1st serious cold weather test for my Clark…

[6 feet over]

I slept out in my Clark NA two nights in Tioga County, PA this week. Tuesdays temp when I woke (06:10 or so after a good night’s sleep) was 27 degrees. I used my zero degree synthetic bag, a blue Wal-Mart pad (inside the hammock), and had no ‘insulation’ in the Clark’s bottom pockets (just my boots). I slept in 100% polyester long john bottoms, and a fleece long sleeve top, with a cap. I even left one side with only the bug screen zipped, and only zipped the ‘weather shield’ on the windward side.

I slept very well and was never cold. This was its first cold weather test. My three friends that slept in the cabin thought I was nuts, but I’m sure I was more comfortable than on their old pull out couch.

I’ve read much about hammocks being too cold (on hunting forums), but I essentially left my screen door open in 27 degrees and was OK. I’m sure if I zipped the weather shield on both sides, I could have taken this sleeping system to lower temps. A better pad would likely help some also.

Now I still have to perfect my set up to assure the rig is rain and wind proof. I already know many of you others have done this. I just haven’t perfected a system yet.

TTS

[Schneiderlein]

Congratulations on your first cold hang! Be careful though, this might change your whole outlook on weather. I don't think I am the only one around here watching the weather forecast actually hoping for cold, rainy, crappy weather just to go out and test my gear!

[Lone Wolf]

I'm from Central Pa (HBG area) and it was great hanging weather this week. I bet you were better rested than you couch sleeping buddies. Congrats.

[Miguel]

I slept out in my Clark NA two nights in Tioga County, PA this week. Tuesdays temp when I woke (06:10 or so after a good night’s sleep) was 27 degrees. I used my zero degree synthetic bag, a blue Wal-Mart pad (inside the hammock), and had no ‘insulation’ in the Clark’s bottom pockets (just my boots). I slept in 100% polyester long john bottoms, and a fleece long sleeve top, with a cap. I even left one side with only the bug screen zipped, and only zipped the ‘weather shield’ on the windward side.

I slept very well and was never cold. This was its first cold weather test. My three friends that slept in the cabin thought I was nuts, but I’m sure I was more comfortable than on their old pull out couch.

I’ve read much about hammocks being too cold (on hunting forums), but I essentially left my screen door open in 27 degrees and was OK. I’m sure if I zipped the weather shield on both sides, I could have taken this sleeping system to lower temps. A better pad would likely help some also.

Now I still have to perfect my set up to assure the rig is rain and wind proof. I already know many of you others have done this. I just haven’t perfected a system yet.

TTS

Tioga PA....it's a small world indeed. Myself and three other hangers are from just up the road in Elmira, NY. My daughter is from the Bloomsburg area and also owns a Clark. Seems that with a group that size a mini rendezvous would be in order this summer. We also do quite a bit of whitewater kayaking down near you. I've backpacked/hammocked the Loyalsock Trail few times. It's a great area. I'm in CA right now but will be returning to Elmira this summer. Let's get together for a group hang.

BTW...welcome to the hammocking fold.

Miguel

PS Lone Wolf...you can also join us...Harrisburg isn't that far away.

[6 feet over]

My friends were turkey hunting. I was there primarily to test my hammock in cold weather (didn’t even bother bringing a gun). I was without a doubt hoping for cold, wet weather. It was raining steadily early Monday and some of the drive up, but the rain was mainly over by the time I got there. It was just as well as my tarp’s side line failed and the wind blew it over the top. Actually, my tent stake gave way as it was in spongy soil and there were no nearby trees on that side. I used that pain free lesson to make sure my tarp is well anchored (especially on the windward side!).

I definitely need practice on my set up style. I wouldn’t want to be setting up in heavy wind or rain, as I’m slow and haven’t developed a good eye for centering the hammock on the first try. My problem is I don’t have any good spots to practice near my house.

[6 feet over]

Tioga PA....it's a small world indeed. Myself and three other hangers are from just up the road in Elmira, NY. My daughter is from the Bloomsburg area and also owns a Clark. Seems that with a group that size a mini rendezvous would be in order this summer. We also do quite a bit of whitewater kayaking down near you. I've backpacked/hammocked the Loyalsock Trail few times. It's a great area. I'm in CA right now but will be returning to Elmira this summer. Let's get together for a group hang.

BTW...welcome to the hammocking fold.

Miguel

PS Lone Wolf...you can also join us...Harrisburg isn't that far away.

Miguel,

I know you’re a Claytor guy, and I have one of those as well. I’ve yet to use it though, as my son took it every night we hung together. I’m not really happy with the stock suspension system on that, but I don’t have the time to experiment and change it. I’d like to go with rings, but I’d have to see them work to trust them with my weight. (I’m only 200 lbs, but I don’t feel like falling on my rear!).

A mini meeting sometime this summer sounds good to me, but I work weekends so early week fits my schedule better. I'm actually 4 hours from Tioga. My friends have told me the Tioga River has a good launch near the Tioga & Hammond Lakes area. I’d like to take my son out on my Bass Boat and perhaps just camp somewhere along the rivers edge, or lakeside. Have you done this often?

Campground “camping” holds no allure to me. Apart from meeting some other hangers like you, I’m looking to get away from crowds, not ‘camp’ right next to other people.

[Lone Wolf]

Hey 6ft over,
I love camping on the river. I dont really backpack anymore(lame knees) but regularly take the yak & hammock for overnight camping. I have 4 yaks and would love to get together with some fellow hangers on a float trip. If you guys plan a mini meeting, please drop me a line.

[Miguel]

6 Feet and Lone Wolf

I have been to the dam but not for camping. I too am not crazy about campgrounds but since I'm recentley retired and constantly travel, I suse them quite frequently. One of the most beautiful places to camp is along the Loyalsock Creek. It's part of the park but not within the campground. It's near the road and part of the Loyalsock trail system....a real easy hike in for someone with bad knees. You could fish for trout right out of your hammock.
Since I'm retired I could go anytime...everyday is Saturday to me. :) Retirement.....I highly endorse it. See you guys this summer. Oh yeah....the other three people in the Elmira area all own Claytor hammocks and use the strap/cinch buckle method of suspension.

Happy hanging, Miguel

[6 feet over]

This was the deal. With this type of pad inside the hammock…

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/TTSinPA/IMG_0777.jpg

I was comfortable when I woke...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/TTSinPA/temp.jpg

This was the set up...(orange vest so my turkey hunting pals don't shoot me!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/TTSinPA/IMG_0761.jpg

and this was the cabin I DIDN'T sleep in!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k106/TTSinPA/IMG_0773.jpg

[slowhike]

nice cabin... but i'll bet you slept more comfortable<G>.
and i like the kind of view you had from your hammock better too.

[Ramblinrev]

Ok... so there is a cluster of hangers in PA. Please feel free to include me in any group stuff that gets planned. I am kind of halfway between Harrisburg and Tioga. Lewisburg is right across the river.

My daughter would like to do some canoe camping this summer. I have a open, flat water boat that she wants to get out in. The Susquehanna is only about a 150 feet from my house. But I don't know the river well enuf to know where to camp and how reasonable it would be.

I guess some of this depends on whether a HH owner is allowed in the claytor/clark world.. :?)

My daughter is a ground dweller, in part cause we don't have two hammocks.

I have a "base camp" type trip planned for the Haystacks at the end of Loyalsock trail in a couple of weeks. Let me know if you are interested in getting together with me on that.

[Lone Wolf]

Hi RamblinRev,
I have floated and camped from the liverpool area down to City Island. There are some great spots on the islands for camping down there. Call Mary at Blue Mountain Outfitters and they will direct you to some nice camping spots and provide a shuttle if it is just you and your daughter. If someone plans a group float/camp, I would be happy to lend your daughter a HH or CC LEX. My son is 12 and uses a CC LEX with great results. Kayaking and hammock camping are 2 of my 3 favorite things to do(not counting family). Add smallie fishing and I am in heaven.

[6 feet over]

Lone Wolf,

Can you PM me with info on Mary and Blue Mountain Outfitters. I have a bass boat, but am interested in a canoe float trip with my son for fishing & wilderness (not campground) camping. I have no interest in camping in a pre-determined spot with total strangers. I’d prefer to get away alone with my son (or perhaps meet with some of the folks here).

Do they provide canoes? Can you keep them over one or several nights? What rivers do they work on? Any info & contact numbers would be great.

Thanks,

6

Edit: I looked them up on-line.

[6 feet over]

nice cabin... but i'll bet you slept more comfortable<G>.
and i like the kind of view you had from your hammock better too.

I’ve already slept on their couch, and I DID sleep better in the hammock ( the owner snores very loudly).

The weather shield and tarp blocked most of my good view. If confident in the forecast, do you guys often hang without the tarp set at all? Or do you just hang it high?