How to hammock camp with a rifle? - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How to hammock camp with a rifle?

Posted: 11/12/2014 11:04:38 AM EDT

I'm going on a week long backpacking / hog hunting trip in January, and I need some suggestions on how to store my rifle at night. I'll hang my food bag over a branch and hang my pack from my hammock suspension. I don't think I'll have space in the hammock for my rifle, and I'm afraid of it snagging and tearing the fabric. Anyone done this before?

Hang it from the tree? Suspend it over me on a ridgeline? Rig a "possum pouch, and hang it under me?

In case it helps, I'll be using a 16" AR15 and probably sleeping in a single person Yukon Outfitters bug net hammock.

Posted: 11/12/2014 1:59:22 PM EDT

[#1]

I keep mine in the sleeping bag.....

Posted: 11/12/2014 2:55:45 PM EDT

[#2]

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I keep mine in the sleeping bag.....

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It doesn't get uncomfortable? Plenty of room to snuggle up with it?

Posted: 11/13/2014 5:01:15 AM EDT

[#3]

Place backpack on the ground near the hammock, lean the gun on the pack. That, or hang the sling on the hang rope(I forget the correct terminology, it's late) itself. I haven't done it myself, but I'd imagine a prusik knot + a carabiner to attach to the sling should work.

Posted: 11/13/2014 10:14:52 AM EDT

[#4]

haven't got it, but I would like to buy one. If you do, please give a review

gear sling underhammock

Posted: 11/13/2014 10:55:47 AM EDT

[#5]

I just took a gun sock (I use Sack ups) to put the rifle in and kept it in the hammock with me after unloading the chamber. It is the same type of sock I use in my safe. I was worried about snagging a hole in the hammock too.

The gear sling Tveddy linked to looks interesting though.

http://sackups.com/products/firearms.php

Posted: 11/13/2014 11:55:03 AM EDT

[#6]

I think I'll give the gear sling a try - that also gives me a better place to put my pack and boots. Thanks for the info.

Posted: 11/13/2014 1:38:01 PM EDT

[#7]

In all seriousness, are you worried about it getting stolen while you sleep or something?

I'm just curious as I just lean mine against the tree I've got the hammock tied to or most often, lay it on the ground under me. It's not like there's much extra room in a hammock to add something with hard edges. I've done a lot of hammock camping since the eighties* and I can honestly say I don't recall having ever slept with my rifle; in a tent sure beside me, but not a hammock. I have dropped my handgun in the side pocket of the newer style hammocks though.

*In all fairness, those damn net hammocks we used to use would have gotten themselves all tangled around anything.

Posted: 11/13/2014 4:32:04 PM EDT

[#8]

The original cotton GI Jungle Hammocks had two pieces of 2" wide webbing sewn to the mid-line of the bottom of the hammock. Each one formed a loop, closed with a snap. The user would snap-in his rifle into the loops, and climb aboard the hammock. If need arose, the user could roll out of the hammock, hit the dirt, and simply reach up and detach the snaps, freeing the rifle. This could be done quickly, even in the dark, working by touch. This arrangement also helped keep the rifle out of the elements.

I suppose a simple line could be slung underneath the body of the hammock, anchored at the ends of the hammock, and some 2" wide Velcro male/female loops sewn together, and placed on the line. Should only cost a few dollars.

Posted: 11/13/2014 8:06:33 PM EDT

[#9]

get some Gear ties and attach to ridge line.. Or... Lay It on the ground, its not going to melt, or sneak away.

Posted: 11/13/2014 9:28:16 PM EDT

[#10]

Mine either goes on the ground under me or against one of the trees.

I actually woke up once and popped a squirrel while still lounging.

Posted: 11/13/2014 9:36:33 PM EDT

[#11]

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Quoted:
get some Gear ties and attach to ridge line.. Or... Lay It on the ground, its not going to melt, or sneak away.

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It's always a good idea to shelter your rifle from the elements. That's why the designer of the original Jungle Hammock, Cresson Kearney, had such a fit when the design was later "Dumbed-Down", and a lot of features were deleted on account of cost. The book was "Jungle Snafus, And How To Fix Them". Kearney was probably a genius, IMHO. Should be required reading, along with Dunlap's book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cresson_Kearny

While your rifle might not melt, or sneak away, it might be subjected to snow intrusion, or freezing rain, or any number of other things which might cause it to jam--or worse. Roy Dunlap in his book "Ordnance Went Up Front" tells of insects invading the barrels of firearms, and causing barrel replacements. http://www.amazon.com/Ordnance-Went-Front-Roy-Dunlap/dp/1884849091

Posted: 11/13/2014 9:37:29 PM EDT

[#12]

Not a hammock camper but I sleep with mine. Combination of old habit from the Marines when the DIs would steal them if they had the chance and fuck with you later and wanting to have it close at hand in case of bears.

Posted: 11/14/2014 1:51:12 AM EDT

[#13]

You probably have a para line above you with a tarp.... A couple of nylon loops hanging from the line and you can hang your rifle right above you.

Posted: 11/14/2014 2:52:35 AM EDT

[#14]

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Not a hammock camper but I sleep with mine. Combination of old habit from the Marines snip

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Same, even in hammocks in the field.

I've slept with M-16's and 240's.

I guess it's just doesn't seem like that big of a deal.

Posted: 11/14/2014 10:39:46 AM EDT

[#15]

My hammock doesn't use a ridge line. I think the ENO gear sling might be my best bet. I might make a lighter knockoff of it.

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Quoted:
Combination of old habit from the Marines when the DIs would steal them if they had the chance and fuck with you later and wanting to have it close at hand in case of bears.

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Quoted:
Combination of old habit from the Marines when the DIs would steal them if they had the chance and fuck with you later and wanting to have it close at hand in case of bears.

This. I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving a rifle lying on the ground. It's not logical, but there it is.

Quoted:
In all seriousness, are you worried about it getting stolen while you sleep or something?

I'll be in a big hunting camp during the last night, so theft is a concern. I'm more worried about blowing rain, mud, etc. I'll stay dry and warm in almost any weather, but the ground under my tarp can get wet and muddy in a windy storm.

Posted: 11/14/2014 11:12:45 AM EDT

[#16]

Another option, Jeff's Gear Hammock/Pack Cover, is like the gear sling mentioned above, but it can also be used as a pack cover. Plus, Jacks 'R' Better makes their products in the US with US-sourced materials and is owned by a couple of retired US Army officers.

Posted: 11/14/2014 11:44:15 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
Another option, Jeff's Gear Hammock/Pack Cover, is like the gear sling mentioned above, but it can also be used as a pack cover. Plus, Jacks 'R' Better makes their products in the US with US-sourced materials and is owned by a couple of retired US Army officers.

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+1 on JRB - they're a good company.

I had some leftover REI dividend + a coupon code + free shipping, so I ordered an ENO gear sling from REI for $16 shipped. I'll post some pics when I get it.

Posted: 11/14/2014 2:25:58 PM EDT

[#18]

Yeah, if I was worried about theft I'd either put it in the hammock with me or suspend it above me I guess. I tend to string my hammock low and for the last couple of years I've been using one of the ENO tarps that provides pretty good coverage of the hammock and the ground under it. When I used to use a tarp I tied tails (maybe 4" long strips of cloth or even just paracord) on the support line before it went under the tarp so rain on the rope would hit the tail and run down that instead of going under the tarp.

Posted: 11/14/2014 5:50:52 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yeah, if I was worried about theft I'd either put it in the hammock with me or suspend it above me I guess. I tend to string my hammock low and for the last couple of years I've been using one of the ENO tarps that provides pretty good coverage of the hammock and the ground under it. When I used to use a tarp I tied tails (maybe 4" long strips of cloth or even just paracord) on the support line before it went under the tarp so rain on the rope would hit the tail and run down that instead of going under the tarp.

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Yeah, drip lines. I have an ENO profly that I usually pitch pretty low, and the ground under me still got soaked in a hard rain/wind storm a few weeks ago.
As for theft: I'm worried about casual, "walk by and grab it off the ground" theft. If it's tucked into a gear sling with all my other crap, with me sleeping 6" above it, I think it'll be safe.
Gear sling should solve both problems.

Posted: 11/19/2014 9:21:03 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:

It's always a good idea to shelter your rifle from the elements. That's why the designer of the original Jungle Hammock, Cresson Kearney, had such a fit when the design was later "Dumbed-Down", and a lot of features were deleted on account of cost. The book was "Jungle Snafus, And How To Fix Them". Kearney was probably a genius, IMHO. Should be required reading, along with Dunlap's book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cresson_Kearny

While your rifle might not melt, or sneak away, it might be subjected to snow intrusion, or freezing rain, or any number of other things which might cause it to jam--or worse. Roy Dunlap in his book "Ordnance Went Up Front" tells of insects invading the barrels of firearms, and causing barrel replacements. http://www.amazon.com/Ordnance-Went-Front-Roy-Dunlap/dp/1884849091

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
get some Gear ties and attach to ridge line.. Or... Lay It on the ground, its not going to melt, or sneak away.

It's always a good idea to shelter your rifle from the elements. That's why the designer of the original Jungle Hammock, Cresson Kearney, had such a fit when the design was later "Dumbed-Down", and a lot of features were deleted on account of cost. The book was "Jungle Snafus, And How To Fix Them". Kearney was probably a genius, IMHO. Should be required reading, along with Dunlap's book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cresson_Kearny

While your rifle might not melt, or sneak away, it might be subjected to snow intrusion, or freezing rain, or any number of other things which might cause it to jam--or worse. Roy Dunlap in his book "Ordnance Went Up Front" tells of insects invading the barrels of firearms, and causing barrel replacements. http://www.amazon.com/Ordnance-Went-Front-Roy-Dunlap/dp/1884849091

I thought it was a given that I meant lay it on the ground, under your tarp...

Posted: 11/21/2014 8:22:40 PM EDT

[#21]

When I backpack with my hammock I usually have a tarp or poncho as my overhead cover. I would personally hang the rifle from my rope that provides the "ridge" for my tarp. Above your head and out of sight.

Posted: 11/21/2014 8:27:08 PM EDT

[#22]

I have also wondered about this subject

Posted: 11/21/2014 8:32:09 PM EDT

[#23]

it may be wise to bring an extra plastic trash bag and maybe use that to wrap your gun in case of rain (or bugs invading the barrel apparently), I usually bring atleast two hefty bags in my backpack when hunting or hiking or camping regardless, can be used for water collection, makeshift emergency poncho, dwarf kidnapping bag (if you poke a few air holes)...