Only Fools Hammock the Arizona Trail

No!

That’s the answer I got when I asked other hammock enthusiasts if I should bring my hammock on the Arizona Trail.  You’ll only be able to hang 50%, maybe 80%, of the time.  I ignored this advice.  If you saw the photos on my blog, you'll already know that I slept in my hammock every night on my 300 mile section hike of the southernmost part of the Arizona Trail (southbound from Superior to Mexico, Passages 1-17, in March 2015).

Hanging on the Arizona Trail.

But if asked that same question by someone thinking of hiking the Arizona Trail, I would give the same recommendation:  You’d be a fool to bring a hammock.

Here, I'll attempt to convince you NOT to bring a hammock on the Arizona Trail.  I'll explain why I brought my hammock.  And for other hammock-hanging fools, I'll give some tips for hanging in Arizona.

Why hammocking is impractical on the Arizona Trail
There are long stretches at low elevation with vegetation not conducive to hanging- cactus, ocotillo, palo verde.  Sure you go up into forested higher elevations, but not for long before going back down again into the desert sea.  Fierce winds will steal the warmth right out of your hammock.  Trees you do find are too widely spaced to hang- you wouldn’t be able to get your tree straps high enough to not be dragging your butt on the ground.  Spine-covered undergrowth and cactus further limit available hang sites.

Scrub and cactus— this why you don’t want to hang on the Arizona Trail.

My advice is to stick with a tent or tarp, and try cowboy camping on the Arizona Trail.  You, dear readers, should embrace the challenge of learning to be a more versatile backpacker by learning to sleep on the ground.

Jan and Farwalker made smart shelter choices.  Be like them.  Sleep on the ground.

But, I'm a hammock-lovin’ fool!  
Are you an avid hammock hanger who wouldn't think of going backpacking if you had to sleep on the ground?  Have you already spent hundreds of dollars on customizing your lightweight hammock setup and sewing your own hammock gear?  Do you not even own a tent?  Are you a creative hammock hanger with desert experience?  Do you have a keen ability to “see” unusual hang sites and to spatially visualize the shape of your setup?  Do you have a go-to-ground option for your rig?

I answered "yes" to all of the above.  Last year, I hammocked the southernmost 1500 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail though Southern California and the Sierra.  I've done desert hanging in Utah.  I can't sleep if I’m not in my hammock, and I really value the ability to sleep.  I am willing to make sacrifices to hang and I don't mind letting the hammock dictate my hike.  I am OK paying the steep price in time and energy and getting poked with spines to sleep in my hammock.

If that sounds like you, then keep reading...

Chillin' in my hammock while Jan sets up her tent.

My experience on this section of the Arizona Trail was that finding sites was difficult but not impossible.  It was more difficult than hanging on the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California.  But if I were to do this Arizona Trail section again, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring my hammock.  The costs in extra time to find a site were far outweighed by the benefits of a good nights sleep for me.

TIPS FOR HAMMOCKING FOOLS

Know your elevation
The hardest places to find hang sites were at low elevations and anywhere water was scarce.  Higher elevations have trees, but can be prohibitively steep.  Use your topo map.

High elevation hang near Summerhaven.

Develop spatial skills
Learn how to judge the negative space required for your hammock.  You should be able to pick out a hang site far in the distance, and see hang sites from the corner of your eye.

How many hang sites can you spot?

Know how low your hammock will stretch, and have a sense of how much tiny branches will bend under your weight before your butt lands on the ground.  Know how to measure the minimum spacing required for your hammock (I hold out my hiking poles to judge exact distance- if the tips of my poles barely touch while my arms are fully extended, I know I can hang there).

These cholla are the perfect distance apart for my hammock!  Too bad they bend prohibitively.  Not to mention the spines.

Creative hangs
Be creative in finding anchor points. Practice one-tree hangs, gully hangs, and hangs from fences or corrals.

I've done lots of creative hangs, but still can't always judge if a hang will work (i.e. if my butt will end up on the ground).  Even with all my experience, several times I'd set up my hammock unsuccessfully, and then had to find another spot and move.

Do you want to be spending your backpacking trip with this type of nightly hassle?  Or does that sound like your idea of fun?

Embrace mesquite
Mesquite trees (shrubs?) provided me frequent hangs.  They are surprisingly sturdy for being such small trees and didn’t bend much.  Most important, they were present down at lower elevations, where there is NOTHING else but cactus.  Mesquite were sharp and scrubby with lots of low hanging branches.  They will poke you with spines when you set up and when you get out of your hammock to pee.  I went in early spring before the mesquite leaf out, and I've heard the new growth has needle sharp thorns which are probably even more vicious.  Cows love mesquite, so you will hang over cowpies, and you will get poked and scraped up.  But to hang on the AZT, you will learn to love mesquite and when you cross the cactus-dominated landscapes and see will see the shadows of mesquites in the distance, your heart will sing with joy.

I'm taller than this mesquite tree, but look I can still hang from it!

Find a wash
Hang sites can be found in washes.  I virtually “scout” ahead to find washes using the topo maps I’d downloaded to my iphone using Gaia GPS.  I'd often have to hike for several miles to find a possible hang site.

A rare good hang in Sabino Canyon.

Washes sometimes have cottonwoods, sycamores, or other trees.  Sometimes, vegetation isn’t tall enough to hang from, but you can try for a gully hang.  Gully hangs are when you anchor off small bushes across a gully, and then span the gully.

Gully hang over an animal path.

The downside of being in a wash is that cold air sinks, and these places are wet so you risk being covered in condensation and freezing in the cold damp air.   Animals frequent gullies and use them as paths, so you also risk having critters running around your campsite.  Sounds fun, right?

Trees near water sources
Many beautiful trees are found near water sources, and you will see lovely hangs near water.  Do NOT hang near water sources (especially springs and potholes).  I repeat DO NOT HANG NEAR WATER SOURCES.  Animals and other wildlife rely on these scare sources and come and drink at night.  If you hang there you could prevent them from accessing water.  This is their home.  You are just a guest.  Act with respect.  Find another place to hang.

Escape the wind
The wind is a huge problem because it will suck the warmth from you in a hammock.  Wind on the Arizona Trail is fierce and unrelenting.  Learn to find sites that are sheltered from the wind in the lee of a hillside.  Or you will spend sleepless nights getting shaken and listening to the roar of your tarp flapping in the wind while you freeze to death.

This site ended up being too windy, and I had to move my hammock further down the hillside.

Go-to ground setup
Carry a ground setup so that you will be able to sleep on the ground when you do not find a suitable hang site.  I carry a polycro ground cloth and torso pad that I use as insulation under my legs in my hammock.  Know how to set up your tarp on the ground (in high winds, in rock-hard soil).

Spine management practices
If you aren’t careful, it would be really easy to get spines in your hammock.  Always check yourself for burrs, briars, and spines before getting into your hammock. I lay out a ground cloth under my hammock as an extra layer of protection. 

Shrubs and bushes will tear you up when you go scouting for hang sites off the trail and when you go to set up your hammock.  I wore tall gaiters and long sleeved shirt to protect myself and kept my sunglasses on to protect my eyes.

Practice leave-no-trace
Leave No Trace guidelines say to not break branches or clear away undergrowth to make a place for your hammock.  This can be nearly impossible, but try your best to avoid harming trees and killing vegetation.  I tied back branches with rope to make space for my hammock.  When I left my campsite, I tried to make it look like no one had been there.

Conclusions
I know I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: you’d be foolish to hammock on the Arizona Trail.  But if you are a highly experience hammocker, it can be done and you will learn more skills than you could ever imagine about finding trees and hang sites.  You will annoy those around you by taking photos of all the trees and gleefully shouting “oh look at that gorgeous hang site” as you hike down the trail.  You will hug trees and touch their bark and they will poke you back and scrape you arms and legs.  But it will all be worth it, when you climb into your hammock for the night and quickly drift off to sleep.

After the sun sets, where do you want to be sleeping?

Further information
I wrote a detailed review of hanging on the PCT in Southern California where I go into more detail on certain hammock-related topics.

I used the same hammock gear as I did on the PCT.

If you have any questions about hanging on this part of the Arizona Trail, please ask away!  I’d be delighted to talk to you!

Celebrating another hang the last night of my section hike.

Gathering information on the Arizona Trail

Drove up to the southern terminus trailhead at Coronado Pass yesterday with Farwalker.  Over her many years living in this area, she has gained expert knowledge of these mountains and the Arizona Trail. 

View from the southern terminus trailhead of the Arizona Trail.

I soak in her and her husband’s advice as we pour over her old hand-annotated forest service maps.  Wildlife, water sources, lightning storms, border patrol, and side trails for bailing options.  Farwalker’s husband chimes in about canyons the drug runners use.  This is NOT the PCT. 

Flower guidebooks and more maps.

All the advice and details ease my worry— the Arizona Trail is different, rugged, and wild and it will stretch my abilities, but I feel prepared.  I take notes and decide how I will adjust given the parameters—don’t hike alone, stay visible, be aware of footprints and sounds.

Farwalker in the Huachuca Mountains.

Farwalker and her husband weave stories of the local Native American, ranching and mining history.  I try to imagine this area as a major cattle operation until the drop in the water table and overgrazing left bareness.  After restoration of the prairie, the grasses are tall and trees dot the landscape. Cottonwoods are leafing out, but Farwalker notes that the other trees are still waiting to bud— they know winter isn’t over yet.

Natural history short course.

After a wet spring, water sources are flowing that haven’t had water for several years.  A relief, but will they still be flowing in a few weeks?

Scouting water sources in the Huachuca Mountains.

There are a few warnings that I do not heed.  Don’t want to heed.  Am I inflexible and too set in my ways?  Or do I know my gear and what works for me?

“Wear pants because the desert trail is overgrown with plants that will cut you up.”  But I do not have pants that don’t chafe.  Will my tall gaiters and long underwear under my skirt provide enough protection?  Probably not. 

“Don’t bring a hammock.”  This advice is from an experienced hammock hanger, who has also hiked the AZT.  But my hammock setup all I’ve got--short torso pad, tarp, groundcloth are for "going to ground."  Which I've only done once before on the PCT.  Will my ground setup keep me warm, with my narrow top quilt?  Will my tarp stand up to the harsh wind in a storm if I set it up on the ground?  Probably not.

At least Jan and I have decided to change our itinerary to avoid this:

50 mph gusts in the Huachucas today.  Happy to be heading to Superior instead.

I also exchange emails and notes with other backpackers heading out for the Arizona Trail this week.  I like this informal network, the information sharing.

Be sure to check out the blogs of these other AZT hikers:
Brian “Beardoh!” and his wife, fellow hammock hangers
Sheriff Woody, who hiked the PCT last year
Mike Cavaroc and his girlfriend- who are great photographers

We are off to pick up Jan from the airport now...

Hammock Gear on the PCT: SoCal & the Sierra

To compliment my post on hammock hanging on the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California and the Sierra, I will review the hammock-related gear (and relevant apps) that I have used on the first 940 miles of the PCT.  Overall, I was very happy with my hammock setup.  I used a hammock with integrated bug net, 20-degree top and underquilt, short foam torso-pad, and a cuben tarp.

Sunset after the hailstorm in the Sierra.

The Conditions
The weather I experienced was cold but mostly dry.  There was precipitation only two nights: snow while I was heading out from Kennedy Meadows and rain/ hail briefly in the Sierra.  Winds were often strong in SoCal, but night temps were mostly in the 40's.  In the Sierra, it was usually in the 30's (or 40's) at night, but sometimes got well below freezing.  I'd tested my gear into the 20's in Georgia, and the temps in the Sierra always felt warmer than the coldest nights I practiced in in Georgia- I think it was because it wasn't as damp.

When I entered the Sierra, the only change I made to my hammock setup was that I added an extra foam insulating pad (Gossamer Gear thinlite pad) that I found in a hiker box and cut to 2' x 2' .  I put this under my shoulders and torso and it added warmth especially in the wind. I also picked up a warmer set of long underwear that I wore layered with my hiking long underwear and fleece hoodie at night. I carried down booties the whole time which were probably overkill in SoCal, but I still wore them every night and wasn't too hot.  A few cold desert nights would have been miserable without them.

Hanging in a ravine out of the wind.

The Gear
Hammock- Dream Hammock Darien UL, 10 foot, 10 oz.  Loved this hammock! Comfortable lay and lightweight. The integrated bugnet kept the mosquitoes out. The fabric seems impossibly thin so I'm very careful not to snag it. SlowBro, a fellow hammock hanger on the PCT this year (check out his awesome blog here), also had this hammock but had them make it in a slightly heavier material- he still got a small hole in it but showed me how he taped it and it's held OK. Randy at Dream Hammocks provides excellent customer service- he fixed the ends of my hammock which had worn before I started the PCT. If I were to hike a long distance trail again, I'd bring this hammock with me.

DIY Hammock Bishop Bag- This is an extra large double end stuff sack that holds my hammock, underquilt, and sleeping clothes. To make setup fast and simple, I attached my underquilt to my hammock and just leave it on there.  I also leave my sleeping clothes zipped inside my hammock.  So when I pack up it all goes into the bishop bag, and when I set up, nothing touches the ground and everything is instantly right where I need it- simple and easy.

My green, oversized bishop bag at the end of the hammock.

Hammock suspension- 10 foot Dutchware tree straps and 6 foot whoopie slings with Dutchware whoopie hooks, and arrow shaft toggles- I wanted an extra long hammock suspension system to accommodate long hangs and large trees.  This was largely overkill, and I rarely used the whoopie slings.  Instead I looped the hammock ends directly over the marlin spike hitch/ arrow shaft toggles.  This was because I found many more short hang sites- places that barely fit my hammock.  When I tried widely spaced anchor points, I was often unable to push the tree straps high enough to prevent the hammock from sagging onto the ground.  Though a few times I used my hiking poles to push the tree straps higher up the tree when I was really desperate.  I could have saved weight by bringing shorter tree straps, but perhaps they will come in handy when I get to Oregon and Washington.

Tarp- Hammock Gear Standard Cuben Fiber Tarp with Doors (11 foot), 9.2 oz.  I love this tarp because it provides excellent protection and is incredibly lightweight for the size.  However, this tarp was bigger than I needed.  I only set it up twice in precipitation and another two times for extra warmth and protection from wind.  If I'd been caught in really bad weather, I would have been glad I'd had it. But if I were to do SoCal again, I'd bring a smaller tarp. 

The tarp on the day it snowed.

Top quilt- DIY karo-style quilt, 19 oz. I loved my quilt!  I was thrilled with the design of my quilt- it was a narrow cut and that kept it lightweight.  I was always warm in it too.  It sure felt good to use a piece of gear I'd sewed myself.  The DWR Argon fabric from Dutchware was soft and was nice for repelling condensation the few mornings I woke to droplets on my quilt, I just wiped it off.  

Underquilt- 3-season Warbonnet Yeti (3/4 length, 20 degree), 11 oz.  This kept me warm as long as I stayed out of the wind.  If there were large gusts, the underquilt suspension was not sufficient to keep the quilt tight to me, and I experienced drafts (i.e. cold butt syndrome).  Not a problem with the quilt of course.  I solved this problem by stuffing my extra clothes or gear around me, and by adding an extra piece of foam insulation under my shoulders.  Otherwise, this quilt fits me well and is high quality.  I've also had great customer service from Brian of Warbonnet.

Leg insulation/ ground pad/ sit pad/ backpack frame- Thermarest Zlite sol, 6 sections, 6 oz.   This was my most versatile piece of gear!  While hiking, it fit in the sleeve of my Gossamer Gear Mariposa backpack, and functioned as a cushion against my back.  At every rest break, I would pull it out and 

sit on it.  At night, it was insulation under my legs (since my underquilt is 3/4 length).  And the one night I went to ground, I slept on it (though rather uncomfortably).  

Rest break sitting on my Zlite.

Ground sheet- I ended up switching from tyvek to a Gossamer Gear polycro ground sheet (1.6 oz) to save weight. I had a medium sized sheet in case I had to go to ground.  But I mostly used this under my hammock as a clean place to sort gear and as a mat.  It has gotten a few holes in it since I also use it to push down vegetation or brush so I don't damage my hammock, so I now only use it folded in half.  Overall, I'm happy with the polycro.

Apps for Hammock Hangers

Apps that I used on my iPhone were really helpful for finding hang sites.  I would plan ahead where to camp by inferring locations of trees.  I annotated my printed Halfmile maps with a lists of hang sites that I got from other hammock hangers (like Luke Sierrawalker's list here) or from a fellow hammock hanger's google earth files that he made from looking at trees from satellite images (Thanks Jim (PITA) for sending these to me!) But those were not complete lists of sites, so I relied heavily on two apps to find trees.

eTrails is a free app for the PCT.  It was my favorite!  It describes campsites and often says if there are trees or if a site was shaded (ie. had trees!) and usually says locations of burns (not places where you should hang).  I loved it because it would sometimes tell the types of trees in the area, and provided lots of excellent and entertaining natural history and historical information.

Guthook's guides are apps that have elevation profiles, maps, and water and camping information.  They are excellent for navigation, though I tended to use Halfmile's app more often.  For the hammock hanger, Guthooks guides were useful because they have photos of campsites but these often don't show trees even if they are present.  It was worth consulting for the rare times eTrails didn't have a better photo though.  Other times I would find hang sites by going to water sources listed.  Even seasonal springs tended to have bushes or trees around them.  

Overall, this gear was versatile and served me well out on the PCT.

Disclaimer: I purchased for all this gear with my own funds.  (Or sewed it myself or took it out of hiker boxes myself.)  The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Hammocking the PCT: Review for SoCal & the Sierra

Readers of my blog might notice that I'm a hammock enthusiast.  I've posted photos of my hammock nearly every night that I've been out on the Pacific Crest Trail (I only went to ground once).  "You really love your hammock, don't you?" I've been told when I gleefully climb out of my hammock bright-eyed after another awesome night's rest. My hammock has been my favorite piece of gear on the PCT- I sleep soundly and comfortably, which ensures I'm ready for hiking the next day.

Breakfast in my hammock on a cold morning in the Sierra.

So in writing a review about using a hammock on the first 940 miles of the PCT (including Southern California and the Sierras- the most questionable sections for hammock hanging), you might expect me to recommend a hammock unequivocally to everyone.  But that is NOT the case!

Especially in Southern California (and to a lesser extent in the Sierra- see below), hammocks are rare for good reason.  Hanging there takes a certain type of backpacker with particular priorities.  It certainly is possible to hang, and I was surprised that there were more trees than I expected.  But for those of you trying to decide if you want to take a hammock on the PCT, you need to figure out if the costs are worth it for you.   If you are an experienced hammock hanger willing to hike extra miles or camp alone, then definitely go for it.  If not, you might be much happier (gasp- I can't believe I'm really saying this!) on the ground.

I know of only three other hammock hangers on the PCT this year.  Out of something like a thousand or so PCT hikers. I read online that there are section hikers that hammock more frequently in the Sierra.  But in SoCal, we are rare. Or crazy.  Or both. 

SlowBro and I camping together in the Sierra- No Problem hanging here!

For now, I believe this rarity of hammocks in SoCal is a good thing.  There just aren't that many hang sites, and establishing new hang sites by clearing away underbrush or branches is not keeping with Leave No Trace principles and so should be avoided.  I would cringe if there was an influx of hammockers in SoCal that cut down branches or made an obvious impact on the environment.  The really wonderful thing about the PCT is how unspoiled it appears- campsites tend to be small and have defined boundaries.  They are pristine.  This preserves the illusion that we are hiking through the wilderness.  When I couldn't find a hang site in an already disturbed site, I would go pretty far off the trail to camp, and then I would leave the site looking like no one had ever been there (at least to my best ability).  This is effective leave no trace practice as long as it's infrequent.  Too many people doing this is not sustainable.

This hang site in SoCal was at least a 5 minute fast walk off the trail.

Back to the question of how to decide if you would like to bring a hammock on the PCT in SoCal and the Sierra.  If you want to hang on the PCT and you don't mind putting in some effort to make it happen, you will really love it.  But it is important to understand what you are getting into in bringing a hammock.  I don't want to be discouraging, just realistic.

When I started planning for the PCT, I was told "there are no trees in the desert!"  This makes me laugh now because it's just not true!  Lack of trees is NOT the main problem for a hammock hanger in SoCal.  Trees can be found in SoCal- at higher elevations and around water sources, and there are sturdy bushes, gully hangs, horse corals, and other anchor points if you expand your ideas of suitable spots.  You do have to be creative, but if you spend enough time looking, there are anchor points out there.

In SoCal, I sometimes had to be willing to hike further to find hang sites (I was really glad I could hike over 20-25 miles) or I had to go further off trail wandering around in the bushes. But often, especially in some of the more forested parts of the PCT like in the San Jacinto or San Bernardino mountains, it was no harder than finding a good tent site was for my ground dwelling friends.  

Hanging in a horse coral.  One of my more creative hangs.

In the Sierra, I planned my hang sites around the passes, so I did not have any difficulty finding a site  There were large stretches of forests between each pass, which worked well for me because I traveled over just one pass a day.  I camped each night right below treeline, climbed up and over a pass in the morning (which was also ideal for snow conditions and avoiding postholing), and then descended below treeline in the afternoon and hiked through the forest until I got close to the treeline for the next pass, which is where I'd camp.  This strategy worked well for me because I wanted to stay warmer at night by camping at lower elevation, and there was enough snow on the passes that I felt it was safer to time the passes for optimal snow conditions.  Other hikers may choose to camp above treeline for the views or because they wanted to do more miles, and might have been more confident about traversing the snow and ice, and more tolerant of postholing.  In that case, planning your days to end below treeline might have made for a less flexible hike.  It really depends on your priorities.

Camping close to treeline before Glen Pass in the Sierra.

Another problem of finding a hang site is that there were often bushes, branches, or poison oak in the way of where the hammock would hang.  And it's not in keeping with leave no trace practices to move these (though I admit to breaking dead branches and to using a rope to tie live branches out of the way, and to using my ground cloth to hold down undergrowth).  Sometimes even if I identified good anchor points for my hammock, I had to not use a site because of the amount of brush or branches- which was really frustrating!

Dense thicket with lots of branches makes for a tight hang.

But the biggest difficulty I found in hammocking in SoCal was the WIND.  Ground-dwellers are usually low enough the wind doesn't get to them or they hide behind rocks.  But in a hammock you are exposed to the wind.  You may think, well I don't care, but let me tell you the wind is fierce, it is unrelenting.  It will shake your hammock so hard that it will vibrate and toss you around violently, keeping you awake all night.  The wind will steal all your warmth, and leave you shivering in the cold.  It will drive you absolutely mad.  I spent a lot of time looking for sites out of the wind.  I learned to tuck my hammock into the bottoms of ravines or inside dense thickets.  Not easy places to find or access, but well worth the effort for the shelter from the brutal wind.

Tons of wind farms on the PCT = HIGH WINDS

So in order to hammock in SoCal, you might need to spend extra time time finding anchor points for your hammock that are reasonably free of undergrowth AND out of the wind.  Phew- and getting all that is not easy.  Sure I was lucky sometimes and a great site just appeared when I was ready to stop.  But more often, this required extra time and walking.  And typical PCT hikers don't like to hike any extra miles, especially at the end if the day.  The reason I didn't mind was that I knew I'd sleep really comfortably once I found a suitable site.  Sleep is everything on the trail.  If you are already a hammock hanger, you know what I mean.  It makes it worth it.  Plus, I enjoyed the challenge of looking for the sites and took joy in hanging in some unusual, super-cool places.

A one tree hang in SoCal near Cottonwood Creek Bridge.

If you want to hike with other people, then sometimes you might end up camping away from your friends if you have a hammock. Sometimes I missed out on socializing at night or had trouble finding my hiking buddies in the morning.  On the other hand, sometimes I wanted to be by myself and rather enjoyed camping off by myself.  But overall, the social aspect of hammocking was less of an issue than I expected.  Especially when I started making some really great friends who didn't mind spending extra time to find places with flat spots for them and trees for me.  One friend even got good at figuring out what tree spacing I was looking for, and would scout on ahead for hang sites for me.  So, I wouldn't make a decision about not bring a hammock based on the social aspect unless you absolutely need to always camp with other people.  It's really not that big of a deal.

I would really consider your experience level with hammocks and the priorities of your hike.  You have to decide how much you want the hammock to dictate your hike, and how much you value flexibility.  If you don't have a hammock already, then it might not be worth it to get one for the PCT in SoCal- if you can sleep comfortably on the ground, then it might be easier to stick with that.  Maybe get one for the Sierra where hang sites are plentiful below treeline.  If you really want to learn to hang on a long-distance hike, go do the Appalachian Trail where hammocks are common and well-suited.  On the other hand, if you are already a die-hard hammock hanger  and are willing to spend the time to find sites and don't mind camping alone sometimes, then go for it and bring your hammock.  That extra energy to find a site will be more than compensated by the quality of your sleep.  Especially if you get a thrill out of the challenge of finding hang sites.  I know I loved bringing my hammock in SoCal and the Sierra.  It made me really happy each day to take that nightly photo of my hang site and feel the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to keep an 'elevated perspective' on the PCT.

For more information:
If anyone has any questions about hanging on the PCT in SoCal and the Sierra, please don't hesitate to ask me.  There are lots of great resources that I have links to on the article I wrote before I started the PCT (link here).  I also wrote up a review of the hammock gear that I used in SoCal and the Sierra and the link to that is here.

Hammock on the PCT?

Many people have ask me if I'm planning to take my hammock next year on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  The answer is YES!

My hammock and tarp.

When I decided I would hike the PCT next year, I had a ton of questions about hammock use on the PCT.  I wanted to bring my hammock (it's my most beloved piece of gear), but I was worried it would be too difficult for me to hang in Southern California.  Then, I found a post on Hammock Forums (HF) asking if anyone was planning a thru hike on the PCT in 2014 in a hammock.  Ah ha, yes!  It turns out that hanging on the PCT has been done before by several hammock hangers (see "resources" below), and they offer some good advice.  Three other hammock hangers are planning to go in 2014!  Woohoo! (I take this as evidence it's not too crazy!)  I've learned much, especially from Jim (PITA) who started that post on HF and who has been patiently answering my questions, follow up questions, and requests for further clarification (THANK YOU, JIM (PITA)!).  

Here, I thought I'd fill you all in on what I learned so far, describe why I think hanging is a good choice for me, tell you about the shelter and sleep system I plan to take on the PCT, and list hammocking resources in case this will be helpful for others.  I also want this to serve as a record so I can see how my ideas about hammocks on the PCT change during my hike. 

Questions and answers about hammock use on the PCT  

What about the “desert” section in Southern California?  Are there hang sites (anchor points) for a hammock?
Southern California is not a vast treeless expanse- there are forests at higher elevations and trees in valleys especially around natural water sources- it is quite a diverse area.  You can see this by looking at photos of tent sites and water sources in Guthook’s Guides, eTrails, and various trail journals.  In the absence of trees, it is possible to hang from small bushes with deep roots across ravines.  It also may be necessary to "get creative" to find anchor points (ohh I love a challenge!). 

What about the Sierra?  What about above treeline?
It is possible to camp in the valleys between passes that are below treeline, and in fact this is what people with tents do as well.  Above treeline, I can choose either to hike further, or set up on the ground.  Tenters have to deal with similar issues in finding flat spots.

What about burn areas?
I can always go to ground.  Though it may be possible that some trees in burn areas survived when they are in protected areas in valleys.  It may be possible to hang from dead/burnt trees (this will be dirty and highly risky), and if I go this route, I certainly know to do a “shake test” of the tree first (don’t worry, Kellye, I will never forget THAT lesson when you showed me that tree that fell down!).

Aren’t hammocks heavy?
My sleep system and shelter are 4.3 lbs (see my PCT hammock gear below).  "Heavy" is a relative term and it's not obvious to me what to compare this to.  From what I can infer, this is on the heavy side compared to a tarp w/bivy or bugnet, but not too far outside the normal range for a tent setup (What's normal anyway?  That's not usually my department, so I could be totally off about this...).  

The biggest weight penalty seems to be the bottom insulation.  If I could be comfortable on the ground with a closed foam pad instead of my underquilt and torso/foot pad (which together are 17 oz), sure that would be lighter.  However, compared to a full sized inflatable pad + a pillow + closed foam sit pad for my pack, the weight is comparable.  Regardless, I am OK with 4.3 lbs for my sleep system and shelter and would rather reduce my pack weight in other areas than be cranky from not getting enough sleep on the ground.  

Happy in my hammock.

Why I think a hammock is a good choice for me 
I don't want to imply that hammock hanging on the PCT is for everyone.  It's not.  But these are the reasons I believe it is suits me. 

Quality of Sleep
The main reason I am taking my hammock is because I sleep much better in a hammock than I ever did on the ground.  Getting good quality sleep and having less sore muscles are priorities.

Go-to-ground-option 
I already have everything I need to setup on the ground using my torso pad and groundcloth.  Even though I call it a "hammock" setup, I actually have a separate tarp and hammock, making it a versatile system that allow a variety of configurations given the conditions and weather.  The tarp sets up on the ground with hiking poles.   Rain is not common especially before Washington, but still, I will be prepared.  I could also "cowboy camp" which is sleep out under the stars- this seems to be very common and many PCT hikers report only setting up shelters a handful of times during their entire hike.  If there are bugs, I have a headnet if I don't want to set up the hammock on the ground to risk abrasion (which I don't).  Though I think it less likely that I will be in a spot where there are mosquitoes and no trees, since mosquitoes, water and trees tend to co-occur.

I'm not carrying much extra to go to ground- the torso pad serves multiple functions- it fits in the sleeve of my backpack as a “frame”, I can sit on it during rest breaks, and then in the hammock it acts as the insulation under my legs (my short under quilt only covers my torso).  I usually carry a smaller sit pad but have gone with a longer one for the PCT.  The groundsheet is useful under my hammock for keeping my gear cleaner and for standing on when I get into and out of my hammock.  I sometimes bring one anyway, but this is a larger size.

It's what I know
I’ve been hanging since 2010, so it’s where my skills are most developed and what I am comfortable with.  I have a search image so I “see” hang sites with suitably spaced anchor points-- if you are a hammock hanger you’ll know what I mean.  Also, I already have hammock gear that I have used in a variety of weather conditions and know how to troubleshoot problems.

I'm OK not being able to camp in open areas
Other people like camping in open spaces with views or sunsets, but that’s not previously been my style.  Hiking is my priority, not spending time in camp.  I typically walk until dark and then go directly to bed, so I don’t value scenery much at night.  I want somewhere warm, sheltered, and where I will sleep well.  As a “morning person” I love packing up early and watching the sunrise while I am hiking, and I enjoy seeing views during the day when I am awake.  If it turns out I change my mind and find I want to camp out in the open for some reason, I can, as I've said before, go to ground.

Tree-hugger at heart  
My friends and family joke that I am a tree-hugger and it's true- I am a plant geek.  Since I started hanging, I have learned the forest types most likely to have suitable hang sites, and I anticipate and predict these from topo maps.  Obviously there will be a learning curve since I'm most experienced here in the southeast.  But I really enjoy trying to understand plant distributions so I think I will learn quickly.  Plus I don't really think it's going to be rocket science or anything- in So. Cal trees are going to be near natural water sources, and those are on maps and databooks and I'll be walking to them anyway for water.

Being a tree-hugger is a bit more challenging in some places.  But I still manage. (Note: I know this is not actually a tree.)

My PCT Hammock Gear (Shelter and Sleep System ~4.3 lbs) 
This gear can get me down to the 20's (and is great for the 30's) here in the southeast where it is more humid than it will be out on the PCT- so I should be OK.  At night, I wear down booties, long underwear bottoms, fleece hoodie, and my down jacket zipped around my head and neck.  Obviously this gear will be subject to change in the next 3 months and also when I get on the trail. 
Tarp-  Hammock Gear Standard Cuben Fiber with Doors (11') in Real Tree Camo, with guy lines and ridge line, 9.2 oz.

Tarp skins- DIY, made with .7 oz/sqyd ultralight insect netting, 0.8 oz.

Stakes- 4 titanium shephard hooks, 2 MSR groundhogs, 2 MSR easton aluminum 6” stakes in bag, 2.2 oz.  

Hammock w/ integrated bugnet-  Dream Hammock Darien UL (10’), 10 oz.

Hammock suspension- 10 ft tree straps, 8 ft whoopie slings w/ whoopee hooks (note: edited), 6.0 oz.

Groundcloth- Tyvek 36” x 80” (will cut this smaller when I test it), 4.5 oz.

DIY top quilt- Karo baffle-style, 3-4 inches loft, DWR Argon fabric w/ DWR 850 fp down, 19 oz.
     
Underquilt- 3-season (20-degree) Warbonnet Yeti, 11 oz.

Torso pad/ leg insulation/ backpack frame- Zlite sol, 6 sections (20x30), 6 oz.

Resources for hammock use on the PCT
There are a few trail journals by hammock hangers on the PCT-- all very positive about hanging on the PCT, and mention how they were able to sleep very well.  Three hammock hangers have completed the PCT in hammocks (Roni, Luke Sierrawalker, and Stryder).   Two thru hikers (Chop, guySmiley) hung partway but say “next time” they’d hang the whole way.  Other hammock hangers have hiked parts of the PCT with a hammock (the Ewoks, ClayJar).  There may be others, but these are the ones that kept trail journals that I know about.  Below are links to their trail journals, but the most helpful information are provided in the forum links or summary posts listed below each name.

Hammock hangers on the PCT- click on trail names to link to their trail journals

1. Roni (from Israel) nobo 2003.
      3/2004 PCT-L post.
     4/2007 post with summary of his experience with hammocks on the PCT. 

2. Ender (one of the "Ewoks") 2003.
     -switched to a hammock at mile 344, and made it to Donner Pass.
      2/2012 White Blaze- "Hammock use on the PCT".

3. Swope (AKA guySmiley on Hammock Forums) nobo 2010.
     -switched to a hammock in WA (but said would take it whole way).
     5/25/2009  Hammock Forum- "Hanging on the PCT"  

4. Luke Sierrawalker, sobo 2012.
     11/2012 excellent review of hammocking on the PCT and a list of hang sites in So. Cal.

5. Stryder, nobo 2012.

6. Beardoh! (AKA Chop on Hammock Forums), nobo 2012 - started on the ground, but went back to his hammock at mile ~1289.
      7/19/2012 Hammock Forums, “On the PCT” see #10 after he finished.

7. Ed Jarrett- section hiking the PCT from Sierra City north with a hammock.
  
More information on discussion boards

      2006 White Blaze,  "Hammock on the PCT?"
 
      2010 Backpacking Light, "PCT sleep system help"

      2014 Hammock Forums, “Pct?”- there are 4 of us planning to hang on the PCT in 2014! 

Last thoughts:

I never expected it to be this difficult for me to decide to take my hammock on the PCT.  There was way too much overthinking on my part!  It made me realize how I can fall into the trap of feeling insecure when I go against what (I think) "everyone else does" (i.e. the vast majority of people take tents on the PCT).  Sheesh!  I'm in the minority about so many things, someday maybe I'll remember to remember that's OK. 

However, I'm trying to play to my strengths that I've developed in my years of hiking and backpacking.  I am also trying to remember that I will adapt while I am out on the PCT.  And, no matter what, this will be a fun adventure!

Why I love hammocks

I've mentioned a few times that my hammock is one of my most prized gear items, so I wanted to take explain why I love my hammock so much.  I've been a hammock hanger since 2010, and I find two primary advantages:

-A good night sleep = ability to hike further and overall increased happiness.   It was a huge breakthrough for me to finally figure out a way to get quality sleep while backpacking.  When I was a ground-dweller, I tossed and turned all night and never managed a deep sleep, and my hips ached the next morning.  In my hammock, I fall asleep quickly and sleep deeply through the night, waking up refreshed.  My legs and feet recuperate and I don't feel sore the next day so I can hike more comfortably.  I credit this all to the comfort and the unique body position provided by the hammock.

My Warbonnet Blackbird hammock with Yeti 3-season underquilt

-Greater flexibility in where I can camp.  In the southeast where trees are plentiful, I find I have more options since I'm not restricted to flat ground free of vegetation. 

When I was taking my first solo backpacking trips, I cannot stress enough how pivotal it was to feel like I could camp anywhere.  I moved to Georgia a few months after Meredith Emerson was murdered on Blood Mountain, and most everyone told me not to hike alone.  I spent a lot of time my first solo trips lying sleepless and scared in my tent jumping at the faintest russel in the night.  It was a huge deal for me when could stealth camp in my hammock because it allowed me to finally feel safe in the woods. 

Now I'm a much more confident backpacker, and I've come to prioritize hiking longer miles.  I still appreciate the ability to camp anywhere because it means I can hike until later in the day because I can more easily find a site when I'm ready to stop for the night.   There have only been a few times that I've had trouble finding a site while hiking in very steep terrain.

Even my worst hang between too closely spaced trees covered in poison ivy wasn't all that bad.

Other things I appreciate about hammocks:

-A deeper sense of connection to my surroundings.  With an elevated perspective and lack of attached rainfly, I have the ability to see out and it feels more open.  I have flexibility in how I pitch the tarp (i.e. I can convert into porch mode), or whether I pitch it at all.  Sure this is also possible with some tents or tarps, but it's very easy with a hammock.

-Modularity of the system.  Hammocks and tarps can be mixed and matched, allowing greater flexibility and adjust to different seasons or situation.  Suspension systems can also be changed to be  more lightweight or to have more flexibility in size or spacing of trees.  They can also be set up low in the cold or wind, or higher in the heat to cool off.

-Stay drier and cleaner.  I also have plenty of living space in the rain- can fit several people under the tarp which makes for more enjoyable group trips.  Plus I'm no longer living in the dirt and mud.

-Easier to practice LNT.  Hammocks also have less impact on the environment since they don't compact the soil or plants.   And I don't have to move stick or rocks.

-Ease of setup and takedown.  It's super fast, so I can get out on the trail even faster in the morning.  More time to watch the sunrise.

-Hammock people.  I've really enjoyed meeting and learning from fellow hammock hangers.  Especially my friends who got me into hammock camping, and the folks I've met on Hammock Forums hangs.  Meeting all the other DIYers inspired me to make more of my own gear, including my DIY Karo top quilt.  There are also quite a few excellent cottage industries that sell hammock gear and DIY supplies.  All in all it's a great community!

Disadvantages of the hammock:

-Some people don't find them comfortable.  (Thankfully, I am not one of those people.)

-There was a bit of a learning curve for me and initially I was overwhelmed with all the jargon.  At first I thought all that stuff about angles, fancy ropes and knots mattered more than it really did.  I suspect it's just that folks get really into their gear, especially when it comes to hammocks.  I still need to practice when I get new gear or want to try different rigging though this isn't really a disadvantage.

Testing out my new Dream Hammock Darien UL in the backyard.

Overall, switching to a hammock had a profound impact on me as a backpacker, and really facilitated my comfort in the backcountry and gave me the confidence to explore more places.  I've definitely benefited from my "elevated perspective" and I encourage others to give hammocks a try.

Hammock resources:

Hammock Forums
Just Jeff's Hammock Camping Page
The Ultimate Hang
Shug's Hammock How-to videos