First Backpacking Trip

[grantrs]

Planning on hiking the Timberline Trail around Mt Hood next week. This will be my first backpacking trip with a hammock. Car camped a few times with a hammock.
Any hammock tips for a backpacking trip?

[TrailSlug]

Pack light and have fun is always my suggestions. Oh and test your setup in the backyard if you can to be sure you have everything.

[grantrs]

Thanks, I did test the setup last weekend.

[mbal1856]

If this is something you plan on continuing, I would make a list of everything that you bring, then at the end of the trip, review the list and ditch anything you didn't use. Of course still packing essentials that you would bring even if not used, ie first aid kit. Helps keep you from over packing.

[rockhead]

As far as the hammy goes, make sure you have enough insulation, as even in the summer in high altitude it gets cooler than you think. Hanging next to a stream makes for a great nights sleep but can lower the temps especially if near the shoulder seasons.

Drink ALOT at water sources and before you leave camp and when you first make camp. None before bed; nothing’s worse than having to pee while otherwise comfy in your hammock. Make SURE you sleep well- you will really need it the next day. Sleep aids are your friends, whatever they are.

First trip don’t plan on more than 7-8 miles a day unless you are in great shape. The lighter you go, the longer, the better.

Oh and don’t camp in an area that’s too buggy, sometimes you can run into an area where everything is just hatching.

Poles will help immensely. Helps regulate and increase pace, more so uphill. Obvious benny’s include stream crossings, slippery areas, steep downhills and makes a good weapon against large animals.


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[Dvankirk]

Practice getting your tarp up first and then doing everything else underneath it in case it rains.

[leiavoia]

I do hope you are in reasonably good shape and have at least some backpacking experience to begin with. This is not a beginner's hike.

Best sites for hammocks on the Timberline:
- In the forested trail immediately before the Sandy River (South side).
- Cairn Basin (bring 12ft+ tree straps. trees are huge here.)
- Ramona Falls.
- Any of the trailside dry camps between Elk Cove and Cloud Cap
- The campground at Cloud Cap junction (bring water up with you from the creek).
- Possibly down the Gnarl Ridge Trail to Elk Meadows.
- Just past Newton Creek (South Side). Follow the squirrel trail to the left just as you pick up the trail on the other side of the creek.

[Ohoopee]

Load your pack so what you might possibly need is readily accessible. Light, rain jacket,
gps, first aid kit for example. Remember to take some mole tape or such for any hotspot
that starts to develop into a blister. Stop and address it asap)). 1/4 mile can make a difference
on a blister. I am usually near a river or stream so I dont carry a large bottle of water. A small
one and fill as necessary from your purifying system.