Hammock Camping?

Question

I'm looking to make a switch from tent backpacking to hammock backpacking (mostly because of the lower weight) and I was wondering what adjustments I need to make. I assume I need to keep my boots and bag outside, so in the winter, how do i keep my stuff warm? I usually keep most my cloths in my sleeping bag, but my boots would probably be too dirty for that. In a tent, I usually keep them to the side and insulate them with wool socks to keep them warm. How do I do this in a hammock? Both my bag, and more importantly my boots will be coverd in morning dew if i left them hanging outside. Also, do I need a sleeping pad in the hammock or is a blanket and sleeping bag enough? Lastly, is it even a good idea to use a hammock in the winter, or is it more of a summer/spring shelter?

Answer 1

Not a very good idea in the winter, because it leaves you too exposed to the elements, which could cause hypothermia or frostbite. More of a spring/summer thing.

Try keeping your belongings underneath the hammock. They'll still collect some morning dew, but your body will block some of it.

Answer 2

I know all about hammock camping so you've come to the right place. First of all switching to a  hammock isn't about weight, because you could sleep under the stars or under a tarp and save a ton more weight. A one man tent and a hammock are about the same weight. The reason to switch to a hammock is comfort and convenience, you can camp anywhere there are two trees and some places there's not and it's so luxuriously comfortable, if you can sleep in that position compared to being on the ground.

I don't know a thing about boots. I leave my lightweight hiking shoes outside my shelter at night and hike through streams during the day with them on and never noticed they were too wet or too cold. Maybe you could keep them in a waterproof stuff sack? People either hang their gear under the hammock, under the tarp, or lay it on the ground under the hammock/tarp.

Most people use some sort of auto windshield reflector and sleeping pad combo, though I swear by a full size mummy bag modified so the ropes pass through, requiring no pad! They also sell insulating underbags to hang under your hammock turning it into a full winter shelter. "They" being Hennessy Hammock: http://hennessyhammock.com/new-products.... (Scroll down for the winter use review)