How do you save weight on your hammock setup?

[Just Jeff]

While we weigh the pros and cons of a gram weenie subsection, I thought I'd start a thread on how everyone saves weight for their kits. What special tricks do you do?

Here are some things I do:
- Use cord instead of webbing for hammock supports (still use tree huggers)
- Use insulated hammock to eliminate a full layer of DWR
- Use torso-only insulation for underquilt/insulated hammock, with a CCF pad for the feet insulation (since CCF under my torso is not comfortable to me, and I like carrying a sit pad now anyway)
- Use a hammock w/o bug net in winter
- Use zip-ties instead of tying a knot on Speer-types (whipping is about the same)
- Thinking of sewing loops onto the hammock to attach the underquilt to...would eliminate a lot of shock cord.

Of course, I've started adding things back into my pack to compensate for the weight I've saved...like ring buckles for the garda hitch, biners for the tree huggers, etc. But that means I get extra functionality for the same weight I was carrying before...fair trade for me.

So what do y'all do? Let's hear some ideas!

[angrysparrow]

One way that I save weight in the winter is by wearing my insulated clothing layers to sleep in. That allows me to use a much lighter top quilt while still sleeping warmly.

Also, a hammock sock or weather cover that encloses the hammock can be a big help. By cutting the wind and trapping body heat it can make a huge boost in temp for minimal weight.

[Dutch]

I have been leaving my stuffsacks at home. Everything seems to get comressed because i usually bring too much food. I have been switching to the tiny cord locks on my quilts. And I will bring a only as much tarp as needed.

I find it very helpful to have a huge assortment of gear to choose from. Not only does it keep my weight down it also justifies my gear addiction.

[Just Jeff]

lots of gear justifies gear addiction
gear addiction justifies lots of gear

I like it!

[Chatter]

Jeff and Dutch, good ideas in the quest to save weight. And, Angrysparrow, the sock idea works great too under certain weather conditions. Here are a few additional things I've done to lighten my hammock set.

Warm weather:
Make a hammock from thin-guage nylon. My 10-foot long, 5-foot wide hammock weighs 4.75 ounces. It holds my 175 lb. weight just fine.
The mosquito net is made of the same thin material, also 4.75 ounces.
Secure the mosquito net at each end and in the center of the ridge line with simple knots, saving the weight on any clip-type hardware.
The mosquito net is simply draped over a ridge line; the net seals out the mosquitos all on its own, since it clings over the sides of the hammock.
A lightweight poncho doubles as a tarp over the hammock. In rainy conditions, this setup is leakproof.
However, the poncho on its own is a bit too short for windy rain.
My next move will be to shorten the hammock, so the poncho

Cool weather:
Insert the hammock through a sleeping bag, so you are lying in the hammock, surrounded by the bag.
This negates the need for an underquilt and the gadgetry to hold it in place.
Use a thin piece of foam between the bottom of the hammock and the bottom of the sleeping bag. The foam I use is less than 1/4 inch thick.
Using this foam, I keep warm at +40F in a 40 degree bag, and I've used it comfortably at +23F in a 25-degree bag.
The foam is 20x70 inches and weighs a mere 4 ounces. I guess I could cut it down to save a couple of ounces.

For a suspension system I use 1-inch by 10-foot webbing with double rings at each end. I can always look into some of the weight-savings possible with the suspension system, such as aluminum instead of steel rings, and maybe some thin cord instead of only webbing.

Now, aside from taking less food and keeping a good supply of that dehydrated water on hand, one other biggie as far as saving weight is to lose a few pounds and take less body weight. But somehow, that seems to be the toughest goal to achieve.

[FanaticFringer]

Jeff and Dutch, good ideas in the quest to save weight. And, Angrysparrow, the sock idea works great too under certain weather conditions. Here are a few additional things I've done to lighten my hammock set.

Warm weather:
Make a hammock from thin-guage nylon. My 10-foot long, 5-foot wide hammock weighs 4.75 ounces. It holds my 175 lb. weight just fine.
The mosquito net is made of the same thin material, also 4.75 ounces.
Secure the mosquito net at each end and in the center of the ridge line with simple knots, saving the weight on any clip-type hardware.
The mosquito net is simply draped over a ridge line; the net seals out the mosquitos all on its own, since it clings over the sides of the hammock.
A lightweight poncho doubles as a tarp over the hammock. In rainy conditions, this setup is leakproof.
However, the poncho on its own is a bit too short for windy rain.
My next move will be to shorten the hammock, so the poncho

Cool weather:
Insert the hammock through a sleeping bag, so you are lying in the hammock, surrounded by the bag.
This negates the need for an underquilt and the gadgetry to hold it in place.
Use a thin piece of foam between the bottom of the hammock and the bottom of the sleeping bag. The foam I use is less than 1/4 inch thick.
Using this foam, I keep warm at +40F in a 40 degree bag, and I've used it comfortably at +23F in a 25-degree bag.
The foam is 20x70 inches and weighs a mere 4 ounces. I guess I could cut it down to save a couple of ounces.

For a suspension system I use 1-inch by 10-foot webbing with double rings at each end. I can always look into some of the weight-savings possible with the suspension system, such as aluminum instead of steel rings, and maybe some thin cord instead of only webbing.

Now, aside from taking less food and keeping a good supply of that dehydrated water on hand, one other biggie as far as saving weight is to lose a few pounds and take less body weight. But somehow, that seems to be the toughest goal to achieve.

Biggest change I've made in recent years is maintaining a low bodyfat level. Makes a world of difference on the trail. Hard to rationalize worrying about a gram or two when you can't see your trail runners due to your gut.

[FanaticFringer]

Rats....didn't mean to quote that post.

[hangnout]

Cuben Fiber Tarp and 1/2 quilt gave me the biggest weight savings

[Just Jeff]

Do you have any close-ups of your tarp's tie-outs and ridgeline? Did you sew or use tape?

[Iafte]

Bah, forgot to say how I save weight. Just switching from a tent to a hammock saved me some weight. I have cut down what I carry also. I use to take a change of clothes for each day. Now I carry hiking clothes, camp clothes and some emergency cold weather clothes and that's it. I leave a change of clothes in the car for after I'm done.

Last trip I added weight by getting longer straps, but I'll take sleep comfort over hiking comfort anyday.