My interest in hammock camping was piqued late last year. I was looking at a full
ENO System,
Hennessy, and the
Exped Scout Combi. After seeing the versatility and features of the Exped Scout Combi, I was almost committed to that until I discovered the
Switchback Lighthiker. It was a bit more than I wanted to spend, especially since a tarp wasn't included with it. So...I made my own version of it. Using materials purchased from
diygearsupply.com, I was able to make a full system with tarp for about half the price. I'll have to post some pics of it a little later.
Depending on the system, a hammock set up can weigh a bit more or a bit less than an ultralight tent. Also, depending what tents you are comparing to, hammocks systems can be both more and less expensive.
As for my set up, I'm really enjoying the versatility and overall lighter weight it gives my pack. The hammock, tarp, and suspension all together weigh in at just under 3 pounds. The hammock has two layers so that I can insert my Z-rest or any other pad to provide insulation from underneath without it slipping out from under me as is often the case when using a pad in a single layer hammock. I also bought a cheap sun shade at the dollar store that weighs only a couple ounces and adds a wider layer of insulation that I can lay on lengthwise or width wise to become "wings" around my shoulders and hips. I then unzip my mummy and use it like a quilt, or if it gets colder, I'll zip it back up and slide into it as it would normally be used. I am still experimenting with different sleep setups. An under-quilt would probably be more ideal, but then I lose the other feature I like about it: When there are no trees, I can go to ground with it. I can pitch it on the ground with my trekking poles and tarp thus making it a small solo tent. This allows me to use it in just about any terrain. I've only had the opportunity to sleep in it a couple times thus far and it certainly feels different and takes some getting used to after being so used to sleeping on the ground in tents. I'm still trying to dial in the optimal hang angle for myself. I can also leave the hammock at home and just take the tarp if I really want to save weight and if bugs won't be a concern. I can follow up with some pics of it in various modes, if interested.
In the mean time there are a lot of pros and cons between both tents and hammocks. You can also throw in tarps as another category to consider. Hammocks have evolved a lot of the last decade or so such that you do not need to worry about bugs any more. Hammocks can be set up as a modular system (i.e. hammock only, hammock with tarp, hammock with bug net, hammock with tarp and bug net, etc) and can be adapted to just about any season, climate, and weather. Modular hammock systems allow you to adapt it to whatever conditions you expect to face on a trip and leave what you don't need at home to cut down on weight and space in your pack. Then there are more integrated systems, like mine, that have a bug net conveniently attached so its always there. Point being, do not let a fear of bugs or lack of trees keep you away from trying out hammocks. You can protect yourself from bugs with a hammock just as well as you can with a tent and some hammocks can be set up on ground with no trees around. Hammocks can also be nice when heading into more popular areas where all the good tent sites may all be taken by allowing you to set up camp wherever you can find suitable trees and away from other noisy groups. Lastly, hammocks can also double as a camp chair and so on...just don't hang it too close to a fire!
I think the most immediate benefits a tent can offer over a hammock is more space to spread yourself and gear out, especially during stormy weather, and with that said, more space and privacy for changing clothes if that is important to you.
For all the benefits certain hammock systems can provide, some people will still prefer a traditional tent and find them to be more comfortable. If my wife comes with me, we'll still use a tent and just split the tent and fly up between the two of us while I will probably more often load up my hammock for solo outings or when going out with any friends.
If you really want to educate yourself on hammocks and all sorts of possibilities with them, there is a whole other forum you can explore at
hammockforums.net.
Also, if you do decide on a hammock, make sure to use tree straps at least 1 inch wide with the suspension in order to distribute the weight more evenly. Some hammocks, especially cheaper models, will come with ropes to secure around a tree and that can scar the bark of trees.
Sorry for the long post, but hope it helps!
Never been in one for more than a couple of hours.
