"If you've ever had to go to ground"

[SilvrSurfr]

The "what if I have to go to ground?" topic comes up often from people new to hammock camping. Some people's imaginations run wild and they think, "But what if there's a really bad storm?" and other scenarios that would force them to ground.

There is absolutely nothing that would send me to ground, except accidentally leaving my hammock at home. If I were going somewhere without trees, I'd bring a tent. However, I doubt I'd camp anywhere without trees 'cause then I'd have to sleep on the ground.

[MichHiker1]

If you do go to the ground, and you plan to use the WallyWorld tarp, make sure it does not become a giant rain-catch or collect ground runoff in a storm or rain.

I have seen a video, maybe on YouTube, where there is a hanging setup with only 1 tree.

Most likely, you will plan your trips where there are plenty of trees. Good luck!

[Guitarman]

The hammock pictured in the second post is the bear mountain bridge hammock.

The picture shows that it can be done, although it would need a ground cloth and pad to stay warm and protect the bottom of the hammock.

[Catavarie]

If I ever did…….
Shug

I'm trying to figure out why that hammock is on the ground with all those lovely trees behind it.

[Doctari]

I can't imagine going to ground when I can still walk, however "just in case" I have practiced going to ground. I use my trekking poles as support & as in the pictures above, I turn my hammock & tarp into a tent. I will admit to not having practiced with this since getting the "Palace" tarp, and I never actually got in the "Tent" but I do know how to set it up, at least in my back yard.
So my (do as I say not as I do*) advice is: If concerned, once you figure out how you are going to do it; practice practice practice!




*I haven't practiced in 4 years. Figure I'll never need the skill.

[FLRider]

Trekking poles or sticks are what most use. While it is not ideal, it can be done with about the same amount of trouble as a tent...

Yep. Also like has been shown in those photos. A note, though: make sure you use a groundsheet underneath (a poncho will work just fine). You really don't want to rub a tiny hole in the hammock against a root or rock on the ground; the next time you hang it, well......

Throw your tarp over your trekking poles as well, and you've got a rainfly.

Honestly, the only time I'd do that is if my suspension snapped (a fairly low-order probability; suspensions are usually the toughest portion of a rig) or the local rangers were being...less welcoming of hammocks...than I'd prefer.

Hope it helps!

[Squirrel bait]

Hikingdad has a video http://youtu.be/YdTdnbs4HzE

[Fish<><]

I'd only go to ground if my hammock ripped, or there weren't any trees to hang from. I would definitely use a ground sheet as well.

[sargevining]

You could always carry an Underwoobie" as you're under/top quilt.

[Rune]

It would have to be really bad out for me to do that. Hanged trough an a polar low (Arctic depression, arctic hurricane ) once. Went in the hammock as it started snowing, and woke up to half a meter of snow, and still gale force winds... it had been a lot worse trough the night, but I was mindless of that in my cpmfy hammock. Slept trough it like a baby. Actually went in the hammock at 10 in the eveneing as it started snowing, and woke up 9 in the morning...11 straight hours of ZZZZZ trough a storm.

But if I have to go to ground, my Jerven bag is always with me. It's sort of a mix of a bivvi bag, sleeping, bag, poncho, tarp, emergency wind shelter etc. It can even be used as a hammock or a hammock sock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxGGavcczWU

Anway, with that and my tarp, i believe I can make myself quite comfortable on the ground...