Trip from sailing and such did a pretty fair comparison. Might not hit on points but I think he did a good job of being unbiased.Originally Posted by WalksIn2Trees
https://youtu.be/pGsVlwkQcvU
Trip from sailing and such did a pretty fair comparison. Might not hit on points but I think he did a good job of being unbiased.
https://youtu.be/pGsVlwkQcvU
I think in the summer, someone who usually sleeps in a tent can sleep on the ground without it, so the argument about being hot in a tent doesn't really apply. Plus you can sleep this way in so many places where there are no trees.
Now, if he would be concerned about dew or rain, he would need a tarp, and find himself in the same situation as the hammocker : looking for trees. Although he could use a tarp with his trekking poles, or even bushes or smaller trees, where a hammock wouldn't be an option, so a plus on the ground dweller's side, here again, as far as spot configuration is concerned.
I am now thinking of getting a really minimalist hammock that I could take with me anyway and alternate if needed.
But, as far as I am concerned, tents in the summer are a no-go. At best, a mesh tent, if you reckon you will be in a place without trees and many mosquitoes. Then I would put the tarp on top. DSC_0739.jpgP1030774.jpgP1030769.jpg
Hammockers shouldn't be afraid to go to ground. There are not as many bugs as one imagines there, and it is not that dirty, just grass and rocks that our forefathers always knew since they've been living on this planet.
Sometimes you just can't get your ideal spot with a hammock.
DSC_1591.jpg
Last edited by Rouskof; 03-18-2017 at 15:17.
Whoa Whoa Whoa. You are in the middle of the hammock frat house here... are you sure you want to say this? Ha
Here's a multi-post series on different backpacking shelter systems. http://andrewskurka.com/2016/buyers-...-bivy-systems/
Just because I am a friar in disguise, I can better undermine the community, hehe. In fact I was sent by the tent campers' frat house with this specific mission. So I just pretended having a BBXLC, and here we go !
Hmm... your expert didn't list my shelter, which is freestanding bugnet + tarp
And why punishing yourself in a confined bivy under a huge tarp just because of the mosquitoes ? hang a bugnet underside your tarp, and stay at ease !
DSC_0981.jpg DSC_0979.jpg
But really the best way to go most of the time, if you are not in an area infested with mosquites or other insects and if there are no trees to hang a hammock is just a tarp and two light poles, imho, without all these cumbersome accessories. Or even no tarp at all actually, if the weather is fine and there is no dew, just a ground cloth, and even this is often a luxury. The least, the better ! The bivy could be a good idea in a treeless environement, if you want to save weight compared to the freestanding bugnet + tarp, never tried it ! I would just hope the rain wouldn't last the whole day ! I think I would still prefer to carry one or two poles and a tarp, with an optional bugnet if I think I might need it at some point.
Of course, it all depends on what will prevail in the area where you are going. This summer I am planning a trip to Ireland, where there are virtually no trees and a lot of rain, and I will probablyl opt for the tent.
Interesting article, anyway.
Last edited by Rouskof; 03-23-2017 at 15:25.
So I'm planning a backpacking trip to Catalina Island in June. We're forced to stay in campgrounds/campsites and the likelihood of trees is questionable. That being said, I totally want a hammock along. The question of bugs weighs on me a little, but hopefully I will get reliable advice before the trip.
If bugs are likely, I will bring my Hammock Netty and Hammock Gear standard tarp with doors. I always have hiking poles anyway, so if there's no trees, signposts or other opportunities to hang I will essentially have a bug bivy and said tarp. If I'm convinced that mosquitos will not be a problem, I guess I could bring my Dutch netless hammock, but for a few ounces I'll probably bring the Netty.
Depending on temps, I might forgo the underquilt, since I'll probably want a pad just in case. I can use it in the hammock if necessary - I'll be happier to do that versus sleeping on the ground.
So to the friar from France, you should add a nylon gathered-end ground cloth to your bug net, they are often sold as BBXLCsI see lots of trees in those photos.
Just a reminder...while you're there take photos of all the sites you can so you know for next time. And be courteous by asking any campers there for permission before doing so. If your memory is like mine, it's nice to have the details for any future trips. I usually do a thumbs up/down in the photo depending on the tree situation
I'm going on a kayaking trip in June and photos from my previous trip 2 years ago were a total life saver.
When investigating a kayak/hammock trip to Ross Lake in WA, I discovered the park information included photos of each camp ground along the perimeter of the lake and islands. It gave a mixed feeling. 1) I has happy to know there would be available trees. 2) I was a little unhappy because it seemed like too much information. Like now that I've see most of it, via Google Earth and detailed camp site photos - why go.
But there is more to it. I'm kind of adversed to Man/Woman (for political correctness) made lakes. And it turns out they drain it every fall and refill it every spring. I mean there is so much "hand of man" going on ... and it is just a lake; a "manufactured" lake at that. If I lived in WA, I'd probably check it out. But from the distance I'd be traveling, I'd rather go to the ocean around Vancouver Island.
Yes, the above is a little astray of hammock vs tent. But I was just thinking of photos of campsites. Sure, if I took them myself, it's part of history. And I do enjoy seeing the "This is my hammock site" photos. So it must the artificialness of Ross Lake that makes it less appealing to me.
When hiking, here in the NW, I'm only concerned about "no trees" if I'm above 8,000 ft.
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