Why no tent? As relaxing as a hammock is, I find it very hard to get a good night sleep in one. Also, what are you going to do about rain?

 

Yeah a tent is far superior than a hammock. And takes up less space too. More convienent....not sure why you need a hammock. What a terrible idea...have fun Daniel!!
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we want to try something other than a tent. i wanna buy something that has a net and possibly a rainfly.

what about eno? eagles nest outfitters?

 

Ummm, so this is your first time backpacking and you want to try something different? Isn't backpacking different enough?

 

Oh, and the eagles nest is the hammock I got. I got it at Gander Mountain. I bought it just to give me a place to relax when at a friends camp. It's small, light and easy to setup (if you have the properly spaced trees). Again, I doubt I could sleep in it all night. It also does not have a net or rain fly. However, maybe other versions do.

 

not sure how much you want to spend but Clark hammocks are awesome.

http://www.junglehammock.com/index.php

 

A lot of people hammock camp and find it rewarding. They pitch a tarp and some sort of screen over them and enjoy a good night's sleep. But the hammocks are specialized for this and are pricey. A good sleeping pad is a must.

 

I ran into a thru-hiker on the AT who used a hammock much of the time. I think he also carried a small one man tent as well for rain and all.

 

I ask, how bad did he stink?

 

We were in south VA in the middle of the summer, IIRC, so we stank pretty bad ourselves. I wish I could remember the actual gaps we went through, but it was 22 miles in two days. Just a quick weekend hike to help judge our shape prior to a Grand Canyon trip.

 

yes backpacking is totally different than what kind of camping im used to but i figure id change it up a bit.

cant wait for the snow. next i wanna make an igloo shelter!

 

Friend of mine excursions on dual sport bike and packs the Hennessy Asym. He loves it and keeps trying to get me to buy one. It has a cover and can be used in rain. http://hennessyhammock.com/comparisonchart.html

 

I bought a ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) hammock a while ago for backpacking, and regular old camping. I got it at Gander Mountain for $45, if you check their web site they have some good tarps to for rain protection, and nets to keep the bugs out. It packs down to the size of a softball. Pretty good price.

 

I've heard good things about the Hennessy Hammocks.

 

You could also look at a tarp tent or tarp shelter ... they're basically an ultralight tent style that uses guy lines and your treking poles for support. I'd be worried with a hammock that you wouldn't be able to find trees with exactly the right spacing.

 

yesterday i bought the ENU double nest. its made for 2 for that "close-togetherness" by the fire.

j/k

i also bought the slap straps for that extra reach.

im stoked!

 

I have the Tukeke hammock and love it. I have the double that gives you much more room. Depending on where you're going you can get a mosquito net.

http://stores.homestead.com/CanaimaOutdoorsStore/-strse-Hammocks/Categories.bok

 

Outdoor Hammock equals Grizzly Bear burrito!
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Tent = bear cream puff.

 

Xterra = polar bear canned food.

 

2 of the Single ENO hammocks hooked up to the back of the X using the rear shackles and the tree. Add another use for the X.

 

I'm used to doing this from my old Jeeps roll bars and have been wondering if the factory Xterra rack could adequately support holding one end of my hammock with my 220lbs inside. Thoughts?
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here was my setup for the weekend. i was kinda cold.

 

I assume you had no bag at all? If so, I am sure you were cold. I was in a 15º bag this past weekend in the Laurel Mountains of PA and I was comfortable, and I am a warm sleeper.

 

once again, I love my tent.

 

no, i had the allegheny from The North Face in there with me.
LINKY

i also have to say that i totally ignored the REI dude. he said that it will be cold underneath me. kinda like how a bridge freezes before the road. haha. i like to learn from my mistakes. its the only way.

 

Yeah, with no ground under you there is nothing to retain the heat. That is the reason why the self inflating pads are better than one of those huge coleman air mattresses.

So let me ask this. Would you do it again?