Paraplegic hammock camping

**cbemmels** · 10-04-2015, 21:56

Hello forum, I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with hammock camping with a paraplegic. This spring a friend that is a outdoor fanatic was paralyzed at the T5 vertebrae from a motorcycle accident. He has good upper body mobility and really wants to go camping. I being a hammock camper am thinking a transfer from wheelchair to hammock would be much easier than chair ground and vice-versa. Does anyone here have any experience with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I can't wait to have my friend back out and about with me again.

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-04-2015, 22:06

Transfer from wheelchair to hammock sounds about as difficult as wheelchair to ground - definitely will take some practice, and it doesn't sound like something I'd try unassisted.

**Mtngeronimo** · 10-04-2015, 22:24

I would suggest running a strong overhead grab line above the hammock. Possibly 1" webbing with some grab handles integrated by tying butterfly knots, although handles may not be necessary. The line would have to be somewhat tight or secured high to compensate for sag for proper entry. Certainly something that should be backyard tested ahead of time.

**cbemmels** · 10-05-2015, 06:17

There will definitely need to be assistance. I was thinking that sliding hammock down behind the back between chair and person and with a strong ridge line to hold on to and slowly back the chair out.

**Redoleary** · 10-05-2015, 08:09

Perhaps a bottom entry hammock and some handles on the ridge line. Prolly still need some help getting his legs in/out, but you might even be able to rig up a pulley system off the r/l to raise/lower his legs.... Just spitballing some ideas.

**mountainhanger** · 10-05-2015, 08:24

I would go with straps like python straps so he could lift himself in and out. I presume he will not be alone in any case but wi th a hammock with tie outs it would be easier for him I believe. Also you might want 5o look into climbing gear for carabiner a and maybe some sort of harness if needed for legs. But set up at the right height he could easily with enough streng th grab a suspended strap above hammock ad lift self into it. Also if using one wi th bugnet attach a shock cord to zippers in order to close. Jus a few thoughts

**cbemmels** · 10-05-2015, 09:02

All great ideas. Please keep them coming.

**ksbcrocks** · 10-05-2015, 10:06

I definitely think having a ridgeline on the hammock that is easy to hold on to would help a lot. If weight and bulk is no concern, I'd use static climbing line if you don't want to deal with handles. If you want handles, you could slip a couple of 6" long pieces of pvc over a stout ridgeline and grab on to those.

**The Old Boot** · 10-05-2015, 10:19

I'd suggest looking at a bridge hammock for him along with a supplementary ridge line.

The bridge has much lower sides that IMO are more conducive to easy entry and exit.