>>209750>You need to be able to find two trees that you can set the hammock up from in order to use it.In an emergency, I can set it up on the ground, so long as the ridge line is supported, between say two saplings, or Hiking poles.
>I can't see all this stuff taking up less space than a good 1-2 person tent. My hammock packs up to a roughly rectangular shape, 4" x 7" x 9". My sleeping pad is 3/4ths of one of those cheap foam ones (you know, the ones that suck on the ground), and it's kept me warm enough almost to 0C, about 2' by 6'' when packed up.
>>You need to sleep on your back or side to use one comfortably, right?Yup. Stomach is a no go. That being said, hanging in a hammock is so comfortable, you won't mind.
>Bad weather seems like it would be a bitch. Doesn't the wind blow you around?The biggest problem with my hammock, is I have an Asymmetrical fly, that only pegs down in the middle. (pic related) In high winds, if I set it up at the wrong angle (can't always find perfect trees, just like some tent pads suck) the fly has a tendancy to blow up, and I've had rain mist into my hammock, which sucks. (I've also had the fly pop half off during a thunderstorm, but that was because It looked clear, and I was lazy with set up. Never made that mistake again) However, you can get a 4 corner fly that would alleveiate this. currently, I just clip a nalgene or tie a rock to the corners, which weights the thing down. Your weight is hard for the wind to move, I've swayed a bit but nothing more. And again, you can avoud this by setting up in a sheltered position, I often choose dramatic, exposed spots, because I enjoy the view.
Each to their own though, tents have their own advantages. I miss having space to move around for instance. Or sit up. But I'll always prefer the hammock.
