Tents vs. Hammocks for backpacking and overland

[Honu]

the sil tarp would just be to cover for rain wind and stuff

the hammock themselves can have the bug net enclosed %100 my wife is like yours and she says hate to admit it but the hammocks are better than the tent

flip through some pics as a start here http://www.dream-hammock.com/ThunderBird.html
you can show her how its all covered

the eno stuff is kinda heavy and not as good coverage compared to better sil setups that were mentioned look at some of those links above for there tarps and you will see much better protection better material etc...

one thing I am going to do is create a stand that goes to the car for those rare times we can't hang ? not sure yet if I will do my own or use what they call a turtle dog setup and a couple ridge poles to the roof rack ? with one tree though I have tied up to the roof rack and the arb bumper but the bumper setup is LOW

again head over to the hammock forums and cruise through you will get a overload of great info and the group seems to be pretty darn helpful and nice and you might even find a group hang near you or even some folks that are willing to meet up and help you out see some stuff first hand


agree on the unknown will you sleep well ? IMHO as long as you learn proper hanging method and angles of the hang and sleeping at a angle inside to get a flat lay chances are good you will be comfy but do it wrong to tight common mistake and sleep in a banana shape you will be very uncomfortable


check out this for suspension systems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8MvlQBthZU

and this is a great to see what nice hammocks are like
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRoO_hx33Cg
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgqbxZLV4RU


check out these as a intro but the suspension things like the buckle system are what I like over whoopies etc... http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8752777861C2AA8
but his whole series is fun to watch and you can gain some ideas etc...

 

[libarata]

Another thing to consider camping with the wife, is do you really want to have to carry two hammocks and sleep apart? A Scarp2 is 30oz for each person(roughly). Most quality hammocks are about that anyways when you take in the suspension systems. Tents also offer vestibules, or space to place your gear in out of the rain/snow. I will add that I have camped both ways, and loved both ways, especially in the winter.

http://www.tarptent.com/scarp2.html

 

[Jerry Ward]

I spend an average of 100 nights per year camping in the field, which has given me ample time to experiment with a variety of gear. I always go with low-tech, proven designs. A friend of mine introduced me to the hammock a little over 3 years ago and I've never looked back; only slept on the ground twice since then! Super easy/quick to set-up, lightweight, low bulk, and downright comfy. I toss and turn all night with no trouble. My back never gives me problems; unlike sleeping in the bed at home on a Tempurpedic mattress. In warmer climates/temps I sleep with a 40 degree bag or a USGI poncho liner. When the temps drop, I use a 5 degree down bag on the inside of the hammock and a 0 degree down underquilt on the outside. Never been cold, even in single digits! Here is a photo from a recent trip to the Boundary Waters of my typical set-up when it's chilly...


I purchased a similar set-up for the rest of the family and they all love it. The hammock forum is a good place to start, but don't get all caught up in the techy/overkill info. It's a hammock!! It's supposed to be simple and easy to use-that's why we like'em...Jerry