Hey guys I have a HH Expedition, with the standard tarp and snakeskins. I've never had to set it up in the rain thankfully but I know that I probably will have to do so in the future, so how do you set one up in the rain without it getting wet? Thanks
You don't. Tarp first, hammock and sleeping gear next. Put on dry cloths, get in hammock and wait out the rain.Originally Posted by Nar Nar
The tarp is attached to your hammock and with the whole unit suspended from the hammock suspension the tarp will hang straight down on eith side of the hammock. Now roll your tarp up holding both sides together until you can start pulling the snake skins down. You will do one side and then the other with the snake skins meeting in the middle. Now it is packed to travel. When you get to your next destination to set up your tarp you attach the hammock suspension to either tree (hammock and the tarp are in a tube made by the snake skins) and when you pull the snake skins the tarp and hammock unroll and hang down with the hammock in between the tarp protected from the rain. Set up the tarp and then the hammock and you will find that it is completely dry. Just a not I think HH has a video showing how this is done. Have a great hang.
I use the stock ridgeline/2 tie-out set-up.
I leave the hammock in the snakeskins and tarp separate.
I hang the hammock (leaving hammock in snakeskins).
Then I attach tarp to the ridgeline prussics (that are sticking out the ends of the snakeskins) and tie/stake put the tarp.
Last you pull snakeskins off the hammock and I have a loop in the asym hammock tie-outs to attach to the tarp tie outs.
If it's windy I attach a weight (stick or pot) to this tie-out as well.
I like this because you can store a wet tarp in a separate bag (I use a small fishnet bag) or if you just want to put the tarp up you can (with a separate ridgeline).
Other options:
Wrap the tarp around the hammock when you pack-up and put the snakeskins over both. Then deploy both at the same time - tarp will provide some protection. (Like post 3 describes)
Last option is separate ridgeline for the tarp and deploy it first. Then pitch hammock below tarp. (Like post 2)
Enjoying the simple things in life -
Own less, live more.
And if you don't use snakeskins switch to a bishop bag. Even without one tie the line on one end to the first tree with a quick couple of half hitches. Reel out the setup and tie the other end with a couple more half hitches or make your educated guess on where it goes. That should have the hammock hanging with the tarp over the hammock so you are OK while re tying the lines or setting the straps of playing with the whoopees or whatever.
What I don't understand is why you would go out with just the integral diamond tarp in rainy weather. ;-)
YMMV
HYOH
Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)
Once in a real heavy rain on the AT I set up the tarp first. Then under the tarp I removed my hammock straps and attached them to the two trees. I then reattached them to the hammock while safely under the tarp. Doing this probably added only about a minute to the process but kept my hammock completely dry. This can also be done in reverse if needed. In that case you can store the wet straps with your wet tarp on the outside of your pack. If you are faced with several days of rain this might well be worth the extra effort to keep your hammock as dry as possible. Storing wet straps inside your pack can dampen other items real quick.
Steps:
1. Tarp
2. Hammock
3. UQ & TQ. or SB & Pad
Wow, that sounds pretty easy ... I am a noob so like the insight.
Nar Nar, are you using this all as stock, with the tarp left connected to the hammock suspension by the two prussic and clips? If so, follow Canoefor2's instructions below on how to do this as one integrated unit. The downside of this is once wet, then you are wrapping up a wet tarp exterior with your dry hammock interior, which is less than ideal.
If you have it all as one integrated unit, this is the way to manage it all. The two halves of the tarp, draped over the hammock will allow you to protect the hammock from the weather while you affix the suspension ropes to the trees and lash them like the Hennessey videos. Staking out your tarp to give you space to roam under, then you make up your hammock with whatever your insulation happens to be.
This extremely simple step process seems to be much more standardized for those with some experience. In your kit's case, this would require your tarp to be on its own separate suspension system, either two ridge line sections, one per end, or a continuous ridge line. There are pros and cons of each option, I've gravitated to using more cordage and a CRL mainly because it allows me to pull my tarp to one end or the other to better center it over my hammock. You will find with the Hennessey stock suspension, adjusting the hammock toward one end or the other to fit under the tarp is tougher than adjusting the tarp over the hammock.
With the advise from these find folks above, Canoefor2 and DRobertson, I think they've outlined great ways to begin. Good luck.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
You can keep the tarp and hammock together until they get wet. In the morning, separate them, pack your stuff up under the tarp, then put the wet tarp in one of your pack's outside pockets.
It they're together and it has started raining, just set it up like normal and do all your unpacking underneath afterwards. This is one reason I really like the Hennessy's integrated diamond tarp, or my OES McCat Std... it's just easy to do. If they're separate, set the tarp up first.
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