High Sierra Topix

Specifically, I would like to ask someone who has camped in the following areas.

Vidette Meadow,
East Lake,
Lake Reflection
Charlotte Lake
Vidette Canyon (lower)

Is it safe to bring a hammock to camp in these areas or would a tent be more practical?

thanks in advance...

Vidette Meadow,
East Lake,
Lake Reflection
Charlotte Lake
Vidette Canyon (lower)

Yes at all of those location, trees skirt the lakes, and though I do not hammock, don't see a problem of you finding the necessary trees in either locations.
What do you mean by safe?

Thanks Maverick!
By "safe" I meant leave the tent at home and only bring a hammock

Sure, as long as you know what you are doing, we have some members who use them.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5764&p=38771&hilit=hammock#p37825

Long straps and adjustable suspension (my whoopie slings were special ordered longer than standard) are better for the Sierra. When the only tree for miles is foxtail pines, good luck with the 6' straps....

What you'll encounter tho is a rift between you and any tent dwellers with you. You need good sturdy trees which are not so common at that elevation, not the springy wind-stunted pines that, even if they are 6-8" in diameter, will plant your butt on the ground. But some of us like having a bed a quarter of a mile from the snoring friends in tents.

Some friends require in excess of a quarter mile, me included

Thanks for that info. That was a concern as well as I will have 2 friends that are definitely tent camping. As much as I love my hammock I think maybe the tent might be a more practical choice for this trip. Plus we may want to bed down one night above the tree line. I'm from the southeast and trees are not an issue to find.


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AlmostThere wrote:Long straps and adjustable suspension (my whoopie slings were special ordered longer than standard) are better for the Sierra. When the only tree for miles is foxtail pines, good luck with the 6' straps....

What you'll encounter tho is a rift between you and any tent dwellers with you. You need good sturdy trees which are not so common at that elevation, not the springy wind-stunted pines that, even if they are 6-8" in diameter, will plant your butt on the ground. But some of us like having a bed a quarter of a mile from the snoring friends in tents.

Have we hiked together?

East and Reflection have lots of stout whitebark pines near the lakes, but having them hammock-friendly distance apart will present the usual limited choices.

MountainMinstrel wrote:

AlmostThere wrote:Long straps and adjustable suspension (my whoopie slings were special ordered longer than standard) are better for the Sierra. When the only tree for miles is foxtail pines, good luck with the 6' straps....

What you'll encounter tho is a rift between you and any tent dwellers with you. You need good sturdy trees which are not so common at that elevation, not the springy wind-stunted pines that, even if they are 6-8" in diameter, will plant your butt on the ground. But some of us like having a bed a quarter of a mile from the snoring friends in tents.

Have we hiked together?

It's entirely possible. I have been in quite a few meetup groups, and sometimes, my group ends up "adopting" friendly people on the trail who need help navigating...

It's also been true that my group can be up to 100 - 400 feet apart at night, because the snorers are trying to be polite.