Lightweight Camping setup?

[Gen273]

Can those of you with experience in this area share your opinion on a lightweight tent versus a hammock for hunting? I am not necessarily talking about an ultralight, but something under 8lbs or so.

 

[justinspicher]

I switched to a hammock/tarp for all my back country use a few years ago. It’s a steep learning curve, but it works well for me. I use mine all year. I don’t use an underquilt, just the 1/2 size foam mattress I carry for glassing, a 30° bag and my puffy jacket/pants. So far so good.

 

[Gen273]

I switched to a hammock/tarp for all my back country use a few years ago. It’s a steep learning curve, but it works well for me. I use mine all year. I don’t use an underquilt, just the 1/2 size foam mattress I carry for glassing, a 30° bag and my puffy jacket/pants. So far so good.

Thank you for the information. What hammock are you using?

 

[Clovis]

All in, you are likely able to get a complete system lighter using a tent, but I prefer hammock and tarp for most situations. I sleep better in the hammock w an underquilt than on even a good pad on the ground. Warbonnet hammock and Warbonnet mamajamba tarp. I use the bigger tarp so that I can set up my hammock on one side and still have a significant covered front porch for keeping gear out of the weather and a place to sit when not in hammock. Very comfortable and I am willing to trade a bit of weight for the added comfort and, depending on terrain, may open up some additional spots where the ground isn't conducive to a tent or laying on ground under a tarp.

 

[270-300]

I carry both. Hammocks are amazing for rail shelters and a place to relax when hunting. They dont block wind like a tent does though

 

[Pilsner]

If you are a side sleeper then hammocks are a hard sell. Despite trying dozens of times and different setups I was NEVER able to sleep in a hammock. Tried every variation out there including taking a trip across country to Hammock Days at Damascus Virginia and never got one to work for me for anything other than a "camp couch" to sit in.
YMMV

 

[Gen273]

If you are a side sleeper then hammocks are a hard sell. Despite trying dozens of times and different setups I was NEVER able to sleep in a hammock. Tried every variation out there including taking a trip across country to Hammock Days at Damascus Virginia and never got one to work for me for anything other than a "camp couch" to sit in.
YMMV

Thank you. This is good information because I am a side sleeper. Did you try a lay-flat hammock?

 

[Pilsner]

Yup. Along with symmetrical hang, asymmetrical hang, traditional hang, etc. I've tried them ALL. My wife loves her hammock setups - we both owe 3 or different set ups at this point - along with several of the folks that I do our once-a-month pack goat trips with. It just wasn't for me. Eno, Warbonnet, cottage brands - I've tried and failed to sleep well in any of them. I sold off my expensive set up and just keep the ones I've got left as camp loaners and camp couches.
Be sure to try one or ten different versions before you purchase one! By that I mean use it for a weekend AT LEAST and not just laying it in for 15 mins! A local gear shop by us rents them out so if your local gear shop does that it is a great way to try before you buy as buying quality hammock gear is not cheap.
I also never got to where I was saving weight over my ground set up for the same temp ranges. Could get close but never lighter, even after I swapped out cordage for amsteel and doing the usual UL changes to our setups. The wife doesn't mind the extra few ounces because she sleeps so well in her hammock. Again, YMMV. I am an unapologetic gear whore who loves to improve and modify every little thing on my gear, and I couldn't get it done.