Tried something new today.

[jmr40]

I do virtually all of my hunting on public land and typically hunt at least a mile from roads, as much as 5 miles or more at times. I've been looking for something to sit on that would be comfortable, and still be light and compact enough to carry for miles. I've tried foam pads, even some small folding stools, but didn't like them.

I picked up a cheap backpacking hammock recently and tried it today. This works pretty good. I sat in it with both feet on the ground most of the time, but could pull my legs up and sit almost like in a recliner. Didn't lay in it, but could if I wanted to. I was elevated 2-3' off the ground for a better view and off the wet leaves. Packs small too.

I went too cheap, but think I like the concept. This version was $20, but is a little too small in actual use. I'll use it for this year, but I'll probably spend a little more, $50-$60 for a much better, and larger version. I'll use it for backpacking and hiking year round and the $20 hammock will probably work better for one of the grandkids.

 

[guyfromohio]

Sure beats falling asleep in the tree Stand! Nighty night!

 

[jmr40]

Didn't intend it to sleep in, but if I do fall asleep and fall out it'll be a lot closer to the ground than most tree stands.

 

[elkhunterCO]

If I had that thing after a 5 mile hike, I would probably sleep through the evening hunt unless I brought my alarm clock!

 

[gamestalker]

I have tried the expensive one's, just tried another one during my most recent hunt, and I keep coming back to my $5 stools that weigh under 2 lbs.. And even though the cheapy one's only last a few days before the legs rip through the material, they are light weight, and they do what I need them to do, which is to have something to sit on while glassing from for long hours. The last chair I tried weighed in at about 5 lbs. which means I am trading 3 lbs. of chair weight, for 3 lbs. of food or water weight, which is far more important to me than comfort while glassing.

Once I get the spotting scope, glasses, two tripods, radio's, batteries, ear buds, field shooting rest and sticks, gloves, cold and wet weather gear, food, water, game handling gear such as knives, rope, game bags, and emergency and over night gear on our backs, we are carrying a pretty good load. I would rather sit on the ground, than to be thirsty or hungry after a long hump in.

So IMHO, consider comfort as a low priority to carry on your back, food and other survival necessities, as well as hunting gear, take first priority when planning walk more than 2 miles from camp.

GS

 

[Art Eatman]

Okay, a hammock story.

My mother had a CIA job in the Philippines, back in 1953-1955. Worked with President Magsaysay's office on his land-reform efforts. In and out of the US embassy, she became friends with Ambassador Cohen and his wife, along with others.

One evening at happy hour, the conversation turned to difficult activities. The winner was whoever thought of making love in a hammock. The capper from the ambassador was, "Yeah, standing up."

So one of his Christmas presents that year was a small model of a hammock in a frame, with two small figurines.

 

[jmr40]

I've tried a small stool. Even the smallest is far larger than the hammock and has to be strapped onto the outside of a daypack. It isn't the weight, but getting caught on brush walking through the woods that is the problem. When the ground is wet I've sat on a military surplus poncho to keep my butt dry in the past. The hammock takes up less space in my pack than the poncho.

Yesterday was the 1st time experimenting with it. So far I'm inclined to think it will work for me. It woudn't work in places where there is a shortage of trees. Not a problem here.

 

[Doc7]

How do you pack a deer out 5 miles through the woods? I guess you will be taking some naps on your hammock during that drag!

 

[guyfromohio]

I started out tounge-in-cheek.....but this a really good idea. Cuts down on rustling the leaves under you, keeps you dry, comfortable, and.... Let's face it..we've all fallen asleep while waiting for a deer.

 

[WestKentucky]

Bike tire cart with wheelbarrow arms makes long trips with weight much more bearable...but I'm still not sure I would go 5 miles.

 

[brainwake]

I take one with me on backpacking trips.....it is very nice to have a comfortable place to sit/lay after a 5-7 mile hike.

I have thought about it for hunting, but I am a spoiled one and am lucky my in-laws have private land to hunt.

I can see how if you have to hunt on some public land and want to move away far to get away from the hunting crowds. At the least, you could set it up after you have given up on your morning hunt and take a nap after lunch while waiting for the evening hunt.

Make sure and tie an orange something up when you are napping.

As far as the distance mentioned....just bring a good pack and bone out the meat in the field.

 

[oneounceload]

http://www.rei.com/product/754773/eno-doublenest-hammock

Great hammock - holds my fat butt nicely and folds into its own bag about the size and weight of a softball

 

[CraigC]

I use a short, folding turkey seat. The legs fold and it sits no more than 6" off the ground. Probably doesn't weigh more than 2lbs.

 

[anothernewb]

Kudos for thinking outside the box. There's a trick to tying the line to the hammock and to the tree that helps with longevity. otherwise they tend to fail at the junction. We switched from bringing tents to hammocks in the Boundary waters a few years ago. lighter, smaller than a tent, and good ones are totally waterproof. Changing clothes in one is a bit of a learning experience though...Wind can be a problem at times, but it's offset by never having to find that "spot" and ending up setting up the whole tent only to find a tree root in the small of your back.

 

[short barrel]

I've been using the folding stool for years and wouldn't trade it for any other way of stand hunting. I don't hike far from my truck due to back pain, and it sure is nice to have a seat when I get to where I want to hunt. If I want to move, it has a shoulder strap. If I want to take a few extras like food or whatever, it has a zipper pouch underneath. If I walk far with it, I run my pistol belt over the strap which keeps the stool out of the way on my left hip.

The hammock looks very comfy though. Do you think it's too big when spread out? I know that deer are very familiar with their homelands and can spot things that weren't there before.

 

[Armored farmer]

the hammock is a great idea, I'll try it.
In the meantime, I carry a 7'x3.5' rectangle of canvas tarp. It rolls up and ties to my vest. I use it for a sitting pad, blanket, bedroll, shelter, blind, etc.

 

[desidog]

Two issues come to mind; stability and telegraphy... as a seasonal hammock-napper myself, I've waited for resident ground hogs in our hammock. if you have any swing going on, it will telegraph to the trees/limbs you're tied to, which may give away your position. If it doesn't, it's necessary to put a foot on the ground before bringing the gun into alignment with the prey, otherwise your shot won't be at all stable. Getting into position requires enough movement that i've been seen and/or missed more chucks from the hammock than i've hit. YMMV

 

[Patocazador]

Sit in a hammock and just try to resist swinging. Go ahead, try! Bet you can't do it.

That's the whole pleasure of a hammock ... swaying in the breezes. Back and forth, back an' ....... zzzzzzzzzzzz.

 

[sage5907]

You guys need to change your thought process. If you just have to have something to sit on take an aluminum OD colored lawn chair. Fold it up and hide it at your stand location and sit with your back against a tree. Lawn chars can be quiet and comfortable. Lawn chairs are cheap so it doesn't make much difference if you loose one. Don't pick anything that has hollow cloth covered arms because ants really like to den inside the arms.

 

[J_McLeod]

Great hammock - holds my fat butt nicely and folds into its own bag about the size and weight of a softball

I have one of those in khaki and black and I love it. I've taken it camping in Arizona, Washington and Illinois, napped in it all over and strung it up in the back of C17s to sleep through a transatlantic flight. They optional straps are also nice to have, but easy to make on your own if you don't want to spend the money. Never thought to take it hunting though. Has anyone tried shooting from a hammock? I imagine a .308 or 30.06 would give you a good swing.