Using A Hammock As A Tarp

Not a new idea. People have been going to ground with their hammocks when they can't find trees for quite some time now. You don't need custom poles as you're not suspending the hammock in the air, just suspending the ends off the ground. Sticks would work, as would pretty much any set of trekking poles.

Typically, you put down the pad, then the hammock, as the bottom material should not be punctured. You don't need custom poles – all you're doing is suspending the ends so the bug net isn't on you. Trekking poles or sticks work.

The couple of times I've gone to ground, there weren't bug issues, so I just pitched the tarp and threw everything in. The Blackbird in its bag makes a fine pillow.

I was picturing the hammock being used as a tarp, i.e. overhead for rain protection like a normal tarp. Was this not the idea? I think that could work…
Evan

Hammocks usually (always) have a tarp, so I believe the question is about using the actual sleeping portion on the ground, kind of like something between a bivy and a net tent.

Most hammocks are breathable, not waterproof.

I dont know what was goin on- but why would they put the hammock on the ground and carry a groundsheet? You are right though a waterproof hammock wouldnt make much sense- it would pool your sweat when used in hammock mode I think. Unless one wants a VB and us using a VB quilt over the waterproof hammock…
Clarification?
Evan

"why would they put the hammock on the ground and carry a groundsheet?"

If you're a hammocker, but a portion of your trip will take you where there might not be any trees to hang from, you carry a groundsheet (and sleeping pad if it's me) in case you have to go to ground.

"I was picturing the hammock being used as a tarp, i.e. overhead for rain protection like a normal tarp. Was this not the idea? I think that could work…"

Not very well. Hammocks don't have guyouts along their sides to stake out like a tarp, so the coverage overhead would be poor, at best.

Right, got that, it makes sense- what doesnt make sense is to bring a ground sheet and then still use the hammock on the ground like I was picturing from some previous posts. I dont understand what kohl is trying to get at here…
Evan

Could the stake out points be added in a MYOG project? couldnt be too hard…I think the big problem is the waterproofness

"I think the big problem is the waterproofness"

yes, there is that…..

Douglas,
Can you paint me the picture of how the hammock is being used in this application? from the ground up- dirt, groundsheet, pad, hammock, body?
Thanks
Evan

Just like Lori said above. You put a groundsheet down to protect the bottom of the hammock. You rig the ends of the hammock to your trekking poles to suspend the ends – and the netting — but not the body of the hammock, which is resting on the groundsheet. If you're using a pad, put that in the hammock, get in, zip up, cover yourself with your quilt, and sing songs until you fall asleep.

You can also rig your tarp over your hammock using the trekking poles and your stakes if the weather dictates.

Ah I got it, thanks.
So the reason to do this is so that the bug netting will still be protecting you, but basically you are still laying on the ground. Guess I have to try a hammock to truely understand all this. I was picturing someone setting up the hammock after staking it out (adding guy out points) and sleeping under it. Weird. Anyway,
Thanks
Evan

Just be warned, if you try a hammock you'll want to sell all your tents….

Amen, brother. I have my Warbonnet Blackbird and I'm never going back – unbelievable comfort!

Here is a hammock pitched as a tent/bivy

I don't have a ground cloth in this photo, but if I were really going to use it on the ground I would have one.

With the tarp pulled back.

Although I have practiced setting this up on the ground, fortunately I have always been able to find some place to hang.

– Mark

I would guess if you're carrying a hammock, you're already carrying a tarp 99% of the time.

>I would guess if you're carrying a hammock, you're already carrying a tarp 99% of the time.<

Yep! So the hammock only serves a bug net really. You could make do without it.
-Mark

I'd carry the tarp 100% of the time. The minute I go without one it will rain, no matter the forecast. Murphy dogs me everywhere.

"I'd carry the tarp 100% of the time."

+1

And Murphy doesn't dog me, but his sister sure makes my life hell….

Those pictures look great!
Just for kicks, how light are UL tarps now a days? Seems like everyone who tries one loves it. Killer.
Evan

Just be warned, if you try a hammock you'll want to sell all your tents….

Not I. It always made my chest hurt because I'd laugh all night from the hammock swinging around. I should probably sell my hammock.

Yes, I have seen a hammock set up like this many times. The thing I was trying to get at is what if you put down a groundsheet, put down a pad, put the hammock down, got in the hammock, and put semi-circular poles actually inside the hammock to support the upper half and give it shape, thus making it sort of a tube tent?