Okay, so it seems to me that there are two possible scenarios here depending on how you have planned and packed for the trip with regards to bottom insulation since emergencies can be planned for or unplanned for.
1. Going to ground was unplanned for and you have to improvise and make do with the gear you have. E.g. - A suspended UQ that depends on loft to reduce heat loss.
2. Going to ground was anticipated and your gear choices can be utilized to perform multiple functions. E.g. - A pad and/or thermal reflective material that will reduce heat loss while suspended or compressed.
In the case of scenario 1 you probably have to provide for three basic needs - a sleep-able surface, insulation, and a water & wind barrier.
a. Keep walking or do a 180 if you are physically able and your clothing + the exercise would keep you warmer/drier than sleeping on the ground.
b. Set up your tarp/hammock ridgeline using your trekking poles. Use your poncho, rain gear, trash bag, plastic, etc. under the hammock to keep it dry, use your UQ and any extra clothing inside the hammock for as much comfort and bottom insulation as it will provide.
The lumbar padding or hip belt on your backpack can be utilized as insulation/padding under your back and head. If your boots are dry try keeping them on but don't sweat out your socks.
Eat any high fat / calorie dense food you have and keep as hydrated as possible. If needed heat up some water bottles or rocks for extra heat.
c. A variation of b. for more dire circumstances would be to use the tarp/hammock to form a bivy in lieu of having adequate ground protection from water. You turn the treated side of the tarp onto the ground then proceed as above using your UQ, clothing, backpack, etc. to get as warm and comfortable as possible.
You "close the deal" by wrapping the tarp up over the whole ensemble. This method should retain the most body heat at the expense of being less breathable. You will have to have some ventilation to breathe of course.
In the case of scenario 2 you have much better options on the ground but probably at the expense of some bulk/weight & comfort while hanging.
a. Combine a lighter UQ with some Reflectix and/or CCF. Add some plastic, Tyvek or Mylar for ground protection.
b. Use a high quality insulated pad like an Exped Downmat or Synmat for the most comfort on the ground (these work really well) along with some additional Reflectix, CCF, or PE while hanging inside the hammock. Add some plastic, Tyvek, or Mylar for ground protection.
c. Not an option on this website. Haha.
Anywho, that's what I would take into consideration, been there done that.
You may have special needs or circumstances that you will have to work out on your own of course, HYOH.
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Originally Posted by XTrekker
I've never seen a 3000 year old tree but if it's anything like the 500+ year douglas fir or cedars we have here on the west coast of Canada...well first, you better have a lot of line to go around them, and second that bark is 4-5 inches thick or more on the old ones, good luck hurting it without a chainsaw or axe.
I'm sure that tree has seen far worse than hammock webbing over 3000 years. God knows how many animals have messed with that tree or severe storms that tree has had to weather and climate changes that it has gone through.
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