Since I retired last year I've been doing lots of hammock camping. Having spent much of the last year in southern CA (read- lack of trees) I was in the habit of always bringing a tent as a backup, "just in case" I had to go to the ground. On a side note, that only happened once at Joshua Tree NP.
I decided rather than lug around an extra tent I had better learn how to go to the ground with my Claytor Jungle Hammock. There is a picture on their site of one on the ground but it's unclear and there is no tarp being used.
In reality two hiking poles or sticks are all that is needed. The setup is remarkably sturdy. After a bit of experimentation I discovered that it is easiest to set up the tarp first by simply wrapping the line once or twice around the hand grip and then staking the line to the ground. I then centered the hammock on the gound and attached the netting suspension lines to the same hand grips. Insert your mattress of choice and you're good to go. It was a sweet and sturdy setup and once I figured it out, took less time to setup than my tent.
Attached are two pics showing a setup with the poles low and extended. There was good rain coverage with both setups.
Anyone interested in buying a tent?
Miguel
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