Lightweight backpacking and hammocks ?

**Can't Wait** · 03-24-2011, 23:59

I am trying hard and wide to bring my weights down and bulk , But want to know how can a a person reach a low base weight when you average in hammock weight UQ and TQ myself I am 6 ' 235 lbs so need a double layer hammock there's almost 2 lbs then figure almost a pound or two each TQ UQ theres 4 -6 right there add your tarp stakes guide lines etc thats another pound plus so 9-10 and my ula catalyst which will downgrade to ohm if can get weights and bulk in check . is 3 1'2 lbs so 13-14 lbs total now how do people think hammocks can get you ultralight you add some clothing cook kit first aid you know where I am going now this is a 3 season set up I am talking about not summer. ya my bag will TQ will be minimal and might not need UQ but it all adds up Or is 25-35 a acceptable weight thats including food and water for a hammock camper

**te-wa** · 03-25-2011, 00:13

besides our differenences in body weight, the hammock being the only change needed, and of course the sizes of TQ could very by a few ounces.. you can look at my gear list and take from it what you will. Tarp, quilts, etc. should be similar, not exact - but similar within a pound.
carry what makes you comfortable. i only got about 8-10 lbs for your setup, 2 + 1-2 + 1 + 3.5 = 8.5
anyway, seasons demand different insulation and coming into mid-spring here, i only need this pack list: (for temps ranging from average daytime highs of 75 to lows of 25) te-wa's two season pack list

some of the ppl on light hiking forums argue against hammocks because "they arent ultralight" and I show them time and again, using models of the "big four" that i come in, more often than not, under their base weights. and even if i dont, so what? im not gonna sleep on a nightlite torso pad to save a 1/2 pound. nope, aint gon' do it.

**Dave41079** · 03-25-2011, 00:16

Personally I think whatever anyone is willing to carry and feel comfortable with is an acceptable weight. I hike with a friend who routinely carries 40-50 pounds, even for a 3 day 2 night hike. I don't have to carry it, so I'm ok with it.

As far as getting weight down, once again it's all personal preference. This is something I've been working on too. I don't have a scale, but I can get pretty close on weights for most of my items. I've just upgraded most of my equipment to lightweight gear. I'm 5'10 and 225, so not terribly smaller than you either.

Nano 7 with whoopies and tree straps...roughly 9oz
Edge SpinnUL Tarp...8.25oz
Mason Line guyouts...I'd guess 2 ounces at most
4 stakes...2 ounces(could upgrade to Ti and cut this in half)
Hammock Gear TQ and 3/4 UQ...2lb 4oz
GoLite Jam...1lb 10oz

All told that's around 5lb 3oz. I could be off by a couple ounces, but I don't think more than that. Moreover, this is FAR more comfortable than sleeping on the ground under a minimal tarp.

**Can't Wait** · 03-25-2011, 00:18

Don't get me wrong I love the hammock now that I have switched. I just need to really play around. with the weights I am not wanting to be uber ultralight I would be happy getting base weight down to 14-16 lbs

**Running Feather** · 03-25-2011, 00:51

See this recent thread and what others are doing. This subject comes around just about Spring time every year. Its a good thing to look at!

**ArcsandSparks** · 03-25-2011, 00:54

Hey Jim,
Here is my list for summer but doesn't change too much for 3 season...give or take 2-3 lbs.. I think you commented on it but thought I would should show it again after I responded..My summer is around 13 lbs...early spring/ late fall is more in the 16 lbs range. Maybe this will help..

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=30061

**Bubba** · 03-25-2011, 01:14

A saying a learned long ago is "take care of the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves". Having said that, weigh your gear and get an accurate number. I tend to guessitmate on the heavy side. I'll wager your gear is not as heavy as you think. When you say 4 to 6 pounds, which is it? Hammock camping doesn't necessarily equate to ultralite and often the weights in hammocking are on par with some tent setups.

**Captn** · 03-25-2011, 02:41

Start with a spreadsheet

Then weigh EVERYTHING that you have

Build your list on the spreadsheet and total the weights.

Then you can start making decisions on what to carry.

**Trout** · 03-25-2011, 03:04

Something to think about:

As a UL'er, I think of the benefit of a sleep that is super comfortable and that allows me to sleep deeper is weight worth carrying. Plus, I have the added benefit of staying dryer (since I'm not on the ground) and can pack up/setup faster. If your 235 pds, a single 1.9 ripstop is all you need. As far as what you've posted, it's in your other gear that will define if your packing too much. Your gear listed so far is ok.

My own weight has kept me from having the 1.1 Ripstop and clothes with less fabric, but I'm operating within reason.