Over the last year, I have switched to hammock camping. I no longer carry a tent. On the weekend of March 8-10, 2013, I was out camping in my new setup:
Here’s how my gear broke down prior to making the switch:
| Ounces | Pounds | Kilograms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | 120 oz | 7.5 lbs | 3.4 kg |
| MEC Raven -7 sleeping bag | 52.9 oz | 3.3 lbs | 1.5 kg |
| 172.9 oz | 10.8 lbs | 4.9 kg |
And after:
| Ounces | Pounds | Kilograms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trek Light Gear Double Hammock | 20 oz | 1.25 lbs | 0.56 kg |
| Trek Light Gear Go Anywhere Rope Kit | 8 oz | 0.5 lbs | 0.23 kg |
| Trek Light Gear Bug Free Hammock Shield | 16 oz | 1 lb | 0.45 kg |
| MEC Silicone Scout Tarp | 18.3 oz | 1.1 lb | 0.52 kg |
| MEC Raven -7 sleeping bag | 52.9 oz | 3.3 lbs | 1.5 kg |
| Arrowhead New River Under Quilt | 30 oz | 1.875 lbs | 0.85 kg |
| 145.2 oz | 9 lbs | 4.11 kg |
So I’ve shaved 1.8 lbs off my pack weight. 2.8 lbs if I don’t need the bug net.
Next up I’m considering going with a much lighter pack. The GoLite Quest 65L Pack is looking pretty nice right now at about 3.6 lbs. That’s a far cry from the 6.6 lbs (3 kg) my current pack weighs. The Boreas Lost Coast 60 Backpack at MEC is also looking pretty good at 3.4 lbs (1.523 kg).
Brian's Interesting Stuff 
Trek light are good hammocks and, yes, they can be packed without a mosquito net which is good when it isn’t needed. Hennessy makes great backpacking hammocks with attached nets already. These can be thrown into the pack all in one. Cool moving over to the hammocks.
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This seems like a great idea! These hammocks seem so light though, how durable are they? Would I actually be able to get years of use out of them, or do they deteriorate?
Thanks for the info!
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They are pretty nice Warren. I purchased my hammock two years ago. It is still going strong. No rips, tears. Could probably use a wash as there are a few stains from when I’ve been snacking in it, but nothing major.
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