which is best and why
what are the advantages and disadvantages of each when compared side by side
what are the advantages and disadvantages of each when compared side by side
thank you i did not know hammock-tents are a thing now i have another bit of knowledge gainedHello K=G
You sure ask some odd questions!
Is that Hammock, tent or tarp? Or Hammock tent, or tarp?
I think most would read it as the former since hammock tents are pretty rare (usually called suspended tents)
Once again, like the water proofing thread, the answer is "It depends". It would help if you posted more information about why you are asking.
Hammocks generally need trees, but don't need flat ground. Tents do need flat-ish ground and don't need trees. Tarps have the least amount of fabric. Are these pros or cons? The answer to that will depend on what you want and where you are.
For stuff like this, Google is your friend.
ATB
Chris
thank you great useful knowledgeAs Chris says, it will depend on a lot of things - anticipated weather, availability of trees, how level and what type of ground, and, often not mentioned, the numbers of biting insect life
If I'm in the uplands or expecting wind, snow, or heavy rain, I always take my tent. Snow has a habit of blowing in from all directions so being able to close a door is useful. Otherwise my preference, on my own, is a tarp and ground sleeping, using a hammock if the terrain is not flat and there are suitable trees. In a prolonged group camp I like the privacy a tent can give though.
The idea of hammock camping is very appealing at first but, for any kind of comfort, you need a tarp, an under-blanket, and a quilt or sleeping bag. In case you can't find suitable trees (and there are many places in the UK where that's the case) you still need to take a sleep mat and some kind of ground covering. Not really a small-pack kit list TBH. Consequently, I only hammock camp in fixed camps (i.e. not backpacking).
Any of the options can be made to be reasonably weatherproof but it's just more work and you need to practice before the need arises. As far as insects go, I usually get away with using a natural insect repellent.
So, in summary, for me:
Upland, winter, or bad weather - tent
Lowland, mild reasonable weather - tarp and ground sleeping (my preference)
Group camp, relaxing in woodland - either of the above or hammock
But that's just my own personal preferences
thank youFor me, as an older person, I struggle with tents, especially small ones, though in my younger days, I was perfectly happy with a tent.
Then I discovered hammocks. They are perfect for me now, as I don't have to scrabble around on the ground putting it up, taking it down, folding it up, and getting in and out of it. But that's just my aching bones talking.
I find a hammock more comfortable, easier to put up and take down, there is less cover, and I can see to some extent what is happening around me. I've spent many happy mornings watching what I call woodland TV, squirrels, and birds, tree patterns etc, from my comfy bed. You do need trees of a decent size and spacing to be successful using a hammock.
It's a bit of an art with knowledge of how to get the correct "lay" for whatever hammock you have, or it can be uncomfortable. Still, once you've got that knowledge, it's a better experience than a tent in my eyes.
Why not get a tarp to start, you can practice tarpology, making all sorts of shelters, and even a tent with it. Then, if you like the idea of "hanging" get a hammock and an underquilt.. dont scrimp and not get an underquilt or you will be cold!
Depending on which hammock you choose, by the time you have the tarp, hammock underquilt and sleeping bag, it could well be be heavier and more bulky than a tent. But then, on a beautiful night, you are not zipped inside a plastic bag!
It's about what suits you, I know some who won't hammock at all feeling too exposed.
A tarp is great for quick and easy shelter, lighter, and versatile.
Nothing is better than anything else, it's personal preference, and where you plan to go, and what you are doing. A long distance trek, and you would definitely need a tent, a weekend in the woods ,it's a hammock, a couple of nights in good weather, maybe just a tarp.
thank youPerhaps worth taking a look at the Wynnchester Bedroll? It works both as a bivvy bag-like shelter and as a hammock. https://wynnchester.com/products/wynnchester-adventurer-canvas-bedroll
As Woody girl says, she likes to watch "woodland TV" from her hammock; you can do this from the bedroll whether pitched on the ground or as a hammock. And regardless of how you rig it you could still add a tarp for extra shelter / admin space.
albeit British madeWynnchester at 500 quid !! How can these be an answer to someone "wondering" about tent or hammock? It may well be a great final answer for some one but as a stop gap while you think, 500 notes just seems over the top. {NOT a flame just a tightwad talking}
thank youIt's like comparing a sports car, a van and a limo. 3 totally different shelter SYSTEMS.
In reality any advanced outdoorsman owns and rotates between all three depending on the environment and mission parameters. So instead of asking which is better or what are the pros and cons, you should ask yourself which system is most suitable for the terrain you are expecting.
Where hammock excels there is normally very little flat space for a tent (of equal living space) and/or it's too hot/humid.
Often good tent territory have harsh, side blowing elements that render hammocking very difficult.
Nothing beats the size, weight and flexibility of the tarp so that's your best "fast and light" option.
There is a million threads on the internet trying to compare all three, they all go nowhere because tent and hammocks and tarps are not comparable.
that is a great analogy for sureBig monster, I love the Sports car, Van, Limo thing. Problem is I only have a bus pass!
{ Only joking I have one of your limo Easyhammocks! }
…unless you have a gear hammock, or your hammock length vs tarp length allows you to suspend your pack from the hammock suspension. My new 11foot hammock doesn’t allow much tarp cover for suspended bags, but my previous hammock was shorter and that worked well. However, a gear hammock is a huge improvement and really changes the feel of a hammock camp.some cons of a hammock:
- you need to store your gear in a (waterproof) bag on the ground