Sure that you have mentioned this before but could you let me know how you did with the hammock out on the Colorado Trail. Someone at the Gathering told me I had better leave the hammock at home when I do that trai and get a tent. Would like some inout from hammock hikers.
Hammock Hanger – CT 2004
HammockHanger
Good to hear from ya! Actually, I too left the hammock at home. I carried a homemade poncho/tarp based off of Brian Robinson’s dad’s design. I think I included the link in my journal. Anyway, it was pretty minimalist, but I got by fine, course it was a dry summer. -Matt
Sweeper
Even in the middle of summer, you’re so high that you can get nights so cold, using a hammck shelter would be very uncomfortable. Also, there’re alot of above treeline stretches you’d want to camp out in, but could not rig a hammock there. -Matt
Sweeper
HH, maybe if it is not too much weight, take one of those real light weight napping hammock rigs they have. I can think of dozens of places on the CT at or below treeline where a mid day snooze in the hammock underneath snowcapped peaks and a gentle rocking breeze bearing a rich ancient pine aroma would be heaven. Just have plans for another type of shelter when night comes and the mercury takes a dive. 2004, eh? excellent!
Sweeper
Sweeper,
I was admiring the solar panels on your homemade pack. I am thru hiking the COlorado Trail this summer and I need a way to charge my satillite phone. Where did you get the solar panels, how much did the cost, and will they charge a phone? I appreciate your help.
Moose
Moose
I carried a solor charger on the CT in 2001 for 4 AA batteries, it worked, but it took a long time to charge the batteries. I ended up putting it in my bounce box.
How long does the phone last without being charged (what kind of batteries?
How often do you plan on using the phone?
You might want to look at bringing the charger for the phone and putting it in a bounce box and charging the phone when you get into towns.
Leif
I just ordered an awesome solar charger. This folds down to 1.5" x 2.5" x 8" and is less than 9 oz. It will charge a cell phone, AA and AAA batteries. I ordered it through Cabelas and it is made by Wagan at only $49. The triple capability is perfect for my combination of Cell/GPS/Palm pilot stuff. I also ordered the hand crank generator for the phone and will detemine if it is necessary on some practice hikes. Out here you are likely to be able to get regular cell reception in many places on the trail…I do not know if a sattellite phones is necessary but what do I know?
For you Palm Pilot GPS people there is also a AA powered charger for Palms and you can get 3-5 charges out of 4 recharable AA’s before recharging in the Solar panels…but do I realy need all my techonoogy out there? Mrs Fever says no…but I like it.
PackerFever