Hammocks in the back country

[WKR]

Why aren't they more popular? Especially for early season? I rarely see or hear of guys using them

 

[Poser]

Why aren't they more popular? Especially for early season? I rarely see or hear of guys using them

They are extremely popular, probably at peek popularity and many hunters use them in September, some even into the cold weather hunts.

 

[HighCountryArcher]

I actually prefer mine during September elk and deer hunts. It's a small package and works well.

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[Loper]

I love hammocks. At one point in my early 20’s I slept in a hammock every night for 6 weeks straight.

From what I understand they aren’t much lighter or less bully of a sleep system as you need a top quilt and a bottom quilt to stay warm, plus something over top of you in case it rains. However, I’ve never used one in the backcountry so I can’t say for certain.

Looking forward to hearing other people’s thoughts as I’d love to use a hammock in the backcountry if possible.

 

[philos]

There is a bit of a learning curve with hammocks for one. Tress are typically required also which is an issue in some areas. Some folks feel claustrophobic in a hammock.

 

[Seeknelk]

If you like em for comfort, great! I sleep very well in my warbonnet and I can generally NEVER sleep on my back on the ground or in bed. But I sleep great on my back hanging there.
BUT, as said above, you can get a lighter total weight with a ground set up.
Hammock, tarp, all the cordage, stakes, my EE down top quilt and warbonnet down underquilt is a very plush system and certainly not one of the lighter ones out there but I'm close to 6# with all that. Where a ground kit can get under 4# fairly easy. Do it for sleep quality just don't think it's the lightest route....there is a learning curve with set up and don't try getting by with a cheap hammock. Make sure it's 10 ft plus long and made by hammock people.

 

[WKR]

If I'm archery hunting and the lows don't get below 50-40, do I still need the top and bottom quilt or will just a bag suffice?

 

[HighCountryArcher]

If I'm archery hunting and the lows don't get below 50-40, do I still need the top and bottom quilt or will just a bag suffice?

I have a SG chilkoot 15* bag and with a foam style pad in my hammock I've slept comfortably down into the mid 30's. I'd say you'd be just fine with juat a bag at those temps. If you get a little cold, a z pad would fix that too

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[justinspicher]

I try to use my hammock as much as possible, regardless of the time of year.

 

[venado mula]

We hang all of our stuff in trees from the grizzlies, I'm not sure I would get a good nights sleep hanging in a tree like our gear/food. We usually get the early morning wake up call from the curious ones.

 

[Seeknelk]

We hang all of our stuff in trees from the grizzlies, I'm not sure I would get a good nights sleep hanging in a tree like our gear/food. We usually get the early morning wake up call from the curious ones.

Yeah I feel a little like a grizzly pinata having there.. But I feel like a bear burrito on the ground anyway . Have a very handy shelf in my hammock for my 44. I'm a wimp in country wit the bitey bears but are you nuts,I'm still gunna send it.

 

[Gonzoman10]

If I'm archery hunting and the lows don't get below 50-40, do I still need the top and bottom quilt or will just a bag suffice?

Laying in the hammock with the bag will compress the underside and some of the sides of the bag and reduce warmth. Like @HighCountryArcher said a pad in the hammock with you should reduce the cold on your back.

I personally am a cold sleep so the times I have ran a hammock to sleep (late August/Early September 30ish lows)with a 15*F bag with an under quilt and a tarp over it all. Never have tried adding a pad in there with me. Personally, I found out that I don't sleep as well in hammocks unless I get it really stretched out tight, but my hunting partner just hops in with his bag, no tarp or underquilt, and says he sleeps better than he does at home.

 

[Beendare]

Why aren't they more popular? Especially for early season? I rarely see or hear of guys using them

They aren't as functional or dual purpose as a tent.

 

[dutch_henry]

I use both a tent and a hammock. I find the hammock (warbonnet blackbird xlc) vastly more comfortable than even plush ground pads or my bed at home. It's also more versatile than a tent: it doesn't matter how rocky/wet/sloping the ground is...as long as there are trees.

Here in the northeast, I've never been limited by a lack of trees for set up when hammock camping. Otoh, I have had trouble finding suitable sites when tent camping.

My solo tent setup is slightly lighter and sets up faster. My hammock gives me a better night's sleep and is just hella fun.

 

[JStol5]

Just did some A zone hunting in a tent. I was miserable. Would've preferred a hammock 100%.