Bivy vs Tent

[Wudstix]

I've only ever spent 3-4 hours after light in a hammock due to rain, I can see where that would be no fun for a day or so.  Most of my experience with rain has been hiking in it.
 

[Maclean]

As I mentioned earlier, my spike camps or bivy camps are not my typical camp. That's only for special circumstances like being close to elk at the end of the day and miles from base camp, or if a big storm rolls in quickly. You've got to carry a way to stay relatively dry and warm overnight. It's not for extended periods, and it's not high comfort. That's what base camp is for, and my base camps are very comfortable. Not too far from the truck, nice canvas wall tent, cot, big thick sleeping pad, big thick sleeping bag, heater in the tent, ample cooking setup, plenty of water, food coolers, a little bit of whiskey, etc.

If I'm not on top of elk that I want to hunt at daybreak, then I'm heading back to the comforts of base camp even if I get there after dark. But if I've spent the day chasing elk, and it's almost dark and I'm 5 miles from base camp, I'm going to spend the night where I am. Elk hunting is all about creating opportunities and if I'm on them I'm going to stick with them until I can get it done. No matter what, comfort be damned.

[Trenton G.]

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm glad to see everyone's different perspectives on this stuff, and hear what they do and don't like about each set up. I'm kind of in the same camp as McDave, where being cooped up in a bivy in bad weather doesn't sound super enjoyable. However, I'll test it out and see what I think. I hope to do a couple of backpacking weekends around here first and get a feel for what works best before heading out west.

I am really liking both the floorless shelter and the hammock ideas. My biggest concern with the hammock would be staying warm, but I've got a good sleeping pad that I could fit in there, along with a good sleeping bag. Thanks for all help!

Maclean, I think for the reasons that you mentioned, I'm going to try and carry a bivy every day regardless just in case those types of situations come up. (We've never elk hunted before, so I don't have super high confidence in being in that situation haha!) Then try and have a more comfortable base camp to work out of.

[Maclean]

In the mountains, every ounce counts when it's on your back. And you have to pack for the expected (large dead animal on the ground) and the unexpected (big storm or injury). Those items add up quickly so choose wisely.
I don't carry a stove and fuel, just water & filter and ready to eat protein bars. Basic first aid kit, basic survival kit, game bags & paracord, headlamp, knives & bone saw, map & compass, binos, and my bivy setup. Which still feels like too much sometimes.

[Wudstix]

Try a hammock warmth is not an issue with a under matt.  Mosquito netting holds in an incredible amount of heat under a fly.
 

[JDinPA]

I have used a bivy a couple times on solo elk hunts. I was only in it for sleep, so it was managable.
I did have a siltarp to keep rain off for another layer if needed.
Hiking 8 miles in, weight was a big issue for me.
Having had a few bear encounters while hunting, I always bring bear spray now. I don't care how much that weighs.

[Walt Francis]

There are a lot of hours in the day that are dark. I guess it sounds like a good idea for weight savings...but man, I can't imagine staying in a tube of plastic,  in a hammock, or under a postage stamp sized piece of nylon like 12 hours a day for a week. Add in a half day or two rained out of hunting and that bivy would feel like a coffin.

There are some fantastic, lightweight shelters anymore that have room. On my Alaska hunts (weight restricted flying in, not packing on my back) the Sawtooth is gold. You split that up between 2 guys and you are at 3-4 lbs each or so.  For another pound and a half each you can have a Ti stove.

R

I use the same setup as Ryan on my Alaska trips and when spending a week in the backcountry chasing elk.  When going for a few days after elk I use 10x10 silnylon tarp same as Twitchstick.

[Mo_coon-catcher]

I like my hammocks. I have a couple setups depending on time of year and how many comforts I would like. I use a 0* down underquilt and 20* top quilt and am quite toasty down to about 15* so far. I have two tarps and a set of tarp poles depending on how far I plan to go and if I need to prioritize weight or security from weather. An enclosed 10’x11’ tarp with internal poles is a lot of space if you’re gonna spend time in there. For hanging a set of Dutchware beetle buckles with cinch strap is quick and easy to adjust. Especially with climbing grade caribiners on the ends of the strap. Clip the strap around the tree, adjust the slide buckle and hook the strap me loops of the hammock onto the buckle. I run a Teton Hammock company hammock with integrated bug net and same brand of quilts. I have the entire hammock asssembly inside of a giant tube sleeve called a catch all sack with just the end loops sticking out. So I can attach my straps to the trees, attach the hammock and roughly adjust it, then slide the catch all sack off for a set up steel system ready to go. Last time I times it this winter it took 10 minutes to fully set up the tarp and hammock. And I’m a side sleeper but also flop and sprawl all over comfortably. I roll a little ledge on the corner of the hammock to make a head rest. Oh and the larger the hammock the more comfortabl. For me I like a 11’ long by 60” wide and I’m 5’9” and 175#. If your 6’ you may want a 12’ hammock.

I hope that helps a little in the hammock side of things.

Kyle

[Wudstix]

This is my Hennessy and Dyneema fly,  Doors folded down totally close off the end, have them tucked in so I can close them without getting wet.  Like the straps and cinch buckles for adjustment ease.  Always have a flat spot to sleep.  Rocks aren't a concern.  This is a stop in GA on the AT a couple years ago.  Working my way through the whole thing.
 

[Charlie Lamb]

     I'm with Ryan all the way on this one.

[Wudstix]

All my stops are for not more than two nights, and I go solo, so a light hammock is great.  If I was going to set up camp for a week and there were a couple of us, I'd agree with Ryan and a larger tent.  If it was just me, I have a Durston that would work.  Room to move some and cook in the tent.  Creature comforts are nice if you're not mobile.
 

[Trenton G.]

I really like the looks of both of those setups! If we knew for sure that we were going to be staying in one spot, then a bigger tent split up between the three of us would definitely be nice to have! I'm just not certain how things will play out, so being mobile is nice! I really appreciate everyone's input on here! Hopefully I am able to report back at some point with my experiences!

[Wudstix]

You can be mobile, as well with a lightweight tent.  Depending on terrain, finding a flat spot can be tough.  Cooking inside a hammock in the rain can be done (with practice), tent makes it a bit easier.