General backpack hammocking questions

[Gideon]

For me, the tarp goes in the packs outer back cover so I can put that up first and fast; I keep my rain suit out there too. I don't use a pack cover but have carried a very thin gauge trash bag; they aren't rugged but I can put my pack in it, twist the top and lay it under my hammock. I went away from dry bags due to the weight; I now use a trash compactor bag inside of my pack for all down items and things I don't want to get wet.

In the summer time I'm prepared to get some things wet and let them dry out as I go. I always carry a dry pair of socks in a plastic bag.

I don't like a simple tarp under my hammock since the wind can blow mist underneath; I prefer the trash bag, you can also take everything out of the trash compactor bag, put it in the pack and then put the pack in the bag; a hassle but every ounce counts on a long hike.

Enjoy the OT!! If only I was 10 years younger with good knees!!

Gideon

[SkyPainter]

A trip to the Adirondacks taught me not to leave my pack on the ground. I hang it off my hammock suspension now.

I thought chipmunks were bad, but I encountered some red squirrels that were diabolical. You could pull a granola bar out of your food bag, set it down, and by the time you put the food bag away it was gone.

One red squirrel tried to take my Bahco folding saw.

===> Yep! Red squirrels are the bane of our camping experience here in New England! Evil little things, and not enough meat on 'em to eat 'em!

~ Sky

[grannypat]

A trip to the Adirondacks taught me not to leave my pack on the ground. I hang it off my hammock suspension now.

I thought chipmunks were bad, but I encountered some red squirrels that were diabolical. You could pull a granola bar out of your food bag, set it down, and by the time you put the food bag away it was gone.

One red squirrel tried to take my Bahco folding saw.

Squirrels are pretty smart. I wonder what he had planned for that saw.

[JohnSawyer]

===> Yep! Red squirrels are the bane of our camping experience here in New England! Evil little things, and not enough meat on 'em to eat 'em!

~ Sky

How many red squirrels does it take to make a good squirrel head soup?

Squirrels are pretty smart. I wonder what he had planned for that saw.

Drop a tree in that feller, and his pack is fair game!

I had a squirrel figure out it could climb on the transmission of my truck and chew through the boot around the stick shift.... Absconded with/damaged a days with of food... good thing I was fishing....

[SkyPainter]

How many red squirrels does it take to make a good squirrel head soup?







Drop a tree in that feller, and his pack is fair game!

I had a squirrel figure out it could climb on the transmission of my truck and chew through the boot around the stick shift.... Absconded with/damaged a days with of food... good thing I was fishing....

===> Not so good for soup, but squirrels make a very interesting stock for making other meats and stews!

~ SkyPainter

[Miguel]

During my AT hike last year, when it rained for a couple of days, I actually removed my straps from the CC buckles before putting the hammock back in it's sack. Things can get pretty damp and funky after putting wet straps away for a few days in a row. It literally only takes a few seconds and makes a big difference. I then carry the straps on the outside of my pack with my tarp. Keeping things as dry as possible can be critical at times.

I'm also a fan of big tarps...144" ridgeline....not where you want to skimp imho.

Miguel