On the Water and in the Woods

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In the 1960s and 70s I was a Boy Scout.  Those were my first backpacking experiences.  Later, I backpacked on my own in parts of Virginia.  Those were the days of external frame packs, A frame tents, wood fires and blue jeans as trail pants. 
 
In the last couple of years I have returned to backpacking, via the lightweight and ultralight philosophies.  Gear of choice is now a GoLite backpack, a Hennessy Hammock, and a soda can alcohol stove.
 
 

The Typical Summer Camp

hammock.jpg
photo by Dan Hoke

Details from the photo above:
 
Silnylon tarp from Campmor 10x12.  Room enough to cook under for two, plus more rain protection than the standard tarp that comes with the hammock.  It can also be rigged to lines seperate from the hammock lines so that you can put the tarp up, and then put up a dry hammock. 
 
Hennessey Ultralight Explorer Ultralite A-Sym hammock.  2.3 lbs including the fly I don't use.  250 lb weight limit.  You get in from a slit in the bottom, that seals shut after  you enter (trust me, it works).  Integral bug netting.  And you get to lie flat and have a lot of room inside too.
 
Trail pants are by RailRiders.  I like the fit and comfort and durability of these pants so much that since buying my first pair they have replaced blue jeans in my everyday clothing.  They could use a sturdier zipper though.  Read my complete review of them here: .
 
I'm laying on a truck size windshield reflector screen.  Makes a great sit/lay pad in camp or on the trail, doubles as extra thermal and reflective insulation in the hammock under the sleeping bag, weighs ounces, and costs very little.  I'm told one drawback is that on sunny days the person hiking behind me suffers sun glare.   :)
 
 

Hammock Camping - projects, thoughts, etc.

Home made alcohol stove system

GoLite Trek Backpack Lid Fix