Hammock Camping

[buddha]

Has anybody tried this?

I've been a tent camper all my life except for a few years when I had a pop-up (One could make an argument that if the place where you sleep has wheels on it then it's not camping). I tent camped on all my Sturgis trips. I have loved tents since I was a teenager and currently own 3: 2-1man tents and a family style tent with 2 rooms.

Recently I came across an article online about Hammock Camping. The more I read the deeper the hook was set. The stuff you can do with one of these things makes tent camping seem like a thing of the past. Plus, the comfort level reported by everyone I have read is far superior to sleeping on the ground. One guy reported that while on a camping trip he climbed into the Hammock to do a little reading and woke up a few hours later.

For the tent campers among us, how many can report going to sleep with a sleeping bag and Thermarest (or similar product) under you and didn't wake up feeling like you just got a full body massage with a Louisville Slugger? A buddy and I just did a trip in July where we kayaked to a remote site, set up the tents, did some swimming and hiking and later on climbed into the tents to sleep. I thought I had put my tent on level ground but I was wrong. I spent the whole night trying to find a comfortable position  and NOT slide off the Thermarest. I would have moved the tent but we had set up camp just prior to a monsoon. It was still a great trip but would have been made better, I think, had I not had to contend with unfavorable terrain.

So yesterday I took a leap of faith and ordered my first Camping Hammock. It's made by a company called Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) and the model is the Double Nest. I got mine in earth tones because something I have done over the years is what is called "stealth camping". This is where you set up your camp in places where, hopefully, you won't be seen. I've done this in the woods as well as rural and urban environments including industrial areas. Even though my "singles" are pretty light the weight cannot even come near the hammock, plus the transport size favors the hammock as well, I can fit the hammock in a pocket when it's in its stuff sack and it weighs under a pound.

There's a site called "HammockForums.net" where ideas can be found, also a bunch of vids on YouTube about hammock camping and stealth camping. Check out some of the stuff put up by a guy named Shug Emery. Really funny guy with some tremendous info.

I'll post up when I receive my goods and hang 'em. This is gonna be some major fun.

[-Doug-]

I've done a little bit of hammock camping. I didn't use a tarp since the conditions were very favorable to go without one. The sleeping was far better than any traditional sleeping pad and sleeping bag camping. I will admit that the hammock I got is a vey entry level hammock. It's a little tight in the shoulders but overall not bad. I do want to get an ENO one eventually.

I've heard of the forum mentioned but haven't checked it out yet. This guy's videos are a little out there but he gives some great tips.



Ironically enough, I'm going camping tonight. I'll be tent camping but it's still fun.

[Tyler]

I love hammocks, but I have never heard of Hammock Camping.  I'm going to look into this more as the one thing I hate about camping is sleeping on the floor.  Even with my Cabela's cot, it's still hard t get it it level and get a good sleep.

[buddha]

Yeah, that's Shug Emery. I watched this video a few days ago before ordering my hammock. He's a funny dude and also a lot of good info.

[Ming the Merciless]

Hmm.  Hammock sleeping.  I think it would not be good for my back.  Board-straight is what makes me feel best.

But, I have slept in a hammock, more than once.  But not since about 1953.  My father picked up somewhere what I'd assume was WWII surplus, a "tropical hammock," I guess I'd call it, with netting sides and a tent-like roof over, the whole thing you could zip yourself into.  And he set it up in our back yard, I guess to please me, since I doh't think he ever planned to sleep in it himself (he and his buddies had a hunting camp with bunks).  My strongest recall (did I sleep?  I suppose) was hearing and being thrilled by what I was sure were owls, but now realize were just mourning doves.

Time to batten my hatches.  There's a tornado warning this evening, and a frontal system is racing across the NY Metro area as I type this.  The radar has it not quite yet at the end of the street, but it will soon be knocking on my door.  Or knocking it down.

[tomcj2]

I like Holiday Inn camping.  Why should I be uncomfortable at night?  In the morning I can hike and swim and enjoy nature.

[tomcj2]

......seriously ,  I have spent many vacations canoeing through northern Ontario Canada wilderness areas.  I do not like "camping" where I am in close proximity with other people.  I do not want to hear my neighbours.  I do not want to smell their breakfast while they are cooking it.  I am happier at home.

[Beardman]

I have been watching those how to videos, and it has really peaked my interest. I don't know if you guys get them overseas, but in Australia we have a thing called a swag, I was looking at getting this one, http://www.aussiedisposals.com.au/snowy-swag, But now I've seen a camping hammock... Although a swag has next to no set up and seeing I take the fourbie everywhere at the moment space isn't an issue... But it is a very cool concept that I wouldn't mind exploring one day!

[Slynito]

Back in my younger years we all had, "Mosquito Bars"...hammocks with canvas and mosquito netting around it....military surplus. We hung them between the trees when hunting in the,"Big Cypress". In more recent times I've run across places on the beaches of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Belize and Colombia that will rent a hammock or tent for the night. Some have a covered sheds where you can hang them out of the rain/dew. Ain't nothing like spending the night in a hammock and listening to the pounding surf, people screwing next to you and occasional small arms fire from the mountains.

 

[tomgallagher]

And I always thought that was the Sandinistas playing with firecrackers.

[Slynito]

In all cases it was the paramilitaries killing off the peasants...our tax dollars at work.