Hanging on the JMT

[southmark]

[QUOTE=So it’s part of the PCT?[/QUOTE]

Actually it might be more accurate to say that the PCT uses part of the JMT. The JMT was completed first. The PCT connects to the JMT at Tuolumne Meadows 20 something miles into the JMT.

[lori]

I'll be doing a section hike on the JMT starting on June 19 this year, from Reds Meadow to Happy Trails.

I had to do several double takes before realizing you mean Happy Isles - no such trailhead or location as Happy Trails.

You're going to be pretty miserable on the ground with a thinlight. Nights are frequently below freezing - that's not enough insulation to keep you warm. I have a thinlite - I've never used it but once on the ground, and never, ever again.

Be careful with trees above 9000 feet - they are springy and will plant you butt to ground if the wind comes up. I had a not so nice wake up on the other side of Donahue Pass.

[Tucson Tom]

Last year I did three week long backpacks in the High Sierra, found myself often on parts of the JMT, in fact my last hike was a section entering at Kearsarge Pass and exiting over Mount Whitney. I found it ideal for hammock camping. A good guideline is that treeline is about 11,000 feet, but there are a few long sections where you would find yourself above timberline. I think with some intelligent planning and effort you would never find yourself unable to use a hammock, but it all depends on your IQ On one trip I knew I was going to be on the ground above timberline for two nights and packed a ridgerest pad to cover my bets for those nights. I am just getting ready to post some photos.

[Oms]

This is on my to-do-list. Would like to take a month off of work and do the whole thing. We shall see

[Oms]

Where do you get the best info for the trail?

[corrumpu]

Google and there are several books on the JMT (history of, planning etc)
I am planning to do the JMT this year and hope to hang every night ( understanding that i will have to hike high, sleep low)

[Ron S]

How long would your tree straps have to be? I read on a previous thread concerning this they would have to be at least 15'. It would be a real drag to get all the way out there from Kansas and come up short.

[Bob Mac]

I hiked the JMT a few years ago with my hammock. I didn't have any problems finding a place to hang BUT, you could run into an area that is tough to find trees. you really have to pay attention where you are so your not caught above tree line.