[pct-l] Hammocks

[Ed Jarrett]

Thanks for the clarification.  It would be less confusing if you mentioned up front that you are an SUL type of guy. :)

Ed Jarrett

> From: abela at johnabela.com
> Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 20:13:07 -0700
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Hammocks
> To: edjarrett at msn.com
> CC: pct-l at backcountry.net
> 
> >> (3) Excessive weight in cold regions.
> > Define excessive weight.  My hammock setup is only a few ounces heaver than my tent setup, each being about 6 pounds for the entire system.
> 
> > My hammock, with built in bug net, TQ, BQ, tartp and all the straps and stakes is about 6 pounds.  My solo tent, sleeping bag and inflatable pad are about 6 pounds.  I sleep warmer in the hammock and much more comfortably.  I realize I could shed a couple of pounds with the tent, but that would not improve the sleeping experience at all.
> 
> > What do you consider a standard tent setup?
> 
> > My base is 17-18 pounds currently, down from 45 or so two years ago.  I am pretty happy with that for now.
> 
> 
> Hello Ed,
> 
> All those questions/topics are specific about weight and therein
> differences of hiking style. HYOH
> 
> Two years ago my base pack weight was 18 pounds, I am now at sub 5
> pounds base pack weight. It is under that condition that I consider a
> sleeping setup weighed in at 6 pounds to be 'excessive'. But this is
> just me mate. A few years ago I would have thought a 6 pound sleeping
> setup was totally acceptable and well within the acceptable weight
> limit. My entire sleeping setup now weighs 2.37 pounds in the winter
> and 1.05 pounds in the summer. So, please, just take what I said in
> light of this.
> 
> When I had a full on hammock setup it was a little over 5 pounds
> (winter setup) which is 50% heavier than my existing setup. I sleep
> just as well now as I do in a hammock (finally found the right
> combination of ground gear that works for me). Sleeping on the ground
> I usually have less setup mucking around (loved those whoopie slings,
> but have had more than one pair of them fault out on me) and a couple
> minutes quicker setup time, and slightly better protection from the
> bugs-with-wings-that-we-cannot-name.
> 
> Anyway, I do not want you to think that you cannot do the PCT with a
> hammock, clearly you can, but as I previously said, the issues I
> brought up are issues to consider. Take them for what I offer them as,
> considerations, nothing more.
> 
> > Thanks again for your feedback
> 
> Sure thing!
> 
> John B. Abela