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Just_A_Human@sh.itjust.works

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Somewhere in Michigan... First time backpacking, second time hammock camping (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 6 months ago by beastlykings@sh.itjust.works to c/camping@sh.itjust.works

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[–] technomad 5 points 6 months ago (4 children)

Beautiful photo.

Hammocks are awesome and everything, but the few times I've tried sleeping in them overnight I felt incredibly vulnerable. Anyone else relate?

[–] spyd3r@sh.itjust.works 3 points 6 months ago (2 children)

I got caught in a rainstorm in one once. Definitely did not keep me or my stuff dry, the tarp blocks the rain from the top, but you get wet air blowing in from every other direction, and a little bit of spray comes in both ends.

[–] technomad 2 points 6 months ago

Sounds pretty miserable

[–] beastlykings@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 months ago

Rain is one thing, a rainstorm is another.

I've been caught in the rain and I was fine. I read online that you can get a rain fly that folds around the edges and closes up the ends and keeps out spray and such.

I imagine in a rainstorm you'd be pretty miserable in a tent too, depending on where you were in relation to running ground water 🤷‍♂️

[–] Bronzie@sh.itjust.works 3 points 6 months ago

You get used to it.

My biggest fear when camping is not animals but other people, and a tent won't help me then anyways.

[–] beastlykings@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Thanks!

I have felt vulnerable yes, I had one experience where I woke up and thought I heard my buddy walking through the leaves, but then I heard him still snoring. I got a little freaked out, and listened closely, I was just hearing things. But maybe I would've felt the same in a tent? Maybe it was just because I was out in the middle of nowhere, which was new for me.

[–] technomad 2 points 6 months ago

Could be, but what if it was a cougar or something? Having my underside exposed like that, and no quick/easy way out, feels more dangerous somehow (I know it probably isn't more dangerous than a tent hypothetically, but it feels that way in my mind).

[–] proudblond@lemmy.world 5 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Does a hammock work for a side sleeper? I am super uncomfortable sleeping on my back, but I’d love to try it if it would be feasible on my side.

[–] PrecisePangolin@lemmy.ml 7 points 6 months ago

I often roll over from my back onto my side and it works fairly well! I would recommend a longer, wider hammock. 11 or 12 feet in length and just “wide” labeled hammocks from any cottage vendor. I would recommend a pillow as well. I have used both the thermarest memory foam pillow (bulkier and heavier) and a sea to summit Aeros ultralight with great success.

[–] CharadeYouAreNot@lemm.ee 3 points 6 months ago

A bridge hammock is also recommended for side sleepers.

[–] PrecisePangolin@lemmy.ml 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Great photo and great setup!

[–] beastlykings@sh.itjust.works 2 points 6 months ago

Thanks!

[–] Stalinwolf@lemmy.ca 2 points 6 months ago

Dogman's gonna love that thing after he eats you.