View Full Version : Hammock Camp the entire JMT? Y or N
:eek: I also posted this question on Backpacker's site. It will be fun to see if the two forums answer the same or quite differently.
Can it be done?
I see many pictures of hangers that hang above tree-line on boulders....
Keep an open mind....and feel free to laugh and share your thoughts, yes I may be, probably am..nuts. Mule
I dont know enoguh about the different types of terrian you'll encounter. i know it's mostly above treeline, but as for trying to hang by using climbing gear, i just do know, but say YEA go for it, just bring something as a backup if you find you can't hang all the way. I'd love to do the JMT sometime so let us know.
I dont know enoguh about the different types of terrian you'll encounter. i know it's mostly above treeline, but as for trying to hang by using climbing gear, i just do know, but say YEA go for it, just bring something as a backup if you find you can't hang all the way. I'd love to do the JMT sometime so let us know.
Let's do it this summer Ghost 93. Mule
So many trails so little time.
I talked to someone at some point this summer about it. I was told there are more trees in some places than is let on. But there are also stretches without many.
Somewhere I remember reading that a lot of people cowboy camp, which is super fun. The biggest issues are condensation, it might not be at that height. I also remember reading somewhere that after a certain time bugs are not an issue so bugnetting isn't needed.
As our buddy Bulldog said, I would bring a hammock setup, a pad you are comfortable sleeping on the ground with, a ground sheet, and be able to setup your tarp on the ground.
Sounds like a great time though.
I'd love to...But If I did it would have to be Mid August or so because Im going to NOLS to take a WMI course. Ill be taking the WEMT course to catch up for paramedic school. Ill think about, but i think Id be intrested. As for the ground sheet, a GG polycryo sheet in ultra light so you can carry a sudo ground setup.
headchange4u
12-31-2007, 20:52
As long as you have a suitable ground setup to fall back on, I think it would be doable.
So many trails so little time.
I talked to someone at some point this summer about it. I was told there are more trees in some places than is let on. But there are also stretches without many.
Somewhere I remember reading that a lot of people cowboy camp, which is super fun. The biggest issues are condensation, it might not be at that height. I also remember reading somewhere that after a certain time bugs are not an issue so bugnetting isn't needed.
As our buddy Bulldog said, I would bring a hammock setup, a pad you are comfortable sleeping on the ground with, a ground sheet, and be able to setup your tarp on the ground.
Sounds like a great time though.
Hammock Engineer, I think your old buddy, Bulldog is right on. I entend to take a tarp that can be used on the ground or over a hammock. I have seen pictures of people hanging between boulders too. If I took, say, twenty feet of webbing on each side instead of 12 that may be possible too, and maybe some of those gadgets that fit into cracks in rock to hang from. Mule
I'd love to...But If I did it would have to be Mid August or so because Im going to NOLS to take a WMI course. Ill be taking the WEMT course to catch up for paramedic school. Ill think about, but i think Id be intrested. As for the ground sheet, a GG polycryo sheet in ultra light so you can carry a sudo ground setup.
I hear there are some advantages in going in August especially if the mountains got a lot of snowpack that year. Please do keep this in mind and stay in touch. Mule
As long as you have a suitable ground setup to fall back on, I think it would be doable.
Thanks Headchange, does that mean you are coming? Just kidding, I wish you could though. I hope this happens for me this year. Mule.
slowhike
01-01-2008, 10:12
Hammock Engineer, I think your old buddy, Bulldog is right on. I entend to take a tarp that can be used on the ground or over a hammock. I have seen pictures of people hanging between boulders too. If I took, say, twenty feet of webbing on each side instead of 12 that may be possible too, and maybe some of those gadgets that fit into cracks in rock to hang from. Mule
sounds like a good plan to have those few extra ozs along on that trail.
i'd guess that they would add enough to your hammocking (& high quality rest) to justify the ozs.
I did the entire JMT solo North to South in August of 07. Did it in 23 days. Two days to were to re-supply and one day lay over at Charlotte Lake. Going to do it again in August of 08, but South to North this time. Would like some company this time. If any one wants some first hand info feel free to email
[email protected]
Michael
The above thread can be found in the thread "John Muir Trail" under 'finding hiking partners.' I introduced the question on a post about how hard it would be to hammock camp the whole trip and I have recieved such positive answers. the above is one of them. I am so encouraged! :D
Mule
I did the entire JMT solo North to South in August of 07. Did it in 23 days. Two days to were to re-supply and one day lay over at Charlotte Lake. Going to do it again in August of 08, but South to North this time. Would like some company this time. If any one wants some first hand info feel free to email
[email protected]
Michael
The above thread can be found in the thread "John Muir Trail" under 'finding hiking partners.' I introduced the question on a post about how hard it would be to hammock camp the whole trip and I have recieved such positive answers. the above is one of them. I am so encouraged! :D
Mule
I used a Hennessey Hammock on the JMT in '05. I hung from rocks on two occasions, used it as a bivy (no trees or rocks) twice, and slung between trees the other nights. To sling on rock, I carry two climbers nuts and two climbers carabiners.
My experience is not that it is difficult to find a place to hang the hammock, but rather it is hard to keep warm in the hammock once above 9K feet, which is often on the JMT. That high, plan on carrying an extra thermal pad to keep your backside warm. Having said that, it is truly the best sleep out there, but can get chilly, even in night temps as high as low 40s. One night, at a lower elevation, I slung from trees but over wet soggy ground from an all day rain and hail storm. My partners all sloshed around to find some dry spots -- usually not level -- to pitch tents. I hung above it all and slept like a baby.
This above quote is actually the quote I meant to show on this forum. The responses I have so far on the 'can the JMT be hammock camped' has been so encouraging. If I get to do it this year I will definitely be HOMOCK CAMPING. Hurray!
Mule
slowhike
01-01-2008, 20:31
that quote is good news.
it's obvious that this fella had not learned to take hammocking to the level it is now as far as light weight, cold weather hammocking.
you have a real advantage over him w/ the advances that have been made & the information available here.
you will do just fine... not only sleep soft, but warm too.
that quote is good news.
it's obvious that this fella had not learned to take hammocking to the level it is now as far as light weight, cold weather hammocking.
you have a real advantage over him w/ the advances that have been made & the information available here.
you will do just fine... not only sleep soft, but warm too.
I agree Slowhike, I have no problem with the teens and probably would have no problem with the single digits either. It is a matter of moving your insulation to where you need it, and almost everything we carrry of any bulk is in fact insulation. I am very encouraged about the JMT now. I was not looking forward to tent or bivy nights on any camp-out. Mule
Just Jeff
01-01-2008, 22:17
One reason it's harder to stay warm above 9k' is just acclimation. The air is a lot thinner so your body doesn't work as well (less oxygen pumping around in your blood), and it's a lot drier so hydration is tougher. That makes it feel colder than it really is, if you're used to camping at lower elevations.
One reason it's harder to stay warm above 9k' is just acclimation. The air is a lot thinner so your body doesn't work as well (less oxygen pumping around in your blood), and it's a lot drier so hydration is tougher. That makes it feel colder than it really is, if you're used to camping at lower elevations.
Thanks, Just Jeff. I am somewhat familiar with high altitude air. One good thing is that starting at Yosemite and moving South gives you plenty of time to acclimate and get rid of some muscle soreness as the passes get higher. Don't get me wrong, at age 61, I know I am going to be challenge greatly on this hike even though I would be taking the full three plus weeks. I did Whitney when I was Twenty years of age and took two days up and one down and even then it kicked my @$$. Mule
Wayne Kraft
01-19-2008, 12:25
Great thread! I'm hoping to hammock the JMT one of these years, but it won't be this year. I am not a climber and I'm not all that familiar with the various types of hardware one might use to hang from rock. Anyone got any pix of setups or advice on what types of hardware to carry?
FanaticFringer
01-20-2008, 01:16
Great thread! I'm hoping to hammock the JMT one of these years, but it won't be this year. I am not a climber and I'm not all that familiar with the various types of hardware one might use to hang from rock. Anyone got any pix of setups or advice on what types of hardware to carry?
Welcome to the forum. That kind of hanging is not very popular around here. Kinda risky IMO. Here is a thread that talks about it www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=611&highlight=climbing+cams
ColdBack
01-23-2008, 01:04
I used an Hennesey A-Sym on a 14day JMT a couple of years ago. Went last week of August/first week of September.
Finding trees to hang from wasn't that big of a problem but I was really cold and took to sleeping on the ground to stay warm - Amazing what a good insulator the ground is. I'm thinking of trying it again if I can find a better insulating system than my blue foam pads and windshield reflector.
If you do it, just make sure you have the ability to sleep on the ground too.
You can hike the JMT using a hammock. If you can be comfortable sleeping on the ground, I recommend that you sleep on the ground instead of using a hammock.
The JMT goes up and down, over a pass and back down to a drainage, up into the treeless tundra and then back down into the trees, up and away from the bugs and above the bears and then back down to where it's a little warmer and more damp with bugs and bears. With a hammock you are limited to the lower areas. You have to plan so that you will end your day near the trees.
The weather is usually clear with occasional afternoon thundershowers and an infrequent storm system that moves through. A lightweight tent such as from Tarptent is popular. I prefer to carry a tarp that I almost never have to set up and cowboy camp. The vegetation is sparse so you can camp almost anywhere. At the lower elevations, especially in a meadow, there is often condensation that will quickly dry out if you lay out your sleepingbag in the midday sun. And there will also be the bugs that I deal with by sleeping wearing a long nylon top and bottom with a headnet if necessary.
The best place to sleep is at some middle elevation where you avoid the condensation and bugs below and avoid the colder air above.
If you can spare the day I strongly recommend climbing Split Mtn just south of Mather Pass. Camp by the lake just east of the trail. Early in the morning go either way around the lake, the climb up to the saddle has been done by horses, and then you have an easy climb up what is like a ramp to the peak to the south. It is over 14,000' and in the middle of the highest peaks in the Sierras, and it overlooks Owens Valley 10,000' below and White Mtn across the valley which is the third highest peak in California. More spectacular than Whitney.
I hope you enjoy a beautiful hike, with or without a hammock.
You can hike the JMT using a hammock. If you can be comfortable sleeping on the ground, I recommend that you sleep on the ground instead of using a hammock.
The JMT goes up and down, over a pass and back down to a drainage, up into the treeless tundra and then back down into the trees, up and away from the bugs and above the bears and then back down to where it's a little warmer and more damp with bugs and bears. With a hammock you are limited to the lower areas. You have to plan so that you will end your day near the trees.
The weather is usually clear with occasional afternoon thundershowers and an infrequent storm system that moves through. A lightweight tent such as from Tarptent is popular. I prefer to carry a tarp that I almost never have to set up and cowboy camp. The vegetation is sparse so you can camp almost anywhere. At the lower elevations, especially in a meadow, there is often condensation that will quickly dry out if you lay out your sleepingbag in the midday sun. And there will also be the bugs that I deal with by sleeping wearing a long nylon top and bottom with a headnet if necessary.
The best place to sleep is at some middle elevation where you avoid the condensation and bugs below and avoid the colder air above.
If you can spare the day I strongly recommend climbing Split Mtn just south of Mather Pass. Camp by the lake just east of the trail. Early in the morning go either way around the lake, the climb up to the saddle has been done by horses, and then you have an easy climb up what is like a ramp to the peak to the south. It is over 14,000' and in the middle of the highest peaks in the Sierras, and it overlooks Owens Valley 10,000' below and White Mtn across the valley which is the third highest peak in California. More spectacular than Whitney.
I hope you enjoy a beautiful hike, with or without a hammock.
Thanks for the excellent advice. I think what I am going to do is take my Claytor Hammock and a Mac Cat fly, use the hammock as a bivy unless I happen to be close to some trees and not worry about hanging unless it is convenient. That way I won't inconvenience the others in the group. I have a great system for staying warm in a hammock, so thats not a problem.
Question (off the subject a bit)
Rules say one must pack out toilet paper, not burn, not bury. I read also that Rangers may check to see if you are using this method as well as bear containers. Is this true? Comments?
Mule
riverkeeper
03-16-2008, 00:29
I worked as a bc ranger one year in Sequoia NP and mostly worked at around 10K and occ + --- it could get surprisingly freaking cold at night ... est <20* at times.
Hanging should work 100% in WA, 98% in OR and pretty well in all but S CA ... prolly have to go to ground a few times there.
I worked as a bc ranger one year in Sequoia NP and mostly worked at around 10K and occ + --- it could get surprisingly freaking cold at night ... est <20* at times.
Hanging should work 100% in WA, 98% in OR and pretty well in all but S CA ... prolly have to go to ground a few times there.
Thank you, Do you know the what the real world of disposing human waste is like on the JMT? Mule
>Do you know the what the real world of disposing human waste is like on the JMT?
The JMT is 211 miles long plus the 10 miles to get off Whitney. The 10 miles down from Whitney and the similar distance near the other end at Yosemite Valley have a lot of people. On the rest of the trail it is easy to get away from people.
All you do is walk away from the trail until you are out of sight, dig a hole, and go to the bathroom. If you use toilet paper then you should carry the paper out because if you leave it there it takes a long time to decompose and it will be exposed by animals. Burning the paper has unfortunately caused major fires. There are other alternatives such as leaves or water that you have with you.
You get dirty in the wilderness. It is important to keep certain parts of your body reasonably clean. Proper hygiene is important to prevent illness. In general, however, you learn to tolerate a level of cleanliness that is different than what is normally expected in "civilization".
If you want further information, the book "How to **** in the Woods" may be helpful. For additional information on the JMT try pcta dot org or the PCT-L mail list run from backcountry dot net.
>Do you know the what the real world of disposing human waste is like on the JMT?
The JMT is 211 miles long plus the 10 miles to get off Whitney. The 10 miles down from Whitney and the similar distance near the other end at Yosemite Valley have a lot of people. On the rest of the trail it is easy to get away from people.
All you do is walk away from the trail until you are out of sight, dig a hole, and go to the bathroom. If you use toilet paper then you should carry the paper out because if you leave it there it takes a long time to decompose and it will be exposed by animals. Burning the paper has unfortunately caused major fires. There are other alternatives such as leaves or water that you have with you.
You get dirty in the wilderness. It is important to keep certain parts of your body reasonably clean. Proper hygiene is important to prevent illness. In general, however, you learn to tolerate a level of cleanliness that is different than what is normally expected in "civilization".
If you want further information, the book "How to **** in the Woods" may be helpful. For additional information on the JMT try pcta dot org or the PCT-L mail list run from backcountry dot net.
Thanks, I have no problem *******g in the woods and burning and then burying the stuff in a cathole. Thanks for the information. I also have read how to **** in the woods years ago. With all the rules and regulations involved, I think I am going to do just a part of the trail and use the water thing you mentioned. I appreciate the help. Mule
Ghost Ranger
02-11-2009, 16:08
Go for it! Many ground campers take only a tarp and often in good weather don't put up the tarp. August and early September are the best times to avoid bugs but not all of them. To avoid bugs stay away from water by hanging on a ridge or hillside that is dry and it will be warmer also. Great website for pictures of most of the JMT by hammock hikers.
jmthiker.com Go to site #8 John Muir Trail 2003 trip day 1-27. Starts day 4 so just see previous to look at all pictures. Lots of trees and some hammock pictures. Mickey