Ground envy?

[griffins]

Hey guys,

I just recently stepped in the hammock world. I've actually never even hung outside, just in my basement. However, I enjoy it a lot and can't wait to get out (should be in a few weeks).

As I have been putting my system together I started giving some other ideas some thought. I grew up loving the woods, and still love them to this day. However, my dreams are filled with journeys above tree line and in vast open plains (Scottish Highlands etc.).

I currently live in Northwest Indiana. The armpit of the US in terms of outdoor activities! I fully intend to move in the next few years once I graduate. I fully intend to chase these dreams and with any luck, I hope to land somewhere within the Rockies.

So, is there a hybrid system out there? Does anyone here share time on the ground and in the trees? Does anyone manage the same dreams I have with a hammock? Any tips, hints, ideas, of systems with the most overlap as to reduce the amount of gear needed?

This is somewhat of an incomplete thought. It's still bouncing around in my head, so feel free to think out loud. That's pretty much what this is.

Thanks for your time.

[OldnSlow]

If you are thinking that you would spend most of your time in the air, with only a few must ground times, any of the double bottom units would work in a pinch. The DDhammock site and Claytor sites discuss that fact that the hammock can be used as a bivy in a pinch. The concern would be with the wear on the ripstop.

Hope this helps

John

[Hawk-eye]

Nope ... don't see a need to go to ground. If'n they don't have trees ... guess I need to walk a bit further!

[oldgringo]

If your dreams are of high, lonely places, follow them. If that means you take a tent, and sleep on the ground...<shrug>...it still beats the hell out of a motel in Cleveland.

[Hawk-eye]

...it still beats the hell out of a motel in Cleveland.

AMEN BROTHER DAVE ... tell it like it is!

[turnerminator]

I use a DD travel precisely for the reasons you state. I get to scotland as much as I can. I wince when I lay on the ground with ithe DD though. I always put a ccf pad down first, but sand and little bits of rock or sand always seem to crawl in between in the night-sooner or later, I will rip a fatty and fall through a hole one of these has made. It is nice to have the option to use it as a bathtub sheet/emergency bivi, but I find myself planning routes around hangs more and more.
Sleeping on a lumpy bit of ground vs dreamy nights sleep hangin is no competition.
I am now thinking WBBB + Bivi bag.

[utilisateur]

Recently i've been thinking that a bridge hammock might be the most versatile.
If you go to ground both spreader bars together could be used as a single pole to hold up your tarp as your ground shelter and it's probaby the lightest and easiest you can take to ground for the bugnet capacity

[griffins]

If your dreams are of high, lonely places, follow them. If that means you take a tent, and sleep on the ground...<shrug>...it still beats the hell out of a motel in Cleveland.

Oh, I hear you on that.

I guess, for me, hanging would be a weekend style outing. Above tree line would probably just be reserved for 1, 2, or 3 (more?) longer trips throughout the year.

Now that I think about it, the top quilt would be the most important item. It would need to be just right for the hammock (not too warm with the inclusion of bottom insulation), but warm enough to be used with a pad throughout the three seasons (winter will be strictly in the trees). Can I get this from one quilt or will one suffice?

[Ramblinrev]

Now that I think about it, the top quilt would be the most important item. It would need to be just right for the hammock (not too warm with the inclusion of bottom insulation), but warm enough to be used with a pad throughout the three seasons (winter will be strictly in the trees). Can I get this from one quilt or will one suffice?

The top quilt is only one part of the whole sleep system. What clothes will you be wearing? Often a good set of skivvies can make a big difference in how warm you will sleep. Also consider whether a top cover will be used. That can add warmth to the sleep environment.

[turnerminator]

I know some will disagree, but for a system designed to ground dwell and hang, I reckon a sleeping bag/pad is the most versatile. I move around a lot on an uncomfortable, lumpy bed. I would kick a top quilt off quicker than Jet Li having a nightmare.