Single vertical pole adds space/light yet still drains tarp.

[cougarmeat]

Here are some photos of my setup on Jones Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington. You'll see a WB Ridge Runner and a WL Lite owl (with sock). The RR is under a HH Hex tarp and the Lite Owl is under an OES MacCat Deluxe. The "6 ft" pole collapses to 22 inches in 3 shock-corded sections. It has an extendable range from 5 ft to 6.5 ft and weighs 13 oz. You can get them at REI for $24.50 (note, they have a larger 8 ft pole but that's too hefty for this application).

By picking up one end, the hammock occupant has easier entrance and more visibility and airflow. The configuration is still fairly "waterproof" with moderate rain and there is still a drain path so the rain doesn't puddle on top of the tarp. If the weather gets worse, or the hammock occupant complains because the morning sun shine too brightly in her face (I hate it when that happens - sunny mornings!), then just pull the pole out and tighten the guy down near the stake like the others.

it does take a little play to get the tensions right in order to have that drain path. If you KNOW it is not going to rain, it is not a big deal.Bridge.jpgGatheredEnd.jpg

[Boston]

I'm envisioning 2 trekking poles, lashed together.....

Thanks for sharing!

[nothermark]

Nice alternative to "traditional" porch mode, easier than a pole mod, easy with found stick. What's to complain about? Nice job!

[PatT]

I'm envisioning 2 trekking poles, lashed together.....

Thanks for sharing!

There's no need to lash trekking poles together, simply put the handle ends together and run the wrist strap from each pole over the handle of the other pole. With tension, they will remain straight.

I will try to take a photo this weekend to demonstrate.

[obxh2o]

BWCA 2012 057 cut.jpg

When the storm comes just remove the pole and tie down the flap.

[bringerofgame]

I'm all about rigging with and without hardware. I have old cabin tent poles in the truck that slip nicely over a stake to give them a solid base. 25" long and about 6oz each, usually only have them for car camping or short range though. Most places around here are so dense with trees that you can easily rope rig either to a tree or span line.

[cougarmeat]

I've found at "camp sites", where are your required to stay in specific areas, they sometimes go overboard in clearing trees because they only imagine ground sleepers. Also, when kayak camping, things to tie things to can get a little sparse. Here's a photo from Patos Island in the San Juans. That "bush" and tree were all I had at the main camp site.

PatosHammock.jpg

[Brady]

I've found at "camp sites", where are your required to stay in specific areas, they sometimes go overboard in clearing trees because they only imagine ground sleepers.

PatosHammock.jpg

I suppose it depends on where you go. Lots of places I've gone are the opposite, they try to leave everything undisturbed so tenters struggle to find a flat, cleared spot. Although, as a hanger, there is often some small amount of clearing of under brush required depending. Maybe it's different outside of Western Canada. I went kayaking through the Broken Islands on Vancouver Islands west coast and was tenting, should have brought a hammock...with 15 foot tree straps for the monster cedars and Douglas Fir.