Wilderness Camping Guides and Gear

Tents

Your home in the backwoods and shelter from the weather. There are many types, sizes and styles for different situations and applications... Learn More About Tents

Tent Alternatives

Other kinds of shelter choices that can be quite practical and lightweight for backpacking applications... Learn More About Tent Alternatives

Backpacks

A properly sized and correctly adjusted backpack can make carrying all your gear a breeze... Learn More About Backpacks

Sleeping Bags

Keeping you warm and comfortable to get a good nights sleep... Learn More About Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Pads

Added to a good quality bag to smooth out the bumps and keep you much warmer... Learn More About Sleeping Pads

Clothing

To make sure you are warm, dry and comfortable while you are on the trail... Learn More About Camp Appropriate Clothing

Additional Gear

There are many other items to make your wilderness experience easier, safer and more enjoyable... Learn More About Additional Gear

More Sites to the Great Outdoors

• Trailer Tent Guide

Tent Alternatives - Hammock Sleep Systems and Bivy Tents

One alternative to carring a tent is to use a hammock with built-in bugnet and tarp configuration. There are several products like this, with one being called a Hennessy Hammock - a hammock, built-in bugnet and tarp all in one unit. These are a good choice, but seem to be a bit pricey. This type of configuration is a great alternative to a regular tent, however they don't allow the flexability of a modular setup

Variations of the Hammock/built-in net Configuration

There is something called a FOX® Jungle Hammock , which is much the same though not quite as nice as a Hennesy. The Crazy Crib is another variation. I took the Hennesy idea and created my own set up, using a hammock with built in bugnet, tarp, and some parachute cord. This way you can set up your hammock (with bugnet pointed down underneath the hammock) if the weather is clear with no bugs. Then, if bugs are a problem, you can simply flip the hammock over and utilize the built-in bugnet. If rain threatens you can pitch your tarp above it with parachute cord. I have often left the tarp half pitched with one half flipped back over on itself leaving me a nice view of the night sky, but ready to batten down for rain with just the attaching of one more piece of parachute cord.

Tips for Tent Alternatives

Of course you have to be certain there will be adequate opportunities to pitch your hammock. Meaning this won't work in open areas devoid of trees. Also, this would not be appropriate for cold or even cool weather camping. The wind whisteling underneath you can really make you cold when sleeping in a hammock. Of course you can always add a therma rest type mattress between the hammock and the bugnet when it is bugnet side down for added warmth. Normally on cooler nights bugs are not a problem.

The Minimalist Approach

Another alternative is what is called a bivy sack. This is simply a waterproof sack that your sleeping bag goes into. This is a very minimalist approach, and though very light in weight can leave much to be desired. There are two types of bivy sacks: One is simply some type of coated fabric for waterproofness. These are the cheapest, but by far the least desireable. The reason is that they do not breathe and you will end up with a damp sleeping bag from the water vapor your body naturally puts off. A much better type (option two) is one made from a Gortex type fabric. This allows the water vapor to escape during the night, elimatinating the problem of dampenss.