backpacking with.... tenters!

**bristolview** · 03-05-2009, 21:04

When I go backpacking with friends, I think of it as a social event. Often however, the tenters (You know the type, those guys who sleep in those ground things... tents) pitch camps where there are open areas. Open areas are however, lousy for hammocks. This means that the ground dwellers are pitched near each other (social), and then in the outskirts and shadows, the proper hammock resides (anti-social). Hmmmm....... anyone have any good fixes or compromises for this situation. I want to be more social, but I don't want to give up my hammock and return to ground dwelling. Tips and advice? (And no, I don't think I'll be able to convince them all to switch to hammocks. Some, yes)

**Ramblinrev** · 03-05-2009, 21:10

This line of reason has always puzzled me. Maybe I am just non-social to start with. I have found that the social activity generally takes place outside the tents, with relatively few exceptions, this being a family oriented board. So I will hang around the campfire or the social gathering place until I want to wander off and sleep. Once I am in my hammock, I don't much care where the social center is. I am where I want to be. I guess what I am saying is _I_ (personal statement) don't see the problem. YMMV

**Rushthezeppelin** · 03-05-2009, 21:21

Don't worry, hammocks become the centers of activity in a campsite if it is raining during meal time. Ground dwellers are notorious for stealing idea of cooking under our nice open tarps.

**angrysparrow** · 03-05-2009, 21:22

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Once I am in my hammock, I don't much care where the social center is. I am where I want to be. I guess what I am saying is _I_ (personal statement) don't see the problem. YMMV

I agree with that.

I think he may be saying that the tenting may happen in open areas, and he has to hammock camp some distance away. I don't think that would bother me, but I guess it could be lonesome for some.

**pedro** · 03-05-2009, 21:40

You could pick the nearest tree to the clearing and do a one tree hang. Personally, I want to sleep away from others because of potential snoring, if for no other reason.

**swampfox** · 03-05-2009, 21:53

I camp with several ground dwellers. Generally, they will all be in the clearing, side by side, and I'll be 30 ft. away in the woods. I love the solitude, privacy, peace and quiet, etc. Wouldn't have it any other way.
BTW, so far, I've only converted one friend to hanging, but the others always check out my set-up, gather around while I set-up and take down. (Snakeskins just fascinate them) It's only a matter of time.

**guySmiley** · 03-05-2009, 22:00

Originally Posted by pedro

You could pick the nearest tree to the clearing and do a one tree hang. Personally, I want to sleep away from others because of potential snoring, if for no other reason.

It's the noise from the other end that bothers me.

**HitchHiking** · 03-05-2009, 23:42

Yeah I enjoy being away for others when camping. Im usualy on my own anyway. but when I have a mate or two with us they are usualy very interested in the hammock and will chat for a minute or two about it till we realise we are shattered from the day and then crash out.

**photomankc** · 03-06-2009, 00:29

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

This line of reason has always puzzled me. Maybe I am just non-social to start with. I have found that the social activity generally takes place outside the tents, with relatively few exceptions, this being a family oriented board. So I will hang around the campfire or the social gathering place until I want to wander off and sleep. Once I am in my hammock, I don't much care where the social center is. I am where I want to be. I guess what I am saying is _I_ (personal statement) don't see the problem. YMMV

I completely agree. Nothing about sleeping is social to me so if I find a spot that's 50 feet away to sleep I have no issues at all. Maybe if it were a 1/4 mile walk or something I might feel a little isolated but I hate hearing people talking, moving, zipping, unzipping, snoring, burping, arguing and so-forth. I much prefer a little distance from the congregation.

**froldt** · 03-06-2009, 08:08

I have to agree with everyone... I will sit around the fire and socialize, but when I'm ready for bed, I'm ready for bed. Since I generally crash before my friends do, having a bit of distance is rather convenient, as this helps their talking fade into the background.