Unexpected advantage of Hammocks - from First Hang

**TowJumper** · 05-02-2012, 08:30

I had my first hang a couple of weeks ago and loved it. I posted a small review of my Exped Ergo in this thread Here.

Anyway, I learned something on this trip that is a huge unexpected advantage of hammock camping. We camped on the along Ocmulgee River in Georgia at a fellow scout master's river tract. It is family land and he has cousins that live full time along the river. One of these families have a very cool old (he's 12) yellow lab that joined us in the day at the river. He spent the day diving for rocks and hanging out with our 30 or so scouts. Of course, he got all the scaps which ensured he did not go home at night.

I assembled with the two other hangers, and Eno DN (soon to be Eagle Scout) and a Hennessy (his dad), so they could be amused if I failed this attempt at a first hang.

All went well, except during the night I felt a rather crisp "bump" on my underside which startled me into some kind of a ranger school flashback because I lurched up and sputtered something incoherrant and probably profane. The scout in the Eno a few feet away giggled and then said, "Sir, it was the Oddie [the dog]".

The lab had been sleeping under the Scout and then moved directly under my hammock for the rest of the night. I was worried I would smash the dog when my first hang ended unceremoniously with my laying on the ground. Fortunately however everything held.

I slept pretty soundly, but Oddie woke me with a low growl that gradually increased in volume around 2 am - there were racoons rummaging through the cooking area and Oddie kept them away from us. I have tent camped with our family dog, a boxer, and she always slept in the gear cover zipped in with us. Not much help.

Also, early in the morning a couple of younger scouts walked up the trail to our area and Odie kept them at bay until we get up on our own accord. Wonderful dog!

So there you have it, as a hammock camper, we provide a perfect cover to mans' best friend. Now I need to get our boxer Saddie trained for the job.

**raiffnuke** · 05-02-2012, 08:32

Good story. That is exactly what my dog, Hunter, does. He does a great job of guarding our camp from invaders whether 2 or 4 legged!

**Sidewinder** · 05-02-2012, 08:56

SAme here with my dog. Always try to take him hanging. Good early warning system and companionship. He's also the Only one in my family alway up to go with me. Never complains. Great dog.

S

**dejoha** · 05-02-2012, 09:51

Great story! Another great advantage of hammocks. So, the dog can stay dry and comfortable without trashing the fabric (plus, keeping an eye and nose on alert). I love it. I know several folks bring their dogs in the hammocks with them, but I don't think I would ever risk that with my ultralight hammock fabric - eek!

**born2roam** · 05-02-2012, 14:03

Originally Posted by raiffnuke

Good story. That is exactly what my dog, Hunter, does. He does a great job of guarding our camp from invaders whether 2 or 4 legged!

That's great indeed. When my buddy takes his ridgeback(s) along, it is almost scary of how protective they are. Luckily they know me ..... You have a hard time tresspassing .... and seeing wildlife up close.

Good stories and a great first hang btw TwoJumper!

Grtz Johan

**KrisM** · 05-02-2012, 14:33

cool story

I think taking my cats camping would be a disaster waiting to happen

**turtlelady** · 05-02-2012, 15:09

Yes, this is a good story. Makes me want to get a dog to travel with me. My cat sleeps under my hammock at home every night. She really wants to get in with me, but honors my wishes. Good luck training your dog.

**old4hats** · 05-02-2012, 16:39

My dog lays down beneath my hammock, and will not stray away for anything. Perfect alarm, and for the uninformed a great reason to stay away. She just sounds bad.

**trippaw** · 05-02-2012, 16:46

Back in the day my wife had a little lap dog that we took camping exactly once. It was petrified of the owls we heard into the night. Made for some entertainment on my part at least. Not much of a watchdog though. Great story. Thanks for sharing.

**daveocelott** · 05-03-2012, 05:06

Ive only taken my dog tent camping so far. Shes a 70 lb mix we got from the pound. Depending on who looks at her she could be part pit, rot, lab, or doberman. But she has no use at night as she sleeps like a rock. I woke hearing things outside the tent and she and my wife just kept snoring.
Got her in the hammock just long enough to take a pic and she hasnt been in it since.