[pct-l] Hammock use on PCT

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

> ...where might be a realistic area to start hanging from trees?

> Also I plan to hammock on
the trail.  I understand through the desert I'll be on ground?... 
> Is it
worth it to bring hammock the whole trail...

SoCal is NOT 700 miles of treeless 'desert' - plenty of places to hang along the trail, though
there are some stretches you will have to decide if hanging will 'dictate' your mileage (stopping
early or pressing on some extra distance in order to hang - see 3rd link below)...  Having the
capability to 'go to ground', therefore, would be wise - both for the aforementioned 'mileage', but
more importantly, perhaps, the 'social' aspect in the early portion of your trek (hiking with ground 
dwellers that want to stop where there isn't suitable hanging very close by)...  
Check out the following links to posts & discussions (then YOU can decide what is best for your
'needs' and wants on your PCT thru-hike):

<http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56199&highlight=Pacific+Crest+Trail>
Good discussion - "Chop" only used his hammock N of Belden, but would take it the whole way
'next time' he does the PCT...

<http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8764&page=2>, jump to #17 post -
"GuySmiley" answers his own original question of using a hammock on the PCT...
He used his hammock only for WA, but said it is 'practical' for the entire trail; much discussion 
before & after the #17 post (but unfortunately much of it 'off topic' to the original post)...

<http://www.backcountry.net/arch/pct/0403/msg00694.html>, a pct-l post by "Roni from Israel"
that has been referenced a few times in the past on both pct-l & HammockForums.net...

A few 'notes':
Lake Morena County Park does NOT allow 'anything' to be attached to their trees - so no
hammock hanging there (but one could hammock just S of the park, or a little ways N of it)...

Tree huggers/straps - trees can have large diameters out West, especially NorCal, OR, & WA,
so be sure to have fairly long huggers (I use 4' or 6' straps in PA & other E coast areas, but take
10' or 12' straps for my yearly NorCal visits)...

I strongly suggest a 'good-sized' tarp (either a hex or a 'winter' with doors tarp) rather than a 
diamond or asym one - it would provide full coverage for both a hammock or if 'going to ground'
in a treeless area (using hiking poles for setup) & carry a multi-use 3/4 or torso length pad, too...
I use a 2/3 underquilt for bottom insulation - the pad can be used for foot/calf insulation if cold
temps warrant, plus it is mostly used as a break time sit or lounge pad during the day on the trail...

Good luck in your planning, prep, and trek!

Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)