Exploring the Wonderful

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Exploring the Wonderful and Magical World of
Hammock Backpacking
Cary Beuershausen, WFA Trail Coordinator North
Florida Trailblazers
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Why Leave the Ground?

• Often more comfortable than tents.
• Considerably more flexible than tents.
• LNT-friendly
• No soil compression
• No clearing of vegetation
• Things are left the way you found them

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Why Leave the Ground?

• Typically easier to setup and cleaner to take
  down.
• Perfect for uneven and rough terrain.
• Highly customizable to suit your needs.

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Why Leave the Ground?
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Problems Leaving the Ground

• Not really geared towards multiple users.
• Can require more of a learning curve.
• More susceptible to cold weather if youre not
  prepared.

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Why Stay on the Ground?
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Why Stay on the Ground?

• Camping above tree line or in the desert.
• Tents may be warmer without additional
  precautions.
• Desire a fully enclosed shelter.

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Problems With Staying on the Ground

• Not really LNT-friendly.
• Can be dirty to pack away.
• Typically bulkier than hammock.
• Need to find the perfect site to avoid rocks
  and sticks damaging tent floor, water runoff,
  etc.
• Can be hot and muggy.

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Inside the Backpacking Hammock

• Typically made from light or ultralight nylon.
• May be single or double layer.
• May have permanent, removable, or no bug netting.
• Typically have storage areas or loops.
• May have a structural or non-structural
  ridgeline.

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Site Selection

• Pick trees 12-15 apart that are 6-8 in diameter
  minimum.
• Dont pick the tallest trees.
• Try to pick a location that will naturally
  protect you from wind/rain.
• Optional
• Pick site based on view
• Pick site based on stealth

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Site Selection

• Look up for widowmakers.
• Test your trees before you hang from them!

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Site Selection
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Site Selection
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Get Creative!
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Get Creative!
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Get Creative!
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Get Creative!
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Suspension Methods

• Notes About Using Rope/Line
• Can cut into tree if attached directly.
• Knots degrade rope strength (up to 50) and can
  be difficult to untie.

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Suspension Methods

• Webbing straps
• Safer for the tree by distributing load.
• Eliminate/reduce the need for knots.
• Strap Options
• ENO Slap/Atlas Straps
• Python straps
• DIY (polypro, seatbelts, tie-downs)

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Suspension Attachment Methods

• Carabiners
• Descender rings
• Tri-glides
• Dutch clips
• Whoopies

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Its OK to Sag

• Hang the suspension to create about a 30 angle.
• Too little sag will create too tight of a
  hammock.
• Too much sag will turn your hammock into a
  banana.
• Neither will be comfortable.

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Its OK to Sag

• A structural ridgeline will set the sag so its
  repeatable every time.
• An adjustable ridgeline can help while youre in
  the learning phase or provide the ability to
  change the sag down the road.

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Tweaking The Setup

• Use tie-outs to provide a roomier feel.
• Use ridgeline for clothing, lighting, etc.
• Try positioning head/feet slightly higher if you
  struggle getting level.
• Adjust height above ground based on personal
  comfort.

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Keepin It Toasty

• Convection loss is your biggest enemy.
• Keeping the wind off your back will eliminate CBS
  and make your time much more enjoyable.

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Combating Cold Butt Syndrome

• Hot Weather
• The clothes youre wearing
• Warm Weather
• WeatherShield
• Cold Weather
• SuperShelter
• Underquilt

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Take It From the Top

• Sleeping bag
• Lightweight blankets
• Top quilt

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Alternative Insulation Options

• Foam pads
• Emergency blankets
• Natural materials
• Leaves
• Pine straw
• Other vegetation or even clothing

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Dont Blame it on the Rain

• A quality tarp can greatly increase your comfort
  level.
• Choose a tarp that provides flexibility beyond
  simply covering the hammock.
• Multiple tarps allow optimal choice based on
  needs/conditions.

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Assymetric Tarp
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Hex Tarp
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Rectangle Tarp
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Winter Tarp
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Coverage Disparity
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Dont Blame it on the Rain
Tarp Flyz
Dutch Hook
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Setup Overview
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Dude! Where Are My Trees?

• If you find yourself above tree line, in the
  desert, or w/o suitable trees you can still use
  your hammock.
• Hiking poles and other objects can support ends
  like a tree.
• Being prepared with a pad can make the journey
  back to ground more palatable.

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Dude! Where Are My Trees?
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Dude! Where Are My Trees?
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Hammock Setups
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Where Do I Learn More?

• http//www.hammockforums.net
• http//www.youtube.comSearch for shug hammock
• Read the The Ultimate Hang and visit
  http//www.theultimatehang.com
• Read Hammock Camping by Ed Speer

All illustrations used by permission of Derek
Hansen.
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Questions?