Does anyone have any tips for setting up you gear while its raining? Im sure that one would want to set up the tarp first, but any little tips or tricks that you use when getting camp set? I'm headed up to the BWCA on Friday and it will be rain/snow mix our first 2 days up there. Any little pointers that you may have learned the hard way would be greatly appreciated! (I will be helping 3 virgin hammock campers setup in this weather if that gives an idea of the possible issues I may run into.
You're on the right track. If you're backpacking, keep your tarp close to the top of your pack or on the outside somewhere it's easy to get to. Once the tarp is up, everything goes under it. Only then can you start pulling stuff out.
Location is also important. Trees overhead will provide some extra cover, but as always watch out for widowmakers. It also helps to hang over a slight slope so the water runs away from you. Overnight, I keep everything off the ground except my boots.
Just got back from my First Hammock Experience and it rained the entire time. Make sure you have your tarp ready to go and get is set up first. Set my pack with rain cover on ground then set up the hammock> underquilt> and Bear Burrito Oven. Make sure your stakes on the tarp are secure. Mine came loose while Buck Hunting and my down gear got soaked!
I have always had my hammock and tarp together so when I hang the the main hammock lines my tarp was up. Never had a problem with things getting wet. However, I would suggest that you take an extra back packer tarp to set-up first to cover all you pack/gear and then work on the hammocks. Also, my experiance with the BWCA is that there are not always alot of trees by the fire areas. The BWCA is great this time of year.
Having setup and broke camp in the rain, it can be "interesting"
Going with what others have said, definitely keep the tarp close to the top and set it up ASAP. Since I carry a small chair, I tend to either a) set the pack in the chair while I set up, b) sit in the chair till it lightens up, c) hang the pack from the tarp line while setting up.
Even if you have a pack cover this really helps since youll be going in and out of the pack to get setup. When I hang in the rain, I get the tarp done and usually try to get just enough to sit/nap/hang for a while to wait the rain out, if it seems itll slack up. Im lucky to have a large tarp with close-able doors so I have a bit more flexibility when it comes to setup.
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I've got a WBBB and Mamajamba tarp and skins for the tarp are on their way from Mountain Goat.
If I take down in the rain I don't want to put the wet tarp in the pack so it gets hung on the outside of my pack.
I'm ok with that but if it keeps raining the tarp won't drain/dry before I have to set up again. Is it practical to have some sort of an outer cover for the tarp (in skins)? (To keep me dry I prefer a poncho and maybe that makes this moot?)
Just how wet will I find the tarp when I set up the following night?
Cvt
If you have the WBBB and the stock straps, just remember you can take the straps off.
This will allow you to leave the hammock dry under the shelter while you go out in the rain to run the straps around the tree.
You can also pack the straps separate from the hammock in your backpack, keeping the hammock from getting wet.
Also recommend drip lines, like cotton shoe strings.
1. Know how to set up the hammock ahead of time.Originally Posted by Awkward Sportsman
2. Pack the backpack so you can get what is needed quickly - tarp & stakes at the ready.
3. It's only water, just stay dry and warm.
If you can’t store the tarp on the outside of your pack when you break camp, be sure to have a water proof bag to put it in while it’s in your pack.
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The only thing i would add is if you might be cold enough for wet snow take an extra pair of gloves.
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