good for back?

**freeballer** · 09-23-2013, 18:06

I'm interested in going camping next year... I've had a sore back, peticularly neck/shoulder region for over a decade.. I've heard getting off the ground helped, and it avoided the strain of lugging around more gear. (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress)...

So my first question has to be; is this true? And if so, what should I look out for when buying a hammock? I've been "window shopping" online.. But outside of height/weight, and features (bug net, rain guard) I'm not sure if a peticular type would have an advantage?

Thanks for your time,
Geo

**pgibson** · 09-23-2013, 18:11

Hammocks help many but don't get confused that it's less gear...it's different gear not necessarily less.

Instead of a tent and ground pad and sleeping bag you have a tarp and quilts. Weight wise I am the same or very close to my ground gear with my hammock gear.

**oldgringo** · 09-23-2013, 18:17

Yes, hammocks relieve back pain. I camp ~60 nights/year. That number would be 0 if not for hammocks.

**stravis** · 09-23-2013, 18:37

I have a very expensive mattress at home (Stearns and Foster) that I wake up every morning with a stiff and painful lower back. I've never woken up with back pain in my hammock.

(your results may vary)

**Gannoli** · 09-23-2013, 18:42

I've never had back pain while sleeping in my hammock. Although, I'm only 23 and don't normally have back pain anyways.

**gunner76** · 09-23-2013, 18:57

Tent Fly = Tarp
Tent = Hammock
Sleeping Bag = Top Quilt
Pad = pad or Under Quilt

**Callahan** · 09-23-2013, 19:04

My Ridgerunner bridge hammock has become part of my back relief program

Spent the last 3 nights in it due to back/shoulder pain, makes a world of difference for me.

Cheers

**freeballer** · 09-23-2013, 20:12

I want to get back to the outdoors, so thats good news.. Maybe a hammock will fit the bill.
I mispoke, it doesn't guarantee less equipment..

Is the bottom quilt a personal preference, to keep proper sleeping form or for warmth?

**madisonsfinest** · 09-23-2013, 20:21

It's for warmth. The wind can nip your butt without it when the temps drop

**mowgli** · 09-23-2013, 20:37

I would recommend starting with something inexpensive & lounge in it for a while on a weekend afternoon. I bought my hammock with sewn in netting for $50. If you aren't happy with the ergonomics, you can sell it online and aren't out too much $. I'd plan a trip where you know you wont need a tarp or underquilt so you don't spend money on those till you know you are happy with the hammock. I've slept in 30 degree weather in my 20 degree Kelty Light Year as my only insulation and admittedly I woke up cold a couple times, but it wasn't too bad. I'm a warm sleeper though. I do want an underquilt for maximum comfort, but I wouldn't consider it necessary in temps above 50 or so.