoulder pain from them. You need to learn how to lay in your hammock, lay at a diagonal and you will lay flat. You need to learn the in’s and out’s of a hammock. If you could find a night that there will be a storm even better. You need to hone you hammock skills before your trip. Try to find a friend that has a sleeping hammock to try for a night. Just ask to borrow one in a hammock forum. You need to learn about quilts, underquilts, hammock styles, tarps, suspension systems and a few others I missed.

Another thing to think about is your actual route. Some places were burnt in the last 10 years. Yes it will be green trees and bushes but you will not have many options for hanging trees to pick from because they were burnt.

Tents are easy, just set it up and lay down. I will say that once you have your hammock dialed in you will have the best sleep in the woods ever.

Here’s a recent YouTube video by “Adventures with the Marine” that’s does a nice job explaining the basic styles of camping hammocks. It’s a really good starting point if you’re curious but are overwhelmed by the amount of videos out there. Hammock video

Argo: "

Speckled: "I've tented for years, bought a hammock in the spring of 22.



My goal on the hammock was weight savings and pack space savings. It failed at both and I returned it without ever using it.



I think if you're primarily a warm season camper, you might be able to accomplish those things, but we mostly go in may and oct.



I quality solo tent, sleep pad and bag took up way less space than the hammock, underquilt, over quilt and tarp.
"

. Had you been on the other team, that outcome would have been significantly different. "

We all pack singularily (sp?) in our group and group gear isn't really a thing...i mean there's some discussion so we don't end up with 4 camp saws and 4 hatchets, but that's about it. Meals are planned individually as well. I pack everything into a hiking pack and with food it comes in mid to low 40's for weight in the shoulder seasons and right around 40 in the summer season. Our trips are almost always 3 nights 4 days. That's about my minimum comfortable. I could pack lighter but would feel unprepared. I've packed heavier at times too, just depends on type of trip and what comforts I feel like bringing along.

Argo: "

Speckled: "I've tented for years, bought a hammock in the spring of 22.



My goal on the hammock was weight savings and pack space savings. It failed at both and I returned it without ever using it.



I think if you're primarily a warm season camper, you might be able to accomplish those things, but we mostly go in may and oct.



I quality solo tent, sleep pad and bag took up way less space than the hammock, underquilt, over quilt and tarp.
"

Edit: Had responded to your post without reading it fully.

I do think a high quality one-man tent, bag and sleeping pad could easily eclipse the weight and volume of a hammock assembly. But I think a lot of people still use bulky synthetic bags and pads. And my friends each use a two-person tent as a single (which they really are if you want a bit of storage).

By comparison, my son and I came in at 70 lbs of of pack weight in 70L and 115L bags. My buddies with the tents were 104 lbs in two 115L bags. Of the group gear, my son and I carried the NoBugZone tarp as well as an axe and saw. They carried a much lighter tarp. There is obviously more to this story than tent vs hammock. But those components were significant contributors to the disparity in weight and volume between our two-man teams. Had you been on the other team, that outcome would have been significantly different. "

It really depends on your approach to hammocks too. A lightweight backpacking setup would be pretty different than a canoe-camping outfit. Some people use very small tarps, diamond shape, that barely cover the hammock. I use a 15-x15' tarp most of the time. Although it adds maybe a pound and a half over a little tarp, this affords me much more setup flexibility. I can pull one side down to ground and the other side rigged out like a porch roof so I have protection and good views. I can close off one or both ends almost completely for winter conditions or to rig for heavy weather. For me it's really important to have complete protection for both ends of the hammock suspension. Tarps and rigging is really a whole separate topic.

As far as hammock suspension, avoid those daisy-chain straps. They are heavy and bulky and don't afford the level of adjustability that you need. They are fine for ENO hammocks in the park but don't bring them camping.

Lastly, in a standard gathered-end hammock, you can easily sit sideways to relax and hang out...it's very comfortable. And you have a bugnet over yourself.

kyhtak: "Where do Eno hammocks fit into this picture? That seems to be the choice of our local hammock-using friends . . . "

The ENO-type hammocks are fine for a quick hang in the park or whatever. We all have one and keep them in the car to use at a moments notice. They are in no way suitable for sleeping or camping. It's like the difference between a skateboard and a car. A $45 ENO doesn't even resemble a real camping hammock. Don't use one for such. You will be uncomfortable and unhappy and will tend to be turned off to hammocks.

"I do think a high quality one-man tent, bag and sleeping pad could easily eclipse the weight and volume of a hammock assembly. But I think a lot of people still use bulky synthetic bags and pads. And my friends each use a two-person tent as a single (which they really are if you want a bit of storage)."

I would not agree on this point. If you are going "high end", go high end on hammocks and tents both for comparison. There are many hammocks out there that weigh 2 lb or less, hammock, netting and rain fly. Hennessy Hyper lite for example is 28 ounces: hammock, netting, rain fly, and straps. Compare that to a 28 ounce solo tent.

Since the solo tent and the hammock both need bottom insulation, compare a high end 40 degree down underquilt to a sleeping pad with similar ratings. You will find the underquilt compresses down smaller and is lighter. Then compare a high end top quilt to a sleeping bag. Again, the top quilt will compress smaller and is lighter.

The mistake people make is comparing a walmart hammock to a high end tent. You need to go apples to apples. If you do that, the hammock option will be ligther and smaller then the tent option.

It really depends on your approach to hammocks too. A lightweight backpacking setup would be pretty different than a canoe-camping outfit. Some people use very small tarps, diamond shape, that barely cover the hammock. I use a 15-x15' tarp most of the time. Although it adds maybe a pound and a half over a little tarp, this affords me much more setup flexibility. I can pull one side down to ground and the other side rigged out like a porch roof so I have protection and good views. I can close off one or both ends almost completely for winter conditions or to rig for heavy weather. For me it's really important to have complete protection for both ends of the hammock suspension. Tarps and rigging is really a whole separate topic.

As far as hammock suspension, avoid those daisy-chain straps. They are heavy and bulky and don't afford the level of adjustability that you need. They are fine for ENO hammocks in the park but don't bring them camping.

Lastly, in a standard gathered-end hammock, you can easily sit sideways to relax and hang out...it's very comfortable. And you have a bug net over yourself. "

Thank you! That makes a lot of sense!!

Our son has Walmart hammocks . . .

ockycamper: ""I do think a high quality one-man tent, bag and sleeping pad could easily eclipse the weight and volume of a hammock assembly. But I think a lot of people still use bulky synthetic bags and pads. And my friends each use a two-person tent as a single (which they really are if you want a bit of storage)."

I would not agree on this point. If you are going "high end", go high end on hammocks and tents both for comparison. There are many hammocks out there that weigh 2 lb or less, hammock, netting and rain fly. Hennessy Hyper lite for example is 28 ounces: hammock, netting, rain fly, and straps. Compare that to a 28 ounce solo tent.

Since the solo tent and the hammock both need bottom insulation, compare a high end 40 degree down underquilt to a sleeping pad with similar ratings. You will find the underquilt compresses down smaller and is lighter. Then compare a high end top quilt to a sleeping bag. Again, the top quilt will compress smaller and is lighter.

The mistake people make is comparing a Walmart hammock to a high end tent. You need to go apples to apples. If you do that, the hammock option will be lighter and smaller then the tent option."

Thank you so much for this observation! We're just going to use a tent this time, but I will be seriously investigating hammocks after we get back, for our next trip!

ockycamper: ""I do think a high quality one-man tent, bag and sleeping pad could easily eclipse the weight and volume of a hammock assembly. But I think a lot of people still use bulky synthetic bags and pads. And my friends each use a two-person tent as a single (which they really are if you want a bit of storage)."

I would not agree on this point. If you are going "high end", go high end on hammocks and tents both for comparison. There are many hammocks out there that weigh 2 lb or less, hammock, netting and rain fly. Hennessy Hyper lite for example is 28 ounces: hammock, netting, rain fly, and straps. Compare that to a 28 ounce solo tent.

Since the solo tent and the hammock both need bottom insulation, compare a high end 40 degree down underquilt to a sleeping pad with similar ratings. You will find the underquilt compresses down smaller and is lighter. Then compare a high end top quilt to a sleeping bag. Again, the top quilt will compress smaller and is lighter.

The mistake people make is comparing a Walmart hammock to a high end tent. You need to go apples to apples. If you do that, the hammock option will be lighter and smaller then the tent option."

Thank you so much for this observation! We're just going to use a tent this time, but I will be seriously investigating hammocks after we get back, for our next trip!

Oops. Sorry about the double post. It wasn't intentional. If someone knows how to delete it, please do (and then you can delete this one, too.)

Blackdogyak: "

kyhtak: "Where do Eno hammocks fit into this picture? That seems to be the choice of our local hammock-using friends . . . "

The ENO-type hammocks are fine for a quick hang in the park or whatever. We all have one and keep them in the car to use at a moments notice. They are in no way suitable for sleeping or camping. It's like the difference between a skateboard and a car. A $45 ENO doesn't even resemble a real camping hammock. Don't use one for such. You will be uncomfortable and unhappy and will tend to be turned off to hammocks. "

Thank you so much for this! I was considering a double nest Eno; thanks for helping me know better!

I've been on the hammock bandwagon for about 12 years now, from a bargain bin hammock to my Warbonnet Eldorado, Wookie underquilt, and a luxurious 10x14 CCS Tundra tarp over the top. The only situations where I don't use it are backpacking with the wife, winter camping (below 10 degrees F), and in recent burn areas with no hanging trees ( here's where the tundra tarp pitched as a tent is fantastic).

For the learning curve, I found a wealth of information on Ultimate Hang (https://theultimatehang.com/) Have fun getting your setup together!

OgimaaBines: "I've been on the hammock bandwagon for about 12 years now, from a bargain bin hammock to my Warbonnet Eldorado, Wookie underquilt, and a luxurious 10x14 CCS Tundra tarp over the top. The only situations where I don't use it are backpacking with the wife, winter camping (below 10 degrees F), and in recent burn areas with no hanging trees ( here's where the tundra tarp pitched as a tent is fantastic).

For the learning curve, I found a wealth of information on Ultimate Hang (https://theultimatehang.com/) Have fun getting your setup together! "

Thank you (and everyone else who has responded!) SO MUCH for this!

We wound up just using a tent this trip (which was a fantastic first BWCA trip for me), but want to explore hammocks more in-depth.

And, yes, I'll try to post a trip report.

Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA?

LaVirginienne: "Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA? "

It's odd... Hammocks seem to just be gaining popularity but none if the outdoor gear retail shops carry anything except the recreational stuff like ENO. I was at the LLBean mothershop store in Freeport Maine last week. All they had was ENO. The senior sales dude there wasn't even really aware of what true camping hammocks are.

It's definitely more complicated, and there are many more options, than just buying a tent and throwing your sleeping bag in there. And the fact that it's virtually impossible to go to a store and see and test these systems out is unfortunate. The best option of course is to go to one of these hangout weekends... But that is kinda nerdy and for most people in olves significant travel.

Hammock Forums (of course there's a forum) has a section in Camping Hammocks that has a lot of good discussions.

Blackdogyak: "

LaVirginienne: "Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA? "

It's odd... Hammocks seem to just be gaining popularity but none of the outdoor gear retail shops carry anything except the recreational stuff like ENO. I was at the L.L.Bean mothershop store in Freeport Maine last week. All they had was ENO. The senior sales dude there wasn't even really aware of what true camping hammocks are.


It's definitely more complicated, and there are many more options, than just buying a tent and throwing your sleeping bag in there. And the fact that it's virtually impossible to go to a store and see and test these systems out is unfortunate. The best option of course is to go to one of these hangout weekends... But that is kinda nerdy and for most people involves significant travel.


Hammock Forums (of course there's a forum) has a section in Camping Hammocks that has a lot of good discussions. "

Fascinating!

We were car camping with our church family at a local group camping area this past weekend. Most of the youth use hammocks instead of tents -- and they are all Eno hammocks. One young man (19?) has been using a hammock for about 10 years, and loves them. He and his brothers recently bought underquilts, and they all have rain flys (or whatever you call them). They all love their equipment. (And none of them seem to be aware that Eno is not the only option out there. But, in their favor, all but two of them are still minors, and don't have much money at their disposal, so they probably wouldn't be in a position to purchase a high-end option even if they knew such a thing existed.)

Again . . . I really appreciate all the input and information here.

But all this still raises the question -- with multiple high-end brands out there, and no rental options, how is a beginner like me supposed to figure out which one is best for me? Or is that a better question for a hammock forum?

Here is a tip: Hennessy Hammocks has a demo/scrach/dent sale every November. I have picked up a full setup. . .hammock, rainfly, snake skins, straps and mosquito netting for $100 at these sales. That would get you a high end hammock cheap. You can then decide if you want something different. The only thing you would need to add is some type of underquilt or padd insert

ockycamper: "Here is a tip: Hennessy Hammocks has a demo/scrach/dent sale every November. I have picked up a full setup. . .hammock, rainfly, snake skins, straps and mosquito netting for $100 at these sales. That would get you a high end hammock cheap. You can then decide if you want something different. The only thing you would need to add is some type of underquilt or padd insert"

And it's almost November! Thank you so much for that suggestion!

(What do "snake skins" have to do with hammocks?)

They are nylon tubes that slide over the rainfly and hammock when you put them away. You put a set on the hammock and a set on the rainfly. When you are setting up you slide them back to deploy the hammock and rain fly. When taking down you slide them back. Allows you to set up and take down both without ever touching the ground and getting dirty

ockycamper: "They are nylon tubes that slide over the rainfly and hammock when you put them away. You put a set on the hammock and a set on the rainfly. When you are setting up you slide them back to deploy the hammock and rain fly. When taking down you slide them back. Allows you to set up and take down both without ever touching the ground and getting dirty"

Thank you!

LaVirginienne: "Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA? "

I don't see anyone renting out camping hammocks for a few reasons:
1) There's a serious learning curve to setting up a hammock and fly correctly and it's not something you can teach someone in fifteen minutes.
2) Unlike a tent your body is intimately in contact with the hammock and it would need to be cleaned after every rental which would seriously undermine the durability of the hammock which could lead to premature failure.
3) There's the issue of liability. People haven't gotten seriously injured or killed falling out of a tent.

unshavenman: "

LaVirginienne: "Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA? "

I don't see anyone renting out camping hammocks for a few reasons:
1) There's a serious learning curve to setting up a hammock and fly correctly and it's not something you can teach someone in fifteen minutes.
2) Unlike a tent your body is intimately in contact with the hammock and it would need to be cleaned after every rental which would seriously undermine the durability of the hammock which could lead to premature failure.
3) There's the issue of liability. People haven't gotten seriously injured or killed falling out of a tent.
"

I have camped in hammocks for over 20 years. I had one of the original Hennessy's. I don't see the "needs to be cleaned issue" in the hammmock any different then the tent. Most people use a sleeping bag or pad in their hammocks. (I use a top quilt but they are more expensive). The Hammocks can be taken out, set up, put away, and brought back and never touch the ground. They don't get dirt in them (unless some knucklehead climbs in with their shoes on). As such there is actually less wear and less cleaning needs in the hammock then tents. I used to lend out my gear. The tents always came back dirty with dirt in the tent and I needed to clean them out each time. They also came back covered in mud if it had been raining from mud that had splashed up on the tent. The hammocks came back in the same condition I lent them out.

As to seriously injured or killed. . .the top risk of a hammock is dead limbs from trees. Same thing applies to tents if they are under tree branches.

kyhtak: "

ockycamper: "They are nylon tubes that slide over the rainfly and hammock when you put them away. You put a set on the hammock and a set on the rainfly. When you are setting up you slide them back to deploy the hammock and rain fly. When taking down you slide them back. Allows you to set up and take down both without ever touching the ground and getting dirty"

Thank you!"

I’ve gotten away with snake skins because its just an unecessary step. Look into bishop bags if you haven’t already. Create your own or CCS makes one too.

Blackdogyak: "

LaVirginienne: "Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA? "

It's odd... Hammocks seem to just be gaining popularity but none if the outdoor gear retail shops carry anything except the recreational stuff like ENO. I was at the LLBean mothershop store in Freeport Maine last week. All they had was ENO. The senior sales dude there wasn't even really aware of what true camping hammocks are.

It's definitely more complicated, and there are many more options, than just buying a tent and throwing your sleeping bag in there. And the fact that it's virtually impossible to go to a store and see and test these systems out is unfortunate. The best option of course is to go to one of these hangout weekends... But that is kinda nerdy and for most people in olves significant travel.

Hammock Forums (of course there's a forum) has a section in Camping Hammocks that has a lot of good discussions. "

Only thing I can thing of is because its a highly personalize gear decision. I mean every step of the system is a subjective decision…

kyhtak: "But all this still raises the question -- with multiple high-end brands out there, and no rental options, how is a beginner like me supposed to figure out which one is best for me? Or is that a better question for a hammock forum?"

Entry into hammock camping does not need to be "high-end". Simple gathered-end hammocks can be purchased for as low as $35-50. Initial insulation can consist of the same sleeping pad and sleeping bag you use for tent camping. A rain fly can be fashioned out of a $10 construction tarp from your local lumber/ hardware store.

Like any hobby, finding out what works best for you is a process of trial and error. Like any hobby, you will eventually have invested a significant number of dollars in gear. Some of that gear will be the cheap, universal gear you first used as a beginner. Some of your gear you will choose to upgrade to that higher-end range of products. Certainly, you will also find enjoyment in fashioning some of your kit yourself; (Splicing your own whoopie slings will likely be your first DIY addition).

Not that you won't find great advice on this forum, but if your ready to slip down the "rabbit hole" Hammock Forums will be your richest source to mine hammock knowledge.

Simple gathered-end hammocks 10.5-11 feet long are the cheapest and most common entry point. Adding an integrated bug net will add to the price but typically cost less than a hammock + bug net. As a beginner, you can't go wrong with kits from: Dutch at Dutchware Gear , Adam at Hammock Gear , or Paul (I think?) at Arrowhead Equipment .

We hammock campers get some ribbing for the "fiddle-factor" associated with attaining the perfect lie. The truth is that because each component of our kit was specifically selected then refined over time through that process of trial and retrial and ultimately reflects our own personal preferences or perhaps an aspect of our personality that we take a wee bit of pride each time we deploy our latest iteration. It is admiring your own creation each time and does not in my experience subside.

I wouldn't want to deprive you of building your own kit, but if you want to skip to the end with one sure-fire solution: contact Brandon at Warbonnet Outdoors . A Blackbird or Blackbird XLC (Longer and the bugnet is removable) hammock, SuperFly Tarp (it has doors) and Wookie 20* under quilt will provide a sure-fire, luxurious hanging experience.

Good luck with your research and shopping. I started with the ENO system more than a decade ago. My foray into hammock camping has been a rewarding trip. I hope the same for you. Feel free tor contact me if I can provide any additional guidance.

Lawnchair107: "

kyhtak: "

ockycamper: "They are nylon tubes that slide over the rainfly and hammock when you put them away. You put a set on the hammock and a set on the rainfly. When you are setting up you slide them back to deploy the hammock and rain fly. When taking down you slide them back. Allows you to set up and take down both without ever touching the ground and getting dirty"

Thank you!"

I’ve gotten away with snake skins because its just an unecessary step. Look into bishop bags if you haven’t already. Create your own or CCS makes one too."

Snakes allow you to run your ridgeline without deploying your tarp which is nice if you're lounging during the day and only need to pitch the tarp for overnight weather.

ockycamper: "

unshavenman: "

LaVirginienne: "Thank you! I agree that the issue is renting the exact hammock system one would want to buy. Are the asymmetrical, stabilized, or otherwise premium camping hammocks available for rent anywhere near BWCA? "

I don't see anyone renting out camping hammocks for a few reasons:
1) There's a serious learning curve to setting up a hammock and fly correctly and it's not something you can teach someone in fifteen minutes.
2) Unlike a tent your body is intimately in contact with the hammock and it would need to be cleaned after every rental which would seriously undermine the durability of the hammock which could lead to premature failure.
3) There's the issue of liability. People haven't gotten seriously injured or killed falling out of a tent.
"

I have camped in hammocks for over 20 years. I had one of the original Hennessy's. I don't see the "needs to be cleaned issue" in the hammmock any different then the tent. Most people use a sleeping bag or pad in their hammocks. (I use a top quilt but they are more expensive). The Hammocks can be taken out, set up, put away, and brought back and never touch the ground. They don't get dirt in them (unless some knucklehead climbs in with their shoes on). As such there is actually less wear and less cleaning needs in the hammock then tents. I used to lend out my gear. The tents always came back dirty with dirt in the tent and I needed to clean them out each time. They also came back covered in mud if it had been raining from mud that had splashed up on the tent. The hammocks came back in the same condition I lent them out.


As to seriously injured or killed. . .the top risk of a hammock is dead limbs from trees. Same thing applies to tents if they are under tree branches.


"

I'm thinking specifically of the people that would rent the hammock and then sleep in just a pair of boxers with a top quilt and get their sweat all over the hammock. I'm not talking about how much actual dirt gets on them. The hammock sleeps much closer to the skin than a tent.

Hennessy Hamock has its odds and end sale going on. YOu can pick up a complete hammock set up at 50% off

Borrow your friends hammock's and try it out before you buy. Its seems like there is very little middle ground in the Hammock vs. tent question. I borrowed a Hammock, couldn't get a good night sleep, and stayed with the tent. So it didn't cost me anything to find out what worked for me.

In taking 10-20 men up to BWCA for the last 17 years, all but 3 have moved from tents to hammocks. The reasons are primarily: The hammocks set up much faster, can pack smaller into packs, and all the guys hate crawling out of a tent on their hands and knees for those 3 trips every night.

I have owned Hennessy hammocks, Warbonnet hammocks, Helsdon hammocks, Grand Trunk and some others. The sale going on at Hennessy allows someone to pick up a hammock at 50% off and really try it. I have found it very easy to sell used hammocks on line for at or near what I paid for them if I don't like them.

I think the real issue comes down to what someone wants to use it for. If a tripper wants so be able to sit up in a chair in a tent, pull all his gear in there with him, and use it as a total shelter when raining, etc. then the tent is the only option for that. When using hammocks, however, you can get dressed, drink your coffee, etc using them as a chair with the rain fly in porch mode very easily. You can't do that with a tent.

Tradoffs

fadersup: "

Lawnchair107: "

kyhtak: "

ockycamper: "They are nylon tubes that slide over the rainfly and hammock when you put them away. You put a set on the hammock and a set on the rainfly. When you are setting up you slide them back to deploy the hammock and rain fly. When taking down you slide them back. Allows you to set up and take down both without ever touching the ground and getting dirty"

Thank you!"

I’ve gotten away with snake skins because its just an unecessary step. Look into bishop bags if you haven’t already. Create your own or CCS makes one too."

Snakes allow you to run your ridgeline without deploying your tarp which is nice if you're lounging during the day and only need to pitch the tarp for overnight weather.
"

Bishop bags operate the same way. Run the ridgeline first, but tarp is shoved into bag until ready to use.

ockycamper: "The reasons are primarily: The hammocks set up much faster, can pack smaller into packs, and all the guys hate crawling out of a tent on their hands and knees for those 3 trips every night.
Tradoffs"

IMO- tent setups are much faster & much, much less fiddle factor (easier?). Also, a tent for 4 will be smaller than four individual hammocks setups. At least that's what my lean shows me.

That hennessy deal looks excellent though

I have a Warbonnet Blackbeard. I timed the set up. I set up the hammock, underquilt and rain fly in less then 4 minutes. Add 30 seconds to toss in the top quilt.

I don't think it would be possible to set up a tent, fly, stake it out, inflate the ground mat and toss in the sleeping bag in 4 minutes. (apples to apples)

The other issue is that the 3 guys that use tents in our group struggle to find an appropriate tent site, at least on the lakes we go on. On the other hand, any site we have looked at has plenty of trees for our hammocks. It is the tents that present an issue for us in site selection for our groups

The key to quick setup is the snakeskins. Pull the skins with the hammock out, attach it, slide them back, insert the spreader bars and you are good to go.

Same with the tarp. Attach the two ends to the trees, slide the skins back, tie outs are already attached. Just stake them down.

On mine, the underquilt just clips to the four corners of the Ridge runner. No adjusting.

when I was using my 3 man tent, it took longer then that just to pull the tent, rainfly and poles out and arrange everything and the ground cloth.

Everyone has great points on both sides. Some prize speed in setting up. Some prize the ability to hang out with friends on a rainy day in a tent. Etc., etc., etc. I guess the overarching point here is that all one has to do is to have a fair assessment of how both set ups are managed and then develop preferences due to that assessment. I will take a hammock when I solo or trip with a friend but when I go camping with my family we always take tents. Also, I don’t mind taking a long time to set up as I enjoy the experience. I never treat setting up my hammock like a NASCAR pit stop. It all depends on what we enjoy. Find out what works for you and go with it.

ockycamper: "Hennessy Hamock has its odds and end sale going on. YOu can pick up a complete hammock set up at 50% off"

This website again costs me some money. I had successfully ignored the siren call to try a hammock, but that odds-n-ends sale got me.

With a Hennessy Hammock on the way (zip), what should a shoulder-season paddler look for in an underquilt?

Tim

Troska: "

ockycamper: "Hennessy Hamock has its odds and end sale going on. YOu can pick up a complete hammock set up at 50% off"

This website again costs me some money. I had successfully ignored the siren call to try a hammock, but that odds-n-ends sale got me.


With a Hennessy Hammock on the way (zip), what should a shoulder-season paddler look for in an underquilt?


Tim"

You can get an inexpensive underquilt made for the Hennessy from Arrowhead Equipment. About $175 or so for a 25 degree quilt. Hammock Gear has down filled ones for $225 approx.

Dutchware, UGQ, Warbonnet & Enlightened Equipment all make fantastic down-filled top & underquilts for hammocks.

A follow up question - for an underquilt for a May/October tripper - what temperature range is recommended? 25 degree? 0 degree?

Is it like a sleeping bag temp rating where you need a buffer for comfort?

If you went in August, would you still use and UQ?

Thanks!

Tim

I have found my top & underquilts from Warbonnet & UGQ to be spot on their comfort rating.

I always use an underquilt on my hammock, regardless of the temps. So I use my 20 deg year round. I play around more with my topquilt options.

A 20 degree UQ is pretty versatile for three seasons. I have two - one full length and one short - depending on the season. I would still bring the short one in summer, even a slight breeze can be chilly when you’re exposed, and you can remove it if it’s sweltering.

For cooler weather an underquilt protecter is a nice additional wind stop and will retain more warm air pockets.

Hammock Gear has 20% off right now site wide. You can pick up a great underquilt at 20% off

Troska: "A follow up question - for an underquilt for a May/October tripper - what temperature range is recommended? 25 degree? 0 degree?


Is it like a sleeping bag temp rating where you need a buffer for comfort?


If you went in August, would you still use and UQ?


Thanks!


Tim"

A 20-25 should be fine for the shoulder seasons unless you sleep unusually cold. My wife uses a 10 deg. Warbonnet Wookie all year long as she always seems to be cold. I find the temp ratings on the higher end quilts to be spot on for comfort, unless it is very windy.

Yes, you will need some sort of bottom insulation all season in canoe country. Even 65 deg. can be chilly as your bag or top quilt does nothing to insulate beneath you. Any insulation you are lying on will be compacted and do little to keep you warm. You might find it interesting that the record low for that area in August is 21 deg. F. I have experienced well below freezing temps every month of the season up there. So you never know, but should be prepared.

scottiebaldwin: "Everyone has great points on both sides. Some prize speed in setting up. Some prize the ability to hang out with friends on a rainy day in a tent. Etc., etc., etc. I guess the overarching point here is that all one has to do is to have a fair assessment of how both set ups are managed and then develop preferences due to that assessment. I will take a hammock when I solo or trip with a friend but when I go camping with my family we always take tents. Also, I don’t mind taking a long time to set up as I enjoy the experience. I never treat setting up my hammock like a NASCAR pit stop. It all depends on what we enjoy. Find out what works for you and go with it.


"

Couldn't agree more.

I've been sleeping outside in the backyard year round and taking maybe 8-10 short trips out to Adirondacks, VT, NH or Maine each year.

I leave my tarp setup in the backyard alone and take a separate tarp on trips. Makes it much easier when I return from a trip tired... Just hang the hammock.

I also like setting up, but I find that each site is unique. I stopped leaving guy linea attached to the tarp. They always seem to be wrong. One corner in my setup tonight might be running fifty feet to the only tree in that direction and the other side gets staked to within 12" of the ground. Tomorrow night that far corner might be tied off to a stake 4 feet away. Always different.

I now use a DD 15'x15' tarp and it covers the hammock suspension completely when pitches on a ridge A-frame style. This also gives me about a 7' ridge height and allows me to stake the edges pretty close to the ground in both sides for rough weather. If I don't stake the actual corners, but go one grommet back from the corner(s) and stake that..... the flapping triangle ends can be drawn together as doors and clipped to each other with small carabineers like NiteIze.

My ridge was a 9mm arborist line, and that was just too heavy. Then I went to some strong 1/8" line... Not Paracord. But recently I got 100' of Amsteel 7/64" and that works super great and super light too. Only downside is the Amsteel is kinda slippery and the prussic knots slip a bit. I leave the prussics attached to the ridgeline. I need to give them some extra wraps with dental floss or fly-tying thread to increase the "bite".

I rig my tarp OVER the ridge because it's continually supported and doesn't stress tie-out points. Also, I get to hang all sorts of stuff safe and dry inside the tarp from my ridgeline using carabineers or slip knots. Ridgeline has bowline on one end and I run it around my first tree and clip it with a carabuner. This allows the loop to stay loose and not get stuck ten feet up the trunk
.. Just shake the line and the loop falls down when striking camp. The other end goes around the second tree and gets a truckers hitch and a couple half bitches.

My hammock is a DH Sparrow double layer custom and I love it.... With the winter cover. I have a two-piece synthetic under quilt from Simply Light Designs. You can snap the inner section in and out as temperatures dictate. I'm going to get a new inner section that's really thick that I can snap in for deep winter and ditch the pad between my hammock layers.

I have been using one inch straps with Dutch Beetles Buckles. Recently I tried whopie slings but found them to be a real PITA. I may go to 2" tree straps and then carabiner and then just use 7/64" Amsteel with Beckett Hitch

I stuff my hammock and the attached underquilt together into a compression dry bag... Always foot first/Head last. I take a separate cotton comfy blanket that goes over me, in a separate compression dry bag and I take my down sleeping bag... Summer bag or winter bag, in a separate compression dry bag

The flexibility to pitch camp on almost ANY ground is so awesome. No worries about rocks, bushes, roots, slope or surface water during rain storms. Or snakes or rodents or spiders......And the sleep quality in my hammock far surpasses my $1000 mattress in the home bedroom. Beds are dead to me. As are tents.

I have been really enjoying reading through all the comments and suggestions! A HUGE "THANK YOU" to all who have taken the time to post their thoughts in response to my initial question!

We were visiting our son last week, and are planning another trip to the BWCA over Labor Day weekend 2024.

I need to thoroughly digest all of this wonderful information, and do a bunch of research into all the different suggestions between now and then, instead of waiting until a month before we leave, like I did this year!

Thanks again!

Kathy

P. S. I'm open to any more suggestions anyone else wants to add, too!

kyhtak: "I have been really enjoying reading through all the comments and suggestions! A HUGE "THANK YOU" to all who have taken the time to post their thoughts in response to my initial question!


We were visiting our son last week, and are planning another trip to the BWCA over Labor Day weekend 2024.


I need to thoroughly digest all of this wonderful information, and do a bunch of research into all the different suggestions between now and then, instead of waiting until a month before we leave, like I did this year!


Thanks again!


Kathy


P. S. I'm open to any more suggestions anyone else wants to add, too!"

Kathy
It's a boatload of information. People process information in different ways. I like technical stuff and I'm a bit OCD. I go" all in". But it's overwhelming for some people. Just get started. As you run into problems or levels of discomfort you can solve them. And you WILL have benefits right off the bat. I think one of the reasons that hammocking is not growing faster is that there are a lot of factors to figure out. There's no off-the-shelf package with an instruction sheet like tents. Sooner or later, REI, EMS and LLBean are going to realize how much money they can make when they offer a complete package ready to go, with future upgrades available.

+1 on the above comments

I have taken 10-20 men up to BWCA every year for the last 16 years. We all started out in tents. Now all of us but two are in hammocks.

They would all tell you the reason is:

packs smaller and lighter
far more comfortable
can be set up almost anywhere in the BWCA. . . no need for a flat patch of dirt or grass
set up is simple as is take down
and you can set the hammock up and take it down with nothing every touching the groud. . . and as such nothing getting dirty.

We have all also upgraded our systems over the years. Most started with Grand Trunk stuff. Now most are in Hennessy or Warbonnett, with down underquilts and top quilts

Dutchwear Gear has their famous November sale going on.

Sale

I'v been very happy with their bridge style banyon hammock.