Inflatable hammock for thru hiking?!?

[Man from Neb]

My wife & I are looking to take a few days this year and do some thru hiking of some trails. The ultimate plan is to hopefully thru hike most of the Cal section of the PCT. I have camping experience and day hiking experience, but not thru hiking experience.

I know the weight of your gear is a major concern. We will absolutely NEED a sleeping pad of some kind. Would an inflatable hammock be a good alternative to a sleeping pad. They pack down small and don't seem to weigh a great deal. My biggest concern would be the fact that the air in the hammock would allow the cold of the ground to penetrate thru to my/our sleeping bags, where a pad would be more insulating.

Inflatable hammock,... good idea or not?!?!?!?

[Super Chicken]

Tagged

[MJB]

Some parts of the PCT have few trees

Most single pads are small and very light weight.

Boots are your biggest concern, then your pack

[Man from Neb]

Some parts of the PCT have few trees

Most single pads are small and very light weight.

Boots are your biggest concern, then your pack

I already have great shoes (Oboz).

The inflatable hammocks are light and pack small. I'm just mostly concerned with the space taken up inside the tent when inflated or the transfer of the cold through the air space.

[Neuvik]

Are you talking about these things?



I don't think I have seen anyone use one if so. Maybe bring a ground tarp to protect it from abrasion and cuts.

Since you're in Chico why not try it out on the Lassen trails and see how it does? If the lava rocks don't pop it you're probably good. Nice loops there of different lengths to test your gear and return.

https://www.nps.gov/carto/hfc/carto/media/LAVOmap1.jpg

And bonus points if you do it right now.

[Man from Neb]

Are you talking about these things?



I don't think I have seen anyone use one if so. Maybe bring a ground tarp to protect it from abrasion and cuts.

Since you're in Chico why not try it out on the Lassen trails and see how it does? If the lava rocks don't pop it you're probably good. Nice loops there of different lengths to test your gear and return.

https://www.nps.gov/carto/hfc/carto/media/LAVOmap1.jpg

And bonus points if you do it right now.

Wow, I could just now see your pic. That's exactly what I was talking about.

I could do it right now. I've been in camp when a tornado went by a few miles away, thunderstorms and all sorts of other conditions except snow/freezing temps. I'm in decent enough shape, but need to be in better shape to make it better. My wife is the driving force for this and she is hiking/walking several times a week to get in better shape (love that she is being super proactive).

Back to the hammock; they seem bulky when inflated but lightweight enough and compact enough when deflated that I thought it might be a novel and good way to get a comfortable night's sleep out camping since my back & hips don't particularly like a hard surface to sleep on.

[coryhenry]

Large Inflatables don't do very well with cold temperatures, they deflate quite a bit. I would go with a standard ground pad. I have a inflatable thermorest that is pretty slim and I still have to get up sometimes in the middle of then night to re inflate. It sucks to have to get out of your tent to scoop the air like those big inflatables need.

[c good]

been using these for 30 years.

https://www.thermarest.com/

[seanbo]

Get a insulated Klymit Static V. I used one at +10,000 feet over the summer and it was really nice. Not cold and it doesn't weigh very much. Same weight as a foam pad. Plus it takes up almost no space. You can find refurbished ones on Ebay.

[seanbo]

Also camping and day hiking are really different from backpacking. My advice is to start slow and easy. Pick out a trail that's not too long, maybe 5-7 Miles. Go for a night and see how it goes. You will see what works and dosen't. A through hike may not be the best way to start.

[c good]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MkRKeU0cl8

[echo1]

I would say no. It'll take up too much room in a tent and looks like it'll be a hassle to get out and take a leak.

I use a Thermorest and a Zpad, I need the extra cushion for my bones. PAX.

[LanceBV]

Did the John Muir trail 2 years ago, Both me and my wife used Thermo rest pad. You can add air to make them firmer. Lightweight, roll up small and Comfortable. There are tiny air cells inside but dont get cold like inflatables.

[Man from Neb]

All great advice with real life perspective. Exactly what I wanted/needed. Thanks! I kind of figured some of that, but just needed confirmation.

[MarryArte]

The idea is great, but in our company with friends in practice it turned out to be a ballast in our trip.