Using A Hammock As A Tarp

This is the hammock I use on almost all my trips. Not because it can be used as a tarp with tie-outs, but because it's the most comfortable hammock I've used.

http://www.grandtrunkgoods.com/ProdDetails.aspx?prodId=71

It's been done. There's a guy over at hammock forums doing this with a Blackbird.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13131

It's a looooong picture heavy thread.

Too much work – I'm just gonna suspend it from the poles, myself, if it comes to that. Rather be hanging!

"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."

Another case of Wrong Hammock. Mine hardly swings even if it's windy, even if I don't bother with the tie outs. (Well, some of that is site selection too.)

It's interesting how many different kinds of hammock there can be, with so many different features, yet when someone tries one hammock they shrug and decide hammocks don't work. Yet when you get a tent, and something about the tent doesn't work, they research and find another tent that fixes the problem. (Not pointing this at you in particular but it's rare that I set up the hammock somewhere with other hikers around that I DON'T get the stream of "hammocks don't work" comments. Like I haven't just set up an extensive hammock/tarp system that's clearly working, why else would I carry it?)

I have the same AT Hybrid Hammock listed by Curt above. It is waterproof, big enough for 2 people, has tie outs to use as a tarp or a-frame, use it as a ground sheet. Kinda heavy for just a hammock, but really really makes up for it with its many uses.

I sleep fine using a tent or a hammock. No difference to me.

Another case of Wrong Hammock.

Another case of Wrong Assumption.

Yeah, I suppose it's possible you've tried every hammock in the list. Some folks just don't like 'em.

*shrug* It's all about what works, that's all.

Or it could just be that I found over the years that I don't like moving around when I sleep. I don't sleep well in a hammock, waterbeds, beds with someone else that move, during earthquakes, etc. I haven't tried sleeping in a high rise, but I suspect I wouldn't like that either. A hammock, even mine, is a fantastic sleeping solution, but it's not for everyone. I don't need to try "every hammock in the list" to figure that out. That said, you're more than welcome to send me some hammocks to try out, especially if you have that magic hammock that doesn't move at all, even when I do, and I do.

James,

Doesn't a water proof hammock get kind of sweaty in the summer? That is the main issue I would have with it.

Now a hammock made with eVENT….

– Mark

Hi Mark,

It doesn't seem that warm at all to be honest. I almost always have more problems with chilling that with overheating, but I am in the midwest so YMMV.

eVent would be very slick. Someone on here uses a cuben fiber hammock, you could also ask them about zero breathability. I think it is just not enough surface area to really affect you.

James