Tent or hammock camping for Victoria multi days?

[jasonk]

Hi all - can anyone share their views on hammock vs tent camping in Victoria? I'm getting back into hiking, and hammocks appeal to me but I'm concerned I won't get enough use and will need to pack a tent anyway, in which case why not invest in a better tent ...

From reading, it seems that 1) it's illegal to damage trees - but this can be managed through straps, 2) it's technically legal to dispersed camp in most parks. So it should be ok to use them in most places.

BUT 3) a lot of what look like the better walks, eg GSWW, Alpine, Otways, and Grampians, have specific restrictions in place on camp locations (Grampians, Otways), or are not amenable to hammocks eg above tree line (AAWT), no suitable trees (GSWW) . I'd probably be looking to hike with a few other people who at this point are not interested in hammock camping, where I see some of the Park Notes state that dispersed camping should be 1km away from campsites. Clearly this doesn't work well if you are in a group.

TLDR Are hammocks suitable for use in the big Victorian parks - otways, grampians, gsww, alpines?

SO my question - I'd be interested in hearing any Vic people who have actually hammocked and have a view on how they manage in Victoria. Is a hammock suitable for the longer multiday walks or should I just accept it and buy a tent?

I've spent some time browsing the forums and I can't get a clear answer. Lots of commentary from people who don't have hammocks for whatever reason, but I am not seeking that input here.

I'd be making the choice between something like a Warbonnet or a Tarptent. Packing light appeals to me and I'd be aiming for base weight around 4-7kg (but haven't yet worked out my weight or $ budgets). I guess I'd be taking a ground tarp to be prepared anyway in the worst case.

[andrewa]

I have a hammock, but i generally prefer a tent, due to:
- hammocks are cold unless you use an underquilt
- less covered protection for cooking/gear
- hammock setup is heavier and bulkier than my tent setup.
- issues with hanging hammocks in Alpine area above treeline!

The weight/bulk bit is the main reason I prefer a tent - my tent/quilt/sleeping mat weighs 500/5-700/400 g respectively (1400-1600g). My hammock/quilt/underquilt is 1100/5-700/500 g respectively, and miles bulkier.


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[simonm]

As well as the responses here, if you are on Facebook the Hammock Hangers Down-under group would be a good resource as there are quite a few Victorian hangers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1478259819053256/. There is also a few national hangs, including Victoria, being organised for early next year, so it would give you a chance to try out and see different setups.

[nq111]

I am a huge hammock fan but I wouldn't use one in and near alpine areas. You could make a hammock work in lowland Victoria and some highland areas but I would personally get a tent for what you describe.

Here in the tropics hammocks though are a major step forward in staying comfortable - sort of like a good strong snow tent with a large vestibule is in the high country.

[PedroArvy]

In Australia a hammock = trees = branches falling = death

[jasonk]

Seems like the verdict is in, tents are recommended.

[andrewa]

I wouldn't put off hammocking because trees might fall on you !

Simonm seems very keen on hanging, and is based in Tassie, so presumably has some reasons for hanging, vs tenting.

It just didn't work for most of what I do - tried it on a remote NZ flyfishing trip one year - we ended up being way happier sleeping on upturned packrafts under a tarp, and only using the unsuspended hammock to keep the sandflies off - in essence it became a heavy bivy bag.

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[simonm]

I agree with most of what has been said, apart from the trees=death statement, I am hoping that was tongue in cheek. I love hammocks, and make and sell them, and will use them whenever I can but I only take them when I know I am going somewhere with good hanging points, if I don't know, I will take a tent. Hammocks are way more comfortable, for most people, than laying on the ground but there are situations where a tent wins out.

Earlier in the year a mate, who is also a fanatical hammocker, and I both walked the Overland Track for the first time, and took tents, with the view to assess whether it would be worthwhile using a hammock. We both decided that we wouldn't bother taking hammocks if we did it again, it's just an environment where a tent is a smarter choice in my opinion.