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  1. #1
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    Night 1 - HATED it.

    Spent my first night in a hammock over the weekend. Been backpacking most of my life, I am very comfortable sleeping in the back country. I decided to give the hammock a shot because of the versatility and lighter weight.

    Without question it was the worst night of sleep I have ever had in the back country.

    I was so interested in making this concept work that I overlooked some fundamental flaws in the idea. I am an active sleeper, and primarily a side sleeper. Evidently there is a very narrow window of "sweet spot" to be comfortable in a hammock, and I cannot abide laying in the same position all night. I cannot sleep in a restrictive mummy bag for this reason either.

    In the wee hours of the night, after little sleep, I finally threw in the towel, climbed out, lowered the hammock to the ground, climbed back inside and got the only real sleep I had that night. I only regret that I didnt do this sooner, as the sun rose about an hour later.

    Hennessy Hammock A-sym Zip UL Backpacker.

    The good news is I bought it from REI, so return will be easy. My hammock experiment was over when it started. Just not for me.

  2. #2
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    Hope you kept your tents then)))))
    It sometimes takes a few tries but for some folks hammocks just don't "take".
    Just keep gettin' to the woods...no matter how.
    Shug
    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  3. #3
    PapaSmurf's Avatar
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    I know several people who have no problem sleeping on the ground.
    I wish I were one of those people because there are times when it just makes good sense to be in a shelter, in a tent, under a tarp.

    At least you now know what doesn't work for you.

  4. #4
    Senior Member MAD777's Avatar
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    Different strokes for different folks. At least you gave it a.try and now you know.

    A friend of mine hikes with a hammock but sleeps on the floor of a shelter whenever possible. I couldn't possibly do that after experiencing a hammock.

    HYOH
    Mike
    "Life is a Project!"

  5. #5
    Senior Member Cali's Avatar
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    I'm sorry to hear about your bad night. Hammocking isn't for everyone, and I am happy you can return the hammock. As Shug said, just as long as you get out there in the piney woods, tent or hammock, doesn't matter.
    "No whining in the woods"

  6. #6
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thermocouple View Post
    Spent my first night in a hammock over the weekend. Been backpacking most of my life, I am very comfortable sleeping in the back country. I decided to give the hammock a shot because of the versatility and lighter weight.

    Without question it was the worst night of sleep I have ever had in the back country.

    I was so interested in making this concept work that I overlooked some fundamental flaws in the idea. I am an active sleeper, and primarily a side sleeper. Evidently there is a very narrow window of "sweet spot" to be comfortable in a hammock, and I cannot abide laying in the same position all night. I cannot sleep in a restrictive mummy bag for this reason either.

    In the wee hours of the night, after little sleep, I finally threw in the towel, climbed out, lowered the hammock to the ground, climbed back inside and got the only real sleep I had that night. I only regret that I didnt do this sooner, as the sun rose about an hour later.

    Hennessy Hammock A-sym Zip UL Backpacker.

    The good news is I bought it from REI, so return will be easy. My hammock experiment was over when it started. Just not for me.

    Well, you say "Nite 1" as if you may give it another try, but you're already returning you hammock so I'm guessing you're not.

    Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right, and for some people it just doesn't work. Personally I can hammock or tent. If I'm tired, I'll sleep.

    But it's your back and your night's sleep. Do what works for you!
    Some say I'm apathetic, but I don't care. - Randy

  7. #7
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    Yep I kept my tents, will be going back to my MSR Hubba. I dont think giving it another try is what is called for. I really cannot lay in one position all night, I really do need to be able to move around to stay comfortable. My sleep style just doesnt seem compatible with hammock hanging. It sucks because I really wanted this to work, I was excited about it - I even made whoopie slings. But if it doesnt work it doesnt work.

    I did get a ton of great info on this site though, and for that I thank you all.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Rain Man's Avatar
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    Thumbs up

    Hike Your Own Hike.

    I had to do something similar on my last hike. Had over-worked my legs and could not get comfortable in my hammock. Finally got out of it (fortunately had a good air mattress) and lay on the wooden "tent pad" I was at in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Slept okay the rest of the night.

    It happens.

    Rain Man

    .
    "You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods

    http://www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker
    .

  9. #9
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    I just purchased a different brand of hammock and I find it very comfortable, I also found I am not moving as much in my sleep because my hips/back and leg do not hurt me all night long. Like buying anything, fit is very important.

    We are all different, and have different needs, that is why there is so much gear available.

  10. #10
    Senior Member BillyBob58's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thermocouple View Post
    Yep I kept my tents, will be going back to my MSR Hubba. I dont think giving it another try is what is called for. I really cannot lay in one position all night, I really do need to be able to move around to stay comfortable. My sleep style just doesnt seem compatible with hammock hanging. It sucks because I really wanted this to work, I was excited about it - I even made whoopie slings. But if it doesnt work it doesnt work.

    I did get a ton of great info on this site though, and for that I thank you all.
    Sorry it didn't work for you, but it simply does not for some folks. My 1st night sucked big time, although I passed out easily enough, but woke up shivering. Luckily for me after a few nights I was hooked and have not looked back. But the fact is, if you are comfy on the ground, that knocks out ( for me ) at least 75% of the reason for going to a hammock in the first place. I mean, if you are already comfy, then what is the point?

    It is true it can often be easier to find a place to hang a hammock than trying to find flat, rock/root free, dry ground, at least if you are not in developed camping spots. And I like not having to crawl into a tent and being off the ground - high and dry - during heavy rains. Then again, sometimes it would be nice to just pitch a tent out in the meadow away from all the widow makers, so there can be pros and cons both ways. Hey, whatever works!

    One thought, in case you are ever feeling like looking into it more in the future. I find it extremely quick and easy to flop from side to side ( a little on my side or a lot even almost on my stomach) or just going flat on my back in a JRB bridge hammock. It is not really much different than turning over in my bed. But, there is not a lot of room in the shoulders unless you use a pad with it ( took some getting used to for me, now I don't care) when flat on your back- especially in the deluxe model. The new Warbonnet model bridge has a lot more shoulder room, but not sure how it's over all feel is compared to the JRB. But you might be one of those folks who does a lot better in a bridge hammock.

    Any way, happy tenting to you! Like Shug said, main thing is just getting out there with whatever gear get it done for you.

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