Camping in Hammock and tarp ?

[steelyglint]

Just bought my first of these got a decent hammock and equally as good tarp big enough to accomodate my 6' 2" 17st bulk !

going in the next couple of weeks with a mate and my dog Henry the mad Springer, I'd just like a few tips from those in the know about fundamental set up of this type of camp Rob and I are both Scouts/leaders I'm 38 so I'm no stranger to the outdoors, but I've never tried hammock and tarp between the trees so, what simple newbie cockups do I need to avoid ?

Equally what little tips have you got to make it a comfy experience ?

Regards

Martin

 

[trekkingnut]

what hammock have you got?

 

[JonathanD]

You can get a cool little DVD guide to hammock set up from Woodlore called the Eco Sleep System. Everything you need from set up to knots etc. There are a fair few vids put up here yesterday by trekkingnut with some good tips too.

 

[Big Geordie]

As Jonathan says the Woodlore dvd is excellent. There are many vids on you tube. Beware there are plenty of arguments about what makes the best knot, and even if a "prussic" knot should really be called something else.
Just remember the best knot is the one that keeps you up in the air.
Have a great time.
G

 

[Retired Member southey]

The biggest mistake I made was using a single length of watever to tie my hammock up, que wet head, feet and a bottom, now i've tied a small loop at either end and use a krab to separate it from the tape around the tree, Hope this makes sense, laphroig's playing havok with my chair keybord interface.

 

[steelyglint]

Hammock is this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....69120&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_6354wt_1137

Tarp is this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....23134&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_6257wt_1137

I did search on here first and couldn't find any negative reviews on them so I guess they are ok ? Soon find out ! :yikes:

 

[Shewie]

Have a look at this thread, Bushblade from this forum put together a really good tutorial which is basically the same as the Eco-system

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53500&highlight=hammock+tutorial

Once you cracked the couple of knots involved it becomes a really fast way of setting up and breaking camp.

 

[steelyglint]

@ big Geordie I would hope as we are both Scout leaders knots aren't a problem although..... I was intending to use a simple timber hitch to form a loop around the tree an drop a krab trough this under tarp level with a bowline in the hammock rope through the krab to form a storm ring ?

@ southey as above plus Jamiesons has a grip of me tonight too, I should be in bed !

 

[steelyglint]

Shewie excellent link thanks very much !

 

[Shewie]

Shewie excellent link thanks very much !

No problem mate, it's the simplest and most versatile method I've found so far. I'm playing around with some clever american ideas at the moment but for a simple and reliable setup you can't really beat it. I practised the knots round chair legs at home until they were second nature

Not sure what you've got in the way of cordage yet but I have the 18mm tubular webbing for the hammock and 4mm accessory cord for the tarp ridgeline from here

As a guide ...

5m of webbing for each end of the hammock
2 x climbing rated carabiners
7-8m of 4mm for the tarp ridgeline
4 x 4m guy lines for the tarp
8m length of paracord for a second ridgeline under the tarp. Handy for hanging stuff on.

Have fun and you won't regret the move to a hammock

 

[R.Lewis]

Don't forget that you still need insulation UNDER you! An underquilt, sleepmat or similar or you will get very cold even in summer.... I know I did.

 

[Ogri the trog]

One thing I'd recommend is to set it up at least once before you go - just to try the knots once and get an idea of how high/low/tight/loose you might be aiming for.
www.imrisk.com has plenty of useful information, specifically some knots - http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/speerknot.htm
It might take a night or two to learn a new way of sleeping but I find it very restful and often more comfy than my bed at home.

Have fun

Ogri the trog

 

[Outdoor_Guy]

I would be interested to know the entire weight of a Tarp Tent/Hammock packed. Does anyone have a rough idea? Obviously it depends on materials used etc but is (can it be) a lot lighter than a lightweight backpacking tent?

 

[Nagual]

I would be interested to know the entire weight of a Tarp Tent/Hammock packed. Does anyone have a rough idea? Obviously it depends on materials used etc but is (can it be) a lot lighter than a lightweight backpacking tent?

Not got my hammock n tarp here right now so I'll have to guess but of the two main tarps I have a) DDHammock XL(4.5x3) @980g+ around 150g for cordage. b) my own(3x3) @ 600ish inc. My own hammock(2.8x1.5) is around 1Kg inc straps etc. So with a pinch of salt 1.5 - 2 Kg for a tarp n hammock set up. I'd rather carry this set up than a tent of similar weight for most situations.

 

[Stingray]

I had my own first night in my hammock recently.Not really planned as I'd just set it up and then had a bicker with Wifey
I used luggage ratchet straps for the hanging (too heavy to take out but useful after a few pints) army bag and a sunlounger cushion for the keeping warm bit.Dropped the tarp down low either side to keep out the breeze.
The garden backs onto fields ect and I must admit there were some interesting noises out there that I would usually ignore if I was tenting.Hammock makes everything a bit more immediate and close
Apart from my wondercat and I having a close encounter at about 2am, (not sure who jumped the most ) it was one of the best nights sleep I've ever had.
Going to start using it on the motorbike for rallying next season when I have the setup perfected.

 

[JonathanD]

My whole hammock and tarp setup weighs 1.8kg bagged. That includes four pegs and spare paracord too.

 

[Nagual]

My whole hammock and tarp setup weighs 1.8kg bagged. That includes four pegs and spare paracord too.

What gear ya using?

 

[JonathanD]

Exped scout combi with some mods.

 

[Blade21]

I'm using a Hennessy hammock. It's a three season version. But to be honest, it is very cold even in summer. You'll need at least a very thick blanket or mattress for insullation.

The problem with these hammocks is the fact that you'll have to get in from the bottom. It's a real pain in the a** to just get into your sleeping bag, let alone on top of your mattress and in the bag.

The set-up Jonathan uses seems a better set-up. Maybe not as mosquito proof but easier to get into.

Twan

 

[JonathanD]

I'm using a Hennessy hammock. It's a three season version. But to be honest, it is very cold even in summer. You'll need at least a very thick blanket or mattress for insullation.

The problem with these hammocks is the fact that you'll have to get in from the bottom. It's a real pain in the a** to just get into your sleeping bag, let alone on top of your mattress and in the bag.

The set-up Jonathan uses seems a better set-up. Maybe not as mosquito proof but easier to get into.

Twan

Never had a problem with mozzies gerring into my hammock, it zips 100% shut.