Hanging above tree line

**buckeyeslinger** · 09-13-2013, 11:35

Out to colorado at the end of the month. I am looking to hit a few of the 14er peaks over the week that i have. Question is if i find that i am forced to make camp above the tree line, any suggestions other that turn my HH into a bivy?

Enlighten me o wise ones.

**altruistguy** · 09-13-2013, 11:40

I haven't tried out one of these things -- yet (mine arrives on Mon), but these look like a great option for when there's no trees around.

http://www.handyhammock.co.uk/

**Mountnman** · 09-13-2013, 11:46

Carry a sleeping pad and use your tarp and trekking poles as shelter, that's what I do anyways.

**buckeyeslinger** · 09-13-2013, 11:54

very cool. not too heavy, but looks like it could be a pain to pack in though. looking through some of the older threads on climbing nuts, might be worth carrying.

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 09-13-2013, 13:27

If you camp above timberline it will be by choice. It is usually possible to drop below timberline to camp. Above timberline in bad weather is very harsh.

I carry a NeoAir. It is an extra 9 oz., but when the weather is good it is a good experience to camp high. See my gallery photo of sunrise at 12,600.

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-13-2013, 14:28

Originally Posted by ringtail-THFKAfood

If you camp above timberline it will be by choice. It is usually possible to drop below timberline to camp. Above timberline in bad weather is very harsh.

+1
Above treeline in CO, end of September = Ohio in January, if you are unlucky.

Sometimes a tent just makes good sense.

**webhanger** · 09-14-2013, 01:49

Originally Posted by buckeyeslinger

very cool. not too heavy, but looks like it could be a pain to pack in though. looking through some of the older threads on climbing nuts, might be worth carrying.

A few pieces of climbing hardware & some extra strap may come in very helpful. Also weather on exposed ground can get harsh really fast particularly at high altitudes. Dont forget to think about lightning as well.

**Demeter** · 09-14-2013, 06:08

Originally Posted by ringtail-THFKAfood

If you camp above timberline it will be by choice. It is usually possible to drop below timberline to camp. Above timberline in bad weather is very harsh.

I carry a NeoAir. It is an extra 9 oz., but when the weather is good it is a good experience to camp high. See my gallery photo of sunrise at 12,600.

+2 on no camping above tree line. When hiking Mt. Elbert My husband and I almost got electrocuted by lightening. My hair started standing on end and I got a static burn from my visor. I grew up there and people get struck by lightening very frequently. Take the weather seriously and get below tree line to camp and when the clouds roll in...

Just my .02

**VictoriaGuy** · 09-14-2013, 11:51

Originally Posted by webhanger

A few pieces of climbing hardware & some extra strap may come in very helpful.

If you're an experienced rock leader, this is true.
Even with a full lead rack (heavy) of climbing nuts/cams, most beginners would have a hard time rigging up a hammock suspension in most spots.
An experienced climber could probably do the job with some pebbles and a few extra pieces of cordage.
However, in September/October (or most any season) most experienced climbers wouldn't be sleeping above treeline by choice - lots of good advice here on that issue...

**buckeyeslinger** · 09-16-2013, 10:40

Thanks all for the info. I have done several nights around 10K feet. but never made camp above that. But all of my most memorable trips have all been at really high elevation or really low temperature. Makes me feel like a bad a$$. Wasnt really looking to hang above the timberline, was more of a what if question, but the points about exposure are noted.
HF rules!
Power to the Hangers!