Is it possible to hold your backpack in your hammock with you?

[johng]

I am planning on 'going nomadic' for an extended period of time, so I am considering using a hammock for more than just the traditional "recreational" hike with friends or by myself. I have a fear of my backpack, or stuff in my backpack, getting stolen and I was wondering if it will be possible to hold the backpack in the tent with me while I sleep. I don't expect you to answer issues regarding the comfort of having my backpack pressed against me, but what I was wondering is if it will mess up the balance of the tent. I plan on using a pretty big backpack. I was going to get the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, a bridge hammock.

Anyone with any thoughts on using a hammock for a long period of time like this? I was hoping to travel to different gatherings of nomadic people, not necessarily spending a lot of time hiking by myself, where people wouldn't encounter me.

Any thoughts on preventing my backpack from getting stolen? Thanks for your help.

[nuttysquirrel]

get a lock and clip it to your suspention? find trustworthy companions?

[ohanby]

Get a dog. They keep away thiefs and bears.

[JKDmoo]

I think some on this forum have mentioned keeping the backpack between their knees almost like a pillow for added comfort. Of course this was probably for a gathered end style hammock. I figure a backpack minus the hammock, tarp and insulation is not too big/heavy anyway. Of course I m not really sure if your big nomadic backpack would work like that.

[SilvrSurfr]

Another reason I like simple gathered-end hammocks. If I'm laying on the diagonal (I hang head right, feet left), then I attach the backpack via Amsteel soft shackle onto my Zing-It hammock suspension on the right side of the hammock foot-end. My legs rest against the pack but the pack in no way interferes with my sleep. I am not a heavy sleeper so it would be very difficult for someone to lift up the pack to be able to release the soft shackle without waking me up.

[Klaussinator]

I too have clipped my pack to the suspension at the foot end of the hammock and let it lay beside my lower legs. This is not my preference, but it does work. In my case it was blowing rain and this seemed like the best option to keep the pack dry.

-Klauss

[OutandBack]

Another reason I like simple gathered-end hammocks. If I'm laying on the diagonal (I hang head right, feet left), then I attach the backpack via Amsteel soft shackle onto my Zing-It hammock suspension on the right side of the hammock foot-end. My legs rest against the pack but the pack in no way interferes with my sleep. I am not a heavy sleeper so it would be very difficult for someone to lift up the pack to be able to release the soft shackle without waking me up.

Any respectable nomad is going to bonk you on the head then take your pack.
I think my pack and its contents would be the least of my worries.

Traveling like the OP is suggesting is not the place for high tech gear.
I would get very good at DIY and nothing I displayed would look sellable.

[dougalcorn]

I've slept with my osprey kestrel 48 in my hammock under my knees. Once the hammock, tarp, and quilts are out of the pack it lays pretty flat. Having it under your knees helps alleviate hyper extension of your legs

[johng]

So is it right to assume that a gathered end hammock would be significantly better for this purpose? Thanks for your responses.

[Brien]

Personally, I hang my pack on one of the trees I'm strapped to. I like keeping it off the ground and easily accessible.