Hammocks . . .
Image via Wikipedia
. . . And Hammocks to You Too!
“Birds have wings; they’re free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy.” - Roger Tory Peterson
Hammocks, the ultimate in ultralight hiking and backpacking sleeping arrangements. Hammocks have actually come a long way since the sailors of old had to master the art of getting in (and out) of a bit of cloth strung between the beams of the sailing ship, or have they? I mean, what else can you do with a hammock? You’ve still got to try and master the art of climbing into a swinging bed . . .
Catch a load of that photo . . . I want some of that and I want it NOW!
You see, it’s well tricky to climb into a hammock, much more difficult than it looks . . .
He’s having trouble too . . .
That’s better, he’s got the hang of it now!
Backpacking Hammocks
The Hammocks which many of our modern day hikers and backpackers use these days certainly have come a long way. How can a hammock help to improve your overnight backpacking experience?
- Hammocks offer the ultimate choice for those who like to travel ultralight and they’re economical too.
- Back packing hammocks these days are often of an asymmetrical shape which makes them appear to be much wider and longer than the traditional symmetrical type of hammock.
- Hiking hammocks really can offer a comfortable sleeping solution, although many of them have height and weight restrictions (and so do the trees you tie them to).
- Many hammocks are fitted with mesh insect screens, keeping the bugs out but letting the fresh air in, although some of them are even designed to deflect the wind . . . ventilation without the wind, that sounds pretty clever to me.
- Hammocks don’t generally offer much protection against the rain, but with a ripstop rainfly you can be warm, cozy and dry. Who needs a tent?
So you see, a hammock really is quite a useful alternative for single backpackers and hikers who need something light and comfortable for sleeping (no need for a tent) to carry when they are traveling alone, just so long as they can master the art of climbing in and out . . . and can find some trees of course!
Wow, a group of pigs got tangled up in his wires, but at least the space weasels didn’t get him! Not for the faint hearted type of backpacker this you know.
