One pole portable support? (for when there's only 1 tree to hang from)

[oldgringo]

The Alamosa Stand and his Stake Boom system may be what you're looking for. Even if you use a crossed bi-pod, the Stake boom may help to anchor it.

http://m.llbean.com/product.html?&pa...logid=TA#62063

[oldpappy]

For just such an occasion, I keep a 12" continuous loop of amsteel and an 8 inch 2X2 in the car (or broom handle - soft wood to disperse pressure).
You Open a door (rear preferred) and then close the door with the wood on the inside (near the hinged side), the loop around the wood and out through the door weather strip. I then use a cargo strap (for simplicity - you can tie to the loop) over the car and to the hammock that then goes to the tree. You can put a towel over the car to protect the paint.
Aardvark uses a similar method here:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...l=1#post553387

I tried using stakes/poles like mentioned above and found the stakes/support lines tend to loosen up if it rains (Virginia and NW Pa soil). These stakes worked if you could get them in the ground past the roots/rocks: http://www.chewy.com/dog/petmate-asp...FcZQ7AodKFEA1Q

I find the car method is rock solid for use in base camp - I had to smile at the warning to keep keys in your pocket - to prevent a buddy from borrowing the car while you nap:>)

[Jonny kernow]

I've not got one but this looks good, you can order just one strut, and use you own hammock
http://www.handyhammock.co.uk/order

[Dochartaigh]

Thanks for the ideas so far, but it seems that everything so far involves very long stakes pounded into the ground. That would mean I would have to bring a sledge-hammer since I'm dealing with sand and they would have to go REALLY far down into the ground. Would also need a shovel to be able to dig them out....there's no portable stands that don't involve using stakes?

And Oldpappy, I don't think that would work. Civic's are pretty low and I wouldn't be able to get the hammock hanging where I wouldn't be touching the ground. Civic's also have really thin sheet metal roof which would get crushed with this type of pressure exerted on it (I already have dents!). I also think it would wreak havoc on the internal trim of the car when there's my ~300 pounds hanging from it....I could be wrong though...

[Seigfried]

Hammock stands are hard without stakes, because trees are basically giant stakes. The inverted V with a rope to your hitch is probably the best bet. I would use something bigger than 7/64" amsteel, though, especially because you're car camping. If the ground is sandy, just dig the ends of the 2x4 into the ground a bit.

[oldgringo]

Here's the telescoping bipod. Sorry, no paint, yet. Tubing is 14g, 1" and .75". As it is here, 72" tall, 56" collapsed. It could go as short as 48", maybe a little less. Pics are self explanatory.

[sandpiper]

Awesome, Dave. So much easier than lugging around a 7ft 2x4 bipod.

[AaronMB]

Nice bipod. Great pack-down length. What's the guesstimate weight, Dave? Is that weldable steel? Doesn't look like aluminum.

[oldgringo]

Nice bipod. Great pack-down length. What's the guesstimate weight, Dave? Is that weldable steel? Doesn't look like aluminum.

Yes, it's mild steel, and is not light. I'll weigh it tomorrow. I don't have a source for aluminum...one day I'll find some.

[Dochartaigh]

That looks great. I'll probably try a wood version first, and it that works I'll definitely look into something smaller/collapsable like your nice version.