MO Ozarks discomfort

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03-08-2011, 23:40
BullFrog

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MO Ozarks discomfort

I now fully realize the Hammock Advantage. I normally tent-camp, but I tried a tarp for this 3-day trip in the Missouri Ozarks. I didn't bring my hammock due to consideration for my fellow backpacker, since he doesn't have a shelter and my tarp fits two. I learned 2 things: 1. Tarp camping is every bit as good as tent camping, not to mention lighter. 2. Tarp camping is 100x less comfortable than hammocking. The ground is hard and unforgiving; I wished for my hammock the whole trip. When I did sleep, I woke up with aches and pains. And I'm only 22!

Next time I think I'll trade kindness for comfort. :D

Thanks to all you people on HF who have shown me the way.
03-08-2011, 23:51
ArcsandSparks

Everybody has the one buddy! I did the same...I realized if they want to go they can carry my tent or a borrowed one...I'm rockin' the hammock!!
03-09-2011, 01:23
photomankc

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcsandSparks

Everybody has the one buddy! I did the same...I realized if they want to go they can carry my tent or a borrowed one...I'm rockin' the hammock!!

Amen. I'm done with the ground. Took my daughter out last fall and I used a tent because she wanted the hammock. I just can't sleep like that now.
03-09-2011, 07:24
^shane^

I'm doing the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas at the end of the month with a friend that still sleeps on the ground. I don't like him enough to leave my hammock at home... friends are friends, but come on...:D
03-09-2011, 07:32
millarky

only 22? discomfort increases exponentially with each year. rise up!
03-09-2011, 07:44
hurtinfeet

Out of curiosity what Mo. Ozark trail did ya hike? Another advantage around these 'parts' with hammocks is you don't have to try to find a flat place to pitch..which can be hard to do.
03-09-2011, 08:02
Muskrat

Quote:

Originally Posted by photomankc

Amen. I'm done with the ground. Took my daughter out last fall and I used a tent because she wanted the hammock. I just can't sleep like that now.

LOL ! Took my daughter out on her first backpacking trip last year. Ain't no way Dad is giving up the BB :sneaky:! So, I caved. Bought her a HH Exped and she loves it:boggle: ! . . . but as far as friends go out on the trail, they can either buy their own or admire me from the distance! I'm hanging, period! :D
03-09-2011, 10:04
BullFrog

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurtinfeet

Out of curiosity what Mo. Ozark trail did ya hike? Another advantage around these 'parts' with hammocks is you don't have to try to find a flat place to pitch..which can be hard to do.

I did the Berryman Trail in MTNF. The only flat ground was at the bottom of the valleys (colder and wetter). It was a nice trail, but the rocks under the thin soil definitely filled my dreams with hammocks. :D

I did find some Ozark Zigzag salamanders, which were on my wish list. I love Plethodontids!
03-09-2011, 12:12
Knotty

I keep thinking it might be nice to have a good single person backpacking tent...then I read posts like yours and come back to my senses.
03-09-2011, 14:11
WilliamCarl

Quote:

Originally Posted by ^shane^

I'm doing the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas at the end of the month with a friend that still sleeps on the ground. I don't like him enough to leave my hammock at home... friends are friends, but come on...:D

Have you done that loop before? It's a pretty nice hike.