New....with some questions

[Texas-grrl]

Hello....I am thinking of using a hammock instead of a backpacking tent but I have a few questions.

1. Is it practical to use a hammock when camping with dogs? I have two small dogs which would be in the hammock with me. I use accustomed to lounging in a hammock with my dogs. My concern is that there will not be room for me and my small dogs.

2. When tent camping, I put my backpack in my tent at night. When hammock camping, where do you put your backpack?

3. From my limited time here, I have learned that hammock sleeping is colder than tent sleeping. If I only plan to hammock camp in the summer, where the night-time temperature is in the 70s, do I still need to consider under-insulation? Of course, I realize that we each have a different temperature comfort level.

[Fronkey]

1. I go camping with my pup Kiba all the time. Here is a vid of us on an overnighter.



2. Usually when I am about to go to sleep, I just put my pack underneath my hammock because it's empty. You can hang it on your ridgeline too.

3. You usually can get away with no under insulation if it's above 70.

There is a series of videos by Shug you should check out. They're very informative and fun to watch too. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15516

Welcome to HF!

Fronkey

[HamMike]

1- If they tend to stay still it can be done just depends on how it goes when you lounge. Our shorkie jumps right up and curls up on the top quilt.

2- I put my pack under my hammock on a piece of tyvek I use as a small groundcloth. If the weather gets bad I wrap it over my pack.

3- You can get by with a pad at that temp and may not need it at all but 70 is about where I feel chilly at night

Welcome to the group.

[Nojack]

I cannot answer #1, but hopefully, I can give you some direction for the other two.

When I first began hammock camping, I would lay my backpack directly under my hammock and have on occassion hung it from a tree. (consideration- a large tarp can be outfitted to cover you like a bottomless tent.)

In my opinion, you will still need something between you and the outside air even in the 70's, but you may only need a fleece blanket.

All the answers to your questions will most-likely derive from your own experiences with hanging. Until you gain your own, try to research this site to help you better understand some of the finer points... a good place to start, if you haven't already, will be watching Shug's videos. He has a great way of explaining the art of hanging, as well as keeping you entertained while doing so.

Good luck to you

[redhawktx]

I hang my backpack either from a handy limb or hang it from a tree strap. Sort of like I do with a food bag.

[Texas-grrl]

Excellent advice....thanks, everyone!

[Shug]

Hey....I put backpack on the ground on a small ground cloth.
One night out and you will know if you need a pad or a weather-shield or a summer UQ or a poncho liner.
Have fun with it all and be patient...one bit at a time.
Shug

[sr1355]

Welcome aboard... some great questions with some fine answers already given...

[Fronkey]

I'm taking Kiba out for a 3 day romp in the woods this Weds and I'll take some good video on how I hammock with a dog.

Fronkey

[Texas-grrl]

Thanks, everyone.

Fronkey...thanks. I look forward to seeing it!