Touring - Hammocks or Tents

Should I use a Hammock or Tent for touring and why? Right now I have a good tent, bu I know hammocks cant cost that much. So let me know.

No sense in spending money when you don't have to. I would say if the tent is small and light then that should be fine. That's what I'd use. Not that I know my butt from a hole in the ground.

I'd use what you already have.

In a nutshell:

Hammocks are comfortable since they provide even support for your body. They can be put up over sloped or rocky terrrain, and are lighter than a tent/sleeping pad combination. A lightweight hammock packs into a very small space.

Tents are warmer because they have no airflow underneath them, are roomier for storing your stuff or having company, and allow you to move around and sleep in multiple positions better than a hammock.

Hammocks are not permitted to be lashed to trees in some parks.

There are underquilts available for some hammocks to combat the problem with cold air circulating beneath you. These may, or may not, be worth the trouble and expense.

A hammock is pretty worthless in desert, or other treeless regions.

I have hammocks as well as tents and tarps. Each has its uses. Like so many things, it depends on your needs and preferences. I suggest getting a hammock and trying it out.

You can get a hammock for 20 dollars at EMS, and probaly many other places. It is made of nylon and weighs and takes up very little. You have to factor in ropes too. If you can swing a hammock, it is much more fun (lighter, more interseting campsights. But there are situations that wont permit hanging your bed, and unless you are prepared to make a tent like enclosure out of it, you will be stuck. It just dependinds on where you are going mainly.

stokell has dealt with this subject about as much as anyone could, specialising in the Hennesey. Do a search on hammock and his user name for the thread. It may well be the Stealth Camping thread that has just been revived.

stokell has dealt with this subject about as much as anyone could, specialising in the Hennesey. Do a search on hammock and his user name for the thread. It may well be the Stealth Camping thread that has just been revived.

You mentioned my name?

My journals have some interesting stories and photos of my Hennessy hammock. They are expensive to buy, but the hammocks are well-made and comfortable because of their asymmentrical design. You can camp many places where you couldn't use a tent such as wet or uneven ground, but they are mostly useful for stealth camping. If you plan on using campsites, stick with the tent. Many campsites don't allow hammocks and some don't even have trees.

You may want to make your own tent and/or hammock and other gear, start here.
http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html

I like a tent myself. I found a surplus Army tent for $3 and I love it. It's one of the 2-peace tents. Both sides of the tent snap together at the ridge allowing two people to carry the tent and share the load. It's made of duck canvas so it weighs more than a modern nylon tent but it's oh so cozy in the winter and easily withstands high winds and harsh conditions. The slightly extra weight even if your solo and hauling the entire tent yourself is well worth the extra effort in comfort at night. Its olive drab color allows me to stealth camp as well.

A piece of off-topic advice. Take your email address out of your profile. You'll get spammed like hell. Bots troll these bulletin boards for email addresses.

I have a Hennessey hammock: VERY comfortable but no room to pack stuff in with you and if it's cold you'll need to insulate the bottom somehow.