Shelter Options: Pop up tent vs Hammock

imported
#1

I’m reposting this since, for some reason, it didn’t go through the first time. I’m looking for opinions on pop up tents, those kind that fold up in a circle and then just pop open. These are pretty flimsy, but on the plus side, extremely light. The other shelter I’m looking at is the Clark North American Jungle Hammock. This definitely provides some better structure, as well as the advantage of being off the ground, but, it would add a bit to my overall weight (close to 3 lbs).

I’ve never hiked the AT before and am planning a thru-hike. So, what are your thoughts on these two options? Is the weather on the AT conducive to something like a pop up tent? For the hammock, are there enough big trees near the trail that would allow me to set it up?

Comments, thoughts? Thanks!

Gangreless

#2

There are very few places that I was unable to hammock. In cold weather you need to be a bit more prepared. Check out the fourm sections on Hikhttp://hikinghq.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=00eb14cff37a0148629876de2cb37061&f=39ing HQ.

Hammock Hanger

#3

I was planning on starting in April, but the more I think about how much I hate hot weather and prefer the cold, I think I’d starting much earlier (Like late December, early January) would be better for me. As I said, I’d probably be splurging for the Clark if I went hammock-ing. Their North American is supposed to an all season one and I think it would be perfect. I’ve also heard great things about it.
What kind of hammock did you use? (Clark, Hennessy?)

Gangreless

#4

I’m not a hammock guy, but I have a Clark jungle hammock that I will sell you cheap. Only used twice.

Nimblefoot

#5

Hey, don’t know if the mail system here is working properly, but in case you didn’t get my email…

Which hammock (North American, Tropical, Ultralight?) and how much?

Also, you can email me

gangreless ( a ) gmail . com

minus the spaces and of course the (a) is an @.

Gangreless

#6

I have both a Hennessy that I have used for four years and a clark ultralight that I have used for a year. Both are great hammocks and have good and bad points but I prefer my Clark. I find it easier to use. If you do get a clark also get the large rainfly as it gives you a nice shelter under the hammock to sit out a rain storm or cook in the rain. If your starting in December a hammock may be a little cold to sleep in. You will need a full length pad that is wide enough so your shoulders stay on the pad. Don’t skimp on the sleeping bag and get one rated colder then you think you will need.

Big B

#7

I have been thinking about buying a Hennessy to use on my next hike, but I always wondered how do you get in the hammock? I know you enter through the bottom, but with the pad, and the sleeping bag laying inside, how is this done?

chessnut

#8

It’s really simple to use a pad…just fold back the end near the foot and sit in the middle of the hammock/pad. Once situated the end of the pad flips back in place. Now comes the hard part- what happened to all that stuff that slid under the pad?..snatch, yank, and pull everything back on top and get covered up. I don’t sleep inside my bag, I just cover myself with the bag zipped open while I repose upon the pad!

Had

#9

See, that was my main issue in looking at the clark more than the hennessy, the bottom entry thing. Sgt. Rock has a fairly detailed guide on getting into it, but I really prefer the side entry of the Clark.

Hennessy

#10

I just bought a Jacks R Better, excellent and will take it on my next Hike.

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/

Bob:) :cheers

Rocky65