High Sierra Topix

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... fhL81O5dcC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... fhL1FO5dcA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The article says that a backpack is so common that you can assume everyone will bring one. The same could be said of a tent (it's listed under group gear). However, it would be good to introduce The HAMMOCK to the beginner as an option to bringing a tent. (1.) in a large group, if at least one person brings a tent, it can be used to haul an injured hiker who can't walk; (2.) lighter; (3.) it takes practice to hang it from trees or rocks using low-dynamic rope and maybe some rock climbing equipment; (4.) won't flood; (5.) in cold weather, a pad is required or you will literally freeze your ass (backside) off; (6.) can be used on slopes and rocky terrain where a tent can't be set-up which actually is a huge benefit because with a tent you either cut the day's hike short or extend it to be at a level site for the nite (you will travel faster at the beginning of a trip which means more time at the end of a trip when accident rates may be higher from exhaustion); (7.) I can remember having trouble falling asleep due to tossing & turning to find a comfortable spot on the ground which is no longer a problem in a hammock; (8.) can't burn your hammock down while cooking; (9.) can't get the inside of your hammock dirty by stuffing all your gear inside; (10.) faster to set-up, take-down, and pack; (11.) eases risk of night fears that happen when you are in a tent and wondering, "what was that noise?"; (12.) closer to nature, see the trees and stars and sunrise because you are literally sleeping outdoors; (13.) add your own to the list. ***

rcymbala wrote:The article says that a backpack is so common that you can assume everyone will bring one. The same could be said of a tent (it's listed under group gear). However, it would be good to introduce The HAMMOCK to the beginner as an option to bringing a tent. (1.) in a large group, if at least one person brings a tent, it can be used to haul an injured hiker who can't walk; (2.) lighter; (3.) it takes practice to hang it from trees or rocks using low-dynamic rope and maybe some rock climbing equipment; (4.) won't flood; (5.) in cold weather, a pad is required or you will literally freeze your ass (backside) off; (6.) can be used on slopes and rocky terrain where a tent can't be set-up which actually is a huge benefit because with a tent you either cut the day's hike short or extend it to be at a level site for the nite (you will travel faster at the beginning of a trip which means more time at the end of a trip when accident rates may be higher from exhaustion); (7.) I can remember having trouble falling asleep due to tossing & turning to find a comfortable spot on the ground which is no longer a problem in a hammock; (8.) can't burn your hammock down while cooking; (9.) can't get the inside of your hammock dirty by stuffing all your gear inside; (10.) faster to set-up, take-down, and pack; (11.) eases risk of night fears that happen when you are in a tent and wondering, "what was that noise?"; (12.) closer to nature, see the trees and stars and sunrise because you are literally sleeping outdoors; (13.) add your own to the list. ***

You almost have me convinced to try a hammock!

But...what do you do with your puppies?
-Russ

Some people let the dogs in the hammock with them.

Mine sleeps just underneath, on her pad, right where I can scratch her ears in the morning.

how do you sleep on your stomach in a hammock?

Mike

oldranger wrote:how do you sleep on your stomach in a hammock?

Mike

Roll over on your stomach.

Seriously, the bridge hammock is made for stomach sleepers, and it's not impossible in a shaped asymmetrical hammock that's designed to let you sleep flat on the diagonal, either.

I have never slept in or depended on a hammock - still, somewhat interested but with a few questions - Re: the list above.

2.) Lighter: Regarding weight savings Tarptent vs. Hammock. My TT + stakes & poles comes in at 2.1 pounds packed weight - how much lighter is your Hammock...assume hammock pack-weight also includes some sort of bug net (needed more than a rain fly - Sierra), some sort of rain tarp over the hammock, all ropes and straps?

(3.) it takes practice to hang it from trees or rocks using low-dynamic rope and maybe some rock climbing equipment; This is my biggest concern - as typically camped above treeline, how do you find two trees/rocks, whatever, spaced apart to hang up the hammock? BTW, I have seen straps (added weight?) used to safeguard trees but what ropes/anchors (more weight?) work best with erratics?

(5.) in cold weather, a pad is required or you will literally freeze your ass (backside) off; In cold weather, is a pad needed in both tent or hammock? Is there a size difference in pad-size needed in a hammock? In my TT Rainbow, I regularly use a Prolite Plus short pad...Would the same size pad also work well in a hammock?

(6.) can be used on slopes and rocky terrain where a tent can't be set-up which actually is a huge benefit because with a tent you either cut the day's hike short or extend it to be at a level site for the nite (you will travel faster at the beginning of a trip which means more time at the end of a trip when accident rates may be higher from exhaustion); (Read this 4 times and still do not know what you mean here.) Unless using for climbing (then a Porta-Ledge system), finding a 6 foot ~ level slab at 11,000 feet would seem much easier than finding two trees (or rock) the right distance apart.

(10.) faster to set-up, take-down, and pack; My Rainbow is 2 minutes from pack to sleeping bag lounging; the hammock cannot be that much faster to set up. Maybe you could be a bit quicker to take down (avoids the dry-out, tent-bottom stage)...assuming not needed for a hammock before packing up...BTW, My tent lives in a side pocket - last thing packed.


12.) closer to nature, see the trees and stars and sunrise because you are literally sleeping outdoors; What?

My wife and I have been hammock camping for years now. I have a bad back and sleeping on the ground is extremely uncomfortable for me. However, in a hammock I am pain free.

Hi Jeep,

Welcome to HST! Looking forward to reading about your trips to the Sierra or maybe
an intro: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9329" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm intrigued by his footwear suggestions. He makes the claim that "boots don’t help protect your ankles. Studies have shown that they could be the cause of some ankle related problems"

Is this commonly accepted, or is that just a suggestion because he's dealing with younger kids and doesn't want to spend a lot of money on gear that will be outgrown?