Hi all,
I've camped and backpacked off and on for the past 40 years, almost exclusively in California. Mostly with tent, sleeping bag, and ThermaRest self inflating pads. I don't sleep great, but ok. In the past few years I've added a folding foam pad (Z-Lite type) under the ThermaRest and it's better. Even at home I toss and turn a lot and generally my back convinces me when it's time to get up.
I would like to hike the Appalachian Trail or at least some 4 week+ segments in the next few years. Reading lots of trail journals I am starting to become convinced that hammocking is the way to go for hot/humid/muddy/steep camp sites and to be close, but not in the AT shelters.
I have taken my share of naps in hammocks, but only overnighted once, 30 years ago in my 20's. I didn't sleep well. On a whim a few years ago I bought a Byer of Maine "Moskito Kankoon". It's a netted end-gathered hammock measuring 116" long. I'm 5'10 and approaching 200 pounds.
I decided before buying a fancy modern camping hammock I ought to figure out if I can sleep in one, so strung the Byer up on the back porch. The first night in the Byer I slept fitfully but only made it about 4 hours before heading inside. The second night I pitched it a little tighter which wasn't the solution and gave up after a few hours. Night 3 I added a ridgeline at 5/6 the total length and managed to sleep pretty well for the night. Last night, after watching Shug talk about ridgelines and how his is much shorter at about 3/4, I shortened mine by 4" to make it about 4/5. I think that's about as good as it will get with the Byer.
Some things I've noticed is that I don't feel compelled to toss and turn as much. I'm not as flat as I would like and figure I won't be until I get a longer, better hammock. My back doesn't get sore, even if I'm not sleeping as well.
More to come.
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