Woah, a video that doesn't cater to short attention spans. I really appreciated the simple editing that didn't change perspective every 5 to 10 seconds. I'm planning on doing some backpacking and have decided on hammock camping. I've found this helpful and I'll be checking out your other videos!
Nice to see you addressing some of the common issues that hammockers experience! For #1, the other reason to elevate your foot end is that your "sweet spot" is slightly easier to find when your foot end is higher. You mentioned 3-6", but I've gone as far as a foot up. Sliding back in the hammock is a GOOD thing as long as it's not too much. Happy hanging!
I love finding that sweet spot. Last weekend I woke up after a solid eight hours of sleep, perfectly comfortable and rested. When it is colder, I use a leak proof bottle of warm water at my feet. I now have a Superior Shelter and have decided that a good tarp is essential. When the wind came from the direction of my feet, and I could easily close the doors and go straight back to sleep.
Thanks for your comments! There is nothing like finding that sweet spot and sleeping through the night on a backpacking trip. I love my Hammock Gear tarp. I have one with doors and one with out. I generally take the one with doors to help block the wind like you said. To help keep my feet warm, I will some times take a pair of down socks. They weigh nothing and help keep my feet toasty warm. Thanks for watching!
My hips can't handle sleeping on the ground too well. I can for sure but boy do I feel it next day, hammock definitely isn't perfect but I don't wake up in pain so that's always a plus, being out in the north Appalachians definitely helps, have no shortage of trees out here
It took me a while to be able to really get dialed in on my hammock hang. I can sleep diagonally in my eno double nest and be perfectly comfortable all night. The biggest win I had this year was upgrading to an underquilt and top quilt. I’ve taken it into pretty low temps. And my new tarp has much better coverage and doors. Big game changer. Blocks wind and rain so much better.
Glad to hear about the big wins! It feels great when you start dialing in each part of your hammock setup and then it just all falls into place with sleep and comfort. I definitely prefer an under quilt over a sleeping pad for a better night sleep. I know that isn't true for everyone but once I made that switch, I slept warmer and felt like I had more freedom to move around in my hammock when I slept.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker another thing I’ve been trialing the past few nights is throwing my clothes stuff sack under my knees. Helps with comfort while back sleeping.
Nice video. I like the stuff sack/pillow combo idea. Is that the medium or medium plus size? Do you find that you ever need a head pillow in a hammock? Thanks
Thanks! It is the medium plus size and I love it. I do carry an inflatable pillow, the Sea to Summit Aeros pillow, weighs around 2 ounces. I've tried sleeping without a pillow and it's okay, just like sleeping with a stuff sack full of clothes is just okay. I like having the support for my neck and it does provide a layer of insulation for my head and I think it helps me sleep better. And since it only weighs 2 ounces I'm fine with including it in my pack. But when I was trying to go ultralight and have my base weight less than 9 lbs., I definitely slept without a pillow. I think now I am just trying to find that balance between comfort and weight.
As someone who can never get comfortable in a tent, looking forward to giving the hammock a go. I found your video doing some research and can’t wait to watch some of your other videos, you have some pretty good content!
Thanks! Once I gave hammock camping a try, I have never gone back to a tent. I now only sleep in a tent if I have too (i.e. no tree around to hang) - and even then I'm still working on other solutions. Good luck with your hammock research. It can be alot to consider but once you figure out what works for you then I don't think hammock camping can be beat.
This past weekend I gave the hammock a try and I loved it, I need to make a few tweaks but I think I’m on the hammock path! Any tips for making the hammock setup lighter?
@@christopherwhite8186 Awesome, glad to hear it! I always say if someone is willing to give hammock camping a try and figures it out they will never go back to a tent. Like I've said in my videos, there is a fiddle factor when hanging a hammock correctly. But once you figure out what works for you then there is nothing better. As for going lighter, I focus on the straps and the tarp. I use whoopie slings, which is one of the lightest hammock suspensions. The only thing lighter that I have found is using something like mule tape and learning the beckett hitch. I haven't quite figured it out yet without my knot getting stuck but still working on it. I also recommend a dyneema tarp. Mine is from hammock gear and weighs around 8-10 ounces. I love it and it has been going strong now for 6 years. But it is expensive. Typically if you want to get more and more lightweight then the gear gets more and more expensive. Another thing you could do is use a sleeping pad instead of an underquilt. I have an 8 ounce sleeping pad which would work but I don't find it as comfortable as my 27 ounce underquilt. And that is where you need to find the balance, between weight and comfort. I'm willing to take a heavier underquilt because I will sleep a ton better than on a pad that moves around all night and never keeps me completely warm. Also, if you don't need a bugnet on your hammock then you could try to the Dutch Netless hammock. Awesome hammock, weighs only a few ounces but doesn't have a bugnet for protection. But I find that sometimes I don't always need a bugnet and works great. Hope this helps.
Thanks, I appreciate that! Feel free to reach out with any questions about hammock camping. It's what I love to do and trying to make these videos to help people out like others did for me.
I've always been a ground sleeper and I have a good mattress (Nemo Tensor) but, like you, I always wake up, if I sleep at all, with sore hips and shoulders. I'm going on my first hammock camping tomorrow so this video is very timely for me. I appreciate all your advice.
Did you use Nemo Tensor while using hammock? I’ve the same pad and just ordered a hammock for the same reasons you mentioned and was wondering if it works or do I need to get new pad or maybe an underquilt.
@@Scetchyeh Hey! I have used a Nemo Tensor in my hammock but it is not my preference. I prefer using an underquilt because I feel it gives me better coverage underneath to keep me warmer and is more comfortable when sleeping in my hammock. Plus, it is easier to get into my hammock with an underquilt than a sleeping pad as well as moving around to sleep on my side. The pad just moves around too much for my preference. However, if I feel like there may not be adequate trees for one of my campsite on my backpacking trip then I will bring a sleeping pad so I can go to the ground if necessary. For example, I am planning to hike the JMT this August and I will be bringing my Nemo Tensor because I think I might need it for one or two nights. So it is possible just not my preference.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker Thanks! I’ve heard sleeping pads can be awkward to use in a hammock, but, as I just had to replace my old backpack that literally crumbled on me on my last trip and after the sleepless nights and sore back from that trip I decided to get the HH Expedition zip at the same time as it was on sale, I’m quite literally broke, so I’ll have to settle with my pad until I can acquire some funds and then I’ll get a good UQ. Speaking of UQ’s, as I’m new to the whole hammock camping, can you recommend any particular ones (that would fit to the Expedition zip)?
@@Scetchyeh I understand. It has taken me several years to build up to all the gear I wanted. My favorite underquilt is Hammock Gear's Incubator - 20 degree. I've had it now for several years and I love it. It would work fine on the HH Expedition zip. That was my first hammock ever, great hammock, and now my son uses it and has used the Incubator for that hammock. It fits just fine. Underquilts in general should fit most normal gathered end hammocks. Hope that helps. Good luck saving. The Tensor will be fine in the hammock. It is a great sleeping pad, my favorite. It just may take some getting used to for sleeping. I know some people prefer sleeping pads over underquilts so it is definitely a preference thing.
Hey! Glad you enjoy the channel! You should check out the Hammock Camping playlist on my channel. I have a couple of videos of different options for insulation underneath you in the hammock. I also have a video of the different type of tarp setups I use and why. But to answer your question... No, I don't use a sleeping bag. And if you only use a sleeping bag without a sleep pad or under quilt then you are going to be cold underneath. The reason is that the down in your sleeping bag compresses when you lay on it, eliminating all the loft that keeps you warm. So, you can definitely use a sleeping bag in a hammock, but you are still going to need something underneath you to prevent your butt from getting cold. As for a tarp, I always carry a tarp with me on backpacking trips. I have a dyneema tarp made by Hammock Gear and I love it. Ultralight and easy to pack away. Thanks for watching! Happy hammocking!
Good tips. Although lately I've been feeling claustrophobic in my HH. So I ordered up a double layer 1.6 Chameleon, it will be here next week. The last time time I my HH was a couple of weeks ago, the first night was horrible, I think my feet were too high, I lowered them to about level for the second night, it was much better, But I didn't lower the foot end till 3:30am, by then it was too late, should have done at 10pm. I'm hoping an 11' hammock will be better. for 23 years I've been using HH, kind of excited for the change. You're right, hammocks are the best. Even after two decades, I'm still trying to get it right. Where does Sherpa sleep when she is on an over nighter with you?
Obviously I love the Chameleon, it is my go-to hammock. But for friends of mine who do have claustrophobic issues with sleeping in a hammock I recommend the Dutch Netless Hammock because you can see through the material and helps with the feeling of being totally enclosed. Or I would recommend getting a wide hammock. I find that helps with spreading out in the hammock when it is a wider version. My son has the hennesy hammock and loves it. That was my first asym hammock for camping, and it's been a great hammock. But I am now a Dutch guy and love his different styles of hammocks. I agree with your last statement of still trying to get it right. I feel like there is always something new to learn or better way to do something or new gear coming out to try, and I love that about backpacking in general!
Just found your channel! I'm a tree swinger as well and your tips are spot on! I always tell people (tent or hammock) not to go to bed cold. What miracles do you have for getting out in those cold mornings? Pee bottle aside, you got to get out eventually!
Welcome fellow tree swinger! Unfortunately no miracles. I tell people that is the worst thing about camping, tent or hammock, is having to get out of a warm quilt to go pee in the cold. However, I have learned the trick of peeing out of my hammock while laying on my side. I was once caught in a winter storm on the Colorado Trail. I was stuck in my hammock during a mini-blizzard for 24 hours and it was below freezing. I didn't want to get out of my hammock so I learned how to position myself just right so I could pee out of my hammock while laying down, while avoiding any mess on my hammock or my quilt. It took a bit of jiggering around but I got it to work. I was lucky that I was on a bit of a hill that sloped away from me so there was no puddle underneath me. Thanks for watching!
What does your entire set up weigh? Hammock and rigging and cover? I assume you got a tarp as well unseen in the vid. I’m impressed with the tiny diameter of your line except the bit that wraps the tree. Here in Australia that would absolutely ring bark a tree. I got seat belt type lanyards which do a pretty good lightweight job of tree protection
Hey! Thanks for the questions. The hammock suspension I use are called whoopie slings, extremely lightweight and strong. They are attached to a 1 inch wide kevlar strap which wraps around the tree. I've hammock camped for almost ten years and I've never left a ring mark on a tree. I've knocked some bark off before but nothing where my strap is digging/cutting into the tree. Here is my hammock setup... 1. Dutch Chameleon Hammock (with bug net, hammock organizer, shelf and side sling) = 20.4 ounces (578 grams). If want to go really lightweight I use my Dutch Netless hammock = 10.6 ounces (301 grams). 2. Dutch whoopie slings (includes the kevlar strap, whoopie cord, dutch carabiner (for strap on tree) and dutch hook (to connect to my continuous loop) = 6.6 ounces for both (187 grams) 3. Hammock Gear 12 ft tarp made of Dyneema (or DCF) (includes zing-it rope and Dutch wasp on both ends of my tarp) = 9.6 ounces (272 grams) So my typical hammock setup weighs in at 36.6 ounces (just over 2 lbs) or 1,037 grams. Again, if I want to go ultralight I will use my Dutch Netless Hammock which gets me under 2 lbs. (or under 800 grams). Hope that helps!
Do you mean my zpacks clothes bag? Yes, I believe it is a medium long. Not sure Zpacks makes that exact size anymore, but they will have something similar.
I've heard good things about the warbonnet. But I love my Dutch hammocks. They all have been excellent. And even though I typically sleep on my back, I am able to sleep on my side with my hammocks well enough.
I am curious where your dog sleeps? I am always concerned a big cat will get my dog overnight. I am going to try hammock camping again. I could never get comfortable enough to sleep. Thank you sir
Hey Tami! I will be doing a video on that in the near future to show a couple of ways I have tried backpacking with my dog when using a hammock. You are right, I don't want my dog to be exposed during the night when I sleep. I carry her dog bed and believe she would sleep right beneath me but I wanted to give her a bit more protection than that. I've used two different methods... 1. Pup tent: This is a piece of backpacking gear I bought on Dutchwaregear.com (same guy who made all the hammocks I use). It is a teepee style tent that hangs at the foot or end of your hammock on the continuous loop with a carabiner, and then you stake down the three corners to secure it. It has one door entry that allows your dog to see it out of a mesh door. My dog was crate trained so she has no issues sleeping in a confined environment. I simply lay her dog bed in the tent and she sleeps right on that. I simply need to make sure that my tarp is also covering her pup tent so she is fully covered when sleeping like me. This is a light weight option and worked well. I just didn't like that I really couldn't see her very well at night to see if she was doing okay or if she got cold. She never whined or whimpered so I assumed she was doing okay but I didn't like not having easy access to her to make sure she was doing well. So that led me to my second option. 2. Grand Trunk: I can't remember where I got this but essentially this is a huge bug net that fits over your entire hammock that has a ground floor. It has a zipper that allows you access into the bug net to access your hammock. This is a heavier option so I typically take my Dutch Netless Hammock since the Grand Truck provides the bug net I need. I like this option because now my dog is completely sealed into the bug net with me when I am in my hammock and I can easily see her and even reach out to pet her. I still bring her dog bed and lay it right below me so I can make sure she is doing okay at night. This is the option I will continue in the future with her. I've never really worried about other animals attacking her at night or her running off, she always stays pretty close to me. I've even heard that having a dog in camps keeps other animals out because other animals sense their presence and see the dog as a potential threat so they stay away from the camp. That's not a guarantee but I do feel better when I have my dog in camp with me. I'm more concerned about her during the day, especially when I am in moose country. Moose tend to attack dogs, I hear they think that they are a wolf, a natural predator of moose, so they might attack when they see a dog. I hope this helps. I hope to have that video in a couple of months once the weather warms up here in Colorado and I can get some stakes in the ground! 😀
@@luhman16afaintstar-q3y The only tip I can think of would be to lay at angle in an asymmetrical hammock in order to lay flat. But even with that, if you don’t hang it properly it would still be uncomfortable. And putting my clothes bag under my knees when I lay in my hammock was the biggest game changer for me in terms of comfort.
@@luhman16afaintstar-q3y I agree. Looking at this from a different perspective Being new to all this, I think i overlook some basic stuff like using a pillow or having an asymmetrical hammock to lay flat. Good idea for another video! Thanks!
Hey! I put out a video a couple of months ago in my Hammock 101 series called "Where does my dog sleep"? Basically I have two options that I have considered: (1) a pup tent from Dutchware that hangs like a pyramid from the end of your hammock or (2 - my preferred) is the grand trunk mozzy 360, which is a bug net with a ground floor that hangs around your hammock. I prefer this best because I have easy access to my dog to see how she is doing through the night. Check out the video if you want more details on setup and pros/cons of each. Thanks for watching!
Woah, a video that doesn't cater to short attention spans. I really appreciated the simple editing that didn't change perspective every 5 to 10 seconds. I'm planning on doing some backpacking and have decided on hammock camping. I've found this helpful and I'll be checking out your other videos!
Preach!
Tip nr. 4. I didn't know it earlier. Thanks for sharing this one!
Nice to see you addressing some of the common issues that hammockers experience! For #1, the other reason to elevate your foot end is that your "sweet spot" is slightly easier to find when your foot end is higher. You mentioned 3-6", but I've gone as far as a foot up. Sliding back in the hammock is a GOOD thing as long as it's not too much. Happy hanging!
I love finding that sweet spot. Last weekend I woke up after a solid eight hours of sleep, perfectly comfortable and rested. When it is colder, I use a leak proof bottle of warm water at my feet. I now have a Superior Shelter and have decided that a good tarp is essential. When the wind came from the direction of my feet, and I could easily close the doors and go straight back to sleep.
Thanks for your comments! There is nothing like finding that sweet spot and sleeping through the night on a backpacking trip.
I love my Hammock Gear tarp. I have one with doors and one with out. I generally take the one with doors to help block the wind like you said.
To help keep my feet warm, I will some times take a pair of down socks. They weigh nothing and help keep my feet toasty warm.
Thanks for watching!
A pair of down booties are definitely on my wish list. Sadly they are impossible to get here where we live.
A pair of down booties are definitely on my wish list. Sadly they are impossible to get here where we live.
My hips can't handle sleeping on the ground too well. I can for sure but boy do I feel it next day, hammock definitely isn't perfect but I don't wake up in pain so that's always a plus, being out in the north Appalachians definitely helps, have no shortage of trees out here
thanks for the tips i also like sleeping in hammock during my camping
It took me a while to be able to really get dialed in on my hammock hang. I can sleep diagonally in my eno double nest and be perfectly comfortable all night. The biggest win I had this year was upgrading to an underquilt and top quilt. I’ve taken it into pretty low temps. And my new tarp has much better coverage and doors. Big game changer. Blocks wind and rain so much better.
Glad to hear about the big wins! It feels great when you start dialing in each part of your hammock setup and then it just all falls into place with sleep and comfort.
I definitely prefer an under quilt over a sleeping pad for a better night sleep. I know that isn't true for everyone but once I made that switch, I slept warmer and felt like I had more freedom to move around in my hammock when I slept.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker another thing I’ve been trialing the past few nights is throwing my clothes stuff sack under my knees. Helps with comfort while back sleeping.
Nice video. I like the stuff sack/pillow combo idea. Is that the medium or medium plus size? Do you find that you ever need a head pillow in a hammock? Thanks
Thanks! It is the medium plus size and I love it. I do carry an inflatable pillow, the Sea to Summit Aeros pillow, weighs around 2 ounces.
I've tried sleeping without a pillow and it's okay, just like sleeping with a stuff sack full of clothes is just okay. I like having the support for my neck and it does provide a layer of insulation for my head and I think it helps me sleep better. And since it only weighs 2 ounces I'm fine with including it in my pack. But when I was trying to go ultralight and have my base weight less than 9 lbs., I definitely slept without a pillow. I think now I am just trying to find that balance between comfort and weight.
Useful vid. 😊
I pack "compression leggings", which are essentially long johns that are made from a very light material. Packs down tiny. Keeps you warm.
Pillow under the knees! Super smart.
As someone who can never get comfortable in a tent, looking forward to giving the hammock a go.
I found your video doing some research and can’t wait to watch some of your other videos, you have some pretty good content!
Thanks! Once I gave hammock camping a try, I have never gone back to a tent. I now only sleep in a tent if I have too (i.e. no tree around to hang) - and even then I'm still working on other solutions.
Good luck with your hammock research. It can be alot to consider but once you figure out what works for you then I don't think hammock camping can be beat.
This past weekend I gave the hammock a try and I loved it, I need to make a few tweaks but I think I’m on the hammock path! Any tips for making the hammock setup lighter?
@@christopherwhite8186 Awesome, glad to hear it! I always say if someone is willing to give hammock camping a try and figures it out they will never go back to a tent.
Like I've said in my videos, there is a fiddle factor when hanging a hammock correctly. But once you figure out what works for you then there is nothing better.
As for going lighter, I focus on the straps and the tarp. I use whoopie slings, which is one of the lightest hammock suspensions. The only thing lighter that I have found is using something like mule tape and learning the beckett hitch. I haven't quite figured it out yet without my knot getting stuck but still working on it. I also recommend a dyneema tarp. Mine is from hammock gear and weighs around 8-10 ounces. I love it and it has been going strong now for 6 years. But it is expensive. Typically if you want to get more and more lightweight then the gear gets more and more expensive. Another thing you could do is use a sleeping pad instead of an underquilt. I have an 8 ounce sleeping pad which would work but I don't find it as comfortable as my 27 ounce underquilt.
And that is where you need to find the balance, between weight and comfort. I'm willing to take a heavier underquilt because I will sleep a ton better than on a pad that moves around all night and never keeps me completely warm.
Also, if you don't need a bugnet on your hammock then you could try to the Dutch Netless hammock. Awesome hammock, weighs only a few ounces but doesn't have a bugnet for protection. But I find that sometimes I don't always need a bugnet and works great. Hope this helps.
Great video. Thanks for the tips. I have never used a hammock, but looking to get one to try out and this will really help me.
Thanks, I appreciate that! Feel free to reach out with any questions about hammock camping. It's what I love to do and trying to make these videos to help people out like others did for me.
I've always been a ground sleeper and I have a good mattress (Nemo Tensor) but, like you, I always wake up, if I sleep at all, with sore hips and shoulders. I'm going on my first hammock camping tomorrow so this video is very timely for me. I appreciate all your advice.
Thanks for the comment! Good luck with your first hammock trip. I hope it works out well for you.
Did you use Nemo Tensor while using hammock? I’ve the same pad and just ordered a hammock for the same reasons you mentioned and was wondering if it works or do I need to get new pad or maybe an underquilt.
@@Scetchyeh Hey! I have used a Nemo Tensor in my hammock but it is not my preference. I prefer using an underquilt because I feel it gives me better coverage underneath to keep me warmer and is more comfortable when sleeping in my hammock.
Plus, it is easier to get into my hammock with an underquilt than a sleeping pad as well as moving around to sleep on my side. The pad just moves around too much for my preference.
However, if I feel like there may not be adequate trees for one of my campsite on my backpacking trip then I will bring a sleeping pad so I can go to the ground if necessary. For example, I am planning to hike the JMT this August and I will be bringing my Nemo Tensor because I think I might need it for one or two nights. So it is possible just not my preference.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker Thanks! I’ve heard sleeping pads can be awkward to use in a hammock, but, as I just had to replace my old backpack that literally crumbled on me on my last trip and after the sleepless nights and sore back from that trip I decided to get the HH Expedition zip at the same time as it was on sale, I’m quite literally broke, so I’ll have to settle with my pad until I can acquire some funds and then I’ll get a good UQ. Speaking of UQ’s, as I’m new to the whole hammock camping, can you recommend any particular ones (that would fit to the Expedition zip)?
@@Scetchyeh I understand. It has taken me several years to build up to all the gear I wanted.
My favorite underquilt is Hammock Gear's Incubator - 20 degree. I've had it now for several years and I love it. It would work fine on the HH Expedition zip. That was my first hammock ever, great hammock, and now my son uses it and has used the Incubator for that hammock. It fits just fine. Underquilts in general should fit most normal gathered end hammocks.
Hope that helps. Good luck saving. The Tensor will be fine in the hammock. It is a great sleeping pad, my favorite. It just may take some getting used to for sleeping. I know some people prefer sleeping pads over underquilts so it is definitely a preference thing.
Do you use a sleeping bag? And a tarp that hangs above your hammock? (For when it rains?) Love your channel❤
Hey! Glad you enjoy the channel! You should check out the Hammock Camping playlist on my channel. I have a couple of videos of different options for insulation underneath you in the hammock. I also have a video of the different type of tarp setups I use and why. But to answer your question...
No, I don't use a sleeping bag. And if you only use a sleeping bag without a sleep pad or under quilt then you are going to be cold underneath. The reason is that the down in your sleeping bag compresses when you lay on it, eliminating all the loft that keeps you warm. So, you can definitely use a sleeping bag in a hammock, but you are still going to need something underneath you to prevent your butt from getting cold.
As for a tarp, I always carry a tarp with me on backpacking trips. I have a dyneema tarp made by Hammock Gear and I love it. Ultralight and easy to pack away.
Thanks for watching! Happy hammocking!
Good tips. Although lately I've been feeling claustrophobic in my HH. So I ordered up a double layer 1.6 Chameleon, it will be here next week.
The last time time I my HH was a couple of weeks ago, the first night was horrible, I think my feet were too high, I lowered them to about level for the second night, it was much better, But I didn't lower the foot end till 3:30am, by then it was too late, should have done at 10pm.
I'm hoping an 11' hammock will be better. for 23 years I've been using HH, kind of excited for the change.
You're right, hammocks are the best. Even after two decades, I'm still trying to get it right.
Where does Sherpa sleep when she is on an over nighter with you?
Obviously I love the Chameleon, it is my go-to hammock. But for friends of mine who do have claustrophobic issues with sleeping in a hammock I recommend the Dutch Netless Hammock because you can see through the material and helps with the feeling of being totally enclosed. Or I would recommend getting a wide hammock. I find that helps with spreading out in the hammock when it is a wider version.
My son has the hennesy hammock and loves it. That was my first asym hammock for camping, and it's been a great hammock. But I am now a Dutch guy and love his different styles of hammocks.
I agree with your last statement of still trying to get it right. I feel like there is always something new to learn or better way to do something or new gear coming out to try, and I love that about backpacking in general!
Just found your channel! I'm a tree swinger as well and your tips are spot on! I always tell people (tent or hammock) not to go to bed cold.
What miracles do you have for getting out in those cold mornings? Pee bottle aside, you got to get out eventually!
Welcome fellow tree swinger! Unfortunately no miracles. I tell people that is the worst thing about camping, tent or hammock, is having to get out of a warm quilt to go pee in the cold.
However, I have learned the trick of peeing out of my hammock while laying on my side. I was once caught in a winter storm on the Colorado Trail. I was stuck in my hammock during a mini-blizzard for 24 hours and it was below freezing. I didn't want to get out of my hammock so I learned how to position myself just right so I could pee out of my hammock while laying down, while avoiding any mess on my hammock or my quilt. It took a bit of jiggering around but I got it to work. I was lucky that I was on a bit of a hill that sloped away from me so there was no puddle underneath me.
Thanks for watching!
thasnks for the tips, which breed is your dog btw?
Hope they help! Sherpa is an American Labrador. I try to take her with me on a couple of trips each year.
Beautiful US nature
What does your entire set up weigh? Hammock and rigging and cover? I assume you got a tarp as well unseen in the vid. I’m impressed with the tiny diameter of your line except the bit that wraps the tree. Here in Australia that would absolutely ring bark a tree. I got seat belt type lanyards which do a pretty good lightweight job of tree protection
Hey! Thanks for the questions. The hammock suspension I use are called whoopie slings, extremely lightweight and strong. They are attached to a 1 inch wide kevlar strap which wraps around the tree. I've hammock camped for almost ten years and I've never left a ring mark on a tree. I've knocked some bark off before but nothing where my strap is digging/cutting into the tree.
Here is my hammock setup...
1. Dutch Chameleon Hammock (with bug net, hammock organizer, shelf and side sling) = 20.4 ounces (578 grams). If want to go really lightweight I use my Dutch Netless hammock = 10.6 ounces (301 grams).
2. Dutch whoopie slings (includes the kevlar strap, whoopie cord, dutch carabiner (for strap on tree) and dutch hook (to connect to my continuous loop) = 6.6 ounces for both (187 grams)
3. Hammock Gear 12 ft tarp made of Dyneema (or DCF) (includes zing-it rope and Dutch wasp on both ends of my tarp) = 9.6 ounces (272 grams)
So my typical hammock setup weighs in at 36.6 ounces (just over 2 lbs) or 1,037 grams. Again, if I want to go ultralight I will use my Dutch Netless Hammock which gets me under 2 lbs. (or under 800 grams). Hope that helps!
I take a small inflatable pillow for under the knees but putting the next day's clothes there is genius
Thanks! That's one of my favorite hacks!
What size is that zpacks pillow? Looks like a medium?
Do you mean my zpacks clothes bag? Yes, I believe it is a medium long. Not sure Zpacks makes that exact size anymore, but they will have something similar.
If it isn’t broke don’t fix it but brother you got to try the warbonnet blackbird. I can sleep on my side in that hammock.
I've heard good things about the warbonnet. But I love my Dutch hammocks. They all have been excellent. And even though I typically sleep on my back, I am able to sleep on my side with my hammocks well enough.
i'm going to have to try the support under the knee thing because the pressure from doing the foot slide thing makes my inside leg fall asleep :v
Best thing I've done to improve my sleep in a hammock. Even with a flat lay, I sleep better with my clothes bag under my knees. Thanks for watching!
I am curious where your dog sleeps? I am always concerned a big cat will get my dog overnight.
I am going to try hammock camping again. I could never get comfortable enough to sleep.
Thank you sir
Hey Tami! I will be doing a video on that in the near future to show a couple of ways I have tried backpacking with my dog when using a hammock.
You are right, I don't want my dog to be exposed during the night when I sleep. I carry her dog bed and believe she would sleep right beneath me but I wanted to give her a bit more protection than that. I've used two different methods...
1. Pup tent: This is a piece of backpacking gear I bought on Dutchwaregear.com (same guy who made all the hammocks I use). It is a teepee style tent that hangs at the foot or end of your hammock on the continuous loop with a carabiner, and then you stake down the three corners to secure it. It has one door entry that allows your dog to see it out of a mesh door. My dog was crate trained so she has no issues sleeping in a confined environment. I simply lay her dog bed in the tent and she sleeps right on that. I simply need to make sure that my tarp is also covering her pup tent so she is fully covered when sleeping like me. This is a light weight option and worked well. I just didn't like that I really couldn't see her very well at night to see if she was doing okay or if she got cold. She never whined or whimpered so I assumed she was doing okay but I didn't like not having easy access to her to make sure she was doing well. So that led me to my second option.
2. Grand Trunk: I can't remember where I got this but essentially this is a huge bug net that fits over your entire hammock that has a ground floor. It has a zipper that allows you access into the bug net to access your hammock. This is a heavier option so I typically take my Dutch Netless Hammock since the Grand Truck provides the bug net I need. I like this option because now my dog is completely sealed into the bug net with me when I am in my hammock and I can easily see her and even reach out to pet her. I still bring her dog bed and lay it right below me so I can make sure she is doing okay at night. This is the option I will continue in the future with her.
I've never really worried about other animals attacking her at night or her running off, she always stays pretty close to me. I've even heard that having a dog in camps keeps other animals out because other animals sense their presence and see the dog as a potential threat so they stay away from the camp. That's not a guarantee but I do feel better when I have my dog in camp with me.
I'm more concerned about her during the day, especially when I am in moose country. Moose tend to attack dogs, I hear they think that they are a wolf, a natural predator of moose, so they might attack when they see a dog.
I hope this helps. I hope to have that video in a couple of months once the weather warms up here in Colorado and I can get some stakes in the ground! 😀
Use thicker straps to not hurt the trees
I thought there would be some advice on how to actually lie comfortabel in a hammock
@@luhman16afaintstar-q3y The only tip I can think of would be to lay at angle in an asymmetrical hammock in order to lay flat. But even with that, if you don’t hang it properly it would still be uncomfortable. And putting my clothes bag under my knees when I lay in my hammock was the biggest game changer for me in terms of comfort.
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker a pillow. For ur head 🙂
@@luhman16afaintstar-q3y I agree. Looking at this from a different perspective Being new to all this, I think i overlook some basic stuff like using a pillow or having an asymmetrical hammock to lay flat. Good idea for another video! Thanks!
Actually I like my hammock more than my bed.
How the doggo sleep?
@@TheNikotin33 Hey! I have either a pup tent or Grand Trunk bugnet I use. I have a whole video about it! You should check it out!
Where does youre dog sleep?
Hey! I put out a video a couple of months ago in my Hammock 101 series called "Where does my dog sleep"? Basically I have two options that I have considered: (1) a pup tent from Dutchware that hangs like a pyramid from the end of your hammock or (2 - my preferred) is the grand trunk mozzy 360, which is a bug net with a ground floor that hangs around your hammock. I prefer this best because I have easy access to my dog to see how she is doing through the night. Check out the video if you want more details on setup and pros/cons of each.
Thanks for watching!
You should use straps, dude!