Hammock questions

imported
#1

Hello all…I have a couple of hammock questions.

How cold is too cold to sleep in a Hammock?
Do you use a sleeping pad in a Hammock?

Thanks for your help!

Eric

#2

I liked the Clark hammock best. I used it with a 20" full length thermarest. For temps less than 20 degrees, I don’t suggest hammocking. Even when I used a 0 degree bag, I remained chilly. I’m a warm sleeper, too. I would suggest purchasing your hammock, pad, and bag, and testing it in your backyard a few nights. Try nights of varying temperature a see for yourself what you are comfortable with. I tested different hammocks, pads and sleeping bags for two weeks in January of 2004. If you have further questions concerning my tests, feel free the email me. Peace.

'Dawg

TD dot C

#3

I looked at a hammock last weekend made by eaglesnestoufittersinc. (add www. and .com, and thats the web site.)

it’s only 49 bucks to 59 bucks, and it held up big dee in the store. has anyone out there used it as suggested above. it’s light and packable…

Big Dee

#4

When we did our 2004 thru hike, we saw lots of people hammocking in the cold weather (ie the Smokies and NH). Hennesey (sp?) hammocks completely dominated. Some used pads. One guy we know used Reflectix (the stuff pot cozies are made of) as a sleeping pad in his hammock. It can be found at Home Depot or Lowes.

Dave and Miranda

#5

Speerhammocks.com
I used one for the majority of my thru hike. The hammock is absolutely great for hot weather mid atlantic summer sleeping. Pretty sure the tarp is an 8x10. Probably twice as big as henessey’s, so when it is too cold to hammock up, you can make a monster shelter on the ground. I am also a big fan of the tarp for waiting out storms, you know you will do it. No matter how tough you are, you will sooner or later. You want to wait one out with 4 other friends? You can do it.
Many times threw up the hammock itself just to read or nap or whatever, escape the bugs! He’s been at trail days both times I was there.
He uses this stuff he calls “no tangle cord” and even an unorganized guy like myself cannot tangle this freaking cord! It is amazing.
Pretty sure the combo is less than 3lbs for the 350lb weight rating or something like that.
Real nice guy, too. His website has all kinds of cold weather hammocking advice.

Jester

#6

I started using my hammock when I left Damascus on 5 April. There was deep snow on Mt. Rogers, and was still quite cold. There was a world of difference if my feet left my Ridge Rest, and I found myself curled up in the morning, just to stay on the mat. Of course, in the summer I didn’t use the Ridge Rest at all. There were plenty of people using hammocks starting in early March, but I’m not sure what they used for insulation.

Haiku

#7

There are many hammocks available (Go to Speerhammocks.com for a list) but the three most popular ones are Clark Jungle, Hennessy, and Speer. The Speerhammock.com site gives comparisons. Each of these makers have a website. Check them out. Oh, and if you want there is opportunity to camp with Ed Speer and the Hammock Hangers (many different brands represented) on Springer Mountain on New Year’s Eve. That is a great way to meet other hangers on.

Skylander