Back pack Hunting

[T Folts]

Anyone take both a tent and hammock when back pack hunting. I was thinking about taking along a Hammock and tent where I would have options. No trees and flat use a tent . Where tree's are available use the hammock. It offer flexibility but is it worth the extras in the pack.

[kevsuperg]

In my opinion no it's not worth the extra weight.
ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain.
I'd pick one or the other based on weather forecasts etc.
I'm sure you'll get several responses but I'm a minimalist , usually just use my military poncho for cover ( doubles as a tarp ) and bring a sleeping mat.

[Steve O]

Not a chance.

[bucknut]

No, but I am thinking really hard about going with a high end hammock and quilt this year instead of a tent and bag.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I never understood the appeal of hammocks. Are they that much better for sleeping? If so, why not take a big silnylon tarp with your hammock?  Practice some pitches with the tarp using trekking poles, and then you're set for both. Pretty sure a tarp over the hammock will be needed anyways if it rains, but I'm not an expert.

[Sam McMichael]

The extra weight is not worth it.

[Hackbow]

I don't take either. Used to take a tent, but have found I prefer a good tarp set up over my bag and a ground cloth. More room than my tent, no condensation and flexibility on configuration. Like the others said, I wouldn't waste the weight on two systems.

[Homebru]

Originally posted by bucknut:
No, but I am thinking really hard about going with a high end hammock and quilt this year instead of a tent and bag.

I've used a tarp for several years. Last year a hammock / tarp.  Just got an UL top quilt in the mail today.  Love the hammock / tarp.

I never complained about sleeping on the ground.  However, I know that I always woke up several times a night to roll over.  That was because something (arm, leg, hand, whatever) would fall asleep or be uncomfortable.

In the hammock, the thing that wakes me up is the moon.  I think it's an acquired taste but it's way more comfortable.  One of the guys I hunt with didn't like his hammock but, I think he's too tall for it.

I like my hammock and will sleep in that from here on out unless I'm car camping with a cot.

hope this helps
homebru

[Doug_K]

I love sleeping in my hammock, probably the most comfortable sleep I get.
I've never used it on a long hunt, 3-4 days at a time is typical.

The only problem I can see with a hammock on an extended hunt with a normal sized hammock tarp, is if you get caught in a multi day rain storm. There's not a lot of room to move around and stay dry.

You can have the best of both worlds without carrying a tent; Take a hammock and a large silnylon tarp. If you don't have good trees handy set your tarp up on the ground, if you do, use the hammock and the tarp. I use my hammock 3 seasons with the same gear I'd use for sleeping on the ground, an inflatable ground pad, and a 30 degree bag. As it gets colder I add more layers. So the extra weight is just the 2-4 pounds of the hammock and the straps.

[PhilFloyd]

I also use a tarp and ground cloth.  Very versatile setup.

[katman]

Love my hammock set up. Hammock, top and bottom quilt, and tarp. Can get a very light setup but it costs. Dropping the tent is a no brainer for me. With a closed foam pad you can always go to ground if needed and adding that is lighter then a tent.

[T Folts]

Well good input.
They way I was looking at it, if you have a tent, pad and bag. What's the big deal adding a lightweight hammock. Hell people talk about oz in a pack and could loose 5-10lbs of body fat but wont. So adding the weight of a hammock seems very minor to me. To each is own I guess but again I don't have the experience in pack hunting like a lot of you. Thanks for the input.

T

[Hackbow]

T - it isn't just the weight. Pack space is always an issue. I've reduced my pack list considerably over the years. Partially due to weight differences, but mostly for function and space. I usually pack in to a predetermined spike/base camp but want the option of caching some items and bivy hunting, if the opportunity presents itself. Other than 2 headlamps and 3 fire-starting systems, I no longer carry redundancies.


I'd say the distance you will be packing in, elevation change over that distance, the type of hunting you will be doing, your desired level of comfort in camp AND while packing in/out should determine your pack contents.

[YosemiteSam]

I think that hammocks are very comfortable.  I want them to work.  But, after I add in tree straps & a big enough tarp, I'm packing in as much weight as a tent but exposed to skeeters all night and still leaving a lot of my gear exposed to the elements.  It's a nice idea.  I just can't seem to make it work better than other, more simple options.  The fact that I can sleep anywhere doesn't help.  I figure that if I'm packing in 3# of "shelter," I may as well get a bug screen, lots of room for my gear & enough room to comfortably shift around as I read at night.

If you're only going a mile or two, then take the kitchen sink.  I've gone back for second loads when the distances are short.  I've even carried 2 packs at once.  But if you're packing in more than just a few miles, you're going to want to cut weight and space.  After all, if you end up getting something, that has to come out, too.

[Homebru]

I could carry a two-man tent, sleeping pad and bag at about the same weight as my tarp, hammock, top quilt and bottom quilt.  I also carry a bug cover so bugs are not an issue.  My new quilt just cut the weight a pound and a half or two from my sleeping bag.

It's not a weight issue, for me.  A hammock is way more comfortable for ME.  

I believe that trying a hammock is a worthwhile endeavor and, if you by quality used equipment, you can sell it without loss if it's not your style.

hope this helps
homebru

[old_goat2]

Have a tent in your truck though, last week of elk season this past year, weather forecast changed dramatically in the space of one day! Checked weather Thursday, 30 percent chance of precip on Friday Saturday, then checked Friday when it started raining and it was 100 percent and it rained, sleeted and snowed with fog in between for 40 plus hours straight. Wouldn't want to be under a tarp or in a hammock during that! Summer time scouting, I think a hammock would rule!

[kevsuperg]

if you haven't yet, go to backcountry hunters and anglers and check out clay hayes backcountry college. he's on you tube also.
he shows a way to use a duck cloth tarp to make a one piece hammock and tarp shelter.
I haven't tried it but might in the near future.