going caving in Sweetwater TN

[dudeman_atl]

My son's scout troop is heading up to Sweetwater TN to the Lost Lake Caverns for an overnight in a cave. I'm completely spoiled with hammock camping in trees, but have no practical climbing experience so I guess this is where I say, "Hey man hold my beer & watch this..."

I read all the old threads about hangining from rocks and think I can extend my rig to make a go of it for one night rather than wallow in the mud on the hard floor of the cave.

I know the suspension from rocks question has been beaten to death, but has anyone actually hung in a cave that has any practical tips?

I already have climbing rated caribiners and python straps in my bag and will probably go get some tricams to supplement.


Am I crazy to attempt this or should I relent and go back to ground (ewww)?

[cjayflo]

Did the cave people say its ok to hang?

[backpacker]

I went there several years ago with scouts and from what I remember the rooms you sleep in are pretty large. I don't know it would be worth try to rig something up to hang a hammock. If you do go to the ground for this one make sure you have a tarp to but under you.

[bowl-maker]

take a light-weight stand instead of your tarp and cold weather gear...or one end of a stand and attach to the rock wall at the other end. Or have two Scouts stand up all night and attach to them.

[Tom18C]

We just went a few months ago, no place to hang inside. The rooms are huge and the ground is hard and muddy. Bring trashbags and a good under tarp. If you have a stand it might work, unsure about staking solutions. Good luck. I slept on an air mattress and it was fine. I'd also bring a small camp chair. The climb down is not bad and reletively short. My son and the Troop had a blast! Also only a few miles away is the Mayfiled Dairy. The boys got free ice cream. We did that first on Saturday only about3-5 miles from the cave. They take you down around 6:00. We had a big dinner at the picnic tables located to the left when you arrive. A great must do trip for scouts.

[trouthunter]

I don't think attaching anything to cave walls, or ceilings is permitted (or recommended) in the popular caves I have been in. Some cave sections are considered an 'active formation' & some parts of a cave are considered 'durable'. I have not been to the cave you are headed to, but I bet you could ask beforehand.
If you can't hang:

Get a the best, thick air mattress you can budget for and go have fun.
Coleman will work - but they are heavy and not built to last.
Exped or Big Agnes - Quality & comfort but a little pricey.

I use the Exped Air Mat Basic, it is uninsulated (light) and 3" thick. Slightly under-inflated it sleeps like a dream for me.
If you go this route, also take a foam pad, some plastic or ground tarp, to separate you from the ground, I mean mud.

[dudeman_atl]

ok, looks like I need to call ahead and ask what's possible.

Also, I need to bring a roll of visqueen, a Walmart special mattress and a cheap bag for "plan A".

I am really psyched to try this hang--hopefully something will shake loose and I can pull it off.

[dudeman_atl]

Or have two Scouts stand up all night and attach to them.

I like the way you think, but I'm not sure how reliable they would be...

[Terry_Dodson]

If i remember right, when i used to cave in Tennessee, the temps in the caves were usually around 58 degrees year round. Sounds warm in winter but if you arent moving seems pretty cold. We used to take candles and light them, then put a trash bag with a hole for our head to go thru over us and stand over to candles to warm up.

[dudeman_atl]

Just to update the thread.
I got a whole lotta nope when I asked what is possible in the cave.
Apparently they don't even want us to bring mattresses and attaching to the walls or other features damages the active geology.

So I'm stuck on the ground for one night.