Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: BWCA Hanging :: Taking the Plunge
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tarnkt |
I decided I should give a well fitting gathered end hammock a shot before fully committing to the bridge hammock, thinking I would have a good lounger if it didn’t work out. I bought a Dutchware 12 footer and the first time I got in it I knew it was the one for me. To complete the kit I added a simply light designs trail winder under quilt, a bottom entry bugnet, and a 12’ rectangle tarp. I decided against doors on the tarp because I am planning to have things rigged high and wide most of the time. If a huge storm does roll in I can buckle things down enough to get by. Thanks for all the helpful tips and inspiration, I’m very excited to take this rig up north. It has been awesome for a few naps (one perk of working from home) and one backyard overnight so far this spring. |
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MidwestFirecraft |
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tarnkt |
Having lines on each end of the tarp seems easier to rig in my mind. |
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AmarilloJim |
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TipsyPaddler |
tarnkt: "I am intrigued by the idea of a continuous ridge line but I’m not up for fussing with prussik knots. Is there any sort of easily adjustable knotless hardware hack that can be used to secure the tarp to the ridgeline?” Yes. One is the Tato Connector. If you look at Dutchwaregear.com and check out his Continuous Ridgeline product page there are two tarp connector options: soft shackles (i.e prusiks with a knotted loop) and the Tato Connector. There is a video that shows the Tato Connectors in use. I started with the Tato Connectors but I found the soft shackle/prusik lighter and less fuss. I use soft shackle prusiks on all my tarps now. I have a pair of the Tato Connectors sitting unused in my spare gear box if you are interested but if you go the CRL route probably best to buy all in one package. There is A LOT of hammock/tarp hardware out there with many points of view/favorites. Its basically a sub-fetish of the broader hammock fetish. |
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pilot |
We went with the Chameleon from Dutchware and we also got 11' rectangle tarps from there as well. Partly because they were the only vendor who could make them and ship them in time for our upcoming trip, and because I knew that they would be good, dependable tarps. I may opt for a tarp with doors in the future, but I'm 100% satisfied with the route we went. Congrats and good hanging. |
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TipsyPaddler |
tarnkt: "For those that use the exterior poles on the superfly, do you have to use a continuous ridgeline to support them? I would think so but maybe not. I just lay the poles across the top of the tarp. Suppose you could lay them over the CRL but never tried it. This is my BBXLC with Thunderfly tarp. |
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TipsyPaddler |
No CRL on this tarp. Learned I prefer using a CRL as easier to center over hammock and/or between trees. |
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moray |
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Scout64 |
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tarnkt |
I am intrigued by the idea of a continuous ridge line but I’m not up for fussing with prussik knots. Is there any sort of easily adjustable knotless hardware hack that can be used to secure the tarp to the ridgeline? I use figure 9s for cinching up my kitchen tarp and they’re super slick but probably not ideal for this application. |
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unshavenman |
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TipsyPaddler |
NAMA Claws |
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Wayouttroy |
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BobTheRaven |
My tarp setup is * WB Thunderfly * Continuous ridge line using Lawson ironwire * Tarp ridge ends connected to the CRL with ironwire prusiks * 6' ironwire lines for tarp tie out (attached via lark's heads to the tie outs) * v-stakes with WB tarp ticks connected via small ironwire loops * 2 piece snake skin (LOVE these... I struggled with getting the tarp taken down and bagged up prior to getting... they were a game changer. Also nice to be able to neatly and cleanly corral the tarp when the weather is nice and I'm not using it but knowing it can be quickly deployed if necessary.) The ironwire is 2mm which is theoretically too large for the tarp ticks (supposed to be 1.75mm line) but I have not had any issue... the line doesn't fully go into the "legs" of the tick but they lodge in well enough to hold in a strong wind. But, in the end, you need to figure out what works for you. As others have noted, there are an almost overwhelming number of ways to do all things related to hammocking. Much of it comes down to personal preferences. |
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TomT |
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tarnkt |
After spending all of my life in a tent I have finally had enough. I have considered switching in the past but I just didn’t think I could get comfortable in a hammock and the steep learning curve with setup seemed like too much. My research has led me to bridge hammocks, and I’m fairly confident this will be the answer for me. The question is which one. I know many are fans of the warbonnet ridgerunner, does anyone have any experience with the Dutchware Banyan Bridge? The pre-set double ridge line seems like it will help this noob get it set up correctly every time. Is the ridgerunner tricky to set up or just plug and play? Are there any other models I should be considering? The next question is which tarp to get. The most pressing issue in my mind is should I get doors or not. I like the idea of no doors for ease of setup and entry/exit. But I don’t like the idea of getting wind driven rain on my face.... Does anyone use a bridge hammock with a doorless tarp in the BWCA? If so, which one? As far as I can tell the best door option is the warbonnet superfly 13 footer. If I go with doors are there any other models I should consider? Any other tips and tricks are greatly appreciated. Like I said, this was way too long. |
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moray |
I have a used a Ridgerunner on my last 2 trips and love it. I feel some much better in the morning. I was new to hammock camping when I bought it and I find it very easy to set up. I have the 13’ Superfly tarp with exterior pole mod. I recommend the pole mod for added room. |
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AmarilloJim |
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Lawnchair107 |
TipsyPaddler: "Another “knotless” option is the NAMA claw but I have only read reviews, not personally tried them. I have been playing around with these the past week. They’re an awesome option for 1.75mm cord. Highly recommend. |
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tarnkt |
TipsyPaddler: "Be careful as hammock camping can become an expensive rabbit hole ??" Ha! I have definitely found that to be the case. It’s ok though, I have been completely outfitted for quite a few years now. Kinda fun to be in gear acquisition mode again. Hammock and pimped out tarp looks like it will come in somewhere around $500. Definitely not cheap but if I don’t ever have to crawl in and out of a short tent while letting rain in from the vestibule to sleep on slanted ground again it will be worth every penny. Already looking forward to the backyard test runs. |
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TipsyPaddler |
I use a WB Thunderfly with the BB XLC. The ‘beaks’ (vs. full doors of the Superfly) work well for me. If the forecast is driving sideways rain I bring an underguilt protector but lowering the tarp, picking a location with shelter from wind, and using my hanging pack as a screen on the exposed end of the tarp have kept me dry in some howling thunderstorms. For the Ridgerunner I have the older WB Cloudburst hammock with the door kits. If I did it over I would probably go with a Superfly with pullouts to better fit the spreader bars. Or the mountainfly to save a few grams. Spoiled for good choices with Warbonnet! Be careful as hammock camping can become an expensive rabbit hole! |
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BobTheRaven |
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bhouse46 |
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mirth |
My current setup is using a Guide Gear 12' tarp, which in a sideways rain would probably result in some dampness. |
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TipsyPaddler |
tarnkt: ... but if I don’t ever have to crawl in and out of a short tent while letting rain in from the vestibule to sleep on slanted ground again it will be worth every penny. " THIS is why I made the switch. I sleep way better in the BWCA in a hammock and my back thanks me every morning. Biggest challenge is I go into such a restful, deep sleep I need to set an alarm to avoid sleeping to late when I need an early morning start! |
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jillpine |
tarnkt: " if I don’t ever have to crawl in and out of a short tent while letting rain in from the vestibule to sleep on slanted ground again it will be worth every penny. " Not to mention the river of running water through and surrounding your tent when it rains. |