Why I Still Prefer Tents Over Hammocks (plus How YOU Can Decide Between Tents And Hammocks) 

At 53 I prefer a hammock because I can’t crawl in and out of a tent as easy. Much easier to fall out in the morning than getting up and out😂

It generally just comes down to the terrain for me. Dense forest? Hammock. Open plains? Tent. Rocky mountain above the treeline? Bivouac sac. ✌🏻

I'm just getting started hammocking, and on my first trip I managed to barely stay warm enough in my terrible set up. But I felt like I slept better in that hammock than in my own bed. My mom asked me later if the hammock was lighter and/or easier. I didn't hesitate when telling her nope, it's all about comfort for me.

Can't be showing everyone those moons and stars! A wonderful expression.

Don't forget to include ground prep in your tent timing. I've spent way more than just two minutes just clearing twigs and rocks out of the tent pad. You want the total time from entering the camp site to shelter complete; so picking a spot, preparing it, etc. Even in the summer, I need something under me in a hammock. It just doesn't need to be as much. Something I haven't seen people talk about is that the mosquitos feel like they're in the hammock with me more so than in a tent (even when they're not.) You'll never hear a mosquito below you in a tent!

This was really well reviewed. I agree with all you said here. I still go hammock though, just for the quality pf sleep. If you're going home the next morning, who cares, but not waking up every 30 mins makes a huge difference for me. I feel when I camp my energy drains over time and most of the recovery comes from sleep. If I can't sleep, I can't recover. One thing you could mention is the total lack of any kind of condesation with a hammock. Probably not a problem with the expensive tents but for the cheap setups, having that clear air in my lungs all night makes the difference to feeling good.

Hike Your Own Hike. Consistency of sleep for me goes to the hammock. Its an acquired taste. For me, setting up is not a race, it's part of the ritual. Love the videos.

I also agree with "to each their own". I have owned, and still do, many different tents. They were my staple camping shelter until I discovered hammocking. Being in my 60's now, the comfort and recovery available from my hammocks make the choice for me now. No more crawling around on hands and knees on roots, rocks, acorns, etc. No more searching out that elusive "flat spot". No more of that sauna feeling once the morning sun hits the tent. Now I relish the views of my surroundings as I recline without the pressure points while enjoying my hammocks. I used to let hot weather keep me in town because of the tenting misery. Now my hammocks allow me to enjoy any slight breeze and the air surrounding the hammock keeps me cooler. So yes, to each their own, but for me it's a hammock as that what gets me out there more comfortably.

Hammock! 1. Speed- Pack hammock and tarp in single set of Snake-skins. Tie up, pull back the snake-skins and you're set up. Plus the Snake-skins allow you to hike with a much caller pack because you just lash the skins outside the pack (everything exposed to weather stays outside the pack. 2. Time arranging under quilt equates to blowing up pad, and organizing tent. 3. use over quilt, not sleeping bag (minor weight savings). 4. Want to spread out, get bigger tarp. A huge one is still super light, and a shaped vs flat tarp allows privacy from ankles up. Again pack in Snake Skins to allow near instant setup. Hiking poles allow a ground pitch. Stuff leaves, grass, under a section of the oversize tarp for one night sleep pad. I don't hike but dirtbike camp. At 59, any increase in sleep comfort TRUMPS weight and setup speed. Sleeping on the ground equates to hitting two more trees during the day PAIN! , That's my two cents, love the channel!

Dixie makes some great points. But for me, I get better sleep in a hammock. No waking up or toss and turning. No "hot spots". So the hammock wins out for me. A good nights sleep is number one for me.

I just got my permit to hike the PCT! You are such an inspiration to me and am busy watching all your videos! I am not a hardcore hiker (at least not yet!) and am 57 years old. Your channel offers some of the best advice that I can find. Sorry that what I just wrote doesn’t match this video. Thank you Dixie!!!❤️😊

Love my tent, love my hammock. It all depends on where I'm backpacking. If there are trees (I live in the PNW where there are always trees) I use the hammock. If I'm someplace where there are no trees, the tent is a no-brainer. The hammock is far and away more comfortable. Not only because there's no hard spots under me, like when I slide off my pad in the middle of the night because the ground is sloped, but also because of the fact that there is no cold ground, no rocks, no roots, no mud. No chance of flooding in the middle of the night when the rain cuts a channel right through the tent spot. And at 73, I have less fun than I used to crawling in and out of the tent on hands and knees. The tarp goes up quickly, allowing me to set up the rest of everything under shelter when it's raining. Did I mention I'm in the PNW where we get a lot of rain? I have the tar and hammock in snakeskins, so they are easy to manage both setting up and taking down. Honestly, it only takes a few minutes, and there is no need to inflate a pad. The underquilt is toasty and comfy, and takes zero time to clip under the hammock. Meanwhile my pack and everything is sitting on a Tyvek footprint or hanging from the suspension. Thanks for the long awaited review of your experience with the hammock. I think that the longer you use it the easier and faster it will be for your setup. And a good night's sleep is not to be underestimated.

Well, Dixie, kudos on attempting to give a full and fair comparison to hammock v. tent camping/backpacking. It has taken a few years and a few dollars to get my hammock set up dialed in. However, I am dialed in now. I think you point out the most important thing to remember. Whatever rig that works best for you so that you can get out and enjoy the trails, vistas, and beauty of nature, THAT is the best one.

A fair and balanced comparison. As an old geezer, I think that I will try a hammock again. I last used one in the Army 50 years ago. We would use a poncho to better enclose the hammock. Good Luck, Rick

Thanks for an objective review, and I appreciate your preferences. For me, alot older and heavier with a lifetime of injuries, the sleep benefit for the hammock justified the minimal weight difference between it and a tent. I'm glad we agree on comfort. As for your challenge: 1. Speed - A hex tarp with split Stingerz (Dutchware) in a snakeskin with Linelocks on the pullout can be put up in well under a minute. A hammock with a quick connect suspension (too many to list) and an integrated underquilt, such as a Superior Hammock, can be up in less than another minute. The difference between setup times would be in seconds, and hardly negligible. Add the time for you to blow up an air mattress and I win. 2. Weight - Again an integrated Superior Hammock (Hopefully Danny Warnock chimes in here) in 950 fill is 24 oz hammock/underquilt inclusive, a Dyneema hex tarp and your suspension options combined less than 8 oz. That's a total of 2 lbs. Your tent may only be a pound, but to compare apples to apples, add your air mattress and ground sheet to even up the equation and I think it would again be a negligible difference. 3. Storm worthiness, I have to flat out disagree on your preferences here. Setting up a tarp (carried on the outside of my pack, and again, configured for ease of setup as listed above) gives me a safe haven to stand, collect my gear, and set up in the worst of downpours. The reverse has everything tight in my pack with the tarp going down and packed outside last. I don't see how crawling around on the wet ground, and crawling in and out of a tent during rain or snow is advantageous in any way. For cold weather, lying on the cold ground inside a tent, to blow up an air mattress, seems equally as unappealing. Thanks for sharing.

Not sure how to say this: I’m glad to hear you have the same problems tenting as I do (waking up regularly, hip going numb, etc). I thought I might be on the odd end. 🤔. To me the sleep is the biggest thing that makes hammocks worth it, after all it makes up about 1/3 of your day. I also like having the rain fly on my hammock because if need to I can set up by itself just to give myself a break from the elements and I could string it in front of a shelter to deflect the rain /wind. Hammocks let you elevate your feet much easier.

I'm just happy you tried the hammock again. I'm very happy with my hammock setup and my back seems to much more appreciative. Setup time comes more naturally with use I'm down to about 2 and a half minutes at most.

We should do what works for our circumstances, skill level, and safety and hike your own hike. I used my tent once for backpacking, then relegated it to car camping. Now I use a Hennessy Hammock for the lower weight and setup/packing speed. A foam pad, three part sleep system, and all my layers is enough for me in cold weather. The very few times I couldn't use the hammock I just used the rainfly as a tarp tent with my trekking poles or cowboy camped.

I have watched your story from the beginning. I actually started watching you when I found your video on switching to a tent from a hammock. I have used hammocks for years due to my age (50). I agree with everything that you said to different degrees. I have also used tents and I agree for the most part with "ideal" conditions for both the tent is faster and as a rule lighter. That being said there are several ways that you could speed up and make your system more flexible. First off I pack my entire hammock, underquilt, overquilt, and as long as it is dry suspension as one big blob that I push to the bottom of my compactor bag. This shortens setup and tear down time by a magnitude. It also gets rid of all of the lumpy individually packed items. Second I use 15' straps from dutchware with his clip to speed up the tree strap, I then use a titanium toggle, also from Dutch, to make a larks head knot and attach the whoopie sling to this. The whoopie sling is 8' long and I attach it to a continuous loop with another piece of hardware incase it gets wet I can store it with my tarp instead of with the hammock. This system allows me to use trees that are very large diameter or are very far apart. There is also away to use the strap as an anchor on a small tree. I believe that you gave the hammock a fair shake but you only tried one system. As I said there I have not commented before but after I read your Idea for a second attempt I had a sinking feeling. I would recommend getting your suspension figured out to your satisfaction, which can be done in your back yard, prior to planning anything else. Also if you are going ultralight then look into a "Dream Hammock" with an integrated bug net. Also a full length under quilt is lighter that that Yeti with a pad or look at the "Superior Hammock". The wrap around versions are a weight penalty and the ones that drape over you just suck. Most of all your weight penalty should be suspension weight. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Also the best budget hammock out there is a "Hammock Bliss Bug Free Sky Bed" but they have to be set up level. I use the same Warbonnet Black Bird XL that you used and I consider it the overall best I have ever used and I have used the following. DutchWare Chameleon, Hennesy, Dream Hammock, Walmart, Hammock Bliss, and probably others.

When I was younger, it was always a tent, because well, that's the only thing anyone did, except rock climbers. As I got older, I wasn't able to get the sleep I did when younger. This forced me to find a different way to hike. The hammock has been a God-send, as I can now get some great, restorative sleep. It's definitely heavier and more gear, but I just don't put in the miles per day like I was able to when young. Love your channel. Keep up the great work!

Tent or hammock is a personal decision. Neither is perfect but I love my hammock

Honestly, you do you. I have a hammock set up and a tent set up depending where I'm going, and how I feel. I definitely sleep better in a hammock, but that's not always viable. I won't say one is better than the other, but I do have my preference given the choice. It's up to whatever you like, and whatever gets you out and just sleeping outside, because that's the thing that's most important, right?

I really do prefer being one with nature and so the Hammock provides that for me. I also feel safer being able to see and not feeling trapped by walls (again this is subjective to how I feel). I also feel I have plenty of privacy in my hammock and tarp. I barely even use the tarp doors. It's neat to hang out in porch style while it is raining. For me the weight isn't an issue for the restoration I get, it's more the space that all of mine takes up that I need to figure out..lol I got all the winter degree stuff atm.

I'd recommend trying a hammock sleeping bag for cooler weather. I don't need an underquilt nor a sleeping pad even when it's cold as the hammock sleeping bag goes around the hammock and isn't compressed anywhere! It works beautifully for me. Definitely recommend giving it a try.

"Breakfast from the hammock!!" - Shug So easy and cozy!

Well thought out and fairly evaluated. I fall into the category of I'd never camp again if I needed to use a tent so I've got my setup down to 1.1 pounds. And if you count the underquilt you better count your sleeping bag and pad. Apples to apples. I'm tempted to set up my hammock in the house as I sleep far better in it than in bed.

Agree with you, Dixie. A tent gives me the feeling of security that is often missing when you are not in your own bed and home.

This women hit the whole tent verses hammock on the head by my thinking. By far having room to spread out things I might need during the night is really important to me. Also waking up with rain coming down and having the ease of cooking under the vestibule is important. I also tend to travel in areas where trees are far and few because I am often above tree line or on a glacier.

I’ve got both. The hammock is an Amok Dramur (definitely not the lightest but it’s the most comfortable hammock I’ve used) and the other is a four season tent. Which I choose depends on many factors temperature being one.

For me, gotta have a hammock. I haven't had any ticks or snakes since I got off the ground.

I am a hammock camper. I use a poncho for my rain gear. When I want to change clothes I put the poncho on and change under it. All is covered. My poncho zips down the front so if I need to vent I can open it up just like with a jacket.

I prefer a hammock for several reasons. Top four are...1. extremely comfortable after a long day of hiking, and 2. I like to get everything off the ground. 3. Tarp with doors for storms and privacy and 4. side sling and sidecar attachments on Dutchware Chameleon for organization of gear.

I never understood why people would try to sleep in a hammock. But a little over a year ago, I was invited to a hammock hang. After my first night in a hammock, I was sold. I always woke up two or three times, to relocate my pad, or pillow. I sleep through the night, and sometimes part of the morning in my hammock. HYOH, getting out there is the most important thing.

I can't see going without an underquilt, even in the summer. I recommend watching some of Shug's u-tube videos, and reading "The Ultimate Hang 2" by Derek Hansen.

The value of this video is immense, especially for anybody who has at least TRIED one or the other for one night. I got a giggle out of sleeping in either or, tent or hammock, but the sheer comfort of sleeping in a hammock is a huge factor, when deciding a favorite. As you said, when the conditions won't allow for the alternative, you have to pack one or the other, no matter which you prefer. Fortunately for me, I rather just hike where I can take my fav choice of gear :P I am lazy that way! Sleeping in a tent is hardly ever comfortable compared to the hammock.

If I can't sleep comfortably, I'm not going. My warbonnet blackbird XLC is extremely comfortable. No it's not "fast" to set everything up the way I like it, but it's not prohibitively time consuming. I got a superfly tarp, and when set low, with the doors closed, it provides plenty of privacy and protection.

From now on, anyone who says they go hiking hoping to see the "moon and stars" is going to have to be more specific.

I couldn't hike after the first day if I weren't in a hammock. After my Army days, crawling out of a tent after a hike took most of the fun out of backpacking. I liked the hammock so much I now sleep in one every night, I don't even own a bed. It is so much easier transitioning into yoga after sleeping in a hammock.

Hello Miss Dixie, I just wanted to thank you for such insightful, informative and honest videos. I really enjoy learning from your experience. I have been an avid camper since childhood and, while not a thru-hiker like yourself, I always find that time in the outdoors lowers the blood pressure and just makes life more enjoyable. Thank you again! Also, you are just adorable!!

You are so sensible. I always enjoy your even-keeled, candid explanations of your preferences (and non-preferences). You are right about so many matters: tents are faster to set up than hammocks-and-tarps; hammocks help you sleep better; hammocks keep you off the rocky, muddy, or sloping ground; tents protect you from open air, which can be cold (and from prying eyes); hammocks keep you off the mud; the costs are about the same. In our rocky (glacial moraine) forests here in western PA, all things considered (I will turn 68 this week), the hammock has kept me in the woods for (so far) ten years when I would have quit if my only choice were a tent on the ground (friends 15 years younger than I no longer go to the woods with me). Younger (or thru-hiker) people should probably choose a tent. Thank you for helping us think about pros-and-cons, which is what life requires, and what the Internet hates. Stay safe, and enjoy the forest.

Hi Dix. Good Review but there are still some aspects of hammock camping that improve and get fine tuned with experience just like tents. Fellow Alabama hiker here but definitely a hammock person and would only go back to tent if there were no trees. I won't argue the weight aspect because I do think a tent setup is going to be lighter than most comfortable hammock setups. And an underquilt is required even in most summer night time temps. (below 65 and 70 usually). I do hammock camp as you said due to the pure comfort of a hammock. Years ago I quit tent camping because i got tired of waking up sore. In recent years when I discovered hammock camping, I started enjoying camping and backpacking again because I realized I could sleep in comfort. Ease of setup comes mostly with experience but I'm lazy and made a lazy slug tube which keeps the complete hammock setup including both quilts etc...already connected and in place. You hang your straps, connect your lazy slug tube, peal it back and your done...quilt are in place and ready to go. I also like a larger tarp with doors. i have the WinterDream which I originally purchased as a winter tarp but enjoyed the extra space and protection so much that I started using it all seasons. You could even pull the hammock to the side and have the full coverage of a tent along with a polycro ground sheet. As for weight: I could go with a lighter setup but do make some sacrifices for comfort. I use a full size 20 degree quilt for all seasons and just vent when needed and though I have a lighter summer top quilt I usually just carry the 20 degree. So far for me the comfort out weighs the weight difference but happy that you have found your perfect shelter. I really enjoy your videos and love having the Pinhoti in our backyard.

Agree Dixie. would like too have a Hammock for fun but too go camping I want a decent Tent. congrats on the Pinhoti trail and stay safe.

I am a tent person but recently started dipping my toes into hammock. I do tend to toss n turn less in the hammock but woke up with hypertension of my knees. Found out my cheap hammock is to short. But you just gave me my final push to get a nice hammock set up thank you Dixie. I need the better night sleep.

Hey Dixie! I have the Zpacks tarp- its great, although mine is the standard tarp, not the hammock cut. I added my own guy lines, but didn't put on (yet) those little triang-ley pieces that adjust the line like on the tent lines- It definitely will help with ease of set up. I hammocked because I am the fussiest sleeper ever and like you found a a better night sleep while hanging. When its warm and summery out in the woods- hammock and tarp are great for air flow and incidental laundry line! I bring a z lite pad and use it under my hammock as a place to put all my stuff out- I saw you had a seat pad- and the bigger pad would give you some more spread out room! Storms: it is pretty amazing to actually watch the rain fall- and be warm and cozy in your hammock! I have stayed dry in some nasty weather in the Whites of NH- and being off the ground is nice bathtub floor or not! Once in Vermont right near Stratton Mountain, we had flash flooding- and I had everything off the ground (secure and hanging) because I was mildly concerned with flooding before bed. I woke up to 6'' of water running under the hammock! It was like sleeping over a river. The thru hikers (I was a doing the LT) had tents that looked like wet garbage in the morning! In any case- thanks for the post- looking forward to seeing your Florida Trail journey!

I’m old now, and have had several foot surgeries, so the hammock is important to me. I’m going to get back into just regular camping this year, haven’t been camping in years. Probably do some backpacking next year.

A permanently installed hammock ridgeline makes a consistent set-up exponentially faster.

I like both tents and hammocks. I live in Norway, and I tend to use the tents during winter, and hammocks during summer. It's easier to keep both me and the dog warm in a tent, and during winter we spend most of the time above the tree line. During summer, its easier to stay cool, and avoid condensation in a hammock, and i spend a lot of that time along the shore, where there's always trees close by, usually too many to set up a tent 😂 they both have pros and cons 😊

Thank you for making this video! Im currently trying to get into hammock camping, and got the most important bits ready to go (tarp, hammock, bugnet,etc). Regarding my equipment and spreading out, I also like to keep my things out of the backpack, ready to go. What I did was get one of those underbelly slings, which is like a smaller hammock for your stuff, hanging underneath your bigger hammock. This way it’s out of the rain (since it’s beneath your tarp), and you can reach around your hammock and get whatever you need. For smaller items I keep them in a bag hanging from the ridge line, and since I like to keep everything sorted into little bags/stuff sacks so I can just reach for the bag that contains the item I need on the underbelly sling. :) Happy camping one and all!

Thank you again for the gear review (and your overall curiosity. I sleep in a hammock at home and inside my Vanlife van since at 6’6” normal beds just burn too much real estate. Plus a hammock is just more comfortable for single sleeping. Happy Trails !!

I sleep better in a hammock, and that trumps every other consideration. Started hammocking the same year I bought my kayak and went kayaking for two weeks in Sweden. Brought both a tent and the hammock. Loved the hammock so much that I ended up sleeping in it for 13 out of 14 nights. Haven’t looked back since. Yes, it’s more fiddly to set up, but once you get the hang of it (hah!), it’s really no big deal. Pros: More useful to lounge in during the day. I just love reading in the hammock. Or setting up the tarp first, sitting under it in the rain and brewing a coffee after a day of kayaking or cycling. I‘d feel trapped in a tent on a rainy day. Also: You can see your surroundings. Watch the treetops moving in the wind. Or the squirrels. And the best thing: No back problems, no matter how long I sleep! Yes, there are circumstances when a ⛺️ is better. But if I have the choice, hammock it is!

I'm pretty quick setting up my hammock and can usually do it in well under 5 minutes, including underquilt and top quilt. It's pretty much a wash for me for setup time either way. In January, I was out and the weather was clear so I kept my tarp in its mesh sleeve and fell asleep stargazing every night. I hammock whenever possible, and have mastered breakfast from the hammock (lots of time watching Shug and learning). However, I have also invested time to try to maximize my sleep in tents too. Whatever works for folks is what's best for them. And as much as I want to encourage people to hammock, I also want to make sure there's space for me to do it. And my tent setup is the lighter option for me as well, but I am willing to take the weight to sleep better when available.

Good video! Believe it or not at 46 I'm finding crawling around in a tent isn't as fun as it used to be. I'm researching a hammock system bc of this. Getting old sucks! Sleeping on the ground never bothered me until recently. Now I can really feel it in my hips and back. I expected this at 65 and not 46 but here we are! Thanks again

I'm in my 40's, and I'm weekend warrior. Definitely a hammock for me

You said it.us older guys don’t like crawling in and out of a tent. Great content. Your my # 1

Hi Dixie, thanks for the thought provoking video. I use both a tent and a hammock depending on the trip. Agree with your observations about quality of sleep and convenience. I do enjoy the cave like security of my tent the best and the ability to spread out my stuff inside. I've hiked with an Alabama hiker before and love your accent. Keep up the fun hikes.

I have also watched your video 'Winter Backpacking 100 Miles With A Hammock' and I must give some respect for giving things a fair try, many things are still to be learned indeed though.. Things like estimating the right tree distance (better wide than too short) and bring a pocket saw to remove some twigs that might be in the way, determining what is head end or not, how to setup things dry in rainy weather using snake skins and techniques, what suspension systems there are and knots are the best to use.. I have been working on my setup for years now from the days before it even got so popular.. I have fiddled with hammock sizes and materials to determine my preference, bug net systems, tarps sizes and materials ect, things like this are always a balancing game between weight, volume, durability and also versatility, comfort and price.. Especially in the early days and here in the Netherlands, it still is very hard to this day to get the right gear due to the lack of suppliers out here.. I remember the times I had to DIY my own bugnets and had to make my own underquilts and convert normal sleeping bags to topquilts, I have spend so much and dedicated time adapting into this hobby, I can consider personalized hammock setups a true artform philosophical speaking.. The comfort can be top notch if u know what u are doing, also the setup can be super fast, it leaves no trace and can level out terrain that has incline, things like privacy and weather protection are all more than positive depending on your approach, for example know your wind direction before setting up, and being able to enjoy your surroundings looking underneath your tarp seeing the rain fall is a choice (it is all about connection with nature) on the other hand privacy can be achieved but requires bigger tarps to create doors - being able to make that choice is versatile.. Do not get me started about condensation regulation, the hammock wins that topic hands down being able to be 100% breathable.. Overall I believe the price of premium tenting and hammocking is about the same, sleeping pad compared to underquilt, sleeping bag can be compared with topquilts ect, the volume of hammock + tarp can be smaller and the weight is also less than most tents.. And I might need to take you on the challenge for proving who can be faster setting up there system, but we should measure that in heavy rainy conditions and you should bring your double wall to compete! I can tell you already that I will go lie down in my fully dry 'perfect pitch' system and you will still be fighting with your tent poles all soaking wet and still blowing your lungs out in the sleeping pad, feeling all dizzy doing so and drying out your tent floor from the rain that entered your system - while I am dry and my quilts have got me toasty warm already =).. (I recommend a pump sack for the pad btw, because the water particles in your breath are able to freeze inside the pad lowering your r-rating significant) Feels like I am writing a book here but it might have some value, lol.. Anyway maybe reconsider some things, happy camping!

I like many have used both. Sleeping in a hammock makes my back feel like a banana even with head tie higher than feet. Encountering a thunderstorm in GSMNP had rain blowing under the “rain fly” saturating everything. I prefer tents even though I take a hammock for lounging.

I went back to the ground after trying hammocks for several years. Could never get comfortable and got tired of the “fiddle” factor. I sleep much better on the ground.

As an avid hammock user I think you nailed this. While I can say that the best nights sleep in my live (55years) have been in a hammock, there are times I choose a hammock, and times I choose not to use a hammock. You covered the pro/cons well, and obviously individual needs/preferences and conditions will play a huge factor. And if I am considering weight only, I have to admit my lightest hammock setup is significantly (10-20%) heaver than my lightest tent setup.

We spent many camping trips back in the day using one of those cheap mini net hammocks and a mummy bag. We didn't know any better 40 years ago. Good video.

Interesting that you prefer a tent in rainy weather, i definitely prefer my hammock in that situation! I've never woken up in a puddle in a hammock, but often in a tent. Thanks for the video, great perspectives!

For camping in the urban environment, I often spend several hours looking for trees for my hammock, so it's tents for me.

We go (hammock) camping every other weekend so our setup is pretty fast but, admittedly slower than tent setup time BUT, I get better sleep in hammocks. I will say, now that I have hammock camped so so so many times,setting up at night/in rain/ etc... It is so easy now. Haven't done a lot of camping with other people so I actually have never thought about the changing challenge! But yeah- good point.

Hey Dixie, once again thanks for the balanced review of both situations. I'm a tenter who converted to hanging a few years ago and I doubt I will ever go back. But as you say, it is a personal thing and as well very much scenario-dependent. I'm 55 and have arthritis and a bad back. A few years ago I found that after a long day of canoeing and portaging, my back stretched right out when I hung up my recreational cheapie ENO hammock and I couldn't believe how good it felt. A friend of mine bought a real camping hammock which I tried out and then I finally bought into the system myself. So much of what you went over is true so I won't recap it, but there was an area that I think you touched on but didn't explictly call out so I thought I'd mention it. I have now been on 3 trips where if I was lying on the ground, I would have been sopping wet. Each time it rained 40+ mm in just over a couple of hours. One one of those trips, my friends who were camping in a tent were battling a pool of water that had infiltrated their tent and their sleeping bags were just sponging right up. On the other hand, I was high and dry above it all despite that the ground beneath my hammock was under about 1 cm of water. I'm not saying that this situation is a regular occurrence, but it has now happened to me 3 times in 3 years. At any rate, I just thought I'd add my experience to the conversation. Thank you so much for your videos -- I've watched all your through-hikes and absolutely love your channel. Keep up the awesome work!

I prefer my hammock. I was a tent only and converted to a hammock. I only use the tent in areas that I cant set-up a hammock. Its also great chilling under the tarp in rain than being stuck inside a tent when its raining. Also, you dont have to deal with a ground sheet or bottom of a tent thats covered in dirt or mud. Id be up for the challenge, I feel I could set up my tarp and hammock just as fast as you could set up your tent.

Any hammocker that does it on a regular basis uses snakeskins... So in half the time it takes you inflate your tube, we can have our entire setup done.

Hey Dixie, I had stopped hiking all together because of my back. I simply can't sleep on the ground anymore. The hammock allowed me to get back to being in the woods. And that is what it's about after all. I really enjoyed your comparison between the two. You should check into a hammock sleeping bag. Its designed for the hammock to go through so you have a bottom quilt and a top quilt all in one. I love mine.

This is a really great video. I do carry a sleeping pad with my hammock, just for a flatter lay. All of the numbers are pretty right on. Yes, I started out with a tent. I love the way the wind swings me while in my hammock. I’m for sure team hammock. I’ve had lots of practice and can put it up fast. My rain fly is big and provides lots of privacy.

My hammock sets up in under 1 min cause the tarp and under quilt are built in

After reading several comments it strikes me funny how some who don't agree with your conclusion seem to be almost offended. Why does anyone care? To each their own. Great comparison / contrast. Appreciate your insights.

Very thorough analysis of the pros and cons of both systems, I learned a few things that others haven't mentioned. Your engineering background certainly shown through in this video, particularly when it came to comparing the weights of both systems, making sure that the comparison was done on an apple to apple basis for the different times of year. Please keep putting out these terrific videos.

Thank you for your views on this topic. I like both tent or hammock. Depends on my mood at time of hike. Last hike Sobo out of Hot Springs NC, I took my hammock system. Slept like a log. But I do also love the space of both my Duplex and Plexamid. Again, depends on what I am in the mood for and terrain .

Why is setting up your UQ part of your overall set up time? If comparing set up time with your tent, shouldnt blowing up your pad be part of it?

I tried hammocks for 3 years, and wanted to love them, but I have given up now and I'm very happy about it. It's just so fast and consistently comfy in my experience.

I slept in a hammock on Christmas eve here in Norway at -20c (-4 Fahrenheit) and it was no easy task i tell you, but it is still my go to compared to a tent. I can't sleep on solid ground so the comfort from a hammock makes all the different for me when i'm on a trip, it makes you well rested and ready to go on. You inspired me to try to go for the Appalachian trail this year, but its sadly going to be postponed until next year because of Covid, but that only gives me more time to prepare. Thank you very much for all your videos!

Yup.. I just started using a hammock. And can sleep for long periods of time which is amazing to me. I love my duplex, and I Thank you for recommending it. It's an excellent purchase and customer service for both hammock and tent are excellent. The same thing happened to me as well. I ordered a single layer and got a double layer hammock. Now just transferring that to my tent and all is good. I can see thru hiking the trail with a hammock. Great experience and an excellent night's sleep if your not to conscientious about the weight. I agree totally and enjoy this video Dixie. I hope to see more video of you using a hammock on trails. It's a change that people like me can grow and learn from. Happy hiking😁

Wait! Did I hear, “or if I’m going on a backing trip and I won’t be vlogging” ? What? Hahaha😁 Great job, as usual!

Totally prefer a free standing tent. You can't even use a hammock everywhere... Tons of places forbid it and good luck in the desert.

You are so open-minded and so patient. Thank you for taking the time to re-try things like this. I know that in this community people can be very 'My way or the highway', but we all like our own thing, and it's so helpful to get this information!

Dixie, I applaud your clear attempt to be fair in your comparison. In your previous WB review, I commented that you could setup in 5 minutes but figured that was with a little practice so set it higher. When you suggested a contest, I was going to say “It’s on - if I get to choose the terrain.” :) - note, if no trees you can just Tarp camp with the hammock. But you're right - four stakes, two hiking poles, two guylines - done. Pretty quick - as long as the ground is flat. One thing that raised an eyebrow was when you compared the weight of the hammock + underquilt. Most hammock campers use an under quit and a top quilt - not a sleepling bag (I saw in another of your videos that you use a top quilt). So TQ plus UQ is equal to sleeping bag and pad. And with a double wall tent - the fly and poles are about equal to the tarp and suspension. So then you are comparing the tent body to the hammock body. As you mentioned, tent or hammock, you can always find lighter materials for more $$. With the BlackBird, if you are considering another UQ - look at the WB Wookie. It takes a lot of fiddle factor out of that setup. One other thing that looked awkward was your foot pad was seemed too far away from the hammock. You should be able to just swing your legs over and stand up. But for the most part you gave the hammock a fair shake and showed that each setup has it’s pros and cons - just like people.

I commend you for trying, however I think you should check out Frozen’s outdoor adventures. He is a hammock user with some really informative videos, including tarp hacks.

I prefer the hammock, honestly getting a good night sleep is the most important thing in the world. Though not having privacy is kind of a downer but you get use to it.

Thanks, Dixie. 👍. Good, even handed overview. I am team tent for the privacy issue you mentioned and the ease of spreading out your stuff in inclement weather. But, as you say, variety is a good thing. How lucky we all are, that such a wonderful, varied equipment exists to keep us comfortable out on the trail. 🤗

For light Hammocks, there is just a new invention sold by dutchgear. The fabric is called "Cloud 71". You can also get it with the "Chameleon" Hammock, which is almost the "Blackbird" from WB. So maybe give it a try. Also you can get alot of Informations about Hammocks at the English or German Forum. Greetings and happy hanging.

Especially as you get older sleep quality is so important. I switched to hammocks and have never looked back. It works for me. Beauty is we have choices that fit our lifestyle.

I do too...but probably because I backpack with my two little pups. ❤ Hammocks are fun for short trips, though!

For anyone thinking about hammocking, get a tarp with door options. It's very nice to have and it can help bridge the gap between tent and hammock. Makes for a better shelter in colder/windier weather. Plus the added privacy can be nice for those who care about that sort of thing.

yes, as below, snake skins and continuous Ridgeline really speed up the process, plus I have a different color carabiner on each end of the hammock to know which end goes where, then added doors for privacy and for more rain/wind proof. Double holed (ended) stuff sack makes easier/quicker set-up. Lots of different little hanging gear out there to lighten the whole thing, but took me several years to figure it all out and try many. Later got an x- large dyneema tarp to be able to extend out in "porch mode" - extends the square footage of your sheltered space and great in the rain - loads of room. Have a z-packs duplex too so know why you love that - I do too - favorite tent.

I definitely agree on spreading out my stuff. I like having all of my stuff 'secure' in the tent with me, and I like having it in arms reach if I happen to need anything during the night.

half of Dixie's concerns go away if she get a tarp with storm doors

Excellent video Dixie, as always! I think you provided a very fair comparison between tent vs hammock and explained a lot of the pros and cons of each. I became a hammock camper a couple years ago when I started getting into hiking because I just hate sleeping on the ground, especially the older I get (62). Hammock camping changed everything for me once I learned how to get the perfect hang. That being said, hammocks do take a bit more finesse and tweaking than a tent, and that takes more time setting up for sure. For me though, it's worth the extra fuss to get a good night's sleep and not wake up all stove up. I will probably invest in a lightweight tent setup at some point though because like you say some areas just don't work well for hanging a hammock and I'll have to "go to ground" ugh!

I think you gave a nicely balanced review here. At 52, I switched to hammock camping for the comfort & ease of getting in & out. You’re still young enough to crawl into your tent 😬 I’m glad you gave it another shot. There is definitely a learning curve to getting the right hang, but there’s also a learning curve to tent set-up/placement. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion.

I prefer sleeping on the ground. I’ve never slept well in a hammock despite trying for several years. Probably because I’m a side sleeper.

“we pack our fears” no doubt.

My wife and I use both. We really love the hammocks but sometimes like you said there are no trees. You made very good points about both and it all comes down to personal preference. When I first got my hammock I hated it. Couldn't stay warm using a pad because I could never stay on it. With the underquilt it's a game changer for me.

I have chosen to use a 4x3m tarp, because that allows me to either have a fully closed tent for my hammock, or a 2/3 person tent for sleeping on the ground with just one 2m roofing pole. In the ground configuration, the tent is also 2m tall at the entrance, allowing me to comfortably stand up inside the tent, which is golden when it's raining and even allows for a small fire if you keep the doors open. I've also seen people use these to make a smaller 1 person tent with a floor, but I've never tried it. That flexibility is awesome, particularly when you get sudden rain and you don't want to look for a nice place to sleep on the ground. You just whip up your tent in a couple of minutes and cozy up in your hammock. Also, when you hammock in a fully enclosed tent, I find it greatly reduces the need for an underquilt, because you don't get the wind transporting the air away. The weight and bulk of the hammock and the larger tarp is well worth it to me. By the way, incredibly cute picture at 2:54 :)

im a simple man, i hear "hey y'all, Dixie here", i click like lol

“All these miles make me weary, gotta stop for a while...” 🤗❤️👍

I know you said you prefer a tent over a hammock... But everything you said makes hammock camping sound really good! The points you make in the video for hammock camping are exactly why i love hammock camping. Personally, I value a good night sleep, so Hammock all the way! Finding the right setup, How to set it up, Pack weight and all the other intricate details can be difficult as there are so many options. I just picked up a Hammock Gear WANDERLUST kit, the quality of the kit seems amazing and i cant wait to try it out. Also i can't ignore the fact that, It might be calling your name!? Love the videos Hope to see more in future videos!

Your experience over the miles really shows through this practical review. And I really think the hiking environment drives the choice. The Rockies, Sierra, desert versus the US South and Eastern Seaboard. And love/hate my bivy sacks, the other controversial shelter choice, but sometimes, especially for day and a half trips in my locale, they work. Who needs sleep and comfort if it is just one night ;)