Why I Still Prefer Tents Over Hammocks (plus How YOU Can Decide Between Tents And Hammocks)
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Date: 2021-01-28
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Comments and reviews: 9
Brian
I have watched your story from the beginning. I actually started watching you when I found your video on switching to a tent from a hammock. I have used hammocks for years due to my age (50. I agree with everything that you said to different degrees. I have also used tents and I agree for the most part with ideal conditions for both the tent is faster and as a rule lighter. That being said there are several ways that you could speed up and make your system more flexible.
First off I pack my entire hammock, underquilt, overquilt, and as long as it is dry suspension as one big blob that I push to the bottom of my compactor bag. This shortens setup and tear down time by a magnitude. It also gets rid of all of the lumpy individually packed items.
Second I use 15' straps from dutchware with his clip to speed up the tree strap, I then use a titanium toggle, also from Dutch, to make a larks head knot and attach the whoopie sling to this. The whoopie sling is 8' long and I attach it to a continuous loop with another piece of hardware incase it gets wet I can store it with my tarp instead of with the hammock. This system allows me to use trees that are very large diameter or are very far apart. There is also away to use the strap as an anchor on a small tree.
I believe that you gave the hammock a fair shake but you only tried one system. As I said there I have not commented before but after I read your Idea for a second attempt I had a sinking feeling. I would recommend getting your suspension figured out to your satisfaction, which can be done in your back yard, prior to planning anything else. Also if you are going ultralight then look into a Dream Hammock with an integrated bug net. Also a full length under quilt is lighter that that Yeti with a pad or look at the Superior Hammock. The wrap around versions are a weight penalty and the ones that drape over you just suck. Most of all your weight penalty should be suspension weight.
Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Also the best budget hammock out there is a Hammock Bliss Bug Free Sky Bed but they have to be set up level.
I use the same Warbonnet Black Bird XL that you used and I consider it the overall best I have ever used and I have used the following. DutchWare Chameleon, Hennesy, Dream Hammock, Walmart, Hammock Bliss, and probably others.
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I have watched your story from the beginning. I actually started watching you when I found your video on switching to a tent from a hammock. I have used hammocks for years due to my age (50. I agree with everything that you said to different degrees. I have also used tents and I agree for the most part with ideal conditions for both the tent is faster and as a rule lighter. That being said there are several ways that you could speed up and make your system more flexible.
First off I pack my entire hammock, underquilt, overquilt, and as long as it is dry suspension as one big blob that I push to the bottom of my compactor bag. This shortens setup and tear down time by a magnitude. It also gets rid of all of the lumpy individually packed items.
Second I use 15' straps from dutchware with his clip to speed up the tree strap, I then use a titanium toggle, also from Dutch, to make a larks head knot and attach the whoopie sling to this. The whoopie sling is 8' long and I attach it to a continuous loop with another piece of hardware incase it gets wet I can store it with my tarp instead of with the hammock. This system allows me to use trees that are very large diameter or are very far apart. There is also away to use the strap as an anchor on a small tree.
I believe that you gave the hammock a fair shake but you only tried one system. As I said there I have not commented before but after I read your Idea for a second attempt I had a sinking feeling. I would recommend getting your suspension figured out to your satisfaction, which can be done in your back yard, prior to planning anything else. Also if you are going ultralight then look into a Dream Hammock with an integrated bug net. Also a full length under quilt is lighter that that Yeti with a pad or look at the Superior Hammock. The wrap around versions are a weight penalty and the ones that drape over you just suck. Most of all your weight penalty should be suspension weight.
Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Also the best budget hammock out there is a Hammock Bliss Bug Free Sky Bed but they have to be set up level.
I use the same Warbonnet Black Bird XL that you used and I consider it the overall best I have ever used and I have used the following. DutchWare Chameleon, Hennesy, Dream Hammock, Walmart, Hammock Bliss, and probably others.
reply
wisenber
Why do people always include the weight of an underquilt for a hammock but don't include their sleeping pad for a tent? Same with total cost.
Just always struck me as odd.
That being said, I try to find the best sleep system. I just sleep way better in a hammock. I'm also better rested in the morning as well as more recovered. I'm not spending the first couple of hours in the morning working off a sore shoulder, back or hip from being on the ground. Having shoulder 24 inches across doesn't help with sleeping pad world either. That leaves me with an XL version of anything I would use weighing in much more than my 0 degree underquilt.
Privacy has never been a big concern, but tarps do well enough for me to not frighten small children or stun any unfortunate squirrels.
Being a more frequent hammock camper, I'm way faster pitching a hammock and tarp than I am with a tent. There's also no bottom or floor to clean off after a rainy night. I can definitely relate to finding the right trees. It's actually a skill that develops.
I own several tents and hammocks. Some places, hammocks don't work or aren't even allowed. Then again, there are places that a tent won't work or fit. Generally, if I can't use a hammock, I just use a tarp. My tents come out when I'm beach camping in bug country, in treeless areas with bugs, or treeless areas with lots of snow.
PS There are a couple of other gizmos that'll knock the time off required to pitch a hammock and tarp. Using skins for both will have both set up in a couple of minutes. Hooking up an underquilt will take about the same as blowing up a pad, and you won't be ot of breath.
Thanks for the multi-year follow up, and keep those hands where we can see them!
reply
Why do people always include the weight of an underquilt for a hammock but don't include their sleeping pad for a tent? Same with total cost.
Just always struck me as odd.
That being said, I try to find the best sleep system. I just sleep way better in a hammock. I'm also better rested in the morning as well as more recovered. I'm not spending the first couple of hours in the morning working off a sore shoulder, back or hip from being on the ground. Having shoulder 24 inches across doesn't help with sleeping pad world either. That leaves me with an XL version of anything I would use weighing in much more than my 0 degree underquilt.
Privacy has never been a big concern, but tarps do well enough for me to not frighten small children or stun any unfortunate squirrels.
Being a more frequent hammock camper, I'm way faster pitching a hammock and tarp than I am with a tent. There's also no bottom or floor to clean off after a rainy night. I can definitely relate to finding the right trees. It's actually a skill that develops.
I own several tents and hammocks. Some places, hammocks don't work or aren't even allowed. Then again, there are places that a tent won't work or fit. Generally, if I can't use a hammock, I just use a tarp. My tents come out when I'm beach camping in bug country, in treeless areas with bugs, or treeless areas with lots of snow.
PS There are a couple of other gizmos that'll knock the time off required to pitch a hammock and tarp. Using skins for both will have both set up in a couple of minutes. Hooking up an underquilt will take about the same as blowing up a pad, and you won't be ot of breath.
Thanks for the multi-year follow up, and keep those hands where we can see them!
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Coughing
I also agree with to each their own. I have owned, and still do, many different tents. They were my staple camping shelter until I discovered hammocking. Being in my 60's now, the comfort and recovery available from my hammocks make the choice for me now. No more crawling around on hands and knees on roots, rocks, acorns, etc. No more searching out that elusive flat spot. No more of that sauna feeling once the morning sun hits the tent.
Now I relish the views of my surroundings as I recline without the pressure points while enjoying my hammocks.
I used to let hot weather keep me in town because of the tenting misery. Now my hammocks allow me to enjoy any slight breeze and the air surrounding the hammock keeps me cooler.
So yes, to each their own, but for me it's a hammock as that what gets me out there more comfortably.
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I also agree with to each their own. I have owned, and still do, many different tents. They were my staple camping shelter until I discovered hammocking. Being in my 60's now, the comfort and recovery available from my hammocks make the choice for me now. No more crawling around on hands and knees on roots, rocks, acorns, etc. No more searching out that elusive flat spot. No more of that sauna feeling once the morning sun hits the tent.
Now I relish the views of my surroundings as I recline without the pressure points while enjoying my hammocks.
I used to let hot weather keep me in town because of the tenting misery. Now my hammocks allow me to enjoy any slight breeze and the air surrounding the hammock keeps me cooler.
So yes, to each their own, but for me it's a hammock as that what gets me out there more comfortably.
reply
Tim
My 11-foot hammock setup for 20F weather, including top and under quilts, tarp, stakes, and all tie-outs comes in a just over 6 pounds. It's 5 pounds with my 40F TQ and UQ. This is still super light in my opinion, and there are certainly lighter options if you want to go smaller and/or spend more money. I'm not a thru-hiker, though. I'm usually only using this a few days at a time for 10-20 mile days at most. And I backpack in areas with plenty of trees and a lot of topography, so it's easier for me to find a hammock campsite than a level site for a tent. For me, the sleep and recovery is totally worth the weight penalty. But, I still keep and use a tent when needed, but I've never slept as well on the ground as I do in a hammock.
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My 11-foot hammock setup for 20F weather, including top and under quilts, tarp, stakes, and all tie-outs comes in a just over 6 pounds. It's 5 pounds with my 40F TQ and UQ. This is still super light in my opinion, and there are certainly lighter options if you want to go smaller and/or spend more money. I'm not a thru-hiker, though. I'm usually only using this a few days at a time for 10-20 mile days at most. And I backpack in areas with plenty of trees and a lot of topography, so it's easier for me to find a hammock campsite than a level site for a tent. For me, the sleep and recovery is totally worth the weight penalty. But, I still keep and use a tent when needed, but I've never slept as well on the ground as I do in a hammock.
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travel
I love my hammock, been using one for over 20 years. BUT I am not a through-hiker, that will most likely remain a fantasy. And I camp in a forest where there's nearly always appropriate trees. I've been in horrific spring storms, sitting back in my hammock under my tarp, cooking over a small fire. Can't do that in a tent! But none of it is lightweight. I have an insulated poncho liner/jacket that I bring that doubles as an under quilt and a 0 degree bag for winter. I value my comfort and fun, but again I'm not a through hiker. If I was I'd probably go with some of the dyneema stuff, they make hammock tarps that can also be set up like a tent! Everyone has to do what works best for them. And their wallet!
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I love my hammock, been using one for over 20 years. BUT I am not a through-hiker, that will most likely remain a fantasy. And I camp in a forest where there's nearly always appropriate trees. I've been in horrific spring storms, sitting back in my hammock under my tarp, cooking over a small fire. Can't do that in a tent! But none of it is lightweight. I have an insulated poncho liner/jacket that I bring that doubles as an under quilt and a 0 degree bag for winter. I value my comfort and fun, but again I'm not a through hiker. If I was I'd probably go with some of the dyneema stuff, they make hammock tarps that can also be set up like a tent! Everyone has to do what works best for them. And their wallet!
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Daniel
I've tested a hammock a few times, I'm personally much more comfortable in a tent set up.
However, I'll try with another hammock, I think the one I have used is a bit to short, so it is a bit to cramped for a good nights sleep.
I'm not sure, but it's worth a test.
I have a suspision it will not make a big difference though, I basically spin like a propeller when I sleep, so I more or less expect to be uncomfortable in a hammock regardless of hiw good it is, but I'm open to (and hoping for) a positive surprice.
Of course, there is no right or wrong in what is preferable, it's a good thing both tents and hammocks exist, so more people can find comfortable sleep on the trail.
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I've tested a hammock a few times, I'm personally much more comfortable in a tent set up.
However, I'll try with another hammock, I think the one I have used is a bit to short, so it is a bit to cramped for a good nights sleep.
I'm not sure, but it's worth a test.
I have a suspision it will not make a big difference though, I basically spin like a propeller when I sleep, so I more or less expect to be uncomfortable in a hammock regardless of hiw good it is, but I'm open to (and hoping for) a positive surprice.
Of course, there is no right or wrong in what is preferable, it's a good thing both tents and hammocks exist, so more people can find comfortable sleep on the trail.
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Jason
One of the greatest camp set ups was a Hennessy Hammock with a sleeping pad and a space blanket when necessary in a small grove of trees within earshot of a stream. I stayed in the same location for three days. Rain, wind, bugs, and cool temperatures were all handled by the setup. I have tried other times to get a similar experience and could not replicate, many of the same issues you had. Getting a good setup is key. I love tarps for the airflow when bugs are not an issue but a tent is probably the lowest learning curve and most versatile. I ll keep trying based on conditions! Good review Dixie, try a summer trip with your current skill set and let us know.
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One of the greatest camp set ups was a Hennessy Hammock with a sleeping pad and a space blanket when necessary in a small grove of trees within earshot of a stream. I stayed in the same location for three days. Rain, wind, bugs, and cool temperatures were all handled by the setup. I have tried other times to get a similar experience and could not replicate, many of the same issues you had. Getting a good setup is key. I love tarps for the airflow when bugs are not an issue but a tent is probably the lowest learning curve and most versatile. I ll keep trying based on conditions! Good review Dixie, try a summer trip with your current skill set and let us know.
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travel
A good night s sleep is key. It might be worth carrying a little extra weight if you sleep better because of it, and feel much better the next day. I know I couldn t tolerate a 3/4 length mat. And even a narrow 20 wide full-length causes me to feel like I m about to slide off. I almost feel perched on it. My backpacking is limited, and I haven t found a great air mattress for backpacking, just ok ones. However, for car camping, this year I dropped 230, I think it was, for an Exped Megamat at REI. HIGHLY recommended. Best sleep I ve ever had while car camping. Like an actual bed.
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A good night s sleep is key. It might be worth carrying a little extra weight if you sleep better because of it, and feel much better the next day. I know I couldn t tolerate a 3/4 length mat. And even a narrow 20 wide full-length causes me to feel like I m about to slide off. I almost feel perched on it. My backpacking is limited, and I haven t found a great air mattress for backpacking, just ok ones. However, for car camping, this year I dropped 230, I think it was, for an Exped Megamat at REI. HIGHLY recommended. Best sleep I ve ever had while car camping. Like an actual bed.
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Planner
Not sure how to say this: I m glad to hear you have the same problems tenting as I do (waking up regularly, hip going numb, etc. I thought I might be on the odd end. . To me the sleep is the biggest thing that makes hammocks worth it, after all it makes up about 1/3 of your day.
I also like having the rain fly on my hammock because if need to I can set up by itself just to give myself a break from the elements and I could string it in front of a shelter to deflect the rain /wind.
Hammocks let you elevate your feet much easier.
reply
Not sure how to say this: I m glad to hear you have the same problems tenting as I do (waking up regularly, hip going numb, etc. I thought I might be on the odd end. . To me the sleep is the biggest thing that makes hammocks worth it, after all it makes up about 1/3 of your day.
I also like having the rain fly on my hammock because if need to I can set up by itself just to give myself a break from the elements and I could string it in front of a shelter to deflect the rain /wind.
Hammocks let you elevate your feet much easier.
reply
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