Typical distance between hammock and cooking area?

[nc_robin]

Hi - I did a search but didn't find a definitive discussion of this. I'm wondering how far/close folks typically set up the hammock from/to the stove/cooking area. I've seen some discussion that it should be 200 feet to keep the critters away from the hammock but I've also seen pictures/videos of stoves right next to the hammock. HH has a video showing how their hammocks can be used as 'lounge' chairs while stirring a pot on a stove. Do people usually separate sleeping from cooking areas and if so, by how much?
Thank you
Robin

[AaronMB]

It really depends on the area you're in and the animals you may have to deal with. In bear country I try to maintain some discipline and keep food, kitchen and toiletry supplies away and hung.

[Floridahanger]

Small group in primitive campground with only a fire spot (not even a ring, sometimes), I have made supper under my tarp in the rain. Other than that, food next to the fire area, bearbag hung there or far from me or fire area.

Large group, established designated fire area with 100+ hanger at the Annual Florida hang. Well, food everywhere around the main camp and any extra in the cars. At night, all food goes into cars, of course.

If you want a book, clinical answer, etc. you hang 100+ feet upwind side of kitchen area (smells go away from you) and 100+ feet from any water source. Keep the water source also 100+ feet from you and kitchen in a triangle.

[MAD777]

If I am solo in bear country, which I always am, I put 100 yards between the kitchen & the hammock. In a large group I will relax that down to 100 feet.

But for breakfast, I have no problem cooking that at my hammock site as I will be packing up as my breakfast cooks, and then I'm off.

[nc_robin]

Thanks, very helpful. Particularly helpful to think about the differences between essentially 'base camp' and temporary camp (and base camp becomes temporary on the day of departure). Now this makes more sense.
Robin

[WV]

Best practice for me (which I actually use about 5% of the time) is to stop and cook dinner about 5 o'clock, and then get in another hour of hiking before I make camp, but bears aren't much of a problem where they're actively hunted. West Virginia is much safer than, say, New Jersey.

[nc_robin]

Another great idea. Although I can imagine after a long day's hike and a full belly that it could be hard to lace the boots back up get back out there. But a great way to put distance between the kitchen and sleeping quarters. Thanks!
Robin

[Stubby]

Best practice for me (which I actually use about 5% of the time) is to stop and cook dinner about 5 o'clock, and then get in another hour of hiking before I make camp, but bears aren't much of a problem where they're actively hunted. West Virginia is much safer than, say, New Jersey.

First I want to say, I'm a biker, so distances are greater for me. I do something similar, bear country or not. I make it part of my routine, because messing this up in bear country can be very bad. I stop well before dark, and make camp, travel a mile up trail (good preview), sup, and hang my food stuffs. Next morn, I pack up and go have breakfast. This makes a good incentive to get packed up and moving, cuz I'm hungry.

[nc_robin]

Interesting idea, Drewstubby. A related newbie question then, do you ever worry that someone (of the 2 legged variety) will make off with your stuff? I know the 4-legged variety may get into food/gear especially if not properly stowed, but it would feel different if some random hiker/camper made off with it. Perhaps I've still got too much of a city-dweller mentality.
Robin

[lori]

I boil water so there is no smell to impart to anything. So I feel there is no problem doing it under the tarp if I must, and do not worry about it. I eat sitting in the hammock sometimes and then put everything away in the bear canister and move it 100 feet away, into a tree well or a pile of granite (as an early warning system - bears can and do move 500 lb rocks).

Yosemite has arguably the worst bear problem in the world and this has never been an issue. Except for having to get up to scare away the bear.