Monday 29 July 2013

Hammock thruhiking New Zealand on the Te Araroa Trail

I know this isn't the usual or normal piece of gear in New Zealand, but I am going to hammock camp as often as I can while completing the Te Araroa Trail. I've read about one tramper, Jacob who took a hammock, so I know I'm not the only one!

Why a hammock? I get a fantastic night's rest in one. I've been using a Warbonnet Blackbird for almost a year continuously now, even indoors (!) instead of a bed. Weird? Maybe... but I wake up feeling great, no kinks or neck pains.

If you've checked out my gear list , you'll note a few things to help me out if (ok, when) I find myself without trees to hang from. I usually use an under quilt to keep me warm and insulate my butt. For this thruhike, I'll use a CCF pad instead. That way when I need to 'go to ground' I can use the pad. My trekking poles will be used to support my tarp like normal tent poles, and my hammock itself will be used as a bug net or second wall when needed.

What do you think, am I mad? Have you done much tramping with a hammock in New Zealand conditions before? Your thoughts and/or advice gratefully received. Don't forget to check out my Givealittle page to donate to Shine... thanks, you are awesome!


7 comments:

  1. Sounds awesome to me, but I have NO frame of reference. MAN I wish I was down there hiking with you! It sounds like a totally awesome journey, and I hope you have the greatest time of your life! (Well, at least second best to that time you took a couple of Yanks out to Upper Hutt). :-)

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    1. Garrett, thanks for your words of encouragement - I know you are going through your own journey, and an awesome one following your dreams. I look forward to reading some of your published works! Give me a yell next time you are in Middle Earth :-)

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  2. As a fellow hammock hanger, I look forward to reading how things go with the hammock on your hike! Hope you don't have to go to ground too much.

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  3. How did it go? Curious my self as hammocked many time through out California but wondering about your trip to Nee Zealand. Email me stblock@ucdavis.edu

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  4. How did it go? Curious my self as hammocked many time through out California but wondering about your trip to Nee Zealand. Email me stblock@ucdavis.edu

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  5. Prime Garden Hammock from Bizarkdeal

    This hammock was actually above expected quality, I love how easy it is to roll up and store, I love the way it looks, and I love how comfortable it is. It's a big upgrade from our previous rope hammock. It's easy to wipe off messes and everything. Very happy with this purchase.

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