I've tried hammocks but they just don't work for me and I'm still a ground dweller. Lots of bushcrafters use and love hammocks but look at them logically (hammocks that is), you can't always find a spot to hang and weight is an issue in winter; Hammock+tarp+Underquilt+sleeping bag+(often)bivy bag and the complete system weighs more than a good lightweight tent and sleep kit and lacks the tents versatility.
Hammock and your hanging in the air, tent gives a far better shelter from the elements, room to cook in, play cards, chat et al...just MHO
hammocks why not...
Re: hammocks why not...
Richard
South Wales UK
Retired, spending the children's inheritance.
South Wales UK
Retired, spending the children's inheritance.
-
bladefalcon
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2014 10:23 pm
- Location: Area 12 (Gwent)
Re: hammocks why not...
Like rik, I'm primarily a ground dweller by choice. However in some situations, especially in woods on the side of mountains, the hammock has serious advantages.
Remember science heads, air currents underneath/around a hammock are going to be moving CONSTANTLY, removing heat radiated from your body even if it's a still night and wind chill seems negligible. The same applies to camp beds.
What you need to make sure of if you struggle to stay warm in a hammock:
1) Limit the heat radiated by your body through the bottom of your hammock. (Think foil space blankets if you'd like to conserve weight, wool blankets, extra sleeping bag liners, bivi bag...)
2) Reduce the draught around you as much as possible. This starts with finding a good location to set up camp! The closer the sides of your "roof" are to the ground, and the less sides are open to the (especially prevailing) wind, the more easy it'll be to stay warm. Think of the sheltered environment that is a tent when you set up your tarp.
These are only principles of course. Get out there and practice is the only advice which will help in the long run.
Lastly, regarding draughts, our Padre let me know that the only way to sleep on a standard camp bed is with the edges of your wool blanket draped over the sides of the bed and preferably touching the floor, creating a stable environment of warm air, reducing body heat radiation and conserving all those precious HobNob calories!!
Remember science heads, air currents underneath/around a hammock are going to be moving CONSTANTLY, removing heat radiated from your body even if it's a still night and wind chill seems negligible. The same applies to camp beds.
What you need to make sure of if you struggle to stay warm in a hammock:
1) Limit the heat radiated by your body through the bottom of your hammock. (Think foil space blankets if you'd like to conserve weight, wool blankets, extra sleeping bag liners, bivi bag...)
2) Reduce the draught around you as much as possible. This starts with finding a good location to set up camp! The closer the sides of your "roof" are to the ground, and the less sides are open to the (especially prevailing) wind, the more easy it'll be to stay warm. Think of the sheltered environment that is a tent when you set up your tarp.
These are only principles of course. Get out there and practice is the only advice which will help in the long run.
Lastly, regarding draughts, our Padre let me know that the only way to sleep on a standard camp bed is with the edges of your wool blanket draped over the sides of the bed and preferably touching the floor, creating a stable environment of warm air, reducing body heat radiation and conserving all those precious HobNob calories!!
Cymru
(Area 12)
(Area 12)