Animal Protection in a Hammock

**GingaNingaJP** · 06-28-2016, 00:36

During my very first hang in the woods last year, I was pretty certain that a wild boar was roaming around my site. Every time I heard a shuffle in the brush I was certain I was going to get jammed by a tusk in my backside... Which, of course, never happened.

I have read that there is a psychological difference between tent and hammock camping, and being in the open instead of inside a tent can be "scarier" for some.

I was wondering, what do people do to stay protected from animals, other humans, etc? Do any of you carry weapons? Do you keep them in your hammock with you? Or are you content with the idea that if a hungry bear, pack of zombies, or Bigfoot comes along while you are in your hammock then it is what it is?

I have considered bringing a bigger knife, but knives are frowned on in Japan. Guns are illegal. I have also considered a slingshot... But it is just a slingshot. Don't know how great it would be for protection.

Besides smart planning, knowing what roams the areas you camp, etc, how do you protect yourself when hanging?

**sidneyhornblower** · 06-28-2016, 02:40

The biggest threat in the woods isn't animals. It's other people. Hogs won't do anything but run from you unless you are actively trying to get between a sow and her piglets. Bear attacks are rare and can mostly be avoided by minimizing food odors. I avoid snakes by watching where I step. The only thing in the woods that bothers me is the lowly tick.

Being safe from animals is more a matter of attitude. We are apex predators. Animals know that and act accordingly. Be confident and sleep well. Enjoy the wildlife you do see.

**stevebo** · 06-28-2016, 05:43

I agree 100%----I've spent many, many nights alone in the woods in a hammock---only seen a bear a couple of times, most of the time all I see are a few deer, squirrels, lizards and chipmunks! Sounds get amplified at night in the woods--a squirrel can sound like a bear etc. (its easy to let your imagination run wild!) Pick a good campsite, if you are worried about people-stealth camp or pick a time when youre pretty sure you will be alone like in the middle of the week-and just be aware of your surroundings--don't step on a snake etc. You will be fine! (if you have trouble sleeping, wear earplugs!)

**njsurfer** · 06-28-2016, 05:52

Ear plugs will stop most of those sounds from hurting you.

**Foxpoop** · 06-28-2016, 06:13

I carry protection, but it mainly due to concerns over two legged creatures. In the last two months, I have had a bear, coyote, fox, deer, turkey, opossum and possibly wild hog (just heard him, didn't see) really close to my hammock. They are usually just passing through doing their thing.

Number one rule: don't smell like food. I never have food near my hammock and wear clean clothes to sleep, if possible.

Getting to see animals is one reason I like hammock camping. I won't wear earplugs, though. I would rather be able to hear a possible threat. It's amazing how quiet these animals can be. I didn't hear this bear until he was about 10 feet from me. By the time I got the phone up to video him, he had moved to about 15 yards away, which made me happy.

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**dkurfiss** · 06-28-2016, 07:48

Please note this thread is being monitored. Any discussion of firearms, what you carry, how you store it in your hammock, etc etc will cause this thread to be closed and removed. Keep the conversation focused on protection that does not include firearms and it will remain open.

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**sidvicious** · 06-28-2016, 08:14

to deal with the psychology; you just gotta go hang and evaluate your unmolested survival as reassurance.

and i have dewey.....

sv-

**Shug** · 06-28-2016, 08:15

I feel that when you go backpacking you have chosen to enter the domain of wild critters. Keep a clean camp and best not to worry about it too much. The constant worry will ruin your trip.
It can happen of course but just like entering a neighborhood where you may not be welcome, don't have a chip on your shoulder.
Nature will dictate the outcome.
Bear spray, a loud air-horn or a very bright 750 lumen light may deter animals.
Shug

**jwallick** · 06-28-2016, 08:24

Originally Posted by njsurfer

Ear plugs will stop most of those sounds from hurting you.

+1 on the ear plugs. I use them when in a tent, in a hotel room, in a hammock as well as home. I'm a very light sleeper so even when the wind blows harder, I wake up. Last year in Kentucky I slept through a wave of thunderstorms that caused a river to flow under me and never woke up from the sounds because of the plugs. I'm a firm believer in "when it happens, it happens" so if it happens in my sleep then that's the way it is.