Let's Be Honest: Going To Ground While Backpacking

**kevperro** · 11-12-2018, 19:56

As I said.... some of my favorite places don't have trees. It all depends on where you hike and why you hike. I'm not going to tell people where they should sleep but being up on top of the world (when the weather permits) is very cool. I'll happily sleep on the ground.

**cmoulder** · 11-12-2018, 21:34

Originally Posted by kevperro

As I said.... some of my favorite places don't have trees. It all depends on where you hike and why you hike. I'm not going to tell people where they should sleep but being up on top of the world (when the weather permits) is very cool. I'll happily sleep on the ground.

I concur with this. While I really love to hammock, it is for me a means to an end and not the end itself. I'm a backpacker/hiker first and whatever shelter/sleep is chosen depends on where it is going to be used. Some of the most memorable places I have overnighted would not have worked with a hammock. When conditions permit, there are few things on this Earth that are better than bivying on a ridge or a peak to soak in the full display of a spectacular sunset or sunrise. Just put down a pad and bag and go to sleep on a rock slab.

GLT_05.jpg

**TiedUp** · 11-13-2018, 13:31

Was forced to ground once...but not from anything tree related. I forgot my straps!

**OlTrailDog** · 11-13-2018, 19:02

Originally Posted by TiedUp

Was forced to ground once...but not from anything tree related. I forgot my straps!

Hey, a good brain fart is the mother of invention. How well I know

.

I had to fashion cross bars on the WBRR out of my hiking poles once upon a hike. Managed to exceed the considerable compression forces and snap one end with this stellar work around too. I also learned that running shoes actually can work for hiking boots. Plus it kept my hiking boots safe and dry....at home.

**leiavoia** · 11-13-2018, 19:40

Originally Posted by OlTrailDog

I also learned that running shoes actually can work for hiking boots. Plus it kept my hiking boots safe and dry....at home.

Yup. I only hike with mid-height trail runners. I would never go back to "hiking boots" again.

**Mogollon Monster** · 11-13-2018, 20:48

I live in the desert and it hasn’t happened. Even in the land of cactus, you can always find 2 trees.

**cougarmeat** · 11-13-2018, 22:06

Though you wouldn't necessarily carry your shelter to the summit, I could see, in that video, that with a couple of rock climbing stoppers or hexes, you could anchor in the rock features and support a hammock. Just say'n.

**BillyBob58** · 11-14-2018, 10:54

Just saw this in the "are UL hammocks uncomfy" thread, thought it might be applicable to this thread:

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

I might be wrong, but there are quite a few reports of 1.0oz Robic hammocks failing; I don't remember reading any reports about 1.0oz HyperD hammocks failing. Maybe there are a lot more UL Robic hammocks in use, or HyperD-failures are under-reported. But my impression is that the Robic is weaker than the HyperD.

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

Quite a few? If so, then this deserves mention over in the "any one ever actually have to go to ground" thread. Since most don't pack a spare hammock, I'd say fabric failure would indeed force a person to ground. If you don't mind, I think I will copy this over in that thread.