Reasons you've been forced to the ground...?

[Andy "Bull" Bullock]

Hey all, planning a section hike on the AT for the summer with WBBB and Dutch's new Xenon tarp (HG Incubator 20 and costco quilt). Trying to decide to take a ground pad or not... I usually only carry a 2x3 piece of tyvek as my "welcome mat", but started thinking too much about possibly needing a ground sheet in case I would have to go to the ground. However, I cannot think of a reason except for structural failure of the hammock that would put a person to the ground. I'm sure this has happened, but are there any other reasons a hanger would be forced to the ground? Thanks all! Happy New Year!

[johnspenn]

1. One time my whoopie sling slipped off the MSH.

2. One time I went to sit on my hammock and overshot it and landed on the ground.

Both were easily remedied and I was hanging again in no time! Just say NO to ground sleeping!

Sorry, I know that's not what you were looking for. It's a legitimate concern on a thru.

There are several people who hiked the whole way with a hammock, some even on these forums. Hopefully one or more will chime in. Good luck!

[TrailSlug]

I had a friend that had to go to ground when his hammock ripped down the middle. He simply went to a shelter and they made room for him. He stayed warm but the wooden floor and mice kept him from sleeping for a few nights until he could get to a town that had an Eno. Then he was able to contact his resupply person (wife) to order a new Warbonnet BB XLC double layer to finish his section.

[Five Tango]

I purchased a groundsheet some months ago that is about 5x8 ft and weighs 1.5 oz.It is significantly lighter than my tyvek sheet which I had tricked out with loops for pegging.I use the replacement sheet laid on the ground under the hammock with something like a pack on top to keep it from blowing away.It's only been used twice but so far but I think I am going to stay with it.I pack it in a gallon ziplock .To be honest,I like the Tyvek better but the weight savings is significant.

[Andy "Bull" Bullock]

Lol!! Too funny sir! Johnspenn

[Andy "Bull" Bullock]

I had a friend that had to go to ground when his hammock ripped down the middle.

Wow what hammock was that?

[Latt]

I only go to ground when I hike above the treeline in the artic... but I'm considering getting myself some NoGround hiking poles, so I can keep sleeping in my hammock even when above the treeline there :P

[TrailSlug]

Wow what hammock was that?

I would rather not say as he was abusing the hammock so it wasn't the manufactures fault.

[dakotaross]

I've not been forced to the ground yet, knock on a tree, but I often carry a pad for a multi-night trip. I carry a Klymit xlite (the short one) because its the lightest pad that packs up the smallest, and with the "loft holes", it works better as a supplement to my UQ if needed. Reflectix makes a great custom pad for the ground if you can deal with the bulk - but isn't so great on a shelter floor or the like, too thin for such a hard surface unless you're doubling it over. I made myself a 32 inch wide hammock pad from 16" reflectix with reflective duct tape piecing the two sections together which can be folded/doubled over on the ground. Good and effective pad, but very bulky.

[Mindbender]

Not a thru but just a section. I had already booked a shelter on the AT (Davenport Gap shelter) as I was in the Smokies. They don't like you to stay outside the shelter because of bears. �� This particular shelter didn't have bear cables because of insufficient trees so all packs and food were kept in the shelter which had a chain link front. I wasn't happy about going to the ground but there was no other choice. If we weren't sharing the shelter with five other people I might have rigged an indoor hang but like I said, no other option.