Hammock vs Tent

[bkrgi]

I agree completely. I am a backpacker first and use both hammocks and tents, depending on where I am hiking and the conditions. Yes, I sleep more comfortably in a hammock. Yes, I like the more open aspect of a hammock in good weather but if protection from rain, cold and wind is the top priority, a quality backpacking tent will be my choice every time. I enjoy using both hammocks and tents and believe there is a time and place for both. There is no need to pit one against the other, IMO.

Why I built a tent for the Hammock and added a wood stove ...comfort rules.
Fall camp
IMG-20170918-04474 by richardktm300, on Flickr

Winter scene
New Hazelton-20171107-04556 by richardktm300, on Flickr

IMG-20170918-04476 by richardktm300, on Flickr
The mice sure enjoyed the comforts that night hahahhahaaa

[Chard]

Fun video! My takeaway was... tent or hammock, rig up a tarp first and get out of the rain!

I can't tell you how long I sometimes take to find those two perfect trees from which to hang, all the while walking over those flat tent spots.

[cougarmeat]

I have to give Chard a +1 because finding those trees is not always so direct. In the photo below, you will see lots of trees. But when I was there, many idea trees would require stringing the hammock across the hiking path. Or - and we've all been there - there are two great trees but there is a third tree between them that would interfere with the tarp. That said, I really can't remember the last time I slept on the ground. When car traveling where I don't know the tree situation, I carry a cot-tent (or tent-cot; to lazy to look up the name). It's a cot will a fill nylon cover and fly.

I usually put the hammock up first - get that right - then put the tarp over it in just the right place. I use a continuous ridge line so it is easy to slide the tarp in the best position. But I can see it's a good idea to practice putting a tarp up first.

One thing I'm working on is dealing with a small fire for heat. I am definitely scared of floating hot ash reaching any nylon (hammock or tarp). Is there a way to keep the fire close enough to be warm, yet somehow route any ash so it will not land on the nylon? is it just a matter of keeping the fire small or minimizing the wind - just enough for "draft" but not enough to float ashes.

[Ohoopee]

Why I built a tent for the Hammock and added a wood stove ...comfort rules.
Fall camp
IMG-20170918-04474 by richardktm300, on Flickr

Winter scene
New Hazelton-20171107-04556 by richardktm300, on Flickr

IMG-20170918-04476 by richardktm300, on Flickr
The mice sure enjoyed the comforts that night hahahhahaaa

Now thats a nice setup!!

[OneClick]

I have to give Chard a +1 because finding those trees is not always so direct.

Ha! I've been there. I'll admit I'm picky, but sometimes I reach full-on whining mode...wandering for 30 minutes getting frustrated. Always worth it in the end.

[cougarmeat]

Finding those trees is not always as easy as thought. Many trees that seem ideal would require stringing the hammock across the hiking path. Or - and we've all been there - there are two great trees but there is a third tree between them that interferes with the tarp. That said, I really can't remember the last time I slept on the ground. When car traveling where I don't know the tree situation, I carry a cot-tent (or tent-cot; to lazy to look up the name). It's a cot will a fill nylon cover and fly.

I usually put the hammock up first - get that right - then put the tarp over it in just the right place. I use a continuous ridge line so it is easy to slide the tarp in the best position. But I can see it's a good idea to practice putting a tarp up first.

With respect to that "hot" tent, how do you deal with floating hot ash reaching any nylon (hammock or tarp). Is there a way to keep the fire close enough to be warm, yet assure any ash so it will not land on the nylon? is it just a matter of keeping the fire small or minimizing the wind - just enough for "draft" but not enough to float ashes.

[bkrgi]

Finding those trees is not always as easy as thought. Many trees that seem ideal would require stringing the hammock across the hiking path. Or - and we've all been there - there are two great trees but there is a third tree between them that interferes with the tarp. That said, I really can't remember the last time I slept on the ground. When car traveling where I don't know the tree situation, I carry a cot-tent (or tent-cot; to lazy to look up the name). It's a cot will a fill nylon cover and fly.

I usually put the hammock up first - get that right - then put the tarp over it in just the right place. I use a continuous ridge line so it is easy to slide the tarp in the best position. But I can see it's a good idea to practice putting a tarp up first.

With respect to that "hot" tent, how do you deal with floating hot ash reaching any nylon (hammock or tarp). Is there a way to keep the fire close enough to be warm, yet assure any ash so it will not land on the nylon? is it just a matter of keeping the fire small or minimizing the wind - just enough for "draft" but not enough to float ashes.

Ash is not a problem at all, it is a 'wood stove' nor the heat output of the stove on the silpoly...keep your set backs. You will get sparks...namely burnt creosote flying out the chimney and falling onto the silypoly making the odd burn hole...nothing that a touch of seam sealer can't fix. Spark arestors are not a answer and can create bigger problems. Nothing beats a wood stove in a tent to take the chill out and keep your gear dry

[docterusa]

awesome set up... moved to wood titanium stove and tent with hammock. will add pics

[dakotaross]

So true. Gave me a good laugh as well.

Ha, this guy's trail name should be Dances With Poles !! Nice vid.

[LuvmyBonnet]

I gave my 2 man tent a viking funeral years ago. I keep a solo tent for emergency trips that have few trees like French River area.