Hammock Tent

[MikekiM]

Usually it's the opposite but soil, while not quite an insulator, isn't really a good conductor of heat, either, at about 30-100 times worse than most materials used for heat transfer. So in this case convection wins.



Yes, and not far - probably not 7' if I had to guess. It gathers pretty badly around my feet and face. I'm not sure a ridgeline would work right because my height at 6'0" is probably close to 83% of the distance between those corners, if not more.



A buddy gave me his military modular sleep system which has multiple optional layers but it worked well last time even on top of the hammock...I ended up with my arms and head out of the bag to cool off. But it's bigger and bulkier than my other bags which is why I'm thinking my smaller bag might work if the hammock is inside it. It's a pretty small hammock...lightweight material, no spreaders or ridgeline or anything like that. Its small enough that I just close it up and tie it up to the roll bar in two places to keep it from hanging and swinging while I wheel.

If I'm pretty sure it's not gonna rain I might try setting it up with a ridgeline between the roll bar and a tree. But some of these campsites are above timberline and I'm not gonna mess with poles and stuff.



I've heard of the nalgene thing, never tried it in the hammock because the way it hangs in the TJ (like a banana) it's gonna slide down to my hips. But I don't camp that cold. It's high elevation Colorado but it's still August. Might get down to the 30s at the coldest, and I suspect the closed up soft top holds some of the heat in better than if I was just out in the open. At the very least I'm protected from wind. I'd have been in bad shape on these trips if I hadn't been inside the jeep.



I've never been much for the hard stuff, but I used to enjoy a beer or two most nights. Nowadays I'm finding sleep more difficult to come by (even in my own bed) so I plan to abstain this year, or maybe enjoy my beer with lunch.

If the distance between anchor points is 7' the hammock is hanging really low with too much sag. More like a beach hammock. I don't think there is any way to make 7' between anchor points really comfortable. You probably can't get diagonal in a hammock that short right? Play around with this calculator. If nothing else it will help you figure out how far the Jeeps roll bar needs to be from the tree if you go that route.

@Mike_H that's is a worthwhile calculator for you as well. New hammock campers very often string the hammock far too tight. Ideally you want the suspension (goes from the end gather on the hammock to the tree) to be at a 30 degree angle, and the foot end about 6 - 8" higher than the head end. Now that I think back to my Hennessy days I think they recommend it be strung tight. If the one you bought is a 10' I would suggest not doing that. With the shorter hammock you're already vulnerable to that calf ridge we discussed earlier. The Hennessy doesn't come with tree straps does it? It never did. They recommend this multi wrap around the tree technique if I recall correctly.

You're right about stuff sliding down to your hips.. in any length hammock. Stuffing it in the foot box of the top quilt prevents that somewhat. When it comes to a bottle of pee I don't care.. it's not coming in my hammock.

Even if the weather is expected to be clear I still string up a tarp but leave it rolled in the snakeskin (a long mesh tube that slides over the rolled up tarp... DCF doesn't like to be folded). I have had the weather go sour on what I thought was going to be a nice night and was glad I had the stakes down and the tarp ready. Plus I prefer no bug net whenever possible and I hate stuff falling on me out of the trees. I have a hiking buddy who woke up engulfed in spiders that came down out of the overhead trees.. he had no tarp over him.

 

[Mike_H]

If the distance between anchor points is 7' the hammock is hanging really low with too much sag. More like a beach hammock. I don't think there is any way to make 7' between anchor points really comfortable. You probably can't get diagonal in a hammock that short right? Play around with this calculator. If nothing else it will help you figure out how far the Jeeps roll bar needs to be from the tree if you go that route.

@Mike_H that's is a worthwhile calculator for you as well. New hammock campers very often string the hammock far too tight. Ideally you want the suspension (goes from the end gather on the hammock to the tree) to be at a 30 degree angle, and the foot end about 6 - 8" higher than the head end. Now that I think back to my Hennessy days I think they recommend it be strung tight. If the one you bought is a 10' I would suggest not doing that. With the shorter hammock you're already vulnerable to that calf ridge we discussed earlier. The Hennessy doesn't come with tree straps does it? It never did. They recommend this multi wrap around the tree technique if I recall correctly.

You're right about stuff sliding down to your hips.. in any length hammock. Stuffing it in the foot box of the top quilt prevents that somewhat. When it comes to a bottle of pee I don't care.. it's not coming in my hammock.

Even if the weather is expected to be clear I still string up a tarp but leave it rolled in the snakeskin (a long mesh tube that slides over the rolled up tarp... DCF doesn't like to be folded). I have had the weather go sour on what I thought was going to be a nice night and was glad I had the stakes down and the tarp ready. Plus I prefer no bug net whenever possible and I hate stuff falling on me out of the trees. I have a hiking buddy who woke up engulfed in spiders that came down out of the overhead trees.. he had no tarp over him.

The Hennessy I bought is sized for someone 7’ tall and 300 lbs…which is not me. I couldn’t actually find anything listed but overall length of 130 inches (so, just under 11feet ) It also comes with tree straps and suspension.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

If the distance between anchor points is 7' the hammock is hanging really low with too much sag. More like a beach hammock. I don't think there is any way to make 7' between anchor points really comfortable. You probably can't get diagonal in a hammock that short right? Play around with this calculator. If nothing else it will help you figure out how far the Jeeps roll bar needs to be from the tree if you go that route.

I'll look at the link. I don't end up using any strap...the hammock itself is only 105" and some of one end of it gets wrapped around the roll bar to get it straight enough to be even remotely comfortable and to hold me high enough on the middle to not have the center console digging into me.

The LJ actually doesn't make much difference here. Despite being longer than the TJ tub, the back of the roll bar where it turns down toward the tub isn't much farther from the windshield. I did this once in my TJ, bought an LJ and the overall experience didn't change.

Here's a couple of photos showing the setup.

 

[macleanflood]

I sleep in a hammock a lot. Backpacking, Jeeping. I usually sleep in a bag, sometimes just a woobie depending on the temperature. Head net if they're mosquitos out. I sometimes carry an old tent rain fly and some Paracord if I need to rig up a rain shelter.

Usually I'm in the PNW and I can find plenty of trees. Here's Bucky Island Lake on the Rubicon. One one of the hammock on the roll bar, and the other end in a nest of carefully stacked rocks and a chunk of wood.

-Mac

 

[srimes]

I'll look at the link. I don't end up using any strap...the hammock itself is only 105" and some of one end of it gets wrapped around the roll bar to get it straight enough to be even remotely comfortable and to hold me high enough on the middle to not have the center console digging into me.

The LJ actually doesn't make much difference here. Despite being longer than the TJ tub, the back of the roll bar where it turns down toward the tub isn't much farther from the windshield. I did this once in my TJ, bought an LJ and the overall experience didn't change.

Here's a couple of photos showing the setup.

View attachment 550711

View attachment 550712

How tall are you? Doesn't look very comfortable to me. A step up from sleeping in the seat, I'm guessing.

I heard of a dude who removed the passenger seat to sleep on the floor full length.

 

[srimes]

I'm Italian... it's easy.

Roll on your side, open the bottle, insert and let 'er rip. Probably best to use a wide mouth 32 oz Nalgene.
Like I said.. never did it.


Kinda agree. But it's not bad when it's ice cold. And a splash in hot chocolate before sleep works.
Usually Bulleit or Makers Mark. Casamigos if we don't have a ton of miles the next day.

Haven't done much bottle pissing myself. I figured you'd need more downward bottle angle to avoid overflowing and pictured having to roll face down and come up on your knees, balancing on one hand and probably head while holding the bottle. Glad that isn't the case.

 

[MikekiM]

The Hennessy I bought is sized for someone 7’ tall and 300 lbs…which is not me. I couldn’t actually find anything listed but overall length of 130 inches (so, just under 11feet ) It also comes with tree straps and suspension.

That's great! You did good!!
Hennessy used to recommend this wrapping the suspension cordage around the tree a bunch of times which is not good for the tree nor does you give you much control over the hang. Tie, test, untie, retie... laborious.

I'll look at the link. I don't end up using any strap...the hammock itself is only 105" and some of one end of it gets wrapped around the roll bar to get it straight enough to be even remotely comfortable and to hold me high enough on the middle to not have the center console digging into me.

The LJ actually doesn't make much difference here. Despite being longer than the TJ tub, the back of the roll bar where it turns down toward the tub isn't much farther from the windshield. I did this once in my TJ, bought an LJ and the overall experience didn't change.

Here's a couple of photos showing the setup.

View attachment 550711

View attachment 550712

LOL... you're really stuffed in there. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do... I made a hammock out of this super light fabric called MonoLite. It was unbelievably comfortable, until it wasn't.

After a day of backpacking that left me about 13 miles from the trailhead where the car and backup hammock was, I set up, sat down and the hammock split right up the middle. Nothing in my pockets. No zippers. No warning. Lucky I didn't hit my head on those rocks. I had to set up directly on the ground. fortunately I practice setting the tarp close to the ground, and had a full length Tyvek ground sheet. Didn't sleep well that night.. did what I had to do.

I sleep in a hammock a lot. Backpacking, Jeeping. I usually sleep in a bag, sometimes just a woobie depending on the temperature. Head net if they're mosquitos out. I sometimes carry an old tent rain fly and some Paracord if I need to rig up a rain shelter.

Usually I'm in the PNW and I can find plenty of trees. Here's Bucky Island Lake on the Rubicon. One one of the hammock on the roll bar, and the other end in a nest of carefully stacked rocks and a chunk of wood.

View attachment 550713

-Mac

Wow... what a location. Great job improvising the hang too. Not many spots like that in the NE and even fewer that you can get to any way other than by foot.

How tall are you? Doesn't look very comfortable to me. A step up from sleeping in the seat, I'm guessing.

I heard of a dude who removed the passenger seat to sleep on the floor full length.

I think I have a YouTube playlist of bizarre Jeep sleeping setups. Some really creative people out there.

Haven't done much bottle pissing myself. I figured you'd need more downward bottle angle to avoid overflowing and pictured having to roll face down and come up on your knees, balancing on one hand and probably head while holding the bottle. Glad that isn't the case.

Honestly, I've never done it nor have I ever seen it done. fortunately...

Lately, with my knees and hips beginning to fail and backpacking long miles is becoming harder and harder I have been looking into TenTrax trailers... Just not ready to give up my hammock.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

How tall are you? Doesn't look very comfortable to me. A step up from sleeping in the seat, I'm guessing.

I heard of a dude who removed the passenger seat to sleep on the floor full length.

It's definitely not ideal. It originally came out of my laziness not wanting to pitch and take down a tent in 3 different spots, 3 nights in a row. I usually bring a small "2 man" just in case but campsites can be hard to come by and the size of our group is such that flat tent space isn't plentiful. We started out just 4 drivers and everybody else pitched tents, the next year we made the mistake of going opening weekend for elk bow season and had a hell of a time finding sites...the 2 Tacoma drivers slept in their truck beds and it was difficult enough for 2 tents; this year we have 7 drivers (2 Tacoma, 2 JKUs, 2 TJs and my LJ) and 2 ride-alongs. I'll bring my tent again but I'd rather just do the hammock again than be constantly sliding down into the corner of my tent.

 

[MikekiM]

It's definitely not ideal. It originally came out of my laziness not wanting to pitch and take down a tent in 3 different spots, 3 nights in a row. I usually bring a small "2 man" just in case but campsites can be hard to come by and the size of our group is such that flat tent space isn't plentiful. We started out just 4 drivers and everybody else pitched tents, the next year we made the mistake of going opening weekend for elk bow season and had a hell of a time finding sites...the 2 Tacoma drivers slept in their truck beds and it was difficult enough for 2 tents; this year we have 7 drivers (2 Tacoma, 2 JKUs, 2 TJs and my LJ) and 2 ride-alongs. I'll bring my tent again but I'd rather just do the hammock again than be constantly sliding down into the corner of my tent.

Not sure if you know.. there are hammock setups that are tandem. Two separate hammocks with a spreader bar to keep them apart, and using one set of anchor points. Never used it but a few friends do it with spouses and children. You're only a foot or so apart so you need to be real friendly. It only requires one tree.

Only downside I know of, other than the close proximity, is that every time your partner moves you feel it. In general using the roll bar as the second anchor point leaves you victim to a little suspension related bouncing when you move, which I kinda like. I have only 3" of lift which puts me a little lower than I like to be. A small bear or big raccoon would likely brush against the bottom of the hammock if they passed under.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Not sure if you know.. there are hammock setups that are tandem. Two separate hammocks with a spreader bar to keep them apart, and using one set of anchor points. Never used it but a few friends do it with spouses and children. You're only a foot or so apart so you need to be real friendly. It only requires one tree.

Only downside I know of, other than the close proximity, is that every time your partner moves you feel it. In general using the roll bar as the second anchor point leaves you victim to a little suspension related bouncing when you move, which I kinda like. I have only 3" of lift which puts me a little lower than I like to be. A small bear or big raccoon would likely brush against the bottom of the hammock if they passed under.

I don't need two people but something that only requires one tree would be pretty slick. I'm just too late in the game (leaving in 6 days) to try to reconfigure and spend my gas money on a whole new setup. I'll definitely be looking into a non-tent, outside-the-Jeep arrangement when I get back though. My rate of being rained on in that area at night is about 3-4 nights out of every 10 so I definitely need something above me.

 

[MikekiM]

I don't need two people but something that only requires one tree would be pretty slick. I'm just too late in the game (leaving in 6 days) to try to reconfigure and spend my gas money on a whole new setup. I'll definitely be looking into a non-tent, outside-the-Jeep arrangement when I get back though. My rate of being rained on in that area at night is about 3-4 nights out of every 10 so I definitely need something above me.

You are halfway there! Go to Harbor Freight or HD and buy a 1" HD ratchet strap. Toss the ratchet end. Wrap one strap around the side roll bar and the other around a single tree. For my kit, with a longer hammock, I count off about 7.5 paces between the roll bar and the tree.. Try six paces. Put the strap around the tree a little over head height. As long as there is some kind of loop on the end of the hammock I can show you a knot to tie the ratchet strap to that end loop so you can easily untie it (otherwise the knot will seize up once you put your weight in it).

You're good to go.

The tarp part is more complicated but you have six out of ten that historically have been good weather.
Some non stretch cordages (don't use paracord) and a 10x10 blue tarp set up on the diagonal could be all you need.

 

[Mike_H]

I had a package waiting for me at home for lunch today! I’ll play with it later, but I may actually be able to set it up this weekend

 

[PRNDL]

I had a package waiting for me at home for lunch today! I’ll play with it later, but I may actually be able to set it up this weekend

Had a chance to get it out? I'm following along.

I really like the idea of hammock camping. This thread has been a good primer for my research. Add this to the list of things I'll probably buy thanks to the forum.

 

[Mike_H]

Had a chance to get it out? I'm following along.

I really like the idea of hammock camping. This thread has been a good primer for my research. Add this to the list of things I'll probably buy thanks to the forum.

I have not. Last weekend was really rainy. This weekend is much nicer.

 

[MikekiM]

I have not. Last weekend was really rainy. This weekend is much nicer.

Nothing nicer than the sound of rain on the tarp…

 

[Mike_H]

Finally took some time to play around with my hammock tonight. I think I got it ok. Setting up is pretty easy. Take down with require some more practice to get it back in the stuff stack.

I laid in it for a few minutes too. I think I’m going to like it. Just gotta stay warm, but the temps should be upper 40’s low 50’s so I’m not too worried. Some sweats, a stocking cap and a couple blankets should work out. I could feel the “stock” insulation underneath me even in the short time i was in it.

Couple other things…my Jeep was too close to the deck. Both points were about 6’ off the ground, but I couldn’t get a 30 degree angle with the main lines and keep my ass off the ground. Pulling it tight helped, but then the calf ridge was pretty bad, though getting my head up higher helped with that.

So, I think I’m going to have to put my feet on the Jeep end and get the tree end up about 7 feet in the air.

Also noticed that it works much better looping the tree straps over the b-pillar spreader bar than trying to loop it around the C pillar.

 

[MikekiM]

Looking good! Couple of thoughts...

First... be REALLY careful what you hang from. The forces on those straps once you are in are tremendous. You can easily rip that deck railing off! Saw a guy set up to hang from a brick pillar that was holding up the awning over his outside seating area. The pillar or your deck rail weren't built for massive side forces imparted by the hammock and it pulled the pillar down and the awning with it.

General rule of thumb (ROT).. you always want the foot end strap about six to ten inches higher than the head end. Keeps you from sliding too deeply into the foot end gather keeping you in the "fat" part of the hammock.

As you've learned, pulling the straps too tight will exacerbate calf ridge and could damage the hammock. ROT2.. You know it's too tight when the hammock Ridgeline is banjo-sting-tight. When you sit in it full weight you should be able to grab the Ridgeline and put a 90 degree bend in it. I'll find a picture of what I mean...

ROT3... With an 11 foot hammock, count off 6-7 natural paces between your anchor points. An alternative I use often when hiking is outstretched arms with trekking poles. Tip to tip of the poles is about perfect distance.

ROT4... Put the head end tree strap right about head hight. I am 5'11". Then put the foot end strap as high as you can naturally reach. If you can't reach any higher, you will likely be sitting on the ground. Makes it really challenging to get in and out and puts me way too close to critters than I like. Check out that hang calculator I linked to. It will tell you distance between trees and how high to put the straps for a given seat height. After a while it will be second nature.

I always use one of the side bars putting the strap about over the rear wheel, as close to the sound bar as I can get. Any place else feels like I am putting too much stress on unsupported bars, or the windshield.

Does Hennessy still use a single stuff sack? If so, get a second stuff sack. Never want a wet tarp in the same sack as your dry hammock. And it's good to be able to set the tarp up without the hammock if it is raining. I use a double ended stuff sack for the hammock. I made mine using DCF fabric but you can buy them tons of places. You can use the same for the tarp, but I prefer snakeskins. I use a single. Sometimes it's clear enough to go tarp less, but you still want it ready to go. Once the skin is pulled on I put the tarp in the another stuff sack so any morning dew or rain is contained. Hennessy used to sell two piece snake skins. ROT5.. just stuff your kit in the sack. Larger sack is better than cramming into a smaller size. Leave it loose. Avoid folding.. it will drive you nuts.

I always wear head cover. Summer I use a Buff or SmartWool light weight merino beanie. Winter.. a down beanie and whatever else is needed... a belaclava, a hood.. gaiter. Keeps the head warm and hides my hair from crawling things.

What's the stock insulation? With good bottom insulation you can use less top insulation. Getting into the 40's? Be careful. Could prove to be a miserable night without good insulation. You won't die, but you won't sleep either.

You're off to a great start!!

 

[Mike_H]

Looking good! Couple of thoughts...

First... be REALLY careful what you hang from. The forces on those straps once you are in are tremendous. You can easily rip that deck railing off! Saw a guy set up to hang from a brick pillar that was holding up the awning over his outside seating area. The pillar or your deck rail weren't built for massive side forces imparted by the hammock and it pulled the pillar down and the awning with it.

General rule of thumb (ROT).. you always want the foot end strap about six to ten inches higher than the head end. Keeps you from sliding too deeply into the foot end gather keeping you in the "fat" part of the hammock.

As you've learned, pulling the straps too tight will exacerbate calf ridge and could damage the hammock. ROT2.. You know it's too tight when the hammock Ridgeline is banjo-sting-tight. When you sit in it full weight you should be able to grab the Ridgeline and put a 90 degree bend in it. I'll find a picture of what I mean...

ROT3... With an 11 foot hammock, count off 6-7 natural paces between your anchor points. An alternative I use often when hiking is outstretched arms with trekking poles. Tip to tip of the poles is about perfect distance.

ROT4... Put the head end tree strap right about head hight. I am 5'11". Then put the foot end strap as high as you can naturally reach. If you can't reach any higher, you will likely be sitting on the ground. Makes it really challenging to get in and out and puts me way too close to critters than I like. Check out that hang calculator I linked to. It will tell you distance between trees and how high to put the straps for a given seat height. After a while it will be second nature.

I always use one of the side bars putting the strap about over the rear wheel, as close to the sound bar as I can get. Any place else feels like I am putting too much stress on unsupported bars, or the windshield.

Does Hennessy still use a single stuff sack? If so, get a second stuff sack. Never want a wet tarp in the same sack as your dry hammock. And it's good to be able to set the tarp up without the hammock if it is raining. I use a double ended stuff sack for the hammock. I made mine using DCF fabric but you can buy them tons of places. You can use the same for the tarp, but I prefer snakeskins. I use a single. Sometimes it's clear enough to go tarp less, but you still want it ready to go. Once the skin is pulled on I put the tarp in the another stuff sack so any morning dew or rain is contained. Hennessy used to sell two piece snake skins. ROT5.. just stuff your kit in the sack. Larger sack is better than cramming into a smaller size. Leave it loose. Avoid folding.. it will drive you nuts.

I always wear head cover. Summer I use a Buff or SmartWool light weight merino beanie. Winter.. a down beanie and whatever else is needed... a belaclava, a hood.. gaiter. Keeps the head warm and hides my hair from crawling things.

What's the stock insulation? With good bottom insulation you can use less top insulation. Getting into the 40's? Be careful. Could prove to be a miserable night without good insulation. You won't die, but you won't sleep either.

You're off to a great start!!

I have a two piece snake skin. Was trying to figure it out last night, but their directions are not very clear...watched a couple videos and it makes more sense. I believe I'll be buying some light duty paracord and installing a ridgeline in my rain fly as well so I can tie it independently of the hammock. That will allow me to stuff the fly separately in a snakeskin and keep the hammock in its own sack (and hopefully dry). The instructions say to run the snakeskin on the main line of the hammock and stuff the rainfly in...but I couldn't figure that out without getting the hammock involved and there ain't no way that whole mess is fitting in the snakeskin.

"stock" insulation is an open cell foam pad that installs under the hammock, similar to a quilt. This hammock has a two layer bottom and the foam goes between the two layers and is shock corded in place to not move around. I'm intending to bring a wool blanket and a fleece one. I will probably throw my sleeping bag in as well, since I can stuff it in between the two layers of the hammock for additional loft.

Noted on the deck. My wife was being a bit silly last night and wanted climb into the hammock with me...Would have been fun but I had to tell her to stop, for fear that we both would have ended up on the ground! I'm watching the weather this week. I would like to get a sleep in with this thing. My neighbor has a nice area behind our houses that I think I can set-up in. Lots of trees and he's got the undergrowth taken care of. Very park-like. I Will ask him next time I see him.

 

[MikekiM]

Sounds good. Separate the hammock and tarp if you can.

Skip the 550 paracord for anything tarp or hammock related. Great stuff for survivalists and bushcrafters. Paracord has a fair amount of stretch by design so not great for tensioning the tarp. For tarp cordage use either Zingit or Lashit arborist cordage. Same item but for some odd reason Different color has different name. Tons of ways to rig the tarp tensioning. I have boxes of tensioners so ping me before you spend any money. I have a few roles of Zingit and Lashit too.

For anything hammock related use Amsteel. 550 for the hammock? You’ll get all set up, sit in it and steer it stretches you’ll be a bunch of inches closer to the ground.

For ground lines I like ZPacks ZLine or Dutchware DutchWire but Zingit works great here too.