What is for me the greatest advantage of hammock hiking -- being able to set up your shelter almost anywhere -- doesn't apply in the National Parks, where you must camp at designated backcountry campsites. But getting off the ground can be extra important at these campsites, since heavy use has often compacted the soil so badly that an impermeable depression is formed that can fill up with several inches of water (enough to overtop the "bathtub floor" of a tent) when it rains hard. Then you really could be in a (filled) bathtub, along with your sleeping gear.
I prefer a hammock, my GF prefers a tent, and we are hiking the Wonderland trail this summer (if we get a permit). I'm hoping to get some info/advice from folks on this forum concerning compaction of soil at backcountry campsites on the Wonderland Trail. Is it so bad that I should convinced the GF to go with a hammock?
Yeah, I know I should be working on her to use a hammock anyway. . . but can I make an honest, legitimate case that she stands a good chance of getting soaked if she sticks with her tent?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
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