Why do so many people use a Tarp/Hammock setup instead of a normal Tent/Sleeping bag?

[Theoooo]

I'm new to the whole bushcraft thing and all I seem to hear about are tarps and hammocks and not very much on tents..

Why do so many people perfer hammocks?

Is it purely to do with the whole 'not sleeping on the floor' thing? If so it doesn't bother me, I've spent a few nights on a woodland ground next to a fire with nothing more then a top jumper and pair of jeans!

 

[antzy]

you get to tie lots of complicated knots?

 

[Graham_S]

There are a few reasons Hammock/Tarp combos are popular.

1. You have a more adaptable living space.
2. It's very comfortable,
3. in some woodlands enough flat ground to pitch a tent is hard to come by,
4. you are more aware of your surroundings (I've watched otters playing while lying in my hammock)
5. it's lighter.
6. if the weather is bad/ground is wet, you don't create a quagmire at the entry point.
7. as you say, you're off the ground (handy when it's waterlogged).

How's that for going on with?

 

[Theoooo]

There are a few reasons Hammock/Tarp combos are popular.

1. You have a more adaptable living space.
2. It's very comfortable,
3. in some woodlands enough flat ground to pitch a tent is hard to come by,
4. you are more aware of your surroundings (I've watched otters playing while lying in my hammock)
5. it's lighter.
6. if the weather is bad/ground is wet, you don't create a quagmire at the entry point.
7. as you say, you're off the ground (handy when it's waterlogged).

How's that for going on with?

Fair enough. I couldn't really see myself wild camping in my local council forest with a tarp and hammock. I'd probably get robbed during the night by a mob of teenagers. They aren't the stealthiest set up.

 

[JonathanD]

They aren't the stealthiest set up.

I disagree, depending on how and where you set them, they are far more stealthier than tents.

 

[Graham_S]

I've had a hammock and tarp set up in the woods and had people walk past only a few meters away without noticing.

 

[EddBamber]

Well, i use tarp because its lighter. I own a tent but i like to feel the heat from the fire, its very nice.

 

[Theoooo]

I might have to invest in a tarp then. What size would you recommend for the average tarp use if that's possible to say?

 

[Shewie]

I'm not sure I agree with the fact about them being lighter but everything else Graham mentions is spot on. I think by the time you've factored in the whole hammock and tarp setup is doesn't always come out any lighter, especially in winter. I suppose it depends on how far you take it, for me hammocking is a hobby as well as bushcraft, that leads me to constantly trying out new gear and messing about with different setups. A winter setup for me is a full length down underblanket, a winter down sleeping bag and a good sized tarp to keep the weather off. Once you've added it all up and include the hammock itself there are one or two tents that weigh less.

If I'm honest I'd prefer a hammock anytime, but if I know there might not be trees at some point on my journeys then I'm equally happy in a bivvy or small tent.

Horses for courses I reckon

 

[steven andrews]

8 feet by 10 is a good size for 1-2 people.

 

[JonathanD]

3 metres by 3 metres is probably the standard used for one person.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

I might have to invest in a tarp then. What size would you recommend for the average tarp use if that's possible to say?

3Mx3M is a good starting point to keep the weight down...

TBL.

P.s hammocks are serously comfy.

 

[Nonsuch]

Tarps + midges = bad idea (unless you have a midge net)

NS

 

[sandbender]

Tarps + midges = bad idea (unless you have a midge net)

A Hennessy Hammock is the answer there, although not so great if you cannot find any suitable trees though.

 

[Bushcraftsman]

I'd recommend DD hammocks..get on their website! Brilliant stuff, and fairly priced

 

[telwebb]

"normal" ?

 

[Nagual]

Tarps + midges = bad idea (unless you have a midge net)

NS

Or Tarp + Midges + Autan/Smidge = good idea..

 

[satosato]

I have tried tarp and hammock when I was much younger but I am always worried some inquisitive animals decided to have a sniff around lol.

 

[Wayland]

I go outdoors to be outdoors, not inside a flimsy plastic box.

I only use tents where a tarp is really impractical and those occasions are becoming less and less frequent as I get better at setting up a tarp and hammock.

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

anyone going to admit the reason is because Ray mears does it?

I have a love/hate relationship with them.
there are some serious fundamental problems with hammocks:
1. hammocks were originally designed for tropical use so insulation was never in the design.
2. there's the getting into it: do you get in the sleeping bag before or after you get in the hammock?
3. there aren't many camp sites where you can hang a hammock.
4. Insulation generally works better on the outside of a hammock (otherwise you crush it).
5. (unless you have some cunning climbing gear) you need 2 trees!
6. if you don't have 2 trees you're buggered for a good nights sleep.

......you'll find me praising hammocks on other areas on this forum...as I said it's love hate relationship