Where to hang pack/rifle in wet weather?

**Chiefstryker** · 07-23-2013, 02:00

For the pack normally I clip it to the hammock suspension.
Since I don't hunt I am not sure, but I can see my uncle who is an avid hunter take a gear hammock and put it in there wrapped in a a piece of oil cloth. At least I think that what they used to wrap firearms in, in the olden days.
That is what I would do cause of the odd size and weight/position of a rifle instead of trying to hang it off of the suspension.
I hope my rambling helps a little.

**Zigerot** · 07-23-2013, 02:28

I usually do the ground cloth thing, or if you don't want any extra weight you can use your ponch and sort of wrap it up so there is no ground contact.

I have been thinking about making a gear hammock though for just this reason. It would be a stupid easy project and add about 6 oz to the pack but I just haven't got around to it.

**ataris121** · 07-23-2013, 05:55

Get a couple Gear straps and a silicone sock and hang the rifle from your suspension or a soft case and sleep with it. as for packs I like to hang mine at the head of my hammock, it lowers the head end a little

**Zigerot** · 07-23-2013, 06:08

Originally Posted by ataris121

as for packs I like to hang mine at the head of my hammock, it lowers the head end a little

That's a really good idea!
I usually put my pack on the ground just because my tarp isn't that much longer then my hammock, but I think I'll re arang some stuff and try this next time.

**Acer** · 07-23-2013, 06:33

You can always use a pack cover made from silnylon or cuben by Zpacks for the pack,,trash bags (don't weight much if anything) work as well over pack and rifle even if its encased. Hang them both off the tree that you tie to if you don't want to put them on the ground. If I am carrying a poncho,,these work also when not packing or carrying. I have also packed a camo umbrella that I have used for rain especially when hunting,,doesn't weigh that much and is worth its weight in a downpour.

**zukiguy** · 07-23-2013, 16:35

I typically do the tyvek/cover option for my pack and other spare items. I have one of the "Just Jeff's" pack covers so I could rig it as a gear hammock but so far I just haven't had the desire to do so.

This weekend at the "no underquilt hang" here in Ocala I believe Life Scout may have changed my mind. He and his wife both had larger gear hammocks that doubled as hammock chairs during the day. In a pinch these could be pressed into service for kids too. In order to have the gear hammock off the ground but below my main hammock it requires hanging a bit higher than I'd prefer. For cold weather or high wind I'm not sure how well this will work. I'm now wondering if I can rig maybe a side pullout or something to offset the two slightly (just brainstorming). Time to get some cheap fabric and start prototyping....

**Cannibal** · 07-23-2013, 17:12

Hang the pack from the suspension and the rifle from the ridgeline (if you have one).

I don't generally have much left in my pack once I'm setup, so it usually just goes under my legs in the hammock. The times that I do want it out of the hammock, it is either hung on the suspension as ataris121 explained, or hooked to the tree (nice weather).

I have had success hanging a rifle/shotgun from the ridgeline with two loops. It does change the lay of the hammock a bit depending on how heavy the firearm, but never so much that I regret doing it. I just am not comfortable with a firearm outside of my immediate control; especially when sleeping.

Now if you want to change hammocks, the Ridgerunner handles the problem nicely.

**Floridahanger** · 07-23-2013, 19:23

Originally Posted by zukiguy

I typically do the tyvek/cover option for my pack and other spare items. I have one of the "Just Jeff's" pack covers so I could rig it as a gear hammock but so far I just haven't had the desire to do so.

This weekend at the "no underquilt hang" here in Ocala I believe Life Scout may have changed my mind. He and his wife both had larger gear hammocks that doubled as hammock chairs during the day. In a pinch these could be pressed into service for kids too. In order to have the gear hammock off the ground but below my main hammock it requires hanging a bit higher than I'd prefer. For cold weather or high wind I'm not sure how well this will work. I'm now wondering if I can rig maybe a side pullout or something to offset the two slightly (just brainstorming). Time to get some cheap fabric and start prototyping....

For a light, inexpensive solution, I agree with a gear hammock. It's multifunction is great for hunting trips. It also is good for a wet trip as it can be used as a weathershield close to the hammock.

**gargoyle** · 07-23-2013, 20:22

jeez cannibal...you wonder why your packweight is up there??

To the OP..Speaking of packweight..if the extra tarp is too much, what are going to do if you get 100-200 lb deer 20 miles back in the woods?

Condensation will be a killer on the firearm. Bring a good supply of gun oil.
IF I were to go hammock/hunting, I'd go with the Dixon RollerPack for hauling all the gear and possible game.
Dixon