Lean To Hanging

**nogods** · 10-17-2007, 10:32

I grew up in Syracuse, went to school in Rochester, and now live in Buffalo.

I would only use a lean to in case of real inclement weather - in fact, I only used a lean to once - while returning from a February climb of Marcy via Avalanche Pass we got hit by a blizard that prevented us from making it out that day as planned and we ended up taking shelter in a lean to - pitching the tents in the knee deep snow would have been futile. But the nest day was a beautiful hike out with bright sunshine. Back then our packs were 50 or more lbs with ice axes, crampons, and snow shoes attached.

And in the Eastern High Peaks region you can no longer have camp fires so the fire ring is irrelevant.

But if I could hang in a lean to during a wind driven rain or hail storm (as is likely in late October) then a leeward facing lean to would be some protection from the storm. Of course, if the weather is that bad we always just use the lean to as shelter and sleep on its floor sans the hammocks

**bmike** · 10-17-2007, 13:10

this thread is making me wish i wasn't so busy with work!
i'm in burlington, vt - the color has been wonderful this year - and the air smells so good.

as a new hanger, can i ask if you are hanging with an underquilt or pads? or something else for insulation? its getting chilly overnight up here.

i haven't done much high peaks ADK hiking - spent a few weekends at lake lila in a canoe - but its across the lake and on my list to do. also hand built parts of a cabin just south of malone - all my tools and wood and gear had to go in by boat.

jealous of your trip!
i lived in roch and then canandaigua for about 5 years. liked the upstate - but much happier here in VT.

*and watch out for them bears. i've seen warning information at the local gear outfitters in town.

**Coffee** · 10-17-2007, 13:15

Coming in a little late on this one. I hung in a shelter 2 nights ago off of the horizontal rafter. It was a solid log with plenty of support. I think you have to take it on a case by case basis. It is is anchored well it should hold.

**nogods** · 10-17-2007, 17:07

Originally Posted by bmike

as a new hanger, can i ask if you are hanging with an underquilt or pads? or something else for insulation? its getting chilly overnight up here.

I am a new hanger too - my only experience has been the testing I did in my back yard. On this trip I'm going to use a blue cf walmart pad cut in half and put them in the hammock sideways so the two halves curl up around my knees and shoulders. then I'll use a Big Agness 66" insulated air core on top of that for comfort, additional insulation, and to cover the gap between the pads that is created when I'm in the hammock.

**mr. dribbles** · 10-18-2007, 04:12

The weather reports suggest lows in the 40's Sat night. You should be warm enough. Consider using your bag only as a quilt. If you plan on cooler weather hanging, consider buying or making an underquilt. My homemade Potomac type kept me comfortable to 20 degrees at the Loj last Nov. It's a lot less fussing with multiple pads. I still use my 27" Target blue pad for warmer hangs.

Gotta go with the ring buckles/straps, too.

**Crash** · 10-18-2007, 07:27

"And in the Eastern High Peaks region you can no longer have camp fires so the fire ring is irrelevant. "-NOGODS

Why? are they on drought fire ban?

**nogods** · 10-18-2007, 07:36

Originally Posted by Crash

"And in the Eastern High Peaks region you can no longer have camp fires so the fire ring is irrelevant. "-NOGODS

Why? are they on drought fire ban?

It is a permanent regulation - I think it is because too many hikers were choping down trees to make campfires.

**ZDP-189** · 10-23-2007, 09:57

Originally Posted by nogods

(tents are prohibited in and near lean tos).

Just curious: why's that?

**nogods** · 10-23-2007, 12:17

Tents are prohibited inside lean tos because lean tos are designed for up to 8 people who have no other shelter and a tent would occupy the entire lean to.

**Rick** · 10-23-2007, 18:24

Hey... I used to live in Buffalo and Rochester.

I don't think that you will be able to find enough space to hang a strap over the logs that make up the beams of the roof of the LT (Spoken as a 46er and a former ADK LT adopter and long time ADK Club tripleader and former BOD member). In addition, the back drops quite a bit, so you might have a hard time hanging diagonal and not being on the floor. Also probably not enough room to hang sideways, keeping in mind that if anyone else came into the LT's, you would probably need to take the hammock down and afford them space to sleep.
But let me know how it turns out. I think though, that you will find plenty of decent spots to hang at lower els, around the LT's.