We had a pretty slick hammock camping thread going, and it would be fun to continue the discussion over here.
Has anyone else camped sans tent/sleeping pad etc., using just a hammock for their shelter/sleeping accommodations? It has some pretty distinct advantages, IMO.
I have the Skeeter Beeter from Grand Trunk Goods, and it's pretty nice. Sturdy hammock below, bug netting above. I have used mine for backpacking a couple of times. Here's some reasons why a travel hammock makes so much sense when the weather is not too inclement.
-They are very light and small and stuff in their own sack, so they're great for backpacking.
-They are very fast and easy to set up.
-They are comfy.
-They keep you off the ground, where there are creepy crawlies, or perhaps flood waters or other hazards.
-They can be set up anywhere there are trees, whether the terrain below you is flat or pitched, or if there are rocks, roots, and debris that make sleeping on the ground impossible.
-They require no disturbance to the landscape or flora, and you can leave your camp without a trace. This is perfect for backcountry camping or staying in places you "technically" aren't allowed to camp. You can take down camp and have it in your pack in minutes.
I also purchased a Kelty Noah tarp to add to my hammock as a rainfly so that I am protected in the case of rain, but I have not had to use it yet. I would like to try to do some more backpacking and camping this way. If I backpacked more, I would probably invest in a more deluxe setup than I have, but this seems to work for me so far.
It's a really cool way to camp.
My main challenge is that when it starts getting colder out, my back gets chilly since the cold air can circulate around me and my weight crushes the insulation in my sleeping bag. I see they have some hammock blankets that go around the outside of the bottom but I have not used one. Could use some tips and suggestions in that regard!
Has anyone else camped sans tent/sleeping pad etc., using just a hammock for their shelter/sleeping accommodations? It has some pretty distinct advantages, IMO.
I have the Skeeter Beeter from Grand Trunk Goods, and it's pretty nice. Sturdy hammock below, bug netting above. I have used mine for backpacking a couple of times. Here's some reasons why a travel hammock makes so much sense when the weather is not too inclement.
-They are very light and small and stuff in their own sack, so they're great for backpacking.
-They are very fast and easy to set up.
-They are comfy.
-They keep you off the ground, where there are creepy crawlies, or perhaps flood waters or other hazards.
-They can be set up anywhere there are trees, whether the terrain below you is flat or pitched, or if there are rocks, roots, and debris that make sleeping on the ground impossible.
-They require no disturbance to the landscape or flora, and you can leave your camp without a trace. This is perfect for backcountry camping or staying in places you "technically" aren't allowed to camp. You can take down camp and have it in your pack in minutes.
I also purchased a Kelty Noah tarp to add to my hammock as a rainfly so that I am protected in the case of rain, but I have not had to use it yet. I would like to try to do some more backpacking and camping this way. If I backpacked more, I would probably invest in a more deluxe setup than I have, but this seems to work for me so far.
It's a really cool way to camp.
My main challenge is that when it starts getting colder out, my back gets chilly since the cold air can circulate around me and my weight crushes the insulation in my sleeping bag. I see they have some hammock blankets that go around the outside of the bottom but I have not used one. Could use some tips and suggestions in that regard!
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