Who is Planning a Long Distance Hiking Tip in '07

**Coffee** · 01-23-2007, 02:37

Nope, clothes and shoes weight me down. It's all about the ozs.

**neo** · 01-23-2007, 09:16

Originally Posted by hammock engineer

I have been seeing some posts in different threads where people are planning a hike with their hammocks. I thought I would start this thread to keep a running list of people's hiking plans. It is also cool to see how many people are using this site to help plan their hikes. This could be anything from a week or 2 hike to a 6 month thru hike.

Name: Nate
Trail: AT thru hike
Start Date: mid March
Hammock of choice: DIY hammock

hammocking is easier than tenting on the AT,I HIKED THE WHITE WITH A HAMMOCK.hammocks rule,go for it.

neo

**Fat Man Walking** · 01-24-2007, 01:17

Originally Posted by hammock engineer

Welcome to the site.

What helped me the most was just doing as much backyard testing as I could. I had to bail indoors a few times when I was starting out. It is the safest way to know how cold you can go.

Post your whole setup and we will try to offer some advice the best we can.

Thanks for your offer of assistance.

On the ground, I have been using a REI fleece bag liner (I hike in summer) for my bag and a 3/4 Thermarest and pretty much sleeping in shelters or I have a Silshelter for a tent when needed.

From a comfort standpoint, I have never really gotten cold but I have gotten cool a few times. Mostly as comfortable as sleeping on a hard floor or in my tent on the ground would allow.

In addition to my HHEUA, I had planned to use the thermarest somewhere/somehow but, was concerned it wouldn't be enough. I was thinking that perhaps the SS would be the answer but, was wondering if it would be enough. My present thoughts are that for most nights, it probably will but, there's always a night or two when it is a little cooler than normal. Oh, and I am a warm sleeper. Never really need a great deal of cover to stay warm enough.

Thanks again.

**Coffee** · 01-24-2007, 01:31

No problem. I learned a ton and am still learning from this site and WB.

Do some researching on the SS first. I have read conflicting reports and a few of people not being happy with it. I went the underquilt route and am happy with it.

**Bulldog** · 02-01-2007, 21:55

new news, my date was pushed back to the 20th, so I guess all you will have to take a zero day so I can catch up.

**Coffee** · 02-01-2007, 22:37

No worries. I walk slow. The sooner I get done, means the sooner I have to get a job, which means the sooner I have to move cross county, and the list goes on from there.

**cargousa** · 02-02-2007, 08:36

I'll be behind you, starting on April fools day! It seems like everyone is starting early this year, I read somewhere that 4/1 thru 4/15 is the peak start time for a NOBO but is sounds like that has pushed into March this year. I may have to start a week early just for a chance to catch up with the other hangers!

--cargo

**neo** · 02-02-2007, 09:46

i am not going any were with out my hammock

neo

**Spock** · 02-07-2007, 18:48

I will hit the AT in late March or the first of April. Hammocking because of the camping choices it provides as well as comfort. My only concern is cold weather. I have made basements and underquilts and found them less comfortable than a couple of lightweight foam pads - full length. The pads weight about the same as the underquilt, but seem, so far, to provide more reliable, low-hassel warmth. I'm still open to ideas on that one.

**Coffee** · 02-07-2007, 18:52

Originally Posted by Spock

I will hit the AT in late March or the first of April. Hammocking because of the camping choices it provides as well as comfort. My only concern is cold weather. I have made basements and underquilts and found them less comfortable than a couple of lightweight foam pads - full length. The pads weight about the same as the underquilt, but seem, so far, to provide more reliable, low-hassel warmth. I'm still open to ideas on that one.

Interesting that you say the pads are more comfortable. Too most people it is the opposite. How are the quilts not comfortable? Is it because of the shape they give the hammock?

When hung you should not be able to feel the underquilt underneath. If you do, the quilt is supporting your weight and not the hammock.

I agree I think pads are the cheapest and easiest form of bottom insulation. Too me they are not as comfortable. In the end what works for you is the best way of doing things.