Hammocking AT Thru Hike

[Scubahhh]

I would believe others might be able to smell it but I used the same hammock the whole way and I never noticed any smell. I usually wore sleeping clothes to bed and washed in streams regularly. My beard smelled bad though

... but remember this: if you think you stink, you're right!

[nyhiker50]

From baaaaaad experience be VERY careful with nylon in a dryer. It can be done, just be VERY careful.

I thought I mentioned that. Yes, put it on the lowest setting and try to at least get an air only setting. Remember, it's a synthetec material and does not take well to heat.

[cliffhanger]

I used clean sleep clothes....washed the hammock(WBBB) every couple of weeks(along with my pack) in a commercial front loader on gentle with little detergent and hang dry while in town. No stink.

I wouldn't dry synthetics in the dryer unless you are in a rush.

*note- I removed the suspension(whoopieslings) but kept the ends gathered when washing.

[ATHiker]

I thought I mentioned that. Yes, put it on the lowest setting and try to at least get an air only setting. Remember, it's a synthetec material and does not take well to heat.

Never thought about washing my pack. What pack do you carry?

[cliffhanger]

I used a ULA catalyst....

Most of the time I'd take out the foam pieces and the metal supports(1 minute or less)...but kept them in a couple times if I was using the giant commercial front loaders.
*I would not recommend washing a hammock or pack in a top loader*

My pack still looks new and the only perma stink was in the shoulder straps but was a lot better than if I had not washed the pack regularly. Most other "thrus" thought I was sectioning with new gear...

[CoreyR]

I thought I mentioned that. Yes, put it on the lowest setting and try to at least get an air only setting. Remember, it's a synthetec material and does not take well to heat.

You did but I just wanted to stress it. I once did something really, really, REALLY embarassing...with a dryer....and nylon.
Now I always stress taking care with synthetics and dryers.

[ATHiker]

I used a ULA catalyst....

Most of the time I'd take out the foam pieces and the metal supports(1 minute or less)...but kept them in a couple times if I was using the giant commercial front loaders.
*I would not recommend washing a hammock or pack in a top loader*

My pack still looks new and the only perma stink was in the shoulder straps but was a lot better than if I had not washed the pack regularly. Most other "thrus" thought I was sectioning with new gear...

Thanks, I have a pack that I'm going to try washing.

[Chop]

You can grab a 5 gallon bucket and toss the hammock in that with some soap and water.

I ended up with some mold growing in my hammock after getting it wet packing up one day. I was getting off the trail for a few days to deal with an injury and forgot all about the wet hammock.

Make sure you get all the soap out if you do wash it.

You can also set it out in the sun on a nice warm dry day.

[hikehunter]

My family was in the "Dry Cleaning" buisness for more than 40 years. Nylon and Polyester are products made from crude oil. Purkuetholyne. what is used in dry cleaning is made from oil. It will re-inforce the fibers in most cases. If the material is poly-cloide based like polyester it wi rebuild the fibers. Some nylons will do the same. some will start to break down at a faster rate.....it is dependant on the additive cemicals that make the nylon.