Tarp vs. Hammock

imported
#1

I’m trying to make a last minute change to my shelter. I’m considering either a Golite Lair 2 tarp with a bug bivy type combo or a Hennessy Hammock. Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated!

Rusch Hour

#2

I had th HH for my whole hike. I ended up using an 18 oz tarp in tandum with the hammock to keep out some really bad rain ( Ga-NC). But in the long run I used the hammock and ditched the tarp.I will say that if I thought it was going to rain I would try and make it to a shelter. The tarp was easy to sit upbut did nothing for insects. The hammock was good sleeping and didnt require level ground.But with the hammock you still need a sleeping pad to keep the cold off your back at nite.I took my HH and put shock cord on the tie downs of the fly. It made the fly ride down with the rest of the hammock as my weight settled it. Me? I would take the HH.It doesnt make a good tent though but you will learn to overcome. I do remeber a few nites when I wished I had a tent. Pretty confusing, huh?

Virginian

#3

I’d recommend going with the HH. I use my HH year-round and couldn’t be happier with it. It’s lighter than most tents, I sleep a lot better in a hammock, and I save weight by not carrying a sleeping pad. On really cold nights, I line the inside of my sleeping bag with a space blanket to retain additional body heat.

Phreak

#4

I started my thru-hike with a HH, swapped the small canopy for a Golite Cave 2, then got an A-16 bug bivy and sent the HH home. Used the Cave 2 and A-16 for the last 2/3 of the trip, along with a six-section length of Z-rest and a cut-down piece of cheap Wal-Mart tarp for a ground cloth.

The HH was more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, but was too cold even with a pad (Apr-May). Also confining and there was little space under the HH fly to keep out of the rain.

The Cave 2 had plenty of room for me and my pack. The lack of a floor made it more versatile than a tent; I pitched it over small trees, logs and rocks a few times. Of course, I had to flick the Daddy Longlegs off the underside a few mornings, and a small animal ran across my bag one night.

I used the bug bivy in shelters to keep the bugs off and the ground cloth in shelters to keep my bag cleaner. The folded ground cloth was handy as a seat when I took a break - kept my dirty, sweaty shorts clean and dry.

JoJo Hiker

#5

I started with a 10X12 sil-tarp and switched to a HH in Hotsprings. It was still cold for a HH for a while, but if(when) I do it again, I will use a HH with more insulation for the whole time.
4-Cheese

4-cheese

#6

I’ve had good success with a HH. It’s hard to beat the comfort of a hammock or the flexibility of setup location. I would however use a 25" wide CCF pad and a good down bag for cover in below freezing temps. I’ve been in the 20 deg range at night and have stayed quite warm. The key is the 25" wide pad for your as it wraps around you more than the typical 20" stuff.

2 Questions