When Hammock Instead of Tent?

Johnny · 12-26-2011, 03:10 AM

Do you like sleeping in hammocks? Some people prefer this type of sleeping arrangement because it's much lighter than tent and it is easier to assemble/disassemble.

Lorax · 12-26-2011, 07:35 AM

I've been a hammock camper for about 8 years now. After my first two experiences, I nearly gave up on them because they sleep so cold, but like everything else, I just needed to dedicate some time to them and tweak my system. I now use my hammock more then my tents.
The weight savings is not as great as you would think when the weather is anything but summer temps. The additional gear you need to stay warm offsets the savings. Also, take for example a standard Clark jungle Hammock, it weighs just as much as some of the offerings from Black Diamond tents. And with the tent, you have more room to store gear and move a round a little.

Another point you made was easy set up. I would have to say that hammocks can be more fussy than some ultralight freestanding tents actually. Especially when it comes to aftermarket or oversized flys and underquilt rigging. Then again, it depends on the brand and configuration.

Going to a hammock all depends on your preferences and needs. It also has a lot to do with the time of year and location you would use the hammock.

I guess my point is......There's a lot of factors when considering one over the other. The hammock does not automatically fix everything and make your camping experience 100% hassle free. Like everything else, there's a learning curve and they have their advantages as well as their disadvantages over tents.

pastywhite · 12-26-2011, 07:51 AM

Here in the east I really like my hammock for warmer weather camping. I don't even bother with a tarp unless it raining. When the weather is nice it takes just a few minutes to setup the hammock. But like Lorax mentioned, hammocks sleep cold so you will need to plan for this. The hammock + tarp take up much less room in the pack but doesn't have an enormous amount of weight savings (over a 1P tent). It is probably heavier than some of the tarp tent options.

It's all about the comfort.

craig · 12-26-2011, 08:30 AM

I am a tent camper, not because I prefer tents more than hammocks but because I experiment rarely with new gear in shelter category. The only thing I'm worried about regarding hammocks is not having an insect protection.

Lorax · 12-26-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig

I am a tent camper, not because I prefer tents more than hammocks but because I experiment rarely with new gear in shelter category. The only thing I'm worried about regarding hammocks is not having an insect protection.

If you get a hammock with the integrated netting, bugs are really not an issue. The Hennesy hammocks with the bottom entry are great for this. The Clarks and others with the full side zipper can let them in, but it's never really a big problem.

2Tired4 · 12-26-2011, 09:19 AM

It's nice and useful to have any piece of shelter configuration that includes some kind of insect net. I really love nature but sometimes insects can really ruin your good time.

oldsarge · 12-26-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorax

If you get a hammock with the integrated netting, bugs are really not an issue. The Hennesy hammocks with the bottom entry are great for this. The Clarks and others with the full side zipper can let them in, but it's never really a big problem.

I really need to look into the newrer integrated hammocks with nets. I know Refrigerator posted info on it a while back, I'll have to check it out again. I used one while in the military and it didn't work too well for me. We ended up making our own designs to use and it always needed a little tweaking to get it right. Indianahiker posted some pictures of his set up on another thread and it looks great. I only used it while in Panama and the weather, although wet was very warm. Even there at night you could get a chill sleeping in a hammock.

Survivo · 12-26-2011, 10:01 AM

I really though that hammock over tent will save a lot of space and weight but from other people' answers I know see that this is not that significant.

Pathfinder1 · 12-26-2011, 10:38 AM

Hi...

A lot of hammock info can be had at Hammock Forums.

Lorax · 12-26-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Survivo

I really though that hammock over tent will save a lot of space and weight but from other people' answers I know see that this is not that significant.

Clark Jungle Hammock (North American model) -3lbs 2oz.
Clark NX 250 -3lbs 12oz
Hennesy Deluxe Explorer A-sym - 3lbs 6oz.

Black Diamond First Light tent (27.3 sq feet) - 3lbs 5oz.
Black Diamond HiLight tent (27 sq feet) - 3lbs 2oz.
Six Moons Lunar Solo (27 sq feet) - 23-27 oz depending on floor option
Tarptent Squall 2 (30 sq feet) - 34oz.

As you can see, there are great options for any way you want to go. The only thing holding you back from deciding which route to go with shelter is not a weight issue, but more a terrain, temperature, time of year and destination characteristic variables. Hammocks are great, but they are not a cure all for weight, space saving or any shortfalls in tent or tarp performance.

Of course, one thing I haven't touched on yet is the comfort factor. I do seem to prefer the hammocks with the asymmetrical cut for a flat lying position.

And....as stated above Hammock Forums are a great resource for info.