Why are hammocks so great?

Posted by: jpanderson80

Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 12:54 PM

With all the tree hangers around, I thought I'd ask... Why are hammocks so great?

Some background... I've always been a tent or tarp user, and have liked it just fine. The ground is hard, but I carry a 13.8 oz thermarest to help. I enjoy tarps because of the free space and air flow. A hiking partner of mine does have a Hennessey hammock, and although I haven't stayed in it overnight, I did check it out. It seemed cozy and had plenty of protection. So, I've read through Sgt Rock's hammock information and enjoyed learning, but I still have some questions.

Being weight conscience, the lightest hammock that I've found is the Hennessy Hyperlight (26oz.) - and I'm not even sure the tarp is big enough to live under on a long walk.

I know that different trips call for different gear, but it seems that hammock lovers stick with their systems all the time. Is the sleep so much better that the increase in weight is a non-issue? That seems to be my main question.

Please give me any other perspectives that I may be missing.
Posted by: Ender

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 04:02 PM

Essentially... yes, the sleep is that good, if it works for you. Some people can't get comfortable in a hammock, and it's worth knowing that before you drop the $$$ on a new setup.

For me, it is by and far the most comfortable night's sleep I've ever had in the woods, and close to the most comfortable night's sleep I've had anywhere. Especially in hot weather, when the added exposure to the air really helps to keep you cooler.

For colder weather, it does take a steep (at least compared to tenting) learning curve to stay warm. An underquilt will help with this (something I still need to drop the $$$ to get), as well as various pad/reflector combos.

So, if it's your cup of tea, it really is a comfortable night in the woods. Makes going back to ground (or even some beds) kinda hard. It is heavier, no doubt, but a good setup (and sadly, this will probably mean an expensive setup) shouldn't add too much more weight. I alternate between hanging and ground-dwelling depending on the weather/season, and where the trip is.
Posted by: bigfoot2

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 04:03 PM

[quote=j
I know that different trips call for different gear, but it seems that hammock lovers stick with their systems all the time. Is the sleep so much better that the increase in weight is a non-issue? That seems to be my main question.
Please give me any other perspectives that I may be missing. [/quote]

You are obviously not old enough to have to take 6 Advils (and some Jack Daniels) after a 15 miler in order to sleep well at night!
Hammocks are infinitely more comfortable if hung and insulated properly. No worries about site selection or flat sleeping pads. They allow you to camp in areas you could normally not (sloping hills, over streams, A.T. shelter beams, in your garage, hell...i've even set mine up to a tree and a cliff face using a carabiner smile With a hammock, you could "stealth camp" in your local park and chances are you will not even be seen if done right. A good hammock will provide you with a comfortable, dry, warm and bug-free sleeping area. During the day, hammocks double as a chair for comfortable reclining while you read or cook. Hammock (good ones like a Warbonnet Blackbird and Super Fly tarp) are not anymore expensive than a tent. You can even get a TWO person hammock from Clark Jungle Hammocks this year, called the Vertex. If you use Snake Skins or a Black Bishop bag, they are crazy simple to put up and take down. And the main reason hammocks are so cool? They are just plain FUN !!

All that said, there is a learning curve to be had there. Hammocks are slightly heavier, sometimes fussier (more lines, tree-huggers, guy lines, etc.), cold if not insulated properly, need two supports and a big leap of faith the first time you get in one(did i tie the knot right???). You WILL fall...everyone does. Don't worry, i builds character and is a great way to learn smile There are times when a tent or tarp is more desirable. Above tree line, in a desert (although you can set up an enclosed hammock with trekking poles on the ground like a one person tent), etc. Some people say that hammockers' are stuck up, we're not...we're just above it all smile

In the end, it's really a personal choice you need to make. You need to camp how you feel appropriate. Do not listen to anyone else and make up your own mind on what's best for you. As you get older you will start thinking about how to be comfortable and make sacrifices to make it happen. With hammocks, you ditch some things (sleeping pads), but have to carry other, new things (under-quilt insulation). It ends up being a wash in the end.

Check out the Warbonnet Blackbird (the BEST hammock, EVER!), here:
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/blackbird_h.htm


Now you're on your way and "it's the start of something" :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pFbioyUsOs

Good luck!

BF
Posted by: Dryer

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 04:11 PM

If I'm trying to cut weight to a minimum, I use a poncho shelter and sleep on the ground, no pad.
However, if I want the best nights sleep possible, have trees, don't want to care about how level, dry, or rocky the ground is, I'll use a hammock. Mine's a second generation Hennessey I've had for maybe 10 years and still going strong. I made my first hammock, which I still use. I don't use "tree huggers" or "snake skins" (dead weight and there are other ways to not hurt trees).
Yup, they are heavier but the comfort provided is worth leaving something else at home.
Posted by: jpanderson80

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 05:33 PM

Originally Posted By Dryer
If I'm trying to cut weight to a minimum, I use a poncho shelter and sleep on the ground, no pad.

Yikes! eek That would be minimal!

I'll check out the Warbonnet Blackbird. What makes it the "best" when compared to another brand/model?

So from what I can gather... comfort is the main benefit to a hammock. And because it is so comfortable the minimal weight gain is accepted as a trade off.

Any other perspectives? Has anyone used a hammock and NOT liked it? Why not?
Posted by: DTape

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 05:44 PM

Comfort is number 1 as others have mentioned, it just can't be beat. There are some who cannot get comfortable in a hammock but that is rare.

As far as weight, in general a hammock setup will be lighter than a tent setup, but heavier than a tarp setup. For me, the comfort level of the hammock easily makes up the slight weight penalty.

Other benefits include:
-setup over rocky or rooted ground which is inhospitable to ground dwellers
-staying dry is easier as one doesn't need to worry about ground water

Some might ask about difficulty in finding places to hang, I have never been at a loss for trees in the woods and they do not have to be a perfect distance apart. Sometimes I may have to camp a little farther away from the ground people, but that can be a good thing. Or one could look at it as the ground people had limited choices to camp.

visit hammockforums.net for all things hammocks
Posted by: ringtail

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 05:45 PM

Hammock Forums is a great site:

http://www.hammockforums.net/

It took me three nights to get comfortable with a hammock.

I do fewer miles now than before. I stop earlier in the day and read in the hammock. Before hammock I stopped and ate then walked some more. I was never able to figure out a comfortable way to read. That has changed.

My hammock kit is usually about a pound heavier.

I actually can stay drier in a hammock than in a tent.
Posted by: Paddy_Crow

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 06:21 PM

I'll be the naysayer here. I have never been able to get comfortable in a hammock. I generally sleep on my stomach or my side and neither works well in a hammock.
Posted by: phat

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 08:40 PM


You've got it. I'm a diehard hammock user but I am *very* comfortable in one because I can sleep on my side in one (diagonally in the hammock). However, my hammock and big silnylon tarp together are *heavier* than just a superlight
solo shelter or tarp - heck I could take just the tarp and
save the weight of my hammock, since in moderate weather
I carry tarp, hammock, and blue pad that goes in hammock.
I could sleep on blue pad on ground - there - no weight of
hammock.

Again, it depends what you are carrying for. If your sole satisfaction in life is having the lowest weight on your back during the day, a hammock is not for you, delete the hammock
and sleep under the tarp and you are lighter. For me it's a simple comfort tradeoff - in fact if I know I'm not hammocking
I don't take the blue pad. I take a superlight shelter, and a
big old big agnes insulated aircore mat. however with that big
mat, I'm now about as heavy as I was with the hammock tarp and blue pad... but me, I know my comfort level..

some people however are *NOT* comfortable in hammocks - which is why you should try before you buy.
Posted by: Heber

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 10:22 PM

I have two reasons other's haven't mentioned yet.

1. Ease of site selection. Rocks don't matter. Level ground doesn't matter. That convenience is huge. When I don't have my hammock I'm always surprised at how hard it is to find a decent place to sleep on the ground.

2. It's drier. You already know that a tarp is drier than a tent because there is less condensation. Now picture being able to be up off the wet ground while still under a tarp. I've slept in torrential rain storms that left the ground a swamp. I was high and dry in my hammock.
Posted by: Tango61

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 10:33 PM

Has anyone used a hammock and NOT liked it? Why not?

Yep, there are even a few over on hammockforums.net. Why, you ask. Because there are quite a few DIY folks there that make all kinds of gear.

I can echo pretty much what everyone has already said. The weight is about the same for me. And like using ground shelters, it all depends on the weather as to how much of my kit I bring.
If it is summer and no rain expected, I might leave the tarp at home. OTOH, if it's going to be sunny and hot it's nice to have the tarp for shade. If I'm not going solo, we may share the one tarp. Here in the summer, I definitely have to have some type of bug net. Now that I have a Claytor, it's integrated into the hammock.
I don't like the Hennesy's. Something about crawling back into the womb.

Check out Ed Speer's site and also www dot imrisk dot com.

Both very good sites.
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/10/09 11:39 PM

Paddy, I have to sleep on my side, and I am an active sleeper - I have to wonder what hammocks you have tried because I have had no complaints, whereas mummy bags and tents were nothing but trouble for me.
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 12:06 AM

I'll check out the Warbonnet Blackbird. What makes it the "best" when compared to another brand/model?

So from what I can gather... comfort is the main benefit to a hammock. And because it is so comfortable the minimal weight gain is accepted as a trade off.

Any other perspectives? Has anyone used a hammock and NOT liked it? Why not? [/quote]

People have not liked hammocks for many reasons. I was a total skeptic but my misery in a tent drove me to try it. People in my hiking group think I'm nuts for hiking with one, but you know, I don't get up at night as often and I don't have trouble falling asleep. When camping with my group I often hear people whispering or getting up for one reason or another; it's the only reason I wake up anymore other than the 3 am break for the bushes.

The Blackbird I ordered got here, and I can tell you what I will enjoy about it. It will make a good camp chair, for one. You can't cook in a tent but my trekking poles can prop up the side of my tarp to make a porch and I can boil my water in the shade, or out of the rain. I won't have to worry if the hammock is on a slope. If I go hiking in Yosemite and I am expected to camp in a specific area, I don't worry if all the tent sites are taken; I have pitched over a boulder field and let the tent campers have all the flat spots. I got a quieter sleep, too, because I wasn't forced to have next door neighbors. I love all the dry real estate under the tarp; I have a large one that closes in on the ends if I want. The Blackbird I got has two layers; a pad can go in between, and even without the pad it (reportedly, haven't tried it yet, going out this weekend!) has a flatter lay than the Hennessy it's replacing, and I had no issues with the Hennessy. The Blackbird has a shelf to put small items in (a unique feature to hammocks) and a ridgeline; I like to hang wet socks or clip my headlamp to the ridgeline. All my gear hangs from the support line under the tarp, in a small gear hammock. The bugnet on the Blackbird can be unzipped and draped out of the way. The straps on the Blackbird can be adjusted after the hammock is hung; I don't have to undo knots like I did with the Hennessy to fine tune the angle of the hang. And I think, just from looking at the overall size and shape of it, the Blackbird has more space in the hammock and more "headroom" inside the bugnet than my Hennessy ultralight backpacker. While i have never felt claustrophobic or closed in while in the Hennessy, I have felt at times that I wasn't in the hammock so much as I was wearing it.

All that said - you will find people who prefer the Clark, a bridge hammock (you can sleep in your stomach in one, and it has a flatter lay due to the shape and design), or one of the other six or seven brands available. What makes a hammock great, IMO, depends on what you value; I value a solid night's sleep, warmth, ease of getting out of it (I H-A-T-E-D getting up and out of the tent, with a passion unparalleled - my knees and hips led me to a nasty faceplant or three in the pine needles), and a non-claustrophobic and effective way to keep bugs and rain out. I will add that since getting the hammock, none of my joints have troubled me in the slightest. I always had a hip ache in the tent, and sometimes do at home in bed.

My tent dwelling buddies want to know what I'm going to do in places where I can't hang. I have a tarp. I'll have a few trash bags for a ground liner, and my ridgerest for backup insulation (the Sierras have weather that has a mind of its own). One night on the ground versus five or six nights on the ground - no contest whatsoever. I might just tell them I'll hike another mile to treeline and they can catch up to me; I can break camp 95% faster than they can, which is the other advantage to hammocks.
Posted by: Ender

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 09:39 AM

Lori,

I'll be really interested to hear about your experiences with the Balckbird hammock. This thread is the first I've ever heard of one, and it looks really intriguing. I love my Hennessy, but it sounds like the BB may be an improvement. Keep us updated!

Posted by: leadfoot

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 09:46 AM

So, I always wondered how does one get dressed/undressed in a hammock? It seems to me that it can be very difficult.

My tent has side entrance and no problem getting in and out, which is one feature that I like. I don't care for the front openings.
Posted by: Paddy_Crow

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 10:16 AM

I have not tried any hammocks that are intended for backpacking, but rather I have tried numerous patio type hammocks. I have not been able to get comfortable with the inevitable bow in my spine. When I try rolling onto my side, it seems to put pressure on my knees.

On the other hand, I sleep very well in a Big Agnes Horse Thief mummy bag without a hood. I use an uninsulated air mattress for most weather. If the temperature gets much below 40F, I need to add some insulation.

Because it works and because I've never been able to get comfortable in any hammock, I haven't seen a reason to try camping in one.
Posted by: Eric

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 01:09 PM

I have 2 issues with hammocks. Even with an under quilt a hammock is a cold bed. That's a good thing on a hot night but the nights are cold here even in the summer. Most of the places I hike are old growth conifer forest and the trees are too big and too far apart for a hammock to work even with extension ropes. That said, under the right conditions a hammock can make for an outstanding nights sleep.
Posted by: Trailrunner

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 01:33 PM

If it's not too cold, or too windy, and if I'm going somewhere with trees, and I'm alone, and if I'm not counting ounces, a hammock works for me. I've had some great nights' sleep in them.

Site selection can be a double edged sword. You don't have to worry too much about what's on the ground.......so long as you can find two suitable anchors to hang from. That turned out to be more difficult than I thought.

I usually carry a hammock as a luxury item in addition to my sleep system. I can justify the 15 ounces when I use it as a very comfortable camp chair/sofa, or better yet as a place for a quick power nap halfway through a long day on the trail.
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 09:54 PM

Then you haven't tried the right hammock. Bridge hammocks, Hennessy Hammocks, Warbonnet hammocks, and a handful of others will give you a flat sleeping surface.

Not that I am trying to convince anyone to try one - it's all about what works for you. It's just another misperception that you end up being banana shaped - you don't have to be a banana in a hammock, any more than you have to be cold on the ground. It's a matter of finding the right gear.
Posted by: Paddy_Crow

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 11:04 PM

I have seen many hammock designs, I have yet to see one that didn't have some bow in it when occupied. I would be interested in any photos someone could show me of one of these flat hammocks.
Posted by: Heber

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 11:46 PM

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/BMBH.htm

Is that flat enough for you? I've got a bridge hammock and they are amazingly flat.
Posted by: jpanderson80

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/11/09 11:55 PM

Lori,
Please report back to us after your experience in the Blackbird. I'm very interested.

After your description above and others here and reading the hammockforums.net site, I think that I'll at least cut some material and try to put together a test run. It appears that multiple DIY patterns are out there for use.
Posted by: Jimshaw

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 01:00 AM

Paddy
quote"
I have seen many hammock designs, I have yet to see one that didn't have some bow in it when occupied. I would be interested in any photos someone could show me of one of these flat hammocks."
_____________________________________________________________

Well sir the Golden gate bridge is over a mile long and just tied the ends and its sort of "flat". I would think that suspension cables stretched over head with half a dozen cables to the hammock should do it. crazy
thanks
Actually I think what they are talking about is your body actually being twisted a significant amount away from the "line of force" through the hammock. True the hammock is like a parabola, but there are still straight lines intersecting it at angles. You sort of sleep sideways in the middle of them, to some degree. Or thats the explaination I got...

I do not like hammocks, sick its impossible to change cloths in them. I tried tying my wrists and ankles to opposing trees to hang for the night, but when it started raining it was tough to get my rain gear on. I prefer a tent and sleeping on the ground like God intended for apes to do - um ..... eek
Jim thanks crazy

Jim
Posted by: leadfoot

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 06:57 AM

Thanks, Jim, regarding the changing of clothes. No one ever mentions how they do it. Seems like a big downside to me.
Posted by: Dryer

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 08:02 AM

Quote:
Thanks, Jim, regarding the changing of clothes. No one ever mentions how they do it. Seems like a big downside to me.


Changing clothes in a hammock: Easy. After you spend a few nights in a hammock (Hennessey for me) you'll learn that even though you'll bounce and wiggle around with your movements, it won't dump you out.
Changing clothes is a matter of...changing clothes. It's really no different than changing your clothes under a low tarp
on the ground, only with a category 7 earthquake going on at the same time. grin Which you learn to ignore. Really, changing clothes can be done easily in the hammock, or outside under the rainfly, which is a "tarp".
Posted by: Dryer

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 08:20 AM

Quote:
I would be interested in any photos someone could show me of one of these flat hammocks."


You can lay 'flat' in just about any hammock. The key is to not hang it tight but instead, let if luff and hang low. The Hennessey is cut so you lay diagonally to it's rope vector (is that the right word?), and that flattens you out. I'm a side sleeper and it works great. The only time you are 'bowed' is when you lay in line with the ropes.

Interesting old movie..."Eddie Rickenbacker Story", Jimmy Stewart plays Eddie and is seen sleeping in a hammock, camped under the wing of his "Jenny" biplane trainer. The hammock is supported between wing struts. Jimmy is doing it right!...diagonal and comfy.

This "assym" hammock thing is nothing new. Folks have been sleeping on ships that way for a couple thousand years. Most of rural Mexico sleeps in 'assym' hammocks instead of beds. I have a $10 Mexican hammock hanging on my porch and it's actually adjustable to your body.

Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 08:34 AM

Originally Posted By leadfoot
Thanks, Jim, regarding the changing of clothes. No one ever mentions how they do it. Seems like a big downside to me.


How I do it is, I stand up under my nice large tarp on my nice dry sit pad in my nice warm sock feet, and change clothes. I sit in my hammock to pull on my shoes and change socks (not in that order). Easier than doing it in a tent.
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 08:46 AM

Originally Posted By Eric
I have 2 issues with hammocks. Even with an under quilt a hammock is a cold bed.


that may be your experience, but hardly representative of all hammocks everywhere. If it were true there are hundreds of people spending hundreds of dollars on making and buying useless underquilts. Sorry to hear you couldn't get yours to work right.

I'm not about to promise you a hammock can go anywhere and still hang. But many can be used as a bivy, and there are other places to hang from when there are no trees. Generally, you are limited only by your own willingness to try new things and buy new gear.

this is not meant to be an attack on you personally, but to provide information you don't have. I do not believe hammocks are the ultimate solution in the outdoors, just that they are more versatile and comfortable than some here believe they are. People use what they are comfortable using, pretty much, and I think that a hammock is sometimes more of a challenge than people want to face. I understand not wanting to keep trying when something doesn't work the first time, but that approach doesn't always work with hammocks.

I would rather be off the ground than on, as I have been warmer, more able to walk the next day and have slept sounder and longer than I ever could in the tent. YMMV.
Posted by: froldt

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 08:48 AM

My wife and I love our hammocks. We're both side-sleepers and have no problems. Sleep diagonally in the hammock and you can lay nice and flat.

We can stop about anywhere, and where we hike it's all wooded, so we really can stop about anywhere. The ground doesn't have to be flat, cleared or dry. We hang above it all.

It doesn't take long to hang everything (tarps, bugnets and hammocks), so we can be set up or packed in a matter of minutes. After some practice it's little enough trouble that we changed sites twice one night because we found ones we liked better during further exploration after supper.

Our hammock setups weigh less than our tent, though more than just a tarp would. We've slept in them in about 30 degrees F and were comfy and warm. We've also slept in our tent in about 30 degrees and were not nearly as comfortable.

I made our gear, and greatly enjoyed doing so. I know that is part of the enjoyment for me. A couple of hours and I had a great piece of gear that will last for some time. As college students, we just don't have the money to spend on buying gear (especially two sets!) so until we do, DIY it is.
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 08:49 AM

Quote:



I do not like hammocks, sick its impossible to change cloths in them. I tried tying my wrists and ankles to opposing trees to hang for the night, but when it started raining it was tough to get my rain gear on. I prefer a tent and sleeping on the ground like God intended for apes to do - um ..... eek
Jim thanks crazy

Jim


I thought apes sometimes nest in trees eek

Posted by: DTape

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 11:38 AM

To answer some of the questions raised.

How do I change clothes? My typical routine is to use the hammock as a chair and stand/sit under my tarp as I change. The hammock as a chair makes the process much easier than when I used to have to crouch or lie down in a tent. I used to stand on my pack but have gotten more comfortable doing the 1 foot/leg at a time thing so I don't need to anymore. It is hard to describe, so think about how you can use a chair to facilitate the process instead of trying to balance on one leg.

Staying warm? At first I thought it would be more of a challenge. The popular theing now is underquilts as they are lighter and less bulky than pads, but they are expensive and do not work as well into the very cold. I use a ccf in concert with my poncho rigged as a "taco" (google "garlington insulator" for more info). I keep a small sit pad in the hammock as well to strategically place if needed. The other weekend I slept in my hammock and the nighttime temp was -7*F and I was plenty warm.


No trees? sleep on the ground under the tarp like the tarpers who don't have a hammock. A hammocker can go to ground if necessary, a tarper cannot just go to the trees.

An added benefit I forgot to add earlier is since one is sleeping higher above the ground, the tarp apex can be higher which allows one to stand underneath it as compared to when I use a tarp and sleep on the ground. This makes the clothes changing much easier.


dT

Posted by: Paddy_Crow

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 01:19 PM

Originally Posted By Heber
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/BMBH.htm

Is that flat enough for you? I've got a bridge hammock and they are amazingly flat.


I have seen "bridge" hammocks before, I understand the concept. Even if it doesn't deflect when a person gets in it, the sleeping surface would be better described as a cylinder than a plane.

As for the Golden Gate bridge, it has a lot of steel and concrete in it (and its span is actually arched). Fabric and rope do not lend themselves so easily to forming a planar surface.

Finally, I spent a couple years in the US Navy. Never saw a single hammock on any ship I was on.

I'm sure hammocks are the greatest thing since sliced bread for their proponents. Not for me, haven't found one yet that was comfortable.
Posted by: jpanderson80

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 05:21 PM

Originally Posted By Jimshaw
its impossible to change cloths in them. Jim


Extra clothes... what are those?

Sincerely,
Holding my Nose
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/12/09 11:47 PM

Originally Posted By jpanderson80
Originally Posted By Jimshaw
its impossible to change cloths in them. Jim


Extra clothes... what are those?

Sincerely,
Holding my Nose


Sometimes it's an advantage to hike in front. Facing into the wind. blush
Posted by: bigfoot2

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 05:13 PM

Originally Posted By jpanderson80
With all the tree hangers around, I thought I'd ask... Why are hammocks so great?


Even bears like them, that's why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rxNJPR94u0

BF
Posted by: jpanderson80

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 09:10 PM

That reminds me...

Has anyone experienced any critters while hanging? Mice are always a problem in shelters and I'm wondering if hammock sleepers have any stories?
Posted by: Keith

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 09:13 PM

Hennesy A-Sym permits pretty much level sleeping -- even though it's suspension is bowed.
Posted by: Bearpaw

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 09:28 PM

Originally Posted By jpanderson80
That reminds me...

Has anyone experienced any critters while hanging? Mice are always a problem in shelters and I'm wondering if hammock sleepers have any stories?


Mice generally stick to shelters. Getting away from one is the key to avoiding mice. Ants? Much more of a problem with a tarp or tent than a hammock. Truthfully, possums and skunks and occasional bugs are the only issues I've ever had with critters, even on the ground. No problems at all in a hammock.

On a separate note, if you're looking at a long-distance hike (and with the mention of shelters, I'm guessing AT), get yourself a much larger tarp than the diamonds that come with a Hennessy or with ENO hammocks. With an 8' x 10' tarp, (which it sounds like you may already own) you'll have much better protection, more privacy (to change clothes) and a generally better experience.

My one negative experience with a hammock was being in 5 days of rain with a stock fly. Cooking under it is a pain since you keep brushing into the hammock and worrying about an errant flame melting a bit of your bed. For tarps, bigger is generally better for hammocking.
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 10:43 PM

Originally Posted By jpanderson80
That reminds me...

Has anyone experienced any critters while hanging? Mice are always a problem in shelters and I'm wondering if hammock sleepers have any stories?


I put permethrin on the straps and hammock once a year. Takes care of the bugs. Other critters haven't bothered me, though there were some really loud arguing coons that went through my site once, and I also heard something (probably a bear) tearing into a log nearby. I've read about people having deer or other critters bumping their hammock or tarp, but not anything that did more than that.

I tend to prefer my gear hanging with me - critters who like to lick salt from pack straps will get a shout if they bump me.
Posted by: bigfoot2

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 11:00 PM

How's the new Blackbird, Lori?

BF cool
Posted by: Dryer

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 11:05 PM

Originally Posted By jpanderson80
That reminds me...

Has anyone experienced any critters while hanging? Mice are always a problem in shelters and I'm wondering if hammock sleepers have any stories?


I had a deer sniff at me once. Two legged critters can be a problem... mad...last weekend my hiking buddy gave me a nice shove that kept me swinging a few minutes (i don't bother with the guy cords).
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 11:06 PM

Originally Posted By bigfoot2
How's the new Blackbird, Lori?

BF cool


Going out tomorrow, if I can manage to get all my work done. It's raining cats and dogs and I anticipate being snug and dry while I read my book and make a cup of tea under my 10x11 tarp. Two JRB Hudson Rivers and I'll be roasty-toasty.

I love the look of it - much more spacious than the Hennessy.
Posted by: bigfoot2

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/13/09 11:14 PM

One thing about the Blackbird...it's love at first site! But "Love is Only A Feeling":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50EALZU4D6A

Hope you have a great time!

BF cool
Posted by: phat

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 01:14 AM


Never had mice problems. I've had porcupines sniffing around me though smile harmless unless you've left stuff on the ground for them to chew on - like your boots.
Posted by: Pika

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 09:00 AM

An acquaintance of mine had his hammock strung between two pines on the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona. A couple of panicked elk chose to run between those particular trees when he was in the hammock. The elk won that one. He wound up with bruises and a few scrapes; the hammock was a loss. I hate to think of what would have happened had he been on the ground and the elk went over the top of him. Probably would have depended on where they stepped as to whether it would have been an "oof" or an "ouch".

A lot of the foregoing discussion puts me in mind of the arguments I still hear of the purported superiority of Apple or Microsoft-type computers. Much sound and fury signifying nothing.
Posted by: kbennett

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 09:16 AM

Originally Posted By jpanderson80
That reminds me...

Has anyone experienced any critters while hanging? Mice are always a problem in shelters and I'm wondering if hammock sleepers have any stories?



My wife had a flying squirrel land on her hammock one night. She backhanded that sucker, and he went, er, flying.

We had a very large animal snuffling around our campsite one night. I got up and checked, but it left. I assume it was a bear, but it could have been a deer.
Posted by: DTape

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 09:24 AM

I awoke one night in the Adirondacks with a bear sniffing around me while I hung. A few choice words and he (she?) sauntered off. He/she also checked out my neighbors (about 200yds away) and their tent.
Posted by: phat

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 12:29 PM

Originally Posted By Pika

A lot of the foregoing discussion puts me in mind of the arguments I still hear of the purported superiority of Apple or Microsoft-type computers. Much sound and fury signifying nothing.


Exactly. I think you'll see that most of us veteran hangers suggest to people that they try it out, and not accept any of the religious arguments they see either way. It's the reason I love risk's test hammock - people can try very cheaply before they commit to it, and it's even a decent start to making a diy one. Hammocks are wonderful for some people, and not so good for others - it's really a personal comfort thing, and some people find them the greatest thing and some definately do not. Trying to convince someone who has tried one and found it wanting is an exercise in religious futitilty.

Posted by: Dryer

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 01:12 PM

Quote:
people can try very cheaply before they commit to it,


Absolutely true. I started my hammock conversion about 15 years ago when I bought a cheap Walmart net hammock. Camped in it a few times but decided it was too cold and you had to sleep "bent". I then made a hammock from 12' of full width, uncoated, ripstop...threaded the ropes in hems I sewed in the ends, hemmed the edges, and found hammock heaven. It's wide, and allows me to lay diagonally. Total cost was $4 from the $ bin at Walmart. Hennessey is basically the same thing with some serious refinements (like bug netting).

So, literally, you can take 4 yards of ripstop, tie ropes on the ends with sheetbend knots, and have a spiffy hammock, no sewing at all. Hang it loosely with some 1/2" braid rope, put your foam pad in there, open your sleeping bag like a quilt, and go take a nap. You'll then know if hammocks are for you or not.

My wife and teenagers EXPECT to camp in hammocks and argue over who gets the good ones. Nobody wants to pitch tents anymore. grin
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 01:30 PM

Originally Posted By phat
Hammocks are wonderful for some people, and not so good for others - it's really a personal comfort thing, and some people find them the greatest thing and some definately do not. Trying to convince someone who has tried one and found it wanting is an exercise in religious futitilty.



I'm not trying to convince anyone - like I have said before, I backpack with tent dwellers who see me hanging around, getting a great night's sleep while they toss and turn and complain about not being able to sleep - I'm not about to deprive them of their camping experience by even suggesting they try a hammock. I let them lay in mine if they ask. They hardly ever do. If they don't have a spark of interest it's not my responsibility to try to light the fire.

But when someone is curious about hammocks and thinking they might want to try, I think those of us who have climbed the learning curve should refute the claims that hammocks are *always* uncomfortable, will shape you like a banana, etc. Because it's not *always* true and such issues are fixed easily. In some cases hammocks enable someone to keep going out and enjoying the wilderness - I'm all for that, I like hiking companions who share my level of gimptitude.
Posted by: phat

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 01:40 PM

Originally Posted By lori
In some cases hammocks enable someone to keep going out and enjoying the wilderness - I'm all for that, I like hiking companions who share my level of gimptitude.


"my level of gimptitude" - heh. ok I really like that one..
Posted by: BrianLe

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 01:45 PM

Pika said: "A couple of panicked elk chose to run between those particular trees when he was in the hammock. The elk won that one. He wound up with bruises and a few scrapes; the hammock was a loss. I hate to think of what would have happened had he been on the ground and the elk went over the top of him. Probably would have depended on where they stepped as to whether it would have been an "oof" or an "ouch"."

I'm a person that's done quite a few nights in a (HH) hammock; I ultimately came to prefer dirt camping again, but I see advantages in both approaches.

In terms of wildlife safety, I'm inclined to agree with hammock hangers for the most part (that hammocks are safer), particularly insofar as you tend to sleep away from places animals are habituated to.

The exception for me is elk. In mating season, male elk like to "spar" with things, and hammocks are nicely situated to make me an elk pinata. I'm not concerned about bear or other critters, but I can recollect a couple nights hearing elk bugling not too far away and having a brief feeling of disquiet.

To be fair, I've never heard of anyone being poked by an elk antler while in a hammock, it's akin to the discussions of lightening strikes (only with even less empirical basis). But FWIW, I would nevertheless rather be on the ground with Elk about. I've had large elk come quite close to me when I was in just a bivy sack on the ground, with no problem; they likely knew where I was and were disinclined to get so close as to step on me.

I guess the real bottom line, however, is that wildlife should IMO make no difference to choice of backcountry shelter. The statistics are way in your favor of sleeping safe.
Posted by: phat

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/14/09 01:51 PM

Originally Posted By BrianLe

The exception for me is elk. In mating season, male elk like to "spar" with things, and hammocks are nicely situated to make me an elk pinata. I'm not concerned about bear or other critters, but I can recollect a couple nights hearing elk bugling not too far away and having a brief feeling of disquiet.


Heh. well, with me it's a little different. hearing an elk bugling means only one of two things:

1) I'm out of "the park", so there's a feeling of excitement as I'm getting a bearing on the bugle and digging out cow call and rifle smile

2) I'm in "the park" and wondering how many stupid freaking photographers crowding bulls to get pictures to sell to the "hunting" magazines will get deservedly skewered... although I'm completely at peace and certainly not worried about them bothering me when the have photographers and japanese tourists to spar with...

("the park" meaning waterton-banff-jasper...)

Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/15/09 08:39 PM

Originally Posted By bigfoot2
One thing about the Blackbird...it's love at first site! But "Love is Only A Feeling":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50EALZU4D6A

Hope you have a great time!

BF cool


Love is only a feeling. A warm hammock on a cold night is worth the price of admission.

Hammock report
Posted by: bigfoot2

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/15/09 09:50 PM

Lori,
Pictures?????????????

BF cool
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/15/09 10:21 PM

Originally Posted By bigfoot2
Lori,
Pictures?????????????

BF cool


Ok...

A pretty good shot of the shelf:


That's what a nine year old looks like while being eaten by a Blackbird. laugh

Big feet in a big footbox:


Head end with JRB Hudson River:


Shelf sticks out over the side of the quilt.


The coolest things about this hammock:
Side zipper runs the length of the hammock. I was able to lay in the hammock, adjust the gather of the head end of the underquilt, feel how much loft I had underneath me, and adjust the foot end.
The bugnet can be flipped back and fastened out of the way if there are no bugs.
The foot box - I can lay on my right side, left side, my back, do a body twist (believe it or not you can lay on your side *and* your back in a hammock) - it was hard to be UNcomfortable in this hammock.
The roominess - lots more space with the bugnet in place than in my Hennessy.
The adjustment of the lines - I like the tri rings and straps. The setup is long enough to use trees 15-20 feet apart.
The shelf held a fat book, headlamp, socks, gloves, camera, wallet, and several other small items without becoming a nuisance.
Works really well with my underquilt/top quilt, both JRB Hudson Rivers. These are 3 season quilts. Very warm and light, very happy with them.

The ridgeline appears loose in the pics - when I got in the ridgeline went taut as it should be.

Added: in the third picture, there is a bag at the far end of the hammock; this is the double ended stuff sack it goes into. It's about a third the size of the stuff sack of the Clip Flashlight tent my bf and his 9 yr old slept in. The 10x11 tarp fits into an even smaller sack if I force it; I used a 4x6 sack for it. On this setup I need two stakes for the hammock and 8 for the tarp.

[img:left]
[/img]

Bet you can't do this with two tents! We were expecting the clouds to blow up and rain on us.
Posted by: kevonionia

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/16/09 01:57 AM

Lori:

Thanks for those pix and the multiple posts that taught me alot. I just reread this entire thread -- may be one of the best ever -- and it has really got me on the edge of the abyss to at least try sleeping in a hammock. Fantastic input.
Posted by: chris

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/16/09 09:30 AM

I got to try out a Blackbird this past weekend. It's everything Lori just said. The quality is top notch and it is truly hard to get uncomfortable. It was windy out and the bungie tieouts only allowed a gentle sway which was really nice. I'll be ordering mine this week, probably today!

chris
Posted by: lori

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/16/09 09:35 AM

Originally Posted By kevonionia
Lori:

Thanks for those pix and the multiple posts that taught me alot. I just reread this entire thread -- may be one of the best ever -- and it has really got me on the edge of the abyss to at least try sleeping in a hammock. Fantastic input.


You're welcome! If you want to try before you invest serious money, you can either make Risk's test hammock out of fabric from a bargain bin (google it) or you could go with a premade like an ENO or Byer's (both on the rack at REI) for less change than the Blackbird or Hennessy. Throw your sleeping pad into the hammock on the diagonal, climb into the sleeping bag from a standing position, sit down, swing feet up. If you think it might rain, a cheap plastic tarp from Walmart works fine in the backyard or car camping.

Or you can borrow. I bet there's a hammocker in your area. It would be easy to find out with a post on hammockforums.net.
Posted by: jpanderson80

Re: Why are hammocks so great? - 02/16/09 10:10 AM

Thank you, Lori!

Also,
Thanks to everyone for the comments. I feel like I have far fewer skewed presuppositions because of all the comments. I really appreciate the community here. You guys/gals are alright!