Hammock or tarp for AT?

“I've been out of town four a bit so I'm just getting int this discussion.

I spent my first two nights in a hammock on the Red River Gorge trip. It was good to try it at a low-ish temp for reference sake. I know Binks says he has slept fine in his at 10 degrees, but I don't see that working for me. The nights at the Red got down to 27-28 degrees and I was pretty cold in my tarp. My set up is a Ultralight Backpacker Asym and I used Sgt Rock's "car window screen" idea and a 3/4 ridge rest on top of it, and a 20 degree sleeping bag. I'm not sure what the cut-off is for me but I did learn "below 30 pick a new shelter." But that's just for me, everyone is different.

It was very comfortable to lay in, though. I will continue to test it this year. If it performs well, and is as comfortable to sleep in as I hope, I will use it during appropriate mounths on my thru-hike next year. The model I have weighs 1lb 15oz + 2 stakes. I figure this is about the same as a 8'x10'tarp + 4-6 stakes + bug protection + sleeping pad + ground cloth (tyvek).

Not sure what I'm going to use during the colder months. I'm thinking about something from Wanderlust.

If I HAD to pick one shelter for the entire trip? For me, three possibilities - Wanderlust 2-4-2, Shires Tarptent with floor, maybe a Stephensons Warmlight (if it breathes enough). But that's just what I think now. I'll probably have a differnet opinion next year after I've finished the Trail.”

“Hope to see you on the AT. The plan is to start at the bottom of Springer on the 3rd of march. Starting on that day to commemorate a thru hiker that is helping me prepare. Thanks for the advice on the hammock. Now I don't know what to do. I know I want a shelter that can keep me warm, so it looks like I will have to get both the tarptent, and the hammock. Think the hammock would be great for car camping if I do any traveling this summer, and on the AT. But it would be nice to have a little more insulation for a "just in case" situation.”

“hiker if you are have the cash...

down filled air mattresses are a proven proformer in hammocks but run about 150.00 and weigh in at 3 pounds. They are said to be extremely warm and comfy on the ground as well.

http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/agMyMenu.jsE?OpenAgent&Language=E

Also rumor has it that a solution to the cold problem is in the works at hennessy and is expected soon...”

“Almost forgot....

OLE!

:}”

“ick.... No way can I pack a 3 pound ground pad in. Though it does sound very very nice!! I think the cold issue is the only one holding me back from getting one.”

“Here's a link to a home-made solution that someone posted recently. I hope to make one to try next winter.

http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=5&cid=72”

“i'd say the hammock would be great for when it's warm enough. only problem there is you won't have a pad should you decide to stay in a shelter anyway. unless you don't mind carrying a little extra weight. i know binks carries his around just for the chair option.
bottom line, you're probably gonna end up getting more than 1 shelter.”

“hmm, that quilt design looks warm, but it looks kinda big. I think the problem is I don't know what I want. Wait, yes I do. I want a hammock that keeps me warm and weighs no more than 2 pounds. For some odd reason I don't think thats gona happen.”