AT Hike w/a Hammock!

[SimplyMe]

Hi everyone,
In early May (ya late by some ppl's standards), I began a solo thru-hike on the Appalacian Trail. I started at Springer Mountain and got in about 170 miles before an injury, poisin everything possible (ivy/sumack & oak said the Dr.) and broncitis took me off the thru-hiker list.

I hiked with a hammock, a rainfly/tarp and an old (ya I've used it in Central America lots) mosquito cacoon. I enjoyed my nites in the hammock. There were plenty of trees for hanging. I took 6 titanium tent stakes (just in case) and some extra paracord. I did have a bit of learning curve dealing with cold weather, did not like using a down sleeping bag (mostly b/c of the mental stress and worry of it getting wet - so changed to a fleece).

I had a wonderful/challenging experience that I will never forget and may section hike in the future. I love hammock camping more than I love hiking miles and miles (you learn that fairly quickly.)

Just thought I'd share the info. My hammock was a no-name parachute nylon replacement for my old Hammock Bliss. Along the trail I picked up some ENO slap-straps (should have checked in w/the forums first (and yes, I wanted Whoopie slings) - I didn't like the slipping during thunderstorms), and replaced my starter tarp with a Treehugger Hammocks tarp/rainfly (good fly tho perhaps a larger tarp would have given me more dry space and less wind). My mosquito cacoon is a Hammock Bliss - and now I see that ENO has 'copied' their design - I like the space and it feels tent-like enough to provide me a little privacy. I did have a few issues changing clothes and stuff w/all the guys on the trail - I managed, tho trying to dress in a hammock is just 'stoopid' and doesn't work for the average - well, um 52 year old woman that I am!

[bigbamaguy]

Welcome ot HF from bama...........Thank you for the report and I am sorry to hear that you were taken out by illness. Glad to see that you are planning on doing sections and I look forward to the reports in the future.

[raiffnuke]

Welcome to HF from Mass.

[dragon360]

Welcome to the HF from Canada.

[SkyPainter]

WELCOME to the Forums and the trees from Boston! Sounds like it was a very memorable trip anyway! Hang with us here, and enjoy the virtual campfire!

[OutandBack]

Sometimes trips don't work out they way you planned them.
Nothing wrong with that, that's life.

Thanks for your trip report hope to read more in the future.

[HWS]

SimplyMe,

Welcome to Hammock Forums. Glad you like hammocking. Thanks for sharing interesting story and point of view. Maybe when your healed up you can kick the AT between the knees and knock of another chunk.

[photojag]

Welcome from TN as well and I hate to hear about your misfortune as well and hope to hear that you make it back out and hanging again soon.

[nu2hike]

Welcome to the forum! Sorry for your bad luck! Maybe you'll have better luck next time!
I hear you about the lack of privacy with a hammock! I've experienced the same problem myself!

[KP]

........ I did have a few issues changing clothes and stuff w/all the guys on the trail - I managed, tho trying to dress in a hammock is just 'stoopid' and doesn't work for the average - well, um 52 year old woman that I am!

Welcome to the hang-out

That is the only reason why this 53 year old woman decided to switch to the Superfly with doors

I'll tell ya, if it were not for my concern for modesty I would be good to go with a teeny tiny tarp in the summer and slightly larger for the winter or better yet a nice cuban tarp.

KP