OMG! Sleeping on the ground is as bad as I remembered

**Bubba** · 03-17-2013, 21:30

So I put up a tent in the basement for the kids to play around in. After they went to bed and since it was in front of my TV, I just put the tent beside the couch, opened both doors and sat in the tent leaning on the counch for back support with my old backpacking Thermarest under my butt while I watched TV.

When I felt sleepy I figured I'd try sleeping in it the same way I did when I used it backpacking. When I woke up in the middle of the night to go the bathroom I remembered just why I started looking at hammock camping back in 1999. In the morning I was even more sore. My shoulders and back were not happy. After a few minutes of walking around I felt ok but thought I would not want to put in a day's hike after waking up feeling like I did.

All I can say is thanks to Hammock Forums and to the HF members for all the info I've learned and continue to learn and thanks to all the vendors that make the gear that allow me to sleep so much better out in the woods.

**fallkniven** · 03-17-2013, 21:39

You never do get every root and twig. Everytime you think your good, you lay down and instantly find all you missed. I too thank HF.

**Bubba** · 03-17-2013, 22:21

Originally Posted by fallkniven

You never do get every root and twig. Everytime you think your good, you lay down and instantly find all you missed...

So true. A visual sweep of the area you plan to put out a tent on seems to always catch only 99% of the rocks and roots. You get in and that rock may not be under your pad and you go to get up and your knee finds it.

**desmobob** · 03-17-2013, 22:45

Oh yeah!

When I show people photos of my camping trips, most say, "You sleep in a HAMMOCK?!"

I tell 'em, "Yup. I'm 52 years old. When I sleep on the ground, I wake up feeling like someone beat me up during the night."

Take it easy,
desmobob

**Debi Jaytee** · 03-17-2013, 22:55

I know how you feel. Slept in a tent last summer (why?????) Woke up feeling older than my gramma and did NOT have a good day. Told my boyfriend, NEVER AGAIN are we sleeping on the ground...NEVER!!

**XTrekker** · 03-17-2013, 23:20

Im the same way. My back just doesn't allow for ground dwelling anymore. I was prepared to give up backpacking until I found hammocks.

**ShroominDave** · 03-18-2013, 19:48

WOW! I should have realized that I was not the only one who switched out to a hammock due to the lost battle with the ground. AND the fact that I can now camp in spots that were beautiful but off limits because on rocks, unlevel ground, wet area, etc...

**Acer** · 03-18-2013, 20:01

the only way I want to sleep on the ground is way way above the tree line at about 10000ft elevation or higher, staring at all those stars that shine so brightly,,and then,,will still be thinking about my hammock.

But,,for that experience..will lay on the ground one more time.

**Yojimbo** · 03-18-2013, 20:19

The last time I slept on the ground was with my son at Scout night at the local ball park. At least it was probably the best ground experience one can have. But that is the last time. From now on I will be elevated on the Scout outings.

**outdooraddict** · 03-18-2013, 20:25

I cannot wait! I felt good waking up with no pad sleeping in the BWCA on the ground. I've actually had dreams that I was overheating in my hammock. Turns out it was from my 6 mos. Old son on my chest and the dog laying between my legs over my blanket during an afternoon nap ;-)y