Had a chance to try a hammock for sleeping instead of a tent

I always thought hammocks were just for lounging around camp, not for actual sleeping through the night. A buddy let me borrow his during a 3 day trip up near Lake George last month. After the first night I was sold, the lack of rocks and roots poking through was amazing. I did have to get an underquilt though, since the wind chill underneath got cold around 2 AM. The bug net was a pain to set up the first time, but once I got it right it was no big deal. Has anyone else made the switch for backpacking trips, or am I just missing something about tents?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_rose29d agoMost Upvoted

Wonder if it's really worth all that extra fiddle factor in the dark.

sagew5029d ago

That "extra fiddle factor in the dark" is real but you learn to manage it. I keep my whole hammock setup pre-rigged with the bug net already clipped on and just stuff it in a stuff sack. When I get to camp, I clip the tree straps on first, then hang the hammock while there's still light out. If it gets dark, I just use a headlamp and take it slow. Once you figure out the system, setting up takes maybe 5 minutes. The underquilt is tricky at first too, but sliding it on before you hang the hammock saves a lot of hassle.