How to Lose 20 pounds in 3 days..or My Hike on the AT

**JDBaughman** · 07-08-2012, 21:40

Originally Posted by gunner76

Came across several groups of uneducated campers using tents. They asked what kind of tent I was using and I told them I use a hammock. One of them made the comment that tents were better as you could not always find trees. I looked around at all the trees surrounding us and agreed that it might be a problem.

The only problem I have found with Hammock camping is that the **** is so **** expensive!?! Let's go over the list; hammock, top quilt, underquilt, rain tarp, suspension, straps, bug net, ECT now, out of those things lets go over the average price; hammock $50, TQ $100, UQ $200, rain fly $70+, suspension $20, straps $10, bug net $50+. That comes to a total average cost of $500+...

Now, I'm not taking sides, as in all honesty, there are no sides. I hang and use a tent. But let's be realistic, I bought my Marmot Limelight 3P 3 season tent for $280 new (2012 model). It comes with a nice rainfly with a UV window on both sides with two vestibules and 2 doors... Anyways My point is that it's a great tent.

My hammock gear on the other hand... is about twice that amount... And I still don't have everything I want/wish I had... My point is that I'm sure a lot of people would like to jump in the car and cruise the woods with the cool kids... But hammocking is just so **** expensive... Period. It is. You cannot deny that fact. And it is much much more expensive then a tent and a sleeping bag... Just saying...

I know all this DIY stuff can save you hundreds... But let's come from a, "buy and go" method as that is what most people do. I can see how people still widely use tents... It's just more affordable... Sorry to troll... This just popped in my mind...

**JDBaughman** · 07-08-2012, 21:41

O yea, props for the weight loss like that... I say if your healthy and you lose weight, then you had weight to lose. And that is ALWAYS a good thing. Wish I could drop 20 in 3 days... However, is that healthy?

**bushcrafter** · 07-08-2012, 21:43

That is alarming to hear you lost 20 lbs in 3 days along with the several hour naps. Were you having trouble getting rest at night (in reference to the naps)? I certainly hope you aren't having any health issues. Just a concerned citizen here.

**ShadowAlpha** · 07-08-2012, 21:53

@JD. I believe sgt rock has a post about a $300 setup. There many buy & go affordable options

**JDBaughman** · 07-08-2012, 21:58

Oh I kno. I have looked at it. I was playing devils advocate on that quote. Just saying, off the wall buy & go hammock camping with no DIY skills required is really expensive.

I still love it though... And I have only been doing it for a short while

**titanium_hiker** · 07-09-2012, 03:15

How to save $$ with hammocking.

1. Make your own hammock (mine is knotted). cost- my last one was probably 24$ for fabric and under 10 for straps, maybe another 20 for the bugnet (easiest is just fabric slung over a ridge) DIY means that you don't have to sink all your change in one go.

2. Get a cheap tarp- walmart style blue tarp, painter's drop cloth, etc. I bought a very nice one, eventually.

3. Use your existing pad and sleeping bag. Free.

People talk about hammock systems in their entirety- UQ and TQ included, but you've got to compare apples with apples and think about all the gear you need for tenting as well, a pad, sleeping bag, ground sheet, and the tent... People already own a tent and so coughing up for something else is unpleasant- but remember you don't need a TQ and UQ, at least, not right away.

/rant off

**oldgringo** · 07-09-2012, 04:16

Gunner, gotta say, this sounds dangerous, like you were way out there on the edge. I'm glad you seem none the worse for the experience. Let us know how much of that weight loss was liquid...betcha fluff right back up.

**MAD777** · 07-09-2012, 04:53

Great write-up! I felt like I was there, except for the huffing & puffing

I could stand to lose 20#, especially while doing something I like. I always overpack food. I pack like I eat at home but, I eat half as much on the trail.

But I'm most impressed with your decision to turn around when you did. No use getting the SAR folks out there

There will be cooler days ahead and the trail will still be there.

**RedBeardHanger** · 07-09-2012, 07:07

Gunner... Sounds like a decent trip with invaluable lessons learned! You coming home with your health is the first and foremost thing! Glad you knew when to call it quits...
I am very interested what you packed and will be changing with your gear! Soon as I get the ok from the doc I'll be heading out to southern VA for a multi day jaunt! (Anybody feel like joining?!)
I felt like I was starting Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods" all over again...!!
Thank you for sharing your trip!

JD... Check out this link! It's an under $200 complete set up from eno...
http://https://www.eaglesnestoutfitt.../ONELINKS.html
It's not as expensive as you think...

**JDBaughman** · 07-09-2012, 07:17

Originally Posted by RedBeardHanger

Gunner... Sounds like a decent trip with invaluable lessons learned! You coming home with your health is the first and foremost thing! Glad you knew when to call it quits...
I am very interested what you packed and will be changing with your gear! Soon as I get the ok from the doc I'll be heading out to southern VA for a multi day jaunt! (Anybody feel like joining?!)
I felt like I was starting Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods" all over again...!!
Thank you for sharing your trip!

JD... Check out this link! It's an under $200 complete set up from eno...
http://https://www.eaglesnestoutfitt.../ONELINKS.html
It's not as expensive as you think...

Well, the only thing is that the eno rainflys do not provide much coverage... I use an ENO DN with a Hennessy HexFly...