Hammock camping for desert trips

[Trailswing5]

I've mainly been camping in the Southwest using a bivy, but I found myself drawn to hammocks for a bit more shade and comfort. The Haven worked pretty well for me, but now I'm going to try out a Warbonnet XLC next. Has anyone else been making adjustments to use hammocks in dry climates?

 

[rachaeldeen]

Use a big tarp like the Warbonnet Superfly or Thunderfly if you want shade and rain protection. Set it up porch-style with poles or sticks to get good airflow and block the sun.

 

[wand0]

Shade is the biggest win for this and a tarp setup makes a huge difference for mid day breaks. You should take with you longer straps since trees can be sparse, and sometimes you may now have to end up using rock anchors or posts

 

[cougarmeat]

Once you get your gear dialed in and you are sure the Hammock Life works for you, you can invest in something like the TensaOutdoor Solo pole. It's a collapsible aluminum pole that's sturdy enough to be a support for one end of a hammock (and tarp). You'll be trading the need to find two good trees with the need for two good ground anchors to guy out the pole.

Though it is natural to think of a tarp as rain protection, for me, it is mostly a sun/moon shade. Ultraliters may seek the smallest possible tarp that will do the job, which usually means just covering the hammock. I can handle the weight of a few more ounces and prefer a larger tarp, something that will cover the hammock and give me a dry area outside the hammock.