Thoughts on Going to Ground & Lightweight

**scroungetech** · 05-22-2016, 08:01

So I've been trying to envision a hammock system that would let me go to ground if necessary, that would require me to carry as little redundant stuff as possible. My goal is no more than 1 pound of ground-specific gear, and preferably half of that. IE, very few thing that could only be used while hanging, or only be used on the ground. I'm a bicycle camper, aka bike tourer, so weight of my cargo is on my mind with this.

I'm thinking a UQ can only be used while hanging, so why not try a segmented pad extender that is also useful on the ground, like a full length foam pad, as well as a torso length foam pad. I'd cut the torso length pad in half along the long axis, and could fold it out wide for use in the hammock. On the ground, I could fold the split torso length pad so it is directly under the full length pad, and still have a comfortable set up without a UQ. Thereby saving weight.

So I think I have step one, bottom insulation with no UQ figured out. My KAQ New River UQ will eventually be sold.

For shelter, I've tried my WBBB Superfly in ground-based pitches, just practicing in the backyard, but the split at the doors makes for not quite enough coverage from the elements, so I'll be selling it eventually and going to my DD Hammocks 3 meter x 3 meter square tarp, which works much better for full coverage in a ground setup.

That just leaves flooring/ground cloth to figure out. I have my eye on a silnylon bathtub floor from either Yama Mountain Gear or Bear Paw Wilderness Designs. This and the carbon fiber tent poles I already use in my 1 man tent would be the only ground specific gear I would need to carry, and would weigh in at a total of about 6 to 8 ounces. Maybe a Tyvek ground sheet under it at another 3 ounces.

Any comments and questions are most welcome!
~scroungetech

**WV Mountaineer** · 05-22-2016, 08:07

Well, you have the only options available in your weight range figured in already. There isn't much to say other than good luck and God Bless

**pgibson** · 05-22-2016, 11:29

I don't get the hole go to ground thing. Who does that? And why? Lear the Rules, the ground is evil, evil I say!

The first rule of Hammock Club is: You do not go to ground.

The second rule of Hammock Club is: YOU DO NOT GO TO GROUND!

The third rule of Hammock Club is: Someone yells stop, goes limp, taps out, it's nap time.

The forth rule: Only one hammock to a set of trees.

Fifth rule: One hammock at a time fellas.

Sixth rule: No sharp objects or shoes in the hammock

Seventh rule: Naps will go on as long as they have to.

Eighth and final rule: If this is your first night at Hammock Club....You have to nap.

**Kallorne** · 05-22-2016, 11:50

I use a 3/4 length quilt and a gossamer gear thinlight pad (3oz) for under my legs that is long enough to work on the ground. My rain gear is the six moons designs gatewood cape that is 11oz on my scale after seam sealing which makes a quite nice fully enclosed tarp. I've never had to sleep in it but in theory I could

...no extra carried at all. Though I think the cape would give a sort of wicked witch of the west look on a bicycle, especially with a wicker basket..

**Red Wing** · 05-22-2016, 11:57

Going to ground is dumb.

**Otter1** · 05-22-2016, 12:02

Coming from someone will more ground experience than in the trees:

If you have a comfy pad (ccf or inflatable) you'll be fine.

I have used polycryo (window film) for years and if a little careful, each sheet literally lasts years. ~1oz vs your 3oz

Since you're weight-conscious...skip the bathtub floor unless you are very unsure of site options or experience dictates it is imperative where you are going. Saves more weight

As for poles - I take it you don't use trekking poles, so you have to make do with your tent poles, other wise you could save more weight.

*** Sounds like a great, flexible setup! Report back and enjoy!

**OutandBack** · 05-22-2016, 15:07

Have you ever tarp camped?
I have been hammock camping since the 1970's and have never used my hammock kit to go to ground.
A tarp set low using my hiking poles, pine needles or dried leaves with my ground sheet over the top and my top quilt(sleeping bag).
No extra gear was required unless you don't carry a ground sheet long enough then add 6oz for a sheet of tyvek. A fishermans head bug net is also nice to have.
hth