Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 2
Hammock + Tarp vs Tent?

I am preparing for my South American trip later this summer and I have been wondering over the camping setup that I would bring.
I have been camping for quiet a few years, but pretty much only in eastern European temperate climate. We can get up to 42+C/107F in the summer (in contrast to -25C/-13F in the winter :confused1 and the tents tend to get unbearably hot just in 9AM. There is also the problem of finding level ground, removing branches, rocks, etc. and tents are bulky.
Last summer I went camping in Portugal and friend of mine had a very simple setup of hammock and a tarp, which seemed to work pretty amazing. Way more comfortable than tent on the ground, smaller when packed, lighter, simple setup, there is a slight breeze going under the tarp. Amazing!
So I got a tent and a tarp from DD and went on a hitchhiking trip along the east coast of Australia (hitchhiking is neither dead, nor illegal in Australia, regardles of what you hear, it's amazing and Ivan millat has been in prison for over 15 years), where I used it for about 10 days. It worked out wonderful:



The hammock is pretty big, it has a mosquitto net, it's dual layer breathing poliester, not waterproof (dual, so that you can put thermal mat inside to keep your back warm) and worked very well for the conditions I faced there - calm and very hot weather. It keeps you above ground, so it's excellent for te biggest Australian concern - killer fauna (There was a picture floating around of completely white background and the text "This is a picture of all the animal life in Australia, that won't kill you". I know now that this is not true, but it's still funny as hell).
Choosing comfortable ground is no longer a problem, which is especially nice for festival campings, as you often may think you have chosen the best spot, but soon you find there are gazillion new tents all over the place squashing your tidy camp... No longer an issue, hang the thing over the ugliest rocks (and don't fall over them!) and there you have your privacy
Also sleeping in it is millions times better than anything you may sleep on in a tent!

Now I am considering taking it for my trip, where I intend to camp as much as possible, but I am concerned about how it works in the longer term and with variable weather conditions, like tropical storms?
Water soaking it through the lines is not a concern, as I have a webbing that I put around the three and connect it to the hammock lines with carabiners.
Wind may be a problem, for which i consider just putting the hammock and tarp as close to the grounds as possible.

The only downside I can imagine is not having a completely dry and sealed place to put your stuff.

Has anyone tried travelling for longer with tarp & hammock setup? Opinions?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
I love hammock camping, and whenever the situation permits I will choose a hammock for my trip every time.

But it just doesn't have the flexibility of a tent. I considered taking it for South America but thankfully did not. In the lowland regions it could be done very easily most places. Once you're in the Andes and you've been above the tree-line for two weeks, or you're in the Atacama desert and there hasn't been any vegetation for 500 miles, you'll be glad you went with the tent. In my experience, the places where you will have the ability to camp the most (desolate regions in South America) are also the places where tree growth is most sparse.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 182
There is nothing I like more than hammock camping and I've spent many nights in one. But for RTW travel it just isn't practical. There are too many places where there is nowhere to hang a hammock. I used a Hennesy hammock for years in the Colorado mountains and it can be setup on the ground with the bike on one side and a pole or luggage or something on the other side but it really isn't comfortable and is horrible in the rain or wind. A tent is heavier and bulkier and less comfortable but so much more flexible I wouldn't consider using anything else.
__________________
Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Hi, my experience with both is pretty comprehensive. The answer to your question, really both. The actual hammock does not take much space or weight. The tarp will come in very handy as an extension of your tent – for lounging, cooking, bike maintainance or whatever in it's shade (sun) or shelter (rain or wind).

I dropped the tent in '08 for an overland trip to India, and took my ENO hammock. I only used it once, camping ground in Islamabad, and I would have had more use for a tent. Something about you and all your bits being gawped at for hours, fidlers paradise, and seeing as we are so alien to the local population anywhere I don't think South America can be very different.
I had romantic notions of wild camping, unless you are very well hidden the locals will find you, and pester you something terrible. You are today's freak show. I never found a safe and comfortable camping spot. Even in deserts herders and kids came running. Cheap hotels or rom everywhere, and more secure, just don't dangle temptation in front of people.


Deserts, and higher mountain areas, are usually not hammock friendly.Wind can be a problem with hammocks even if you find a place to hang.Tip - take two good size threaded hooks, then you can maybe hang in abandoned farm buildings type of place.



I walk in the Norwegian forests with a tarp/hammock sommer and winter.
High mountain plateau sommer and winter I take a tent.
The last few years I have used a tarp/hammock for the Primus Rally, with the option of digging into the snow if the wind became too strong.



I would prefer the tarp/hammock in general, but I think you are taking a tent for it's more practical aspect, now you just have to find a place to pitch it.


Good luck on your trip


Peter, in Oslo
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Hennessy Hammock

There have been a few discussions about the options you have in mind - you can find the earlier discussions via the search box at the top of the page; just put in "hammock" for instance.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/search

Anyway, these are quite an interesting type of hammock (which have also been discussed in the HUBB, apart from this thread of nearly 10 years ago):-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-hammock-10683
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Apr 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 14
Cool

I agree with the above comments. Hammocks are great but have their limits. You're exposed to all kinds of threats, environmental and cultural. I say take both tent and hammock setups and use each one when appropriate and safe. If you can't take both for space/weight limits, take the one which gives the most flexibility in its use....the tent. Leave the hammock for picnics and benign conditions. Just my humble opinion.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
tent or hammock

Quote:
Originally Posted by jordan325ic View Post
I love hammock camping, and whenever the situation permits I will choose a hammock for my trip every time.

But it just doesn't have the flexibility of a tent. I considered taking it for South America but thankfully did not. In the lowland regions it could be done very easily most places. Once you're in the Andes and you've been above the tree-line for two weeks, or you're in the Atacama desert and there hasn't been any vegetation for 500 miles, you'll be glad you went with the tent. In my experience, the places where you will have the ability to camp the most (desolate regions in South America) are also the places where tree growth is most sparse.
Second that. Having travelled extensively in SA, the best places are mostly void of trees, and don't forget that much of best of SA is Alti Plano (3500m+) Scorching hot during the day and freezing cold in the night. You need protection against the cold winds! Take both if you can but if you have to choose, i'd go for a tent.

Good luck,
Noel
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How important is it to have an easily hidden tent color masukomi Camping Equipment and all Clothing 36 11 Mar 2014 00:54
Tent waterproofing doesn't last? furious Camping Equipment and all Clothing 19 10 Mar 2014 22:55
need advice to buy a good tent Zimi Camping Equipment and all Clothing 36 13 Sep 2013 16:16
Sale: Brand new Nomad (now Redverz)Tenere Expedition tent (series 1),London/Surrey UK Bobduro TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 3 Aug 2012 11:14
Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 Tent (UK) NEW Griffdowg TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 16 May 2012 19:52

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:18.