What would you Do

**samwise61304** · 06-23-2011, 09:27

Well, I have been trying to convert my Dad and brother into grand hammockters and their first trip was this weekend, friday night. We have had some pretty rough storms lately (really bad wind) and it is suppose to rain all day today. It is only a 30% chance tomorrow and that is only for like 3 hours. I will have my equipment but I hate to take them out after telling them about all the great times you can have in a hammock and then for them to get soaked and be miserable all weekend. I know I would probably stay dry and and have told them to bring a wally world tarp just in case but hey there it is. What would you do. We will be backpacking for a few miles and then camping primitive style. I will probably go I just hate going by myself.

**Simon** · 06-23-2011, 09:34

I'd let them take tents as usual. At some stage over the weekend they'll have a little swing in your hammock. Usually takes about 30 seconds and a lightbulb goes off.

At the very least you will be high and dry. I've often found that 'converting' people to a cause is pretty much a non-starter with a lot of folk. Most of the time you kind of have to let them discover things themselves. And setting up your hammock might just give them a chance to do that.

**Pipsissewa** · 06-23-2011, 10:49

Originally Posted by Simon

I'd let them take tents as usual. At some stage over the weekend they'll have a little swing in your hammock. Usually takes about 30 seconds and a lightbulb goes off.

+1 on that!

**Tendertoe** · 06-23-2011, 11:26

A lot depends on if your guests have been backpacking/tenting/camping before.

I feel like backpacking in inclement weather is an interesting situation for people new to it. I have been out with 2 guys that hiked in rain and got soaked and setup and were stuck in a tent all day and one of the guys loved it, the other hated it. I feel that some people are inclined to like being in situations like that and for others it could ruin their outlook on the outdoors (fair-weather campers

).

+1 on tents for their sleeping arrangements and getting them out even if it is a bit wet. If you are truly concerned, hike in a shorter distance so you are closer to the car and they won't have to hike in the rain too long. With this approach, you can still dayhike if they are feeling frisky or if it ends up not raining at all.

+1 on what you mentioned about bringing a WW tarp. One of the limitations of them being in a tent is if it does end up raining for a long period of time, they are locked in the tent. A group tarp is nice as a hangout spot when out with others (especially those without hammocks).

I've spent much of a day with my hammock hanging buddy just under our separate tarps swinging away while it rained. IMHO it isn't as fun sitting in a stuffy tent all day in the same scenario.

Either way, get them out. IMHO take some precautions so as to not scare them away from the outdoors permanently and all will be fine. Make sure to report back with how it goes.

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 06-23-2011, 11:05

Originally Posted by Simon

I'd let them take tents as usual. At some stage over the weekend they'll have a little swing in your hammock. Usually takes about 30 seconds and a lightbulb goes off.

At the very least you will be high and dry. I've often found that 'converting' people to a cause is pretty much a non-starter with a lot of folk. Most of the time you kind of have to let them discover things themselves. And setting up your hammock might just give them a chance to do that.

Sort of like the Amway "Friends & Family" program, they will be polite but whisper about you when you are not looking. Let them go as they normally would and save the hard sell for the hammock if they ask to try it. If they are really interrested already, by all means pack the hammock stuff...if y'all have the stuff needed to make it comfortable already.

**Shug** · 06-23-2011, 09:34

Bring them.....I used to bring friends interested in backpacking in my tent days and the weather would either not bother them or wreck their whole camping buzz.
Good way to find out who will make a stalwart trail partner.
Best of luck and all.....
Shug

**Bubba** · 06-23-2011, 09:53

I found hammock camping in the rain better than in a tent. Being tent bound during a storm meant sitting in the tent on a thermarest which is not comfortable IMO. Compare that to swaying gently, reclined in a louging position with your feet on the ground watching the rain from your "porch" and they should be converted.

**oldsoldier** · 06-23-2011, 10:01

I would certainly have them bring a tent of some sort. Then, you can let them try out the hammock. I agree with Simon-its usually better to let someone discover on their own the better way, than it is to force them into it.