Inflatable hammock for thru hiking?!?

[DolphinFan]

[DGoodale]

Are you talking about these things?

Wow if I slept in one of those, I'd never be able to get my back straightened up enough to even start day 2.
ETA: I grabbed one of these on a Treasure Truck special a couple weeks ago. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YP8TFJB Looking forward to trying it out. My current pad has no insulation and tends to get a bit chilly even on warm nights.

[middleofnowhere]

I recommend a thermarest Neolite X-Therm. They are made in USA, extremely light and comfortable. I’ve had one for years and have made multiple repairs in the field.

https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-pads/fast-and-light/neoair-xtherm-sleeping-pad/neoair-xtherm.html

You can use the pad when there are no trees for a hammock.

I do use hammocks on occasion, they are very good when the location allows.

https://yukon-outfitters.com/collections/hammocks/made-in-the-usa

https://www.jacksrbetter.com/product-category/camping-quilts/hammock-underquilt/

[Mtndewking]

Thermorest and a z pad. Don't try to re-invent the wheel while thru hiking. People get caught up in the gear stuff but you need a system that will work rain or shine for days on end. Longevity is the goal if you plan on finishing

[boludo12]

been using these for 30 years.

https://www.thermarest.com/

I'll put my thumbs up to this. Since getting my TR inflatable pad camping has not bothered me. Mine has never deflated and I typically sleep with the pad inside sleeping bag to offer more protection from punctures and no need to worry about cold ground.
I have the pro lite version.

[larkja]

Some parts of the PCT have few trees

This would also be my concern. Whenever we backpacked with friends, we spread out the load. One would carry the tent, another cooking gear, another the food, etc. We all carried our own pads, sleeping bags, and clothes.

[NATEWA]

Friend exclusively uses a hammock. I’m going to try it out in the yard for a night or two before committing to it.

I have an inflatable hammock for the beach or soccer games but would never take it backpacking. It’s noisy, not that comfortable and if it rips or leaks air - you’re SOL.

I’ll go heavier for a more comfortable one.

Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro Self-Inflating Camping And Backpacking Sleeping Pad https://a.co/d/fq3F8cT

I like bivy tents for summer camping. You don’t need the rain fly, stakes/ropes or bag for the summer. Nice to look at the stars. Cheap, lightweight and will keep the bugs off of you.

Winterial Single Person Personal Bivy Tent - Lightweight One Person Tent with Rainfly, 2lbs 9oz, Stakes, Poles and Guylines Included, Backpacking and Hiking Bivy Tent (Olive Green & Orange)

[Big Chudungus]

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

ALL the reviews of various models say same thing. Easy enough to set up and comfy and seems neat at first, but all have slow leaks that will have you on hard ground in 3-4 hours AKA "middle of the night".

OK for backyard lounging or other temp use but not an overnight sleeper.

[NapalmCheese]

That inflatable 'hammock' would be cold.

I just got done camping for the weekend using a hammock. It's comfortable when done right, but by the time it's done right (hammock, straps, extra rope in case you can't find appropriately spaced trees, under quilt, top quilt, tarp for shelter if it's going to be rainy) you may as well have just taken a tent, pad, and sleeping bag.

That said, I'm still happy with my inflatable insulated pad (Big Agnes I think it is), and my homemade quilt. I've used the pad in a normal hammock before to good effect. If I want to go fast and light and the weather is probably going to be good (or just snow with no rain) I pack my quilt, inflatable pad, and a DWR treated bivy sack.

[Whiterabbit]

by the time it's done right (hammock, straps, extra rope in case you can't find appropriately spaced trees, under quilt, top quilt, tarp for shelter if it's going to be rainy) you may as well have just taken a tent, pad, and sleeping bag..

This is always the conclusion I come back to. Sounds great, but it never works out on paper.

double wall tent = 2 lb. Sleeping bag = 1.5 lb. pad = 1 lb. That is the standard you have to beat with a hammock. At <15 degrees in the rain. Yes you can go lighter, most are not spending $1000 on these three.

BUTTTT.... OP is from January

A day hiker plus car camper (he didn't actually specify, I'm being unkind) wants to become a thru-hiker backpacker, I wanna know...

How's it going? What gear did you decide on? (high level, not brand choices) Are you out there putting the miles down?

you cold yet?