Hot 'n' cold

[GingivitisKahn]

In my (so far) short stay here, I've notice tons of threads, videos, etc. on how to stay warm down to x* but very little on the topic of warm weather hanging.

Is that because hanging in warm weather is so easy a caveman can do it or because hanging in warm weather is objectionable (too hot, buggy, whatever) or because cold weather hanging is more interesting or what?

... just curious.

[angrysparrow]

Warm weather hanging isn't objectionable at all....even bugs can be tolerated if you have a good net setup.

I think the disparity is because warm weather camping is simpler. You still use the same insulation principles as cold-weather hanging, but you just have to carry much less of it. Often the thinnest UQ will work fine for the cool hours of a summer camp. And for the exceptionally warm nights where you don't need bottom insulation, the uninsulated hammock is often much cooler than laying on a ground pad.

[BillyBob58]

In my (so far) short stay here, I've notice tons of threads, videos, etc. on how to stay warm down to x* but very little on the topic of warm weather hanging.

Is that because hanging in warm weather is so easy a caveman can do it or because hanging in warm weather is objectionable (too hot, buggy, whatever) or because cold weather hanging is more interesting or what?

... just curious.

That is pretty much it, all of the above! Except maybe that last one, depends on the individual. But, if you can camp during warm weather in a tent or tarp sleeping on the ground, then there won't be much problem switching to a hammock. About the only thing is the cooling effect of a hammock bottom might help you get through a hot night a little easier than in a tent. Still, there are a few threads around on how to stay cool. Fans and such inside a hammock.

OTOH, staying warm in a hammock can be a whole new ball game in a hammock, compared to on the ground. So, lot's of info on that. First, on the ground, 99.9% of us are going to have a pad anyway, for cushioning, even if it is 95*F. So that pad at the same time takes care of most bottom insulation issues. But most of us, in the summer, tend to assume a low forecast down to 65 or 70( maybe even 75) will be no problem, and won't think of needing a pad in a cushy hammock. Then on a 68*F night, especially with wind, we are in for a big surprise! And if it is 60 and windy or wet, we might have one miserable night indeed.

[mbiraman]

Welcome to the forum. Winter camping is the most challenging but you can camp /hang all yr.

[BurningCedar]

One addition I include in warmer weather is a small AA-battery operated fan with foam blades (I got it at Wally-World). I rigged it up so that it is suspended from the ridgeline and points right at my head. Makes a huge difference when its really warm and clammy out.

[GingivitisKahn]

One addition I include in warmer weather is a small AA-battery operated fan with foam blades (I got it at Wally-World). I rigged it up so that it is suspended from the ridgeline and points right at my head. Makes a huge difference when its really warm and clammy out.

I'm not much of a backpacker (in that I did it once about 20 years ago and plan to do it again for a couple of nights in the Smokies this summer) and when I camp, it's *usually* in warmer weather. I'm very likely to do the small fan thing though - I'm guessing that the nylon hammock inside the bug netting will get a bit close.

[NCPatrick]

The best advice I can think of for warm weather hammocking is to pick a good site and set your tarp to "catch" the breezes instead of keep them off you. Just Jeff's site briefly mentions site selection here.

[GingivitisKahn]

The best advice I can think of for warm weather hammocking is to pick a good site and set your tarp to "catch" the breezes instead of keep them off you. Just Jeff's site briefly mentions site selection here.

I saw that - sounds like sage advice.

[Mustardman]

Warm weather is, IMO, where hammocking really shines. I've spent several humid, disgusting, muggy Georgia nights out in a hammock, and I would have been drenched in sweat if I were in a tent. Suspended in the air, no bottom insulation, even the tiniest breeze makes a huge difference. Tents on a 80 degree Georgia night are pure misery.

[pedro]

Hammocks in the heat are in their natural element! A couple of weeks ago we had a real warm spell, and in an effort to conserve energy, I opted to set up the hammocks in our living room rather than turn on the AC. 78 degrees and very comfy, very cool.