Good luck on your NOBO A few suggestions (feel free to ignore). Only use your snakeskins on your tarp (putting your hammock in it will eventually lead to a wet sleep). Add some tie out lines to your stakes- you can then raise your tarp ridge line up 17:11 giving you more room. Make sure you have water break(s) uphill on your lines when hanging your pack- otherwise you may wake up to a pack full of water that you accidentally funneled in. Tarp upgrade: Cuben/dynema tarps are super lightweight, but bulky, noisy in rain and see thru. SilPoly are a little heavier, opaque, pack smaller and are 1/3 the price. Like all equipment there are trade offs There are many good cottage tarp vendors. In the end HYOH and have fun- you’ll figure out what works for you as you go 😎
Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but you can get a gear sling that hangs below your hammock and it's great for keeping your pack, shoes - everything basically - up off the ground. I started using one recently and just love it! I think I paid $15 for it. Eno makes one that is a bit pricier, but I think a sling is a sling. Glad to see other hammock campers out there!
As a fellow hammocker, I can’t wait to check out your adventure. I made a large no seeum mesh, kinda snake skin thing, that I pull over my hammock and insulation and then I just stuff the bag into the compactor bag in my backpack. Then my tarp, in it’s own snakeskin, goes in the back mesh pocket of my backpack. I hope you enjoy your time in God’s wonderful creation!
I've been backpacking on an off the Appalachian Trail for many years. As others have said, definitely keep the tarp and hammock separate. Not sure how long the tree straps are, but they looked a little on the short side. Longer straps will wrap around bigger trees and give you more options when trying to find a spot you're happy with. The Smokies used to force people into the shelters until they were at capacity, but if their Covid protocols are still in place than you won't have trouble finding a place to hang until you're in the White Mountains. Also... A "friend" of mine arrived late to a shelter in Maryland many years ago just as it started to rain and expecting to enjoy his dinner from the hammock, set his tarp set up with the trekking poles much like yours was in the video. He got invited to dinner at the shelter by some friends and upon arriving back at his hammock he accidentally fell asleep without removing the guy lines from the trekking poles and pitching it to the ground. As it continued to rain a puddle formed in the middle of the tarp suspended right above his boots. The puddle grew and grew until he was awoken to the sound of one of the trekking poles giving way under the strain as it was sent cartwheeling into the woods followed by a loud splash all over his boots. Just something to think about.
There is a plus to not storing your tarp and your hammock in the same bag, that is when you get to your campsite, you set the tarp first and you have shelter for everything else you’re doing. Also if you like to stop for lunch and it’s raining you don’t need to drag your tarp and your hammock out to have shelter for a little while.
this is nice. tarps are great to have. Even when you get to camp and its storming, you can set up your tarp and let the ground dwellers hang out with you and hopefully wait it out. It's a nice way to help your friends not have to get their tents soaking wet if possible. Gloating the entire time of course.
I love my hammock, you can always stow your tarp separate if it rains, which it will. Also run your snake skins under your tarp so they don't get wet. You might want to look up drip knots. I couldn't tell if your drop ties were to far back to stop rain from running down your hang ropes.
Plus it lets you set up the tarp without the hammock...this can either create a dry space to finish your setup, or provide a quick safe dry space from a storm (where you can either wait out the storm or change into rain gear). Plus I use a "Hammock/Quilt Catch-All Sack" from Simply Light Designs...it lets me keep my quilt and other stuff in a single large snake skin. This setup lets me have just to big pieces, the bag and hammock in the backpack and the tarp in an outside pocket in the mesh snake skin.
Totally agree with others here - an all-in-one seems attractive at first, but there is no real advantage, but real disadvantages. You want to have your tarp separate because water always finds a way to the dry material when squeezed up (even with Dyneema). You wouldn't pack your wet rain gear with your dry cloths either.
I like to see someone camping in a hammock. Easy and quick to put up or take down. I believe it's the ultimate in camping comfort , especially in the porch mode. The great thing is all you need are two supports to tie off to and your camp is ready. In all my years of hammock camping I have hung hammocks in places no tent would even think of going. One thing I found and is great here in ( buggy ) Florida. The double bottom hammocks keep the mosquitoes and rest from feasting on you. I believe the double bottom hammocks are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Unlike when I started hammock camping back in the late 50's with a WW 2 Jungle Hammock. Back then you had to have a wool blanket under you to stop the bugs from making you their buffet line.
Very informative video and lots of great info in the comments! I am so getting one. Tents: hard/ uneven ground, tent platforms, flooding, bugs/ rodents, dirt/ mud. After 40 years, I'm ready for a change. 😁 You set up your 1st hammock in your room! So awesome ✌️
Matthew Madden, above, raises good point ‘bout tarp w or without stick or pole. I’m packing sticks on my car roof from N. Ohio . These can, follow Luke’s warping tarp at various corner or mid-span heights- depending on Rain. ( The Outdoor Gear Review ). ‘Wondering where to stop ‘n stow car in southern area after crossing Allegany Mountains sloping down towards Harper’s Ferry ( to hike Sobo ), then boat Canoe behind small sailboat ( beach able on rollers strapped to wale ). Tryin’ to head out today, December 5. Thank you & good hammocking
I just completed an 80mi hike on the Georgia AT section with my hammock set up. I love my hammock and def prefer it to sleeping in a small tent; I've been hammocking for almost a decade now. However, I did encounter a few issues. It was foggy and damp for about 3 days straight. My silnylon tarp wetted out and stayed wet for those days. There was no way to dry it off due to 40 degree weather and 1000% humidity lol. I keep my hammock and tarp separate so It wasn't a major problem for me. I would be very hesitant to pack my hammock in the same container as my wet tarp. Another problem I had was at Blue Mountain Shelter where the wind was cutting through all the spaces I wanted to hang at. The gusts were pushing 20-30mph and I had to relocate to a less ideal, but more sheltered location. The gusts were only hitting once every 20-30min so the first one caught me off guard and nearly blew my tarp into the sky as I was setting up. I used a Dream Hammock Darien and a Warbonnet Superfly tarp for this trip. I brought a 20deg full under quilt and a 20deg top quilt because of the possibility of below freezing temps in February... however it never got below 39 and I would've been happy in a warmer weather set up.
In 2021, I hammocked at Blue Mountain Shelter. The wind came up in the night and blew toilet paper up into the campsites out of the woods. It was gross, but I can do gross. I've been hiking for 40+ years.
As a fellow hammock camper, I agree with the comments about keeping tarp and hammock separate...eventually you will go through one of those good soaking rains where your tarp is drenched and having the 2 compressed will force water into your hammock. 1 thing to take into account if considering a dcf tarp--they are very see-through, so you will lose most of your privacy...however, they are very lightweight...
Thank you so much for doing a video on the set up of a hammock. I’ve always been curious I have a system, but I’ve never used it. You made it look so easy. I’m going to break mine out and finally use it thanks again👍👍
I sleep in a hammock every night. I built a wooden hammock stand for my spare bed room. I'm sure you have learned about drip lines by now. I also try to go camping every week since I'm retired. I also do motorcycle camping. I like my DD hammock tarp and enlightened under and over quilts. I don't use snake skins. I just roll the tarp up and the hammock separately.
Bite the bullet and buy yourself a DCF tarp. I use the Fiber Flat tarp from Hammock Gear. It works for me, though prices have gone up since I bought mine. I like a rectangular tarp with lots of tie out points. The difference in felt weight on trail when I switched was noticeable. If you're thu-hiking the AT, the expense will be worth every penny. The only way to keep the hammock dry is to separate it from the tarp. It will get wet if you store it with the tarp. If it's wet, then your quilt will be wet. That means unnecessarily cold nights, possibly life threatening. Hang the tarp on its own ridgeline. If you don't want to bother with knot-tying, buy some Dutch bling. Keep it in the snakeskin by itself, without the hammock. When it's wet, carry it in the stretchy outside pocket of your pack, along the wet tree straps. That way you can keep the hammock inside the pack, nice and dry along with your other bedding.
I keep my tarp separate in mesh snakeskin. Then my hammock, top quilt & under quilt all goes together, still attached, into a huge stuff sack. A dyneema tarp with doors is the way to go. Remember, the ground is where dogs pee; why would anyone want to sleep there? LOL.
Porch mode is great! I like the built-in pocket inside the hammock. I've often pondered putting a hammock up in the house. May have to give that a shot. Great video!
Don't let the criticisms get to you ! I think you did great and the more you do it the more efficient you will become ! Good luck luck and stay healthy !!!!!
Being wet is part of the game we play. Being able to get dry and warm is key to having a good time. Look over at Warbonnet Outdoors and check out their Thunder Fly tarp. That's what I own and I have had awesome luck with it. However they sell anything you might want for Hammock Camping. Great place and great customer service. The biggest thing of it all is weather it is a $1000 set up or a $5 set up, Get out there and do it and that's exactly what you're doing. Love it. Brightest Blessings to you.
I’m a fan of Hennessy Hammocks and tarps. I’ve had three over the years, not that they needed replacing, just that there’s different kinds and now I mix n match. The hammock itself is kinda offset so you lie diagonal in it and therefore your body is flat and way more comfortable. The tarps are generally diamond shaped so there’s only one tie off point to the sides, although the rain fly you have is similar with multi points. Don’t think they do an ultra light fabric tho but they’d save a small amount of weight with the economical shape. I liked your story of the hammock bedroom! I did exactly the same in a rental a few years back after a move interstate before I could afford an actual bed. It was great! Happy days. I had a giant double sized Mexican style material one for that which I still have but it’s way too bulky for the backpack..
If going for Dyneema and biting the bullet, I strongly recommend the Hammock Gear Palace Tarp with Doors, 11-12 Foot. Proven on the AT by multiple Hammock Campers, myself included. I also suggest a 3/4 inch Underquilt if in the mountains before April or after September. Although you have me thinking of using my Neo Air for summer now! Although I hate blowing it up except when staying in shelters. Your pad solves that issue, if you find it comfortable enough on the ground.
Sil-poly from Warbonnet (or some other vendor) will take a lot of weight off, will not absorb water/stretch and will be way cheaper than Dyneema. Dyneema also requires care. Though super light.
@@sirrobin1969 I totally agree with your statement. The super light won the day for me on this item at that time. It also allowed me to go heavier and cheaper elsewhere to keep the Big 3 under 10 pounds. It’s hard to do that without paying for more expensive materials in one of the items.
I’ve used a diamond shaped silnylon tarp for more than a decade and never had a problem even in heavy winds and storms. I finally went to a Dutchware Falcon Asym that weighs 5.5 oz and is a lot cheaper than other dyneemas. It has minimal coverage but no different from my previous. I’ll see how it works. Love your setup. It’s my favorite way to sleep
Never had rain come into your hammock? Wow! I was curious about the Draumr but it’s hard to find/make a tarp for full coverage and wind protection like you get with a normal gathered end hammock and something like the onewind cocoon tarp setup.
Nice video. Good luck on your trip. Advice wise I would agree the others suggesting tarp separate from the hammock. I store my tree straps in their own ditty bag away from the hammock too. If you wanted to consolidate a little a guess you could put your straps in the skins with the tarp. You'll figure out what works for you in the 1st heavy, day long (or more) rain. BTW, if you don't know the Shugemery YT channel, check him out. He has probably 100 hammock videos covering anything you might wonder about. Good for inspiration. But everyone finds their own groove. Enjoy the journey.
I use a 10x10 AquaQuest tarp, for now. If often tie up the tarp in a diamond, staking one corner down and the other up using my trekking pole in "porch" mode. I, too, recommend an insulated sleeping pad instead of an under quilt, just for versatility's sake. If you are required to sleep in the shelters on the AT, then you will want a sleeping pad. Really interest in the tarp with doors... may have to check this out! Thank you for the video.
If you slept well it was a good setup. I couldn't see but in general it's better to put the feet end some 30 centimeters higher than the head end. Also the angle between the anchor point and the hammock straps should be some 30 degrees. I keep the tarp and hammock seperated because when it rains it's easy to just set up the tarp to sit under and make some coffee or food without the hammock in the way. I use Daisy Chains (looped tree huggers) and clip in the tarp with bicycle bungees (no ridge line under the tarp because fabric rubbing fabric is never a good idea) in a diamont shape (most often) and the hammock just with aluminium carabiners in a lower loop. This allows me to do my setup quick in low lite conditions wearing thick gloves.
Great video. It may have already been suggested but think about investing in a down top quilt and underquilt. When I finally ditched my sleeping bag and mat it made a huge difference. With the mat inside the hammock there were always cold spots. Keep it up!
It's kinda like a evolution, as you get more time out in the woods using this gear you'll figure out what works and what doesn't work. after 30 + years of doing this, I can tell you for sure I'm light years away from how I started to where I am now..everybody talks shit and is a freaking expert, that's all find and dandy, hence why I'm 90% solo, just keep evolving, take away the advice that works for you and keep on trying new and different ways, it's what I love most about this hammock crap, it's always changing if you open your mind and let the new ideas flow...have fun ....
Thanks to the mad genius of John Rammel at Trailheadz Hammocks and Accessories, it is actually now possible to have a full-sized / full comfort hammock sleep system that actually weighs less than a 1-person DCF tent from Z-Packs.
I run my tarp in one set of snakeskins and my hammock in a second set. That avoids the wet tarp issue and allows me to set up just my tarp for a lunch break in the rain, or set up the tarp quickly in the rain and then set my hammock up under the tarp while staying dry. Other commenters added good tips re: pegs, location, drip lines, etc. Setting up hammocks is like golf - you get better every time but are always chasing perfection. Stay safe on the trails.
So excited for you, and this great adventure you are embarking on! I did my thru in '19 and hammocking is the way to go! as many others have said, the flexibility of keeping your tarp in a snakeskin on its own is really hard to give up for me. your setup would go up faster in good weather than mine, however if its raining your tarp will absolutely get your hammock wet, and I hated having any moisture in my hammock. I also think that being able to setup your tarp fist and have a dry spot to operate out of while everything in your pack can stay dry is very nice, and on nice nights were rain is unlikely I would leave the tarp in the snakeskin over my tarp tensioned out, with my stakes at an arms reach so if it did start to rain I could throw it up in minutes. And I love using the hiking poles to keep the sides up higher! sometimes you get lucky and can use a tree which I found to be much more stable. The extra square footage of dry space under the hammock is amazing :) I have very fond memories of me and my tramily hanging out eating dinner under my tarp. Love that you chose a pad rather than an underquilt. Being able to sleep in the shelter when you want is so valuable. I love my underquit for overnights were I know I will only be hammocking, but on the AT I definitely didn't always feel like going through the hassle of setting up camp in really bad rain. For tarp recommendations: The weight benefits of dyneema are very tempting. They absolutely have a place in backpacking, and whether it is right for you depends on the person. For me personally the high cost of dyneema, and the low durability make it not appealing. when I hiked I was right out of my associates degree and not made of money, and buying a piece of gear that was 3x the price and much less durable than silnylon was not appealing. If you have the disposable income to get a dyneema tarp and the weight savings are worth it and you understand that its a disposable and hard to repair piece of gear, go for it. I used the Warbonnet Minifly, and loved it. it is pretty small, but the geometry keeps it quite capable if you set it up right. at 13.0oz for the more durable 30D Silnylon option its still a fairly lightweight tarp.
Nice one 👍 I've been using "classical" hammock for years and sure , i enjoyed it a lot . But since then , i was able to buy the Amok Draumr XL 5.0 ultralight which is a ( bridge hammock ) along with the tarp , and it has simplify things for me I now look at the "old" setting as a sort of upsolate stuff , because things evolve & change . But it's a personal opinion but whichever way you do it , keep hanging & swinging ✌️
I have a Hennessy hammock I have used for about 8 years and love it. If it is a warm night I hang my rain fly up higher off the hammock so to get better air flow and still stay dry. Camped during a hurricane once( would not recommend) and was the only one to stay dry!
I know I am way late on this, I hope your trip went well. I am more of a bushcrafter; if you ever run into a situation where you have to cowboy camp, there are many ways to set your tarp up to camp without trees and be out of the weather. All you need is your trekking poles and some tent stakes which can be made on the trail out of branches or small sticks. There are many YT videos on different set ups. Hope this helps, cheers
Love your set up, I also use a hammock set up and have been for many years… just a word of advice about dyneema tarps I have one I bought it from Z packs it’s awesome 7 ounces. The only problem is the panels on the sides are only 4‘6“ so you do not have a coverage it would with a sil nylon tarp. You can buy them from Dutchware and have them specially made with longer sides but they are extremely expensive. Also u can put it low to the ground but with the short panels, you are really close to the ground. I’ve tried different angles with a tarp and after many years I still can’t prevent Splash back and also the wind will whip underneath and steal your heat, even if you have under quilt or a pad. if you go that way and get yourself a moisture protection , clips on like a u dear quilt for under your hammock, because of the lack of protection on the side, you will get Splash back. Great video excited to watch adventure. By the way, I just bought a war bonnet, Superfly can I will try out here in Maine come spring it offers more protection a little heavier, but I think it would be better for me in the rain. Good luck and have fun.
Very refreshing from TSOS. I sat and watched all your videos this morning. I’ve loved them all and subscribed and am looking forward to your journey. I’ve also read all the comments and (as a hammock camper myself) tend to agree with the idea that rolling your wet tarp up with your hammock is a bad idea. I wish you happy trails and will be following along. Thank you for taking the time to make this content.
Thanks for the video! I'm always curious about hammock folks on the AT. (I've recently gotten back into hammocking -- love my WB XLC). Enjoy your hike!
Used a WB XLC on every mile of the AT, one of the best quilts on he market in my opinion, at least it was in 2019. Have not kept up with the competitors in recent years but I'm sure it still holds up strong.
I love a tarp and hammock, you can sit under the tarp in the worst weather and cook and eat in comfort, pack everything up and save it for last. Nice set up!
*_Looks like the landscape is really suitable for adventurous activities with hammocker fashion, oh yeah I think I will continue to follow your videos, because I like them, and greetings to meet you before..., I'm Rudy Agustman Outdoor Tutorial from Indonesia_*
Looks great! Setting your tarp up like that is called "porch mode" and you can use a clove hitch around your trekking pole if you want also to hold the line. Looks like you got it set up really good though.
Have you considered an underquilt instead of the foam pad? It would probably be lighter and definitely pack down a lot smaller. You do you though, just asking. :)
You’re right, it would. My reasoning for going with the pad is that it’s what I already had. The pad also allows me versatility for cowboy camping or sleeping in shelters.
I started my thru hike with my girlfriend. We thought it would be a good idea to share gear and a tent. Bad idea. lol. So she got a hammock and loved it. And I got an oversized tent, that I loved having. The tent vestibule was quite handy for us in bad weather though. The rest of the hike was amazing. Best of luck!!!
I have done hammock camping for years and love it. I use snakeskins too, but my hammock is separate and store in a double ended stuff sack. This gives me more flexibility in my setup. I will still rig my tarp but leave it in the snakeskin. That way I can look out at the stars or surroundings. If I need to drop the tarp, it is easy to do. It’s something to think about. Great video enjoy your hike.
Thank you for the video. I use an ASYM underquilt made of synthetic APEX insulation from Simply Light Designs. The 20° UQ weighs 22.4 ounces and my 40° UQ weighs 17.04 ounces. I also use an UQ protector to help keep the quilt dry in rainy conditions. I got the UQ protector from Hammock Gear. Press on and enjoy your hiking.
Looks like a solid set up and it works for you. I love my hammock and also use a sleeping pad... just due to not being able to afford an underquilt yet. But it works and kept me warm too 32 degrees. Best of luck!
Have you looked up the poncho liner underquilt? No sewing. All you need is a military poncho liner (aka woobie) and some shock cord. I added a green/silver survival blanket with grommets to the outside of mine for one colder night.
@@xthinker88wilderness Innovation sells just that. A poncho liner with a hood an snaps an draw cords in the ends purposely to be turned into a under quilt. Due to their poncho of a bunch of different males an fabrics also has built in dyneema cord in the bottom hems that you draw up the poncho an turns it into a hammock. An the poncho liner is the underquilt. So the poncho liner snaps to the outside of the poncho/hammock perfectly and the ends tighten up matching the poncho/hammock for a full length underquilt. And also has a slide over bugnet an all that jazz. I own a few variations of ponchos. Actually sleep better in them as a hammock. Than a real dedicated hammock. Sells silpoly tarps an all To work with it.
Looks like a nice setup. You should look into a DD hammock. Double layered to place a sleep Matt between layers, bug net, and a spreader bar on both ends. Just a thought
I"m a long time hammock camper. I hiked the JMT in California last year and slept on the ground for two nights over three weeks because we camped above treeline. Lucky for you on the AT that there are plenty of trees, but for others wanting to switch to hammock camping in the west be ready to occasionally sleep on the ground. I have lightweight pad and a bivy. When sleeping on the ground, I put the tarp over the bivy, tarp held up by my hiking poles and the same ridge line I use when I have trees. No under quilt? I tried that for a few trips but now instead of a sleeping bag I have a top quilt and under quilt. They weigh about the same as my sleeping bag. Much warmer and more comfortable than a sleeping bag and pad inside the hammock. I like having my tarp higher above my hammock ridge line for some additional space. I think it worth it to separate the tarp and hammock. I have snake skins for the tarp and a small stuff stack to openings at both ends for the hammock. the poles as you used them are a great way to open up one side. If the weather is good, I often will hang the tarp but keep it in the snake skin in case the weather changes overnight. Having it a bit higher it becomes a great shelter for cooking in the rain. My hiking partner was very enthusiastic that we could stay dry while eating in the rain. I"m subscribing to your channel to see how your system changes as you do the hike.
i like your set up , i can’t sleep in them all night it fucks my back up . i have had some interest in the Ariel A 1 hammock tent looks like it could be the exception
i have used the snake skins like you did on my Hennessy's with no problems. I later went to a larger tarp, so I now pack separate. I guess I could get larger skins, but I just use stuff sack now for trap and put it up first.
Thanks. This could be helpful. I’ve been shakedown hammock testing as much as I can this year preparing for a through hike next year. I’m having a tough time deciding. I’ve always used a tent, but the best sleep I’ve ever gotten was in a hammock. I need to decide if i spend no money and stick with my
I have afew different hammock set-ups. One of them happens to be the ENO JungleNest with the Helios straps. The tarp I use is the ENO ProFly XL SIL... Packs small and lite, about the same size as the JungleNest hammock when it is in it's stuff sack. HUGE real-estate space below.
Check out the Pelican tarp with doors from Hummingbird hammocks. It’s silpoly, which doesn’t absorb as much water as silnylon. It’s less expensive than DCF, but still surprisingly light. And it packs up smaller than DCF
I used this for 5 weeks over my hammock setup on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The thing is bomb proof. Absolute recommend it. Have used it at least 125 nights in 2 years. No wear whatsoever. Have also done several ground pitches with it in suboptimal hanging locations. Very versatile.
I use a mesh snake skin for my rain fly only. I carry it in the front pocket of my pack. It doesn't matter if it is wet that way. I roll my hammock up and put it in a double ended stuff sack with the foot end whoopi sling staying outside the stuff sack so I know which end is my foot end. I carry the hammock inside my pack inside a nylofume pack liner to keep it dry.
Very nice hammock setup. I’ve had an ENO Doublenest but recently got a Hennessy. I still haven’t slept in it…I’ve got to do some trial & error this summer!
I store my wet stuff, tarp & tree straps, separately in a dry bag and store hammock by itself. My tarp is "Yukon Outfitters" diamond shape that I attach to hammock tree strap just past my head and use a 3rd tree strap to attach the foot end of the tarp higher up, this created an angled tarp with a lot of visibility when I am in the hammock. Lower the tarp foot end to just above the hammock for rain storms. I have a contractors trash bag that I put my pack in during rain storms then stick pack under my hammock.
@@appalachianadventurista There is another reason I keep my tarp separate. You hiking along and a heavy storm comes, you need to get out of the weather for a bit. I pick a tree, set that tarp up in a plow point, get underneath it for a while, take a nap or eat lunch.
Long time hammock hanger here. Problem with using separate tree straps is that I know many hammock campers who forgot the tree straps when breaking down the hammock and did not realize until the end of the day when they were trying to set for the night.. My straps stay attached to my hammock so I can not forget them. Look into an Under Quilt, much more comfortable and does not slide around like a pad. Also with the way you have the tarp attached to the hammock straps, once you get into the hammock the weight of your body will cause the hammock to sag and in turn cause the tarp to sag. Better to have a separate dedicated line to attach the tarp from. I found snake skins to be waste as I just cram my hammock into my pack to fill in gaps. If my tarp was wet I just stuff into the rear mesh pock on my pack. If it is raining you can leave the tarp in porch mode, just take down one hiking pole so the rain can run off
You will be amazed once you get a DCF tarp. So expensive, but such a fantastic piece of gear. A pad can work, but I think you would love a quilt. Definitely pack the tarp separately. No matter how well you try to pack, after a heavy rain, your hammock will get soaked.
My tarp rides in its snakeskin on the outside of my pack. I set it up first, then use the rain shelter to protect the inner contents of my pack as I unpack and set them up. You will often find condensation underneath your tarp. I use a DCF tarp and a Hummingbird Hammock to keep the weight down, much of it as water settling between the threads of the tarp fabric (the DWR isn't long-term durable, and silicone waterproofing is only as good as the application process is consistent).
I love my hammock but as others suggested you should not pack your hammock with your tarp. It will get wet. When I pack up after a rainy night my hammock goes in my pack and my tarp goes outside of my pack in my outside pocket. We also switched from sil poly tarps to dyneema tarps with doors. Dyneema is much lighter.
I love hammock setups! It's been a year, have you upgraded to an underquilt and replaced your tarp yet? I just purchased the 12' sil-poly Journey and Quest from Hammock Gear. I specifically ordered then with middle anchor points on both sides for a single pole porch mode. It works fantastic! Sil-poly may not be as light as Dyneema, but its much less expensive. I paid around 100 for each and at 17oz and 13oz, they are light enough. I enjoyed your video!
Thanks for making this video. I do some moto-camping and since I ride a sport bike, I don't have a ton of room for gear, so I'm considering ditching my bivvy tent in favor of what would hopefully be a hammock setup.
Always set up your hammock with your feet higher up than your head ✌️ and you can use a second tarp under the hammock as a shelf to keep everything off the ground away from bugs and dew.
It's a lot like a fitted sheet really. There's a few ways to figure it out but honestly for a 15-50 age range? It is a truly adaptable comfort method! It is absolutely not comparable to a patio hammock. whole different form!
You can also get tent pole kit and make spreader bars for over tarp . Just go on You tube and watch videos on these. They will really make a difference and are well worth it.
Great vid. Not an ultralight set up but I use a DD Frontline XL and love it. Got their 4x4 tarp to go with it. They also have a 5x5 and a 3x3. Would be bulkier than what you have though.
I learned after investing a year and 500~ into my hammock setup that I can't sleep in a hammock for long. But what I liked about my setup, the tarp and the hammock body are in different snake skins. So when the tarp is wet, you don't need to pack it with the hammock
Always happy to see another hiker going with a hammock for their thru-hike! While I like the idea of including the hammock in the snakeskin, yeah I'd be worried about getting it wet after a rainy night. Guess it all depends on how careful you are rolling it up in the morning. I also found that I could never sleep warm until I finally got an under quilt. I'll never sleep in a hammock without one again so I definitely recommend trying to test one if you get a chance before your trip. You might just love it. Best of luck!
Thanks! I’ve had great success with my pad down below freezing. If I find I need an underquilt one day I may switch. But for now I’m content with the pad and the versatility it provides.
@@appalachianadventurista That is a fast and nifty deployment for sure but just to add to Seth's comment above, often times in colder weather the underside of your tarp is going to accumulate quite a bit of condensation. If you close up your hammock inside the tarp with your snake skin then your hammock is going to be between damp and wet at the end of the day when it's time to setup and get warm. I think most hammock campers would agree that your quilt and hammock should be stored and deployed separately from your tarp. The quilt and hammock go inside the plastic bag inside your pack so that they remain dry no matter what and the tarp (in the snake skin) goes somewhere on the outside of your pack. One is so that it doesn't get the inside of your pack wet but, two, is so that you can throw it out over the bushes to dry during a break if the sun comes out. I just saw something at a group hang this weekend that might be similar to what you're trying to achieve but would still keep the "gotta be dry" stuff away from the "can be wet" tarp....Trailheadz makes this bag/snake skin combination thingy they're calling The Anaconda. It allows you to stuff your hammock and quilt(s) all in one compression sack. When you get to camp, you can deploy the hammock and quilt(s) in one go and then hang your tarp over it (or vice versa if it's raining. It was the first time I had seen it and it looked like a pretty neat system to making setup and tear down just a little bit easier. But having said all that, I'm not telling you that you "need" to change. You do you! Maybe you've discovered the next great idea in hammock camping by doing it that way. Just be on the lookout for packing your hammock up in there if there is condensation. Looking forward to following your adventure!
Good luck on your NOBO
A few suggestions (feel free to ignore). Only use your snakeskins on your tarp (putting your hammock in it will eventually lead to a wet sleep). Add some tie out lines to your stakes- you can then raise your tarp ridge line up 17:11 giving you more room. Make sure you have water break(s) uphill on your lines when hanging your pack- otherwise you may wake up to a pack full of water that you accidentally funneled in. Tarp upgrade: Cuben/dynema tarps are super lightweight, but bulky, noisy in rain and see thru. SilPoly are a little heavier, opaque, pack smaller and are 1/3 the price. Like all equipment there are trade offs There are many good cottage tarp vendors. In the end HYOH and have fun- you’ll figure out what works for you as you go 😎
Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but you can get a gear sling that hangs below your hammock and it's great for keeping your pack, shoes - everything basically - up off the ground. I started using one recently and just love it! I think I paid $15 for it. Eno makes one that is a bit pricier, but I think a sling is a sling. Glad to see other hammock campers out there!
As a fellow hammocker, I can’t wait to check out your adventure. I made a large no seeum mesh, kinda snake skin thing, that I pull over my hammock and insulation and then I just stuff the bag into the compactor bag in my backpack. Then my tarp, in it’s own snakeskin, goes in the back mesh pocket of my backpack. I hope you enjoy your time in God’s wonderful creation!
I've been backpacking on an off the Appalachian Trail for many years. As others have said, definitely keep the tarp and hammock separate. Not sure how long the tree straps are, but they looked a little on the short side. Longer straps will wrap around bigger trees and give you more options when trying to find a spot you're happy with. The Smokies used to force people into the shelters until they were at capacity, but if their Covid protocols are still in place than you won't have trouble finding a place to hang until you're in the White Mountains. Also... A "friend" of mine arrived late to a shelter in Maryland many years ago just as it started to rain and expecting to enjoy his dinner from the hammock, set his tarp set up with the trekking poles much like yours was in the video. He got invited to dinner at the shelter by some friends and upon arriving back at his hammock he accidentally fell asleep without removing the guy lines from the trekking poles and pitching it to the ground. As it continued to rain a puddle formed in the middle of the tarp suspended right above his boots. The puddle grew and grew until he was awoken to the sound of one of the trekking poles giving way under the strain as it was sent cartwheeling into the woods followed by a loud splash all over his boots. Just something to think about.
That's a pretty sweet setup :)
Learning to hammock camp and finding what works for YOU is a big part of the process. Enjoy.
There is a plus to not storing your tarp and your hammock in the same bag, that is when you get to your campsite, you set the tarp first and you have shelter for everything else you’re doing. Also if you like to stop for lunch and it’s raining you don’t need to drag your tarp and your hammock out to have shelter for a little while.
this is nice. tarps are great to have. Even when you get to camp and its storming, you can set up your tarp and let the ground dwellers hang out with you and hopefully wait it out. It's a nice way to help your friends not have to get their tents soaking wet if possible. Gloating the entire time of course.
I love my hammock, you can always stow your tarp separate if it rains, which it will. Also run your snake skins under your tarp so they don't get wet. You might want to look up drip knots. I couldn't tell if your drop ties were to far back to stop rain from running down your hang ropes.
Check out mesh snake skins for your tarp and keep it separate from your hammock or else you will have a wet night eventually.
Mesh snake skins are wonderful. Love mine
You're set up is awesome! Separate snake skins are nice for storing a wet tarp on the outside of the pack.
Plus it lets you set up the tarp without the hammock...this can either create a dry space to finish your setup, or provide a quick safe dry space from a storm (where you can either wait out the storm or change into rain gear). Plus I use a "Hammock/Quilt Catch-All Sack" from Simply Light Designs...it lets me keep my quilt and other stuff in a single large snake skin. This setup lets me have just to big pieces, the bag and hammock in the backpack and the tarp in an outside pocket in the mesh snake skin.
Woo buddy
Totally agree with others here - an all-in-one seems attractive at first, but there is no real advantage, but real disadvantages. You want to have your tarp separate because water always finds a way to the dry material when squeezed up (even with Dyneema). You wouldn't pack your wet rain gear with your dry cloths either.
I like to see someone camping in a hammock. Easy and quick to put up or take down. I believe it's the ultimate in camping comfort , especially in the porch mode. The great thing is all you need are two supports to tie off to and your camp is ready. In all my years of hammock camping I have hung hammocks in places no tent would even think of going. One thing I found and is great here in ( buggy ) Florida. The double bottom hammocks keep the mosquitoes and rest from feasting on you. I believe the double bottom hammocks are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Unlike when I started hammock camping back in the late 50's with a WW 2 Jungle Hammock. Back then you had to have a wool blanket under you to stop the bugs from making you their buffet line.
Very informative video and lots of great info in the comments! I am so getting one. Tents: hard/ uneven ground, tent platforms, flooding, bugs/ rodents, dirt/ mud. After 40 years, I'm ready for a change. 😁 You set up your 1st hammock in your room! So awesome ✌️
Matthew Madden, above, raises good point ‘bout tarp w or without stick or pole.
I’m packing sticks on my car roof from N. Ohio . These can, follow Luke’s warping tarp at various corner or mid-span heights- depending on Rain. ( The
Outdoor Gear Review ). ‘Wondering where to stop ‘n stow car in southern area after crossing Allegany Mountains sloping down towards Harper’s Ferry ( to hike Sobo ), then boat Canoe behind small sailboat ( beach able on rollers strapped to wale ). Tryin’ to head out today, December 5. Thank you & good hammocking
That all in one snake skin setup is absolutely awesome! Beats rolling everything up 100%
I just completed an 80mi hike on the Georgia AT section with my hammock set up. I love my hammock and def prefer it to sleeping in a small tent; I've been hammocking for almost a decade now. However, I did encounter a few issues. It was foggy and damp for about 3 days straight. My silnylon tarp wetted out and stayed wet for those days. There was no way to dry it off due to 40 degree weather and 1000% humidity lol. I keep my hammock and tarp separate so It wasn't a major problem for me. I would be very hesitant to pack my hammock in the same container as my wet tarp. Another problem I had was at Blue Mountain Shelter where the wind was cutting through all the spaces I wanted to hang at. The gusts were pushing 20-30mph and I had to relocate to a less ideal, but more sheltered location. The gusts were only hitting once every 20-30min so the first one caught me off guard and nearly blew my tarp into the sky as I was setting up. I used a Dream Hammock Darien and a Warbonnet Superfly tarp for this trip. I brought a 20deg full under quilt and a 20deg top quilt because of the possibility of below freezing temps in February... however it never got below 39 and I would've been happy in a warmer weather set up.
In 2021, I hammocked at Blue Mountain Shelter. The wind came up in the night and blew toilet paper up into the campsites out of the woods. It was gross, but I can do gross. I've been hiking for 40+ years.
As a fellow hammock camper, I agree with the comments about keeping tarp and hammock separate...eventually you will go through one of those good soaking rains where your tarp is drenched and having the 2 compressed will force water into your hammock.
1 thing to take into account if considering a dcf tarp--they are very see-through, so you will lose most of your privacy...however, they are very lightweight...
Thank you so much for doing a video on the set up of a hammock. I’ve always been curious I have a system, but I’ve never used it. You made it look so easy.
I’m going to break mine out and finally use it thanks again👍👍
I sleep in a hammock every night. I built a wooden hammock stand for my spare bed room. I'm sure you have learned about drip lines by now. I also try to go camping every week since I'm retired. I also do motorcycle camping. I like my DD hammock tarp and enlightened under and over quilts. I don't use snake skins. I just roll the tarp up and the hammock separately.
Bite the bullet and buy yourself a DCF tarp. I use the Fiber Flat tarp from Hammock Gear. It works for me, though prices have gone up since I bought mine. I like a rectangular tarp with lots of tie out points. The difference in felt weight on trail when I switched was noticeable. If you're thu-hiking the AT, the expense will be worth every penny.
The only way to keep the hammock dry is to separate it from the tarp. It will get wet if you store it with the tarp. If it's wet, then your quilt will be wet. That means unnecessarily cold nights, possibly life threatening.
Hang the tarp on its own ridgeline. If you don't want to bother with knot-tying, buy some Dutch bling. Keep it in the snakeskin by itself, without the hammock. When it's wet, carry it in the stretchy outside pocket of your pack, along the wet tree straps. That way you can keep the hammock inside the pack, nice and dry along with your other bedding.
Do you have a website for the Hampshire tarp?
I keep my tarp separate in mesh snakeskin. Then my hammock, top quilt & under quilt all goes together, still attached, into a huge stuff sack. A dyneema tarp with doors is the way to go.
Remember, the ground is where dogs pee; why would anyone want to sleep there? LOL.
Porch mode is great! I like the built-in pocket inside the hammock. I've often pondered putting a hammock up in the house. May have to give that a shot. Great video!
Don't let the criticisms get to you ! I think you did great and the more you do it the more efficient you will become ! Good luck luck and stay healthy !!!!!
Being wet is part of the game we play. Being able to get dry and warm is key to having a good time. Look over at Warbonnet Outdoors and check out their Thunder Fly tarp. That's what I own and I have had awesome luck with it. However they sell anything you might want for Hammock Camping. Great place and great customer service. The biggest thing of it all is weather it is a $1000 set up or a $5 set up, Get out there and do it and that's exactly what you're doing. Love it. Brightest Blessings to you.
I’m a fan of Hennessy Hammocks and tarps. I’ve had three over the years, not that they needed replacing, just that there’s different kinds and now I mix n match. The hammock itself is kinda offset so you lie diagonal in it and therefore your body is flat and way more comfortable. The tarps are generally diamond shaped so there’s only one tie off point to the sides, although the rain fly you have is similar with multi points. Don’t think they do an ultra light fabric tho but they’d save a small amount of weight with the economical shape. I liked your story of the hammock bedroom! I did exactly the same in a rental a few years back after a move interstate before I could afford an actual bed. It was great! Happy days. I had a giant double sized Mexican style material one for that which I still have but it’s way too bulky for the backpack..
HG has 20% off right now. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
If going for Dyneema and biting the bullet, I strongly recommend the Hammock Gear Palace Tarp with Doors, 11-12 Foot. Proven on the AT by multiple Hammock Campers, myself included. I also suggest a 3/4 inch Underquilt if in the mountains before April or after September. Although you have me thinking of using my Neo Air for summer now! Although I hate blowing it up except when staying in shelters. Your pad solves that issue, if you find it comfortable enough on the ground.
Sil-poly from Warbonnet (or some other vendor) will take a lot of weight off, will not absorb water/stretch and will be way cheaper than Dyneema. Dyneema also requires care. Though super light.
@@sirrobin1969 I totally agree with your statement. The super light won the day for me on this item at that time. It also allowed me to go heavier and cheaper elsewhere to keep the Big 3 under 10 pounds. It’s hard to do that without paying for more expensive materials in one of the items.
I’ve used a diamond shaped silnylon tarp for more than a decade and never had a problem even in heavy winds and storms. I finally went to a Dutchware Falcon Asym that weighs 5.5 oz and is a lot cheaper than other dyneemas. It has minimal coverage but no different from my previous. I’ll see how it works. Love your setup. It’s my favorite way to sleep
Never had rain come into your hammock? Wow!
I was curious about the Draumr but it’s hard to find/make a tarp for full coverage and wind protection like you get with a normal gathered end hammock and something like the onewind cocoon tarp setup.
I recently bought the ENO Jungle Nest with the Helios straps. I love them!
Me too!
Nice video. Good luck on your trip. Advice wise I would agree the others suggesting tarp separate from the hammock. I store my tree straps in their own ditty bag away from the hammock too. If you wanted to consolidate a little a guess you could put your straps in the skins with the tarp. You'll figure out what works for you in the 1st heavy, day long (or more) rain.
BTW, if you don't know the Shugemery YT channel, check him out. He has probably 100 hammock videos covering anything you might wonder about. Good for inspiration. But everyone finds their own groove. Enjoy the journey.
Thank you for using straps to protect the trees. 🌴🛏️🌴 🥾🥾
I use a 10x10 AquaQuest tarp, for now. If often tie up the tarp in a diamond, staking one corner down and the other up using my trekking pole in "porch" mode. I, too, recommend an insulated sleeping pad instead of an under quilt, just for versatility's sake. If you are required to sleep in the shelters on the AT, then you will want a sleeping pad. Really interest in the tarp with doors... may have to check this out! Thank you for the video.
If you slept well it was a good setup. I couldn't see but in general it's better to put the feet end some 30 centimeters higher than the head end. Also the angle between the anchor point and the hammock straps should be some 30 degrees. I keep the tarp and hammock seperated because when it rains it's easy to just set up the tarp to sit under and make some coffee or food without the hammock in the way. I use Daisy Chains (looped tree huggers) and clip in the tarp with bicycle bungees (no ridge line under the tarp because fabric rubbing fabric is never a good idea) in a diamont shape (most often) and the hammock just with aluminium carabiners in a lower loop. This allows me to do my setup quick in low lite conditions wearing thick gloves.
Thanks for the information about materials rubbing makes sense
Great video. It may have already been suggested but think about investing in a down top quilt and underquilt. When I finally ditched my sleeping bag and mat it made a huge difference. With the mat inside the hammock there were always cold spots. Keep it up!
You can just open and use your sleeping bag as a top quilt :)
It's kinda like a evolution, as you get more time out in the woods using this gear you'll figure out what works and what doesn't work. after 30 + years of doing this, I can tell you for sure I'm light years away from how I started to where I am now..everybody talks shit and is a freaking expert, that's all find and dandy, hence why I'm 90% solo, just keep evolving, take away the advice that works for you and keep on trying new and different ways, it's what I love most about this hammock crap, it's always changing if you open your mind and let the new ideas flow...have fun ....
Thanks to the mad genius of John Rammel at Trailheadz Hammocks and Accessories, it is actually now possible to have a full-sized / full comfort hammock sleep system that actually weighs less than a 1-person DCF tent from Z-Packs.
I run my tarp in one set of snakeskins and my hammock in a second set. That avoids the wet tarp issue and allows me to set up just my tarp for a lunch break in the rain, or set up the tarp quickly in the rain and then set my hammock up under the tarp while staying dry. Other commenters added good tips re: pegs, location, drip lines, etc.
Setting up hammocks is like golf - you get better every time but are always chasing perfection. Stay safe on the trails.
Great footage 👍 liked & subscribed, thanks for sharing, grüße Michael from Germany
So excited for you, and this great adventure you are embarking on! I did my thru in '19 and hammocking is the way to go! as many others have said, the flexibility of keeping your tarp in a snakeskin on its own is really hard to give up for me. your setup would go up faster in good weather than mine, however if its raining your tarp will absolutely get your hammock wet, and I hated having any moisture in my hammock.
I also think that being able to setup your tarp fist and have a dry spot to operate out of while everything in your pack can stay dry is very nice, and on nice nights were rain is unlikely I would leave the tarp in the snakeskin over my tarp tensioned out, with my stakes at an arms reach so if it did start to rain I could throw it up in minutes.
And I love using the hiking poles to keep the sides up higher! sometimes you get lucky and can use a tree which I found to be much more stable. The extra square footage of dry space under the hammock is amazing :)
I have very fond memories of me and my tramily hanging out eating dinner under my tarp.
Love that you chose a pad rather than an underquilt. Being able to sleep in the shelter when you want is so valuable. I love my underquit for overnights were I know I will only be hammocking, but on the AT I definitely didn't always feel like going through the hassle of setting up camp in really bad rain.
For tarp recommendations: The weight benefits of dyneema are very tempting. They absolutely have a place in backpacking, and whether it is right for you depends on the person. For me personally the high cost of dyneema, and the low durability make it not appealing. when I hiked I was right out of my associates degree and not made of money, and buying a piece of gear that was 3x the price and much less durable than silnylon was not appealing. If you have the disposable income to get a dyneema tarp and the weight savings are worth it and you understand that its a disposable and hard to repair piece of gear, go for it.
I used the Warbonnet Minifly, and loved it. it is pretty small, but the geometry keeps it quite capable if you set it up right. at 13.0oz for the more durable 30D Silnylon option its still a fairly lightweight tarp.
Nice one 👍
I've been using "classical" hammock for years and sure , i enjoyed it a lot .
But since then , i was able to buy the Amok Draumr XL 5.0 ultralight which is a ( bridge hammock ) along with the tarp , and it has simplify things for me I now look at the "old" setting as a sort of upsolate stuff , because things evolve & change .
But it's a personal opinion but whichever way you do it , keep hanging & swinging ✌️
I have a Hennessy hammock I have used for about 8 years and love it. If it is a warm night I hang my rain fly up higher off the hammock so to get better air flow and still stay dry. Camped during a hurricane once( would not recommend) and was the only one to stay dry!
I luv a hammock. Have mine set up in my spare bedroom also but with the frame. Have bad back and is the only relief I can get.
Glad I found you from after listening to Kyle's "Trail Tales" podcast you were on!
Thanks for all this info and knowledge!
UGQ penny pincher tarp with the liner-lock guy out option is my go to tarp. Best $100 upgrade you can make.
I know I am way late on this, I hope your trip went well. I am more of a bushcrafter; if you ever run into a situation where you have to cowboy camp, there are many ways to set your tarp up to camp without trees and be out of the weather. All you need is your trekking poles and some tent stakes which can be made on the trail out of branches or small sticks. There are many YT videos on different set ups. Hope this helps, cheers
Love your set up, I also use a hammock set up and have been for many years… just a word of advice about dyneema tarps I have one I bought it from Z packs it’s awesome 7 ounces. The only problem is the panels on the sides are only 4‘6“ so you do not have a coverage it would with a sil nylon tarp. You can buy them from Dutchware and have them specially made with longer sides but they are extremely expensive. Also u can put it low to the ground but with the short panels, you are really close to the ground. I’ve tried different angles with a tarp and after many years I still can’t prevent Splash back and also the wind will whip underneath and steal your heat, even if you have under quilt or a pad. if you go that way and get yourself a moisture protection , clips on like a u dear quilt for under your hammock, because of the lack of protection on the side, you will get Splash back. Great video excited to watch adventure.
By the way, I just bought a war bonnet, Superfly can I will try out here in Maine come spring it offers more protection a little heavier, but I think it would be better for me in the rain. Good luck and have fun.
Really liked 👍 ur video plz keep making them plz...God bless 🙌
Incredible review. Swooning 😂 awesome stuff. Keep it up!
I never heard of snake skins, so learned something new today. 🎉
Very refreshing from TSOS. I sat and watched all your videos this morning. I’ve loved them all and subscribed and am looking forward to your journey. I’ve also read all the comments and (as a hammock camper myself) tend to agree with the idea that rolling your wet tarp up with your hammock is a bad idea. I wish you happy trails and will be following along. Thank you for taking the time to make this content.
Thanks for the video! I'm always curious about hammock folks on the AT. (I've recently gotten back into hammocking -- love my WB XLC). Enjoy your hike!
Used a WB XLC on every mile of the AT, one of the best quilts on he market in my opinion, at least it was in 2019. Have not kept up with the competitors in recent years but I'm sure it still holds up strong.
I love a tarp and hammock, you can sit under the tarp in the worst weather and cook and eat in comfort, pack everything up and save it for last. Nice set up!
*_Looks like the landscape is really suitable for adventurous activities with hammocker fashion, oh yeah I think I will continue to follow your videos, because I like them, and greetings to meet you before..., I'm Rudy Agustman Outdoor Tutorial from Indonesia_*
Looks great! Setting your tarp up like that is called "porch mode" and you can use a clove hitch around your trekking pole if you want also to hold the line. Looks like you got it set up really good though.
Have you considered an underquilt instead of the foam pad? It would probably be lighter and definitely pack down a lot smaller. You do you though, just asking. :)
You’re right, it would. My reasoning for going with the pad is that it’s what I already had. The pad also allows me versatility for cowboy camping or sleeping in shelters.
I started my thru hike with my girlfriend. We thought it would be a good idea to share gear and a tent. Bad idea. lol. So she got a hammock and loved it. And I got an oversized tent, that I loved having. The tent vestibule was quite handy for us in bad weather though. The rest of the hike was amazing. Best of luck!!!
I have done hammock camping for years and love it. I use snakeskins too, but my hammock is separate and store in a double ended stuff sack. This gives me more flexibility in my setup. I will still rig my tarp but leave it in the snakeskin. That way I can look out at the stars or surroundings. If I need to drop the tarp, it is easy to do. It’s something to think about. Great video enjoy your hike.
Thank you for the video. I use an ASYM underquilt made of synthetic APEX insulation from Simply Light Designs. The 20° UQ weighs 22.4 ounces and my 40° UQ weighs 17.04 ounces. I also use an UQ protector to help keep the quilt dry in rainy conditions. I got the UQ protector from Hammock Gear. Press on and enjoy your hiking.
Your set up is awesome 😎
Very informative, thank you👍.
Nice setup and explanations. Happy Trails
Best of Luck! Enjoyed the video
Looks like a solid set up and it works for you. I love my hammock and also use a sleeping pad... just due to not being able to afford an underquilt yet. But it works and kept me warm too 32 degrees. Best of luck!
Have you looked up the poncho liner underquilt? No sewing. All you need is a military poncho liner (aka woobie) and some shock cord. I added a green/silver survival blanket with grommets to the outside of mine for one colder night.
@@xthinker88wilderness Innovation sells just that. A poncho liner with a hood an snaps an draw cords in the ends purposely to be turned into a under quilt.
Due to their poncho of a bunch of different males an fabrics also has built in dyneema cord in the bottom hems that you draw up the poncho an turns it into a hammock. An the poncho liner is the underquilt.
So the poncho liner snaps to the outside of the poncho/hammock perfectly and the ends tighten up matching the poncho/hammock for a full length underquilt.
And also has a slide over bugnet an all that jazz. I own a few variations of ponchos. Actually sleep better in them as a hammock. Than a real dedicated hammock.
Sells silpoly tarps an all
To work with it.
Nice video, good tips ans tricks. I use an Tarp tent at this moment for my videos!
Wow.. Thank you for this video !!
Hammock Gear is the way to go for tarps.
Awesome video you should get some pepper spray be safe and careful
Looks like a nice setup. You should look into a DD hammock. Double layered to place a sleep Matt between layers, bug net, and a spreader bar on both ends. Just a thought
I"m a long time hammock camper. I hiked the JMT in California last year and slept on the ground for two nights over three weeks because we camped above treeline. Lucky for you on the AT that there are plenty of trees, but for others wanting to switch to hammock camping in the west be ready to occasionally sleep on the ground. I have lightweight pad and a bivy. When sleeping on the ground, I put the tarp over the bivy, tarp held up by my hiking poles and the same ridge line I use when I have trees.
No under quilt? I tried that for a few trips but now instead of a sleeping bag I have a top quilt and under quilt. They weigh about the same as my sleeping bag. Much warmer and more comfortable than a sleeping bag and pad inside the hammock.
I like having my tarp higher above my hammock ridge line for some additional space. I think it worth it to separate the tarp and hammock. I have snake skins for the tarp and a small stuff stack to openings at both ends for the hammock. the poles as you used them are a great way to open up one side. If the weather is good, I often will hang the tarp but keep it in the snake skin in case the weather changes overnight. Having it a bit higher it becomes a great shelter for cooking in the rain. My hiking partner was very enthusiastic that we could stay dry while eating in the rain.
I"m subscribing to your channel to see how your system changes as you do the hike.
Very nice! Thanks for sharing, you just got a new subscriber!
i like your set up , i can’t sleep in them all night it fucks my back up . i have had some interest in the Ariel A 1 hammock tent looks like it could be the exception
i have used the snake skins like you did on my Hennessy's with no problems. I later went to a larger tarp, so I now pack separate. I guess I could get larger skins, but I just use stuff sack now for trap and put it up first.
Sweet setup keep the larger tarp you will want it big when it rains or is cold and windy. Have fun stay safe.
Thanks. This could be helpful. I’ve been shakedown hammock testing as much as I can this year preparing for a through hike next year. I’m having a tough time deciding. I’ve always used a tent, but the best sleep I’ve ever gotten was in a hammock. I need to decide if i spend no money and stick with my
very cool, im a fan!!! keep them vids coming! 🤗🤗🤗
I have afew different hammock set-ups. One of them happens to be the ENO JungleNest with the Helios straps. The tarp I use is the ENO ProFly XL SIL... Packs small and lite, about the same size as the JungleNest hammock when it is in it's stuff sack. HUGE real-estate space below.
Check out the Pelican tarp with doors from Hummingbird hammocks. It’s silpoly, which doesn’t absorb as much water as silnylon. It’s less expensive than DCF, but still surprisingly light. And it packs up smaller than DCF
I used this for 5 weeks over my hammock setup on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The thing is bomb proof. Absolute recommend it. Have used it at least 125 nights in 2 years. No wear whatsoever. Have also done several ground pitches with it in suboptimal hanging locations. Very versatile.
I use a mesh snake skin for my rain fly only. I carry it in the front pocket of my pack. It doesn't matter if it is wet that way. I roll my hammock up and put it in a double ended stuff sack with the foot end whoopi sling staying outside the stuff sack so I know which end is my foot end. I carry the hammock inside my pack inside a nylofume pack liner to keep it dry.
Very nice hammock setup. I’ve had an ENO Doublenest but recently got a Hennessy. I still haven’t slept in it…I’ve got to do some trial & error this summer!
Good stuff. I love hammock camping
Cool system 👍👍 love my hammock
And hammocks are so much easier to set up and take down in the rain. Love my hammock.
Can't wait for your adventure
Ideal! I like the WarBonnet
I store my wet stuff, tarp & tree straps, separately in a dry bag and store hammock by itself. My tarp is "Yukon Outfitters" diamond shape that I attach to hammock tree strap just past my head and use a 3rd tree strap to attach the foot end of the tarp higher up, this created an angled tarp with a lot of visibility when I am in the hammock. Lower the tarp foot end to just above the hammock for rain storms. I have a contractors trash bag that I put my pack in during rain storms then stick pack under my hammock.
Great ideas - thank you!
@@appalachianadventurista There is another reason I keep my tarp separate. You hiking along and a heavy storm comes, you need to get out of the weather for a bit. I pick a tree, set that tarp up in a plow point, get underneath it for a while, take a nap or eat lunch.
Looking forward to watching your journey. Stay safe
Long time hammock hanger here. Problem with using separate tree straps is that I know many hammock campers who forgot the tree straps when breaking down the hammock and did not realize until the end of the day when they were trying to set for the night.. My straps stay attached to my hammock so I can not forget them. Look into an Under Quilt, much more comfortable and does not slide around like a pad. Also with the way you have the tarp attached to the hammock straps, once you get into the hammock the weight of your body will cause the hammock to sag and in turn cause the tarp to sag. Better to have a separate dedicated line to attach the tarp from. I found snake skins to be waste as I just cram my hammock into my pack to fill in gaps. If my tarp was wet I just stuff into the rear mesh pock on my pack. If it is raining you can leave the tarp in porch mode, just take down one hiking pole so the rain can run off
I’ll go hammock camping with you anytime!!😍😊
Good setup!!
you may want your ridge line taught but you want the hammock hung at 30 degrees.
See Prof Hammock for the best reference to hammocking.
You will be amazed once you get a DCF tarp. So expensive, but such a fantastic piece of gear. A pad can work, but I think you would love a quilt. Definitely pack the tarp separately. No matter how well you try to pack, after a heavy rain, your hammock will get soaked.
My tarp rides in its snakeskin on the outside of my pack. I set it up first, then use the rain shelter to protect the inner contents of my pack as I unpack and set them up. You will often find condensation underneath your tarp. I use a DCF tarp and a Hummingbird Hammock to keep the weight down, much of it as water settling between the threads of the tarp fabric (the DWR isn't long-term durable, and silicone waterproofing is only as good as the application process is consistent).
exactly this^
Great demo!
I love my hammock but as others suggested you should not pack your hammock with your tarp. It will get wet. When I pack up after a rainy night my hammock goes in my pack and my tarp goes outside of my pack in my outside pocket. We also switched from sil poly tarps to dyneema tarps with doors. Dyneema is much lighter.
Well made video…..👍🇨🇦🍻
I love hammock setups! It's been a year, have you upgraded to an underquilt and replaced your tarp yet? I just purchased the 12' sil-poly Journey and Quest from Hammock Gear. I specifically ordered then with middle anchor points on both sides for a single pole porch mode. It works fantastic! Sil-poly may not be as light as Dyneema, but its much less expensive. I paid around 100 for each and at 17oz and 13oz, they are light enough.
I enjoyed your video!
Thanks for making this video. I do some moto-camping and since I ride a sport bike, I don't have a ton of room for gear, so I'm considering ditching my bivvy tent in favor of what would hopefully be a hammock setup.
Always set up your hammock with your feet higher up than your head ✌️ and you can use a second tarp under the hammock as a shelf to keep everything off the ground away from bugs and dew.
I have that junglenest hammock that thing is sweet I use it with a under quilt to
It's a lot like a fitted sheet really. There's a few ways to figure it out but honestly for a 15-50 age range? It is a truly adaptable comfort method! It is absolutely not comparable to a patio hammock. whole different form!
I’ve used Hennessy hammocks for years, same set up basically an never had a problem with wetnesses
You can also get tent pole kit and make spreader bars for over tarp . Just go on You tube and watch videos on these. They will really make a difference and are well worth it.
Great vid. Not an ultralight set up but I use a DD Frontline XL and love it. Got their 4x4 tarp to go with it. They also have a 5x5 and a 3x3. Would be bulkier than what you have though.
I learned after investing a year and 500~ into my hammock setup that I can't sleep in a hammock for long. But what I liked about my setup, the tarp and the hammock body are in different snake skins. So when the tarp is wet, you don't need to pack it with the hammock
Always happy to see another hiker going with a hammock for their thru-hike! While I like the idea of including the hammock in the snakeskin, yeah I'd be worried about getting it wet after a rainy night. Guess it all depends on how careful you are rolling it up in the morning. I also found that I could never sleep warm until I finally got an under quilt. I'll never sleep in a hammock without one again so I definitely recommend trying to test one if you get a chance before your trip. You might just love it. Best of luck!
Thanks! I’ve had great success with my pad down below freezing. If I find I need an underquilt one day I may switch. But for now I’m content with the pad and the versatility it provides.
@@appalachianadventurista That is a fast and nifty deployment for sure but just to add to Seth's comment above, often times in colder weather the underside of your tarp is going to accumulate quite a bit of condensation. If you close up your hammock inside the tarp with your snake skin then your hammock is going to be between damp and wet at the end of the day when it's time to setup and get warm. I think most hammock campers would agree that your quilt and hammock should be stored and deployed separately from your tarp. The quilt and hammock go inside the plastic bag inside your pack so that they remain dry no matter what and the tarp (in the snake skin) goes somewhere on the outside of your pack. One is so that it doesn't get the inside of your pack wet but, two, is so that you can throw it out over the bushes to dry during a break if the sun comes out.
I just saw something at a group hang this weekend that might be similar to what you're trying to achieve but would still keep the "gotta be dry" stuff away from the "can be wet" tarp....Trailheadz makes this bag/snake skin combination thingy they're calling The Anaconda. It allows you to stuff your hammock and quilt(s) all in one compression sack. When you get to camp, you can deploy the hammock and quilt(s) in one go and then hang your tarp over it (or vice versa if it's raining. It was the first time I had seen it and it looked like a pretty neat system to making setup and tear down just a little bit easier.
But having said all that, I'm not telling you that you "need" to change. You do you! Maybe you've discovered the next great idea in hammock camping by doing it that way. Just be on the lookout for packing your hammock up in there if there is condensation.
Looking forward to following your adventure!