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Exploring the Wonderful and Magical World of Hammock Backpacking

Exploring the Wonderful and Magical World of Hammock Backpacking. Cary Beuershausen, WFA Trail Coordinator North Florida Trailblazers. Why Leave the Ground?. Often more comfortable than tents. Considerably more flexible than tents. LNT-friendly: No soil compression

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Exploring the Wonderful and Magical World of Hammock Backpacking

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  1. Exploring the Wonderful and Magical World of Hammock Backpacking Cary Beuershausen, WFA Trail Coordinator North Florida Trailblazers

  2. Why Leave the Ground? • Often more comfortable than tents. • Considerably more flexible than tents. • LNT-friendly: • No soil compression • No clearing of vegetation • Things are left the way you found them

  3. Why Leave the Ground? • Typically easier to setup and cleaner to take down. • Perfect for uneven and rough terrain. • Highly customizable to suit your needs.

  4. Why Leave the Ground?

  5. Problems Leaving the Ground • Not really geared towards multiple users. • Can require more of a learning curve. • More susceptible to cold weather if you’re not prepared.

  6. Why Stay on the Ground?

  7. Why Stay on the Ground? • Camping above tree line or in the desert. • Tents may be warmer without additional precautions. • Desire a fully enclosed shelter.

  8. Problems With Staying on the Ground • Not really LNT-friendly. • Can be dirty to pack away. • Typically bulkier than hammock. • Need to find the “perfect” site to avoid rocks and sticks damaging tent floor, water runoff, etc. • Can be hot and muggy.

  9. Inside the Backpacking Hammock • Typically made from light or ultralight nylon. • May be single or double layer. • May have permanent, removable, or no bug netting. • Typically have storage areas or loops. • May have a structural or non-structural ridgeline.

  10. Site Selection • Pick trees 12-15’ apart that are 6-8” in diameter minimum. • Don’t pick the tallest trees. • Try to pick a location that will naturally protect you from wind/rain. • Optional • Pick site based on view • Pick site based on stealth

  11. Site Selection • Look up for widowmakers. • Test your trees before you hang from them!

  12. Site Selection

  13. Site Selection

  14. Get Creative!

  15. Get Creative!

  16. Get Creative!

  17. Get Creative!

  18. Suspension Methods • Notes About Using Rope/Line • Can cut into tree if attached directly. • Knots degrade rope strength (up to 50%) and can be difficult to untie.

  19. Suspension Methods • Webbing straps • Safer for the tree by distributing load. • Eliminate/reduce the need for knots. • Strap Options • ENO Slap/Atlas Straps • Python straps • DIY (polypro, seatbelts, tie-downs)

  20. Suspension Attachment Methods • Carabiners • Descender rings • Tri-glides • Dutch clips • Whoopies

  21. It’s OK to Sag • Hang the suspension to create about a 30° angle. • Too little sag will create too tight of a hammock. • Too much sag will turn your hammock into a banana. • Neither will be comfortable.

  22. It’s OK to Sag • A structural ridgeline will set the sag so it’s repeatable every time. • An adjustable ridgeline can help while you’re in the learning phase or provide the ability to change the sag down the road.

  23. Tweaking The Setup • Use tie-outs to provide a roomier feel. • Use ridgeline for clothing, lighting, etc. • Try positioning head/feet slightly higher if you struggle getting level. • Adjust height above ground based on personal comfort.

  24. Keepin’ It Toasty • Convection loss is your biggest enemy. • Keeping the wind off your back will eliminate CBS and make your time much more enjoyable.

  25. Combating Cold Butt Syndrome • Hot Weather • The clothes you’re wearing • Warm Weather • WeatherShield • Cold Weather • SuperShelter • Underquilt

  26. Take It From the Top • Sleeping bag • Lightweight blankets • Top quilt

  27. Alternative Insulation Options • Foam pads • Emergency blankets • Natural materials • Leaves • Pine straw • Other vegetation or even clothing

  28. Don’t Blame it on the Rain • A quality tarp can greatly increase your comfort level. • Choose a tarp that provides flexibility beyond simply covering the hammock. • Multiple tarps allow optimal choice based on needs/conditions.

  29. Setup Overview

  30. Dude! Where Are My Trees? • If you find yourself above tree line, in the desert, or w/o suitable trees you can still use your hammock. • Hiking poles and other objects can support ends like a tree. • Being prepared with a pad can make the journey back to ground more palatable.

  31. Dude! Where Are My Trees?

  32. Dude! Where Are My Trees?

  33. Where Do I Learn More? • http://www.hammockforums.net • http://www.youtube.comSearch for ‘shug hammock’ • Read the “The Ultimate Hang”* and visit http://www.theultimatehang.com • Read “Hammock Camping” by Ed Speer * All illustrations used by permission of Derek Hansen.

  34. Questions?

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