How do you go to ground?

[Boston]

Many people have hiked the AT without going to ground. It's often a choice, more than a necessity.

However:

One strategy I like is using a frameless backpack like the G4. This saves at least 1.5-2lb pack weight vs a traditional pack. You can then utilize some of this weight for a contingency system.

For the "frame" padding cut up a cheap 3/4" foam pad into 10" sections. total length good for 2/3 - 3/4 coverage. Use good quality duct tape or gorilla tape to make a z-folding pad from the sections.

This pad then serves multi purpose: pack frame, sit pad, extra insulation in the hammock, and an emergency "go to ground" pad. The only real concession for the emergency pad is making the pad longer than it needs to be for the other operations. This is a minimal weight addition.

[Marmaduke]

Usually when I'm walking down a trail taking pictures and trip over a root or a rock.

[Scouter811]

Usually when I'm walking down a trail taking pictures and trip over a root or a rock.

That sounds like what I almost did on the NCT two weeks ago.

I haven't thru hiked anything like the AT, but I do a lot of scout events and I can't always find a good hanging spot in some of the fields we are required to use. I carry my Klymit Static-V with me on colder trips or unknown locations for this exact reason. I can then use it to augment my UQ or go to ground/cot/picnic table if I need. I do have a bivy, but I rarely carry it unless I expect a lot of rain. Normally I just use sticks or treking poles to put up my tarp. I'm not doing any long distance stuff though, so 25oz for the Klymit isn't too bad for me. The Bivy weighs in at 38oz, but it's super simple and goretex so if I need it I feel it's worth the weight.

[johnspenn]

Usually when I'm walking down a trail taking pictures and trip over a root or a rock.

Ha! Good one- that's the only way I ever go to ground too- unwillingly!

[aaoconn]

I use a Lazy Slug Tube which is essentially a big stuff sack which houses my UQ TQ and Hammock. If I ever need to go to ground I lay on top of the entire tube. It's actually quite comfortable compared to the ground.

[Rouskof]

You can create a very comfortable bed with dry leaves, dry grass or dry ferns. Then, if you think they could stain your UQ, you could put some of your plastic bags or liners under strategic parts of your body, like the shoulders and the butt, or if you carry a light ground cloth, it is ideal. The whole pile will provide good insulation on top of your UQ and TQ.
DSC_1644.jpg DSC_1642.jpg

[Recalc]

You can create a very comfortable bed with dry leaves, dry grass or dry ferns. Then, if you think they could stain your UQ, you could put some of your plastic bags or liners under strategic parts of your body, like the shoulders and the butt, or if you carry a light ground cloth, it is ideal. The whole pile will provide good insulation on top of your UQ and TQ.
DSC_1644.jpg DSC_1642.jpg

Gossamer Gear sells a Polycro Ground Sheet Size 40 x 96 in for about $10 for two sheets. One sheet (1.6 ounces) should get you through the AT for those uncommon situations. 1443 Tyvek on Amazon would only be slightly heavier.

[GadgetUK437]

You can create a very comfortable bed with dry leaves, dry grass or dry ferns
DSC_1642.jpg

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