Appalachian Trail Loner #59 HAMMOCK SETUP EQUIPMENT 2012 Thru Hike

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Why a hammock? A hammock experience may not be for everyone and every camper's equipment is specially fitted to their needs. This is the gear I learned worked well for me. *Click 'SHOW MORE' below for more notes about this video... When you compare high quality ultralight tents to hammock setups, I think you'll find on average, they are both around the same price and total weight. It's each hiker's preference and I suggest looking at each before committing to spending big bucks on either system. I had slept in a traditional tent for 5 nights in 2011 while thru-hiking the 77 mile, Foothills Trail from NC to SC. It was just pure luck if I did not slide down and wake up with my feet sticking out the door and I knew the size and exact location of every rock below me. Ouch! It also rained a lot and I did not have a good understanding of site selection or runoff. That made for several very long nights where I woke up stiff, damp, and still tired. Then one morning I came across a hiker sleeping in a silver hammock. It was sleek and sharp looking like a stealth fighter jet! I had never seen a real camping hammock before and was very impressed. It looked nothing like those rope hammocks you see in backyards or in old pirate ship movies. Some hammock advantages: You can camp over wet, rocky, uneven ground, out of the wind, or even on a hillside. Also, a sleeping pad is not required. Some people carry one in lieu of a under quilt or for occasional shelter sleepovers. The biggest disadvantage is a steep learning curve. Most anyone can throw up a tent. But if you're going to sleep in a hammock for 5 months, it needs to fit your size and style. DO NOT walk into the woods without setting it up first in a safe place. I was naïve my first night during a pre-hike and spent an hour trying to rig up some rope. And because I had no insulation of any kind, I caught 'CBS' (AKA cold butt syndrome) and froze by tail off! I found lots of helpful info on (http://hammockforums.net) and videos on YouTube. My favorites were posted by 'SHUG'. He is a real clown that once did shows with Barnam & Baily Circus. He is also an expert on hammocks. The "Essentials For Noobs" series was most helpful and fun to watch. (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8752777861C2AA8). There was lots to learn and it was intimidating at first, but over time, and with some trial and error, I put this rig together that was safe, comfortable, and lightweight: (0:09) Site selection. You don't want your trees too close, or too far apart. (I eyeball it so I can park an imaginary VW Bug between the trees, nose to tail.) Also be sure to check the tree for loose branches (widow makers) that can fall on you. (0:15) WOOD STAKES. I pin one side of the tarp down with (2) sticks. My tarp was custom made with a extra tie out in the middle on each side for rough weather. (0:15) DYNAGLIDE TIE OUTS. $5.50 for 25 ft. By (http://dutchwaregear.com). Super light and strong. The lines lasted the whole trip. (Same line I use to hang my bear bag). (0:19) I loop the tie-outs around my trekking poles out front, to buy more room inside. If it starts raining, I can slide the loops down. (0:28) TADPOLE TARP. 11oz. $90. By (http://wildernesslogics.com). Waterproof and stored outside my backpack. (0:47) AMSTEEL WHOOPIE SLINGS. 1.5oz pair. $18 pair. (http://whoopieslings.com) I attach the tarp to the Whoopie slings with a pair of 'S-biners' ($3.50 pair). (0:59) TREE HUGGERS. $12 set. (5ft). 3oz. By (http://wildernessLogics.com). Webbing protects trees from damage. (1:35) 3/4 DOWN 20* UNDERQULT. 17.5oz. By (http://wildernessLogics.com). Retail $195, found used on (http://hammockforums.com) for $155. Keep it tight against your bottom. (1:51) DOWN 32* SUMMERLITE SLEEPING BAG. 18oz. By (http://westernmountaineering.com). Retail $395! I bought a returned item for $225. It kept me warm 150+ nights even down to 15*. It held up good with no wear or tears. (2:17) PILLOW. I fill the sleeping bag's stuff sack with my clothes. Plus you have easy access to put on extra layers. (2:39) DUTCH BEINERS. 0.8oz pair. $18 set. By (http://dutchwaregear.com). How I attach my hammock to the whoopee slings. Doubles for drip rings. 1000 pound breaking strength! (Not shown) CONTINOUS LOOPS. Short Amsteel loops on each end, through the hammock channel end, and clipped to Dutch beiners. (2:52) NANO 7 HAMMOCK. 8.2oz +straps. By (http://grandtrunk.com). Retail $70, Ebay find $55. (3:25) SNAKE SKIN. Slides over the tarp to keep it bunched up when not in use. I only use one. 0.6oz. (3:41) REFECTICS (on the ground). 1oz. $7. Car windshield sun screen cut down for feet insulation. BUGNET. I never used one, but it is HIGHLY recommended. Bugs ate me alive and there were some miserable nights. Here's a well-done illustration…(http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/SnakeSession/hammock-camping-basics%201.jpg). **Video #20 details my backpack and the rest of my gear. .