My First Night in a Hammock

[UHFox]

Well, I finally did it. I slept in my hammock during a 2 day hike on the AT from Duncannon, PA to Pine Grove Furnace.

I took my Hennessy Hammock UL Asym on my hike, and it was great to save several pounds over the weight of a tent. I hiked all day, then set up the hammock about 30 yards off of the trail. It had rained most of the day, but stopped before dinner time, with no rain during the night.

I guess I have a couple of questions about where to put things.

- Do most people just leave their packs right under the hammock?
- What about shoes/boots? I've heard stories about animals taking shoes during the night (don't know if they're true).
- Do you count on the tarp over the hammock to keep your pack dry?

The main thing that I learned was why hammockers use 'top quilts' and 'bottom quilts' instead of 'sleeping bags'. It was a true education.

I wasn't sure what to expect, and I can't say that I slept like a baby or anything, but I was very comforable and I did sleep. I also wasn't sore from lying on the ground, which had been a problem in the past.

Looking forward to a week of hammocking on my section hike later this year.

[QChan]

I always just leave my pack and shoes under my hammock where they won't get rained on, or if it is pouring I hang in on my suspension so it doesn't get wet from the ground.

I've never had anything steal my shoes, that would be disappointing to wake up to.

Once you get a underquilt you will definitely sleep better. I did that's for sure.

Glad you liked it! Sometimes the first night can scare people away from it if it's not perfect.

[ratherbecampin]

Just an idea but I just got a pair of Vibram five fingers shoes that are really lite. they have a trekking/hiking pair. You could just hang them from your ridgeline they're so lite.

[Veto 65]

My pack always stays dry under my tarp but I usally set it on my pack cover of a poncho.
Never had anything take my shoes away But I always check to see if anything has left anything inside of them or made them into a home. I found seeds in my boots once and that was only after one night.