Tent or Hammock

I can't decide. This will be my first Backpack hunt for elk this fall in Western Colorado. There will be two of us. Archery Septemeber 14-25. I have narrowed it down between buying the Tarptent Rainshadow 2 ultralight tent (3 person) at under 3 pounds, or we will each buy a Clark Jungle Hammock NA which will weigh just under 3 pounds each. With the tent we will need to also buy a sleeping pad which will weigh between 1-2 pounds and cost between $40-$120, depending on the model. The tent will cost about $300 and the hammock's are about $340 each with shipping and the larger rain fly. But with the hammock we may be able to avoid purchasing a sleeping pad. My main concern is the temperatures. I'v been reading mixed results about getting cold in a hammock. Some say that below 5o degeees i will need a sleeping matt. Others say that i will be ok to around 30. I'm thinking the sleeping comfort will be better in a hammock. Summary 2 hammocks will weigh 6 pounds and cost just under $700. A tent and two speeping pads will weigh between 5-7 pounds and cost between $380-$540. Any thoughts.
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Kemo Sabe
Nothing ruins a back country hunt (or a friendship) faster than a bad attitude and not getting a good night's sleep won't help you keep a positive outlook. You know you'll sleep well in a tent. The hammock is a gamble, and at twice the price, an expensive gamble. Unless you've actually spent a night in the hammock and know what to expect, go with the tent.

I've tried napping in a hammock for a couple hours and that was enough to give me a scorching backache. But I'm an old man. ($$)
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I just returned from a scouting trip up in the Rio Grand National forest in southern Co. I was dropped off not to be picked up for four days. Everything I needed was on my back. It is a true wilderness area,walk in or horses only. Out of 72 hours it I saw mabey 6 hours of sunshine. I climbed as high as 1300ft. I haven't seen storms like that in that area in ten years. Still snow up top. In my opinion you need to think of your close,tent,sleepingbag,boots and pack as one item or system for survivel. If you get caught out nothing will stay dry nomatter how much it costs.
I don't know how long or how remote you are going for but think seriuosly about your clothing and what would be confortable in being cold and wet for the amount of time your out. It'll make for a better hunt. Good Luck!
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NotEnufTags
I assume CO weather is similar to UT weather in the high country during the september time of year. I'd go with the tent. I've experienced uncomfortably hot nights with bugs oh too thick and 2" of hail during that time of year. IMO the tent is the safer bet for shelter from the elements and bugs.
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10sign: On the tent. The elements are what kills people. Snow, rain, heat, bitter cold wind... I would get a nice light tent. Maybe look at REI.com.. great backpacking store! :thumb

A person can never 'under pack' when going out into the wilderness. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
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swbuckmaster
The above statements are from guys that haven't spent one day in a Clark. If they have they would be singing a different tune.

Clark Jungle hammocks are the only 4 season hammock out. I have tested them several times in and around the end of November at 7,000-9,000 feet elevation. I have never got cold in mine!

In back packing you will pay high dollar for light weight small packing functional items. There is a reason it cost what it does. Its worth it!
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I always used a light weight fly and made a browse bed to insulate me and keep me dry when backpacking. Don't camp near places that lightning may strike. Stay away from scarred trees. It would be bad to be attached to one that got struck. I've been close a couple times. Once I got tingled a bit. Not a fun experience in the pitch dark. No matter what you get or what you do be sure you are well practiced with it before you go. It's no fun wrestling with something you're not totally familiar with. It's going to be tough enough. The early seasons are famous for violent storms that can dump hail and inches of rain quickly. The tent may be a great relief. Down sleeping bags can't keep you warm if they are soaked but the microfil types can. We were cold and wet for 3 days last year then it got miserably hot for a few days and the bugs ate us. It may snow too. Hard to say what can happen then.
Mark
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Personally, I wasn't recomending either nor putting either down. I was just suggesting not to depend on any one item you carry into the back country to keep you dry and comfortable. I don't care if you spend a billion to drop a cabin on a lake at 1200ft, it doesn't mean it won't get taken out by a mud slide or burned down by lighting. Just be prepared think how every thing you carry will make your hunt. One positive thing about hamocktents. I've never heard of a bear dranging someone out of it in the middle of the night :))
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