AT in 2021 :)

[zzman]

Hi all. Total noob here. I've done a very small amount of backpacking, but a fair bit of sleeping outside. I'm in the Army, so "the field" is not exactly camping, but has similarities.

Anyway, I've always been interested in doing some more backpacking and am intrigued by hammocks. I am also an obsessive researcher so have a good idea what I'd like to try. (WBBB, gossamer gear 1/4", maybe the mamajama tarp, wondering if I can do w/o the UQ since I'm looking to make AT thru hike the goal. Winter camping does not appeal to me now).

The AT thru at 2021 has to do with my expected retirement date. I plan to add some stuff here and there and get out as much as the wife allows. That ain't much But I have pre-negotiated the thru

[attroll]

Doing the AT with a hammock is defiantly doable. I did it in 2010.

[zzman]

Oh, forgot to mention, I'm in Monterey, CA right now for a little bit longer. I expect to PCS to Omaha NE about May 14. One daughter, age 18 months and another girl on the way in DEC. I'm 44, so some might think that a late start. As alluded before, the wife has zero interest in backpacking and the kids are obviously too young. That is my biggest challenge now.

[Acer]

You could take a 3/4 UQ and foot pad and get by,,some of the 3/4 quilts only weigh starting out at 10oz or so,,with all the new fabrics,,send emails to some of the suppliers and see how little a UQ will weigh. But I think if you use a hammock,,below 60,,you might find out the need for a UQ or a pad if you choose a 2 layer hammock.

[zzman]

Doing the AT with a hammock is defiantly doable. I did it in 2010.

thanks for the reply

What was your bottom insulation? I'm curious if a 1/4" wide pad (like Gossamer Gears) will do it in the colder times if you're willing to supplement with clothes and/or a hot water bottle.

[zzman]

You could take a 3/4 UQ and foot pad and get by,,some of the 3/4 quilts only weigh starting out at 10oz or so,,with all the new fabrics,,send emails to some of the suppliers and see how little a UQ will weigh. But I think if you use a hammock,,below 60,,you might find out the need for a UQ.

From what I've read, I'm pretty sure this is solid advice. I was just hoping a pad only option would give me the "go to ground" capability for the shelters if a heavy rain is bumming me out.

[sargevining]

You will need some kind of bottom insulation for at least part of your AT Thru. Depending on a few personal variables, hammocks start getting uncomfortably cold at around 70*---and night time temps for a good portion of the trail will see temps at and lower than that.

We had a hang down here in Texas in July. Daytime temps were in the low 90s, night time temps in low 70s to high 60s. Most of the folks who attended used a pad or a UQ at night.

[attroll]

thanks for the reply

What was your bottom insulation? I'm curious if a 1/4" wide pad (like Gossamer Gears) will do it in the colder times if you're willing to supplement with clothes and/or a hot water bottle.

I used a WBBB for my hammock.
One thing to keep in mind is that it depends on when you start and every year the weather is different.
I started on 19 March in 2010. I started out with two pieces of bottom insulation.

Two lb-density Crosslinked Polyethylene CCF Pad
Used during the cold weather under my sleeping bag or when sleeping in the shelters.
Weight: 12 oz

Winter Yeti from Warbonnet
Weight: 18.5 oz

[lesspayne]

Keep your eyes open on the for sale thread, you can pick up a DIY poncho liner under quilt for 30 to 40 dollars (or if you have the skills make one yourself). I picked one up myself to use for the summertime a few weeks back. I have only used it once but it worked for an overnight low of 68. If you already have a pad that should work but I don't have any experience with those.

[Duffy]

Welcome from Fla! Many of us have hiked on the AT when getting out of the Service. Enjoy!