Make me a believer

**BalsamicCobra** · 03-21-2010, 16:42

Im getting into backpacking this summer. Im trying to decide if I want to go with a tent or a hammock. I recently purchased a solo backpacking tent weighing in at 3lbs. I also have an ENO doublenest. Now should I pimp out my hammock? Ive seen all these mods and setups, theres an overwhelming amount of options. Im a little skeptical about hammock camping. It sounds awesome but I wanna keep wieght and cost down. So why is hammock camping the way to go? I need some input please. Thanks!

**Dutch** · 03-21-2010, 16:46

If you want to keep the weight and cost down just use a tarp on the ground. If you want better sleep and countless more site options go for a hammock.

**oldgringo** · 03-21-2010, 16:49

If the hammock doesn't make you believe, nothing anyone here can say will, either.

**BalsamicCobra** · 03-21-2010, 16:50

see thats the thing I want comfort but I dont have much money. One of my major concerns is one of those underquilts. Do I need one? and how much do they cost?

**Hooch** · 03-21-2010, 16:55

Two words: comfort and convenience. You just can't get as comfortable on the ground as you can in a hammock. There are those who say they're just as comfortable either way. I like to call those people "wrong". Hammocking is the ultimate in comfort when camping, be it hiking, kayaking or car camping. As far as conveniece goes, you don't need to find level ground, clear out rocks, avoid roots, worry about under flooding in wet weather, etc like you do in a tent. Just find 2 trees that are the appropriate disance apart and start hanging. Hammocking is one of the best things I ever did for myself as far as improvements to my backpacking goes. Best of luck!

**Hooch** · 03-21-2010, 16:58

Originally Posted by BalsamicCobra

see thats the thing I want comfort but I dont have much money. One of my major concerns is one of those underquilts. Do I need one? and how much do they cost?

They're nice to have, but not a requirement. My girlfriend, Dancer, started out with a SPE (segmented pad extender) and was very happy with it. It costs a fraction of a good underquilt. She's loaning it to a friend in a couple weeks for her first backpacking and hammocking trip.

**BalsamicCobra** · 03-21-2010, 17:01

so with hammocks do i need a sleeping pad?

**Dutch** · 03-21-2010, 17:03

Originally Posted by Hooch

There are those who say they're just as comfortable either way. I like to call those people "wrong".

Your posts always crack me up Hooch.

**SlowBro** · 03-21-2010, 17:05

Originally Posted by BalsamicCobra

so with hammocks do i need a sleeping pad?

You'll need a sleeping pad for a tent and it will work in the SPE mentioned above. Either way you need some insulation under you. On the ground or in a hammock.

**tight-wad** · 03-21-2010, 17:08

Folk were hammock camping w/o underquilts for a long time. Many options such as pads (thermarest, walmart blue cell, etc.), "Garlington" (essentially another - light - piece of fabric placed under the hammock into which you can stuff anything; clothes, leaves, garbage bags of air...), or just strap an old sleeping bag under you.

But... once you have experienced an underquilt there's no turning back. Probably the cheapest underquilt is to take an old sleeping bag (preferrably down), cut out the zipper to open it up (or maybe not), then create 4 attachment points.

The price of store bought quilts is very much dependent on the temperature range. Down is ~ $25+ per 3 ounces. My 3.5" loft quilt is rated by me for sub 30 degrees and has 15 ounces of down (+/- $125 for the stuffing alone). For higher temps you could use less down/$s. For lower temps you need more $. You can buy DIY kits for maybe 1/2 the price of store bought, but you make up for the $ with your time...

And... once you have experienced hammock camping versus tent camping there's no turning back.