Hello guys and gals,
I need some help deciding between using a hammock for camping in winter conditions, or bringing a tent (ouch!).
Here's my story:
I'm a hammocker in the tropics. I own two Hennessy Hammocks and don't believe there is a better shelter for the tropical jungle than a hammock. So I already have experience in that area.
But I wasn't so sure hammocks were suited for cold and windy conditions, until I started doing some research on winter hammocking. Now, far from convinced, I'm in real doubt.
My last experience in cold weather was down in Patagonia. My girlfriend and I camped in a cheap rental tent. We could hardly go out of the tent because it got really cold and windy. I don't know how windy it actually got down there, but locals said later that winds of 120 Km/h (75 mph), are not at all uncommon.
We were very glad that our tent had a little vestibule that allowed us to cook indoors, protected from the elements. So we decided that next time we wanted to backpack in cold, temperate areas we needed to bring our own expedition tent with a larger vestibule.
The time has come to get that tent, as I'm planning a trip to New Zealand Southern Alps in their late fall. So I settled for a Hilleberg Nallo GT2. It has an enormous vestibule, yet it's considered ultralight and rated all-season.
But now it looks like I'm going to be camping alone, and for the price of that tent ($645), there could be some alternatives in the hammock world.
I already have the hammock, but it seems like I would need a top quilt, under quilt and a bigger tarp. Now, before I make all that investment, I would like to hear some of your opinions.
The products I've looked into are: JRB Nest (HH slit) under quilt; JRB Old Rag Mtn top quilt; and Warbonnet Big Mamajamba tarp.
Do you honestly think that a hammock set up like this would fare well in harsh windy conditions?
If so, does this require a lot of know-how? Like I said, I'm very proficient with my hammock in the jungle, but I've never used top or under quilts, and I definitely don't see myself coming out of my hammock in a windy night, to tauten loose guy lines on a tarp.
Finally, would the savings both in weight and money be worth considering versus getting the Hilleberg tent, which is very easy to set up, and offers superb protection and insulation? It costs $645, and weighs 2.7 Kg (5 lbs 15 oz.).
I greatly appreciate your help and your dedication to the hammocking community.
Cheers,
Rick
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