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Anyone here have any experience hammocking? They're supposed to be comfortable, just not sure it's worth it.

I've had several hammocks, currently have a TTT Trail Gear Switchback and a Warbonnet Blackbird for my wife.

Hammocks are extremely comfortable after you get the hang of it. The downside is staying warm. Contrary to popular belief you CAN stay warm in a hammock, but it takes more insulation and knowledge than in a tent.


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They do look comfy although I have never used one.

What is the weight comparison ? How light is a hammock setup at best ?

My setup:

Hammock 30 oz
Tarp 19 oz
Quilt 27 oz
Underquilt 26 oz

The only place I would drop weight is my hammock. Mine has a full bug bet which adds probably 12 oz, and I probably wouldn't need that for the mountains but it is necessary here in Tn.

So I'm at 6 lbs 6 oz for shelter and sleeping and I can't really leave any of it behind.


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Is the under quilt needed ?

Underquilt is advisable from the time when you'll get night frosts

I need underneath insulation anytime it gets below 70 at night. The underquilt vents really well so I can use it for warmer weather or for cold weather. It is more comfortable than a foam pad IME, but you can use either effectively.


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I have been hammock camping for many years. I cannot go back to the ground, its just too comfortable.
I have many of them and have made several dozen myself. Right now I am using a Warbonnet Ridge Runner, a bridge style hammock. I sleep under a ZPacks cuben tarp that is 6.5 ounces and 10 x 11 feet.
You can find out everything you ever wanted to know about hammocks at HammockForums.net.

I am mule on that forum too. Check it out.

Oh yes, I do use under quilts and over quilts. I have the one made for the Ridge Runner and it's awesome. In fact I have two or them, one 3 season and one winter.
The weight is about the same as going in a tent if you are carrying a 1 pound tent, except this...If you carried everything you could to make you as comfortable in a tent as you are in a hammock, you would have a very heavy pack.
Hammock 28 ounces with spreader bars. winter under quilt 1.7 pounds, Winter top quilt about the same, tarp 8 ounces with guy lines and ridge line. All the basic gear can be bought or put together for under $200 but thats using your present sleeping bag for an overbuilt and a pad for under insulation. Once you get into the quilts, you add about an extra $400 to 500.