tent vs. jungle hammock

[Bryan Burke]

A few years ago when I was going down to the tropics a fair amount, I bought a Clark Jungle Hammock after doing a lot of online research and talking to a couple acquaintances who had similar hammocks. www.junglehammock.com I went with the version that has an extended rain fly and lots of storage pockets because in the rainy season in Central America, you want enough rain fly to cook under as well as sleep under. One year I slept in it for several nights and days of frequent rain. It worked very well and the quality of materials and construction is good. It packs up about 14 inches long and six in diameter. The storage pockets are sufficient to keep your clothes and shoes dry and off the ground. And you can sleep on your side, it hangs much flatter than a traditional hammock. Practice rigging it at home a couple times before you go on the road. They require a little more finesse than most tents. You can rig it on the ground if no trees are around, but the fabric is breathable so you need a ground cloth in that situation. However, it is expensive and a specialized piece of gear. If you are going to be in a rainy place with very little flat ground but lots of trees and snakes, I highly recommend it. For a place with flat ground and no Fer de Lances I usually don't even bother with a tent. A good lightweight tarp and a little imagination are my preference. I use one by Outdoor Products, 9x12, with some extra grommets added for versatility, a few lightweight stakes, and a lot of utility cord. That size is enough to act as both ground cloth and shelter. Along with a mosquito net in bug country and a Thermarest, I think it is the way to go unless you'll encounter a lot of wind, rain or snow. To me the main advantage of a tent is wind protection. (And maybe privacy, though I usually don't camp around people.) Otherwise the poles, zippers, etc. are more weight than function. Bryan Burke

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, mark ward wrote: > > Tidings all > > last year I seen a combo "tent" that hung like a hammock, but stiffer sides like a cot, so you didn't have to sleep on your back all curved feet in the air, like hammocks make you. > (I sleep on my side's alot.) > > ratchet strapped between two trees. > > So it packs SMALL yet keep you dry and flat. (kinda) and no worry of sticks and Rocks tearing the floor if set up in the woods > > Anyone Know about it?? (who what where?) > > Thanks in advance. > > Mark (W. Mi.) >