Hammock Camping in the Rain – Cranberry Wilderness Backpacking w/ the Amok Draumr XL

Hammock Camping in the Rain – Cranberry Wilderness Backpacking w/ the Amok Draumr XL

3 Days of Hiking, Backpacking, & Rainy Hammock Camping in the Cranberry Wilderness using the Amok Draumr XL Hammock. http://www.sintax77.com

For this 3 day, 2 night spring backpacking trip, I’ll be hiking a 20 mile loop in West Virginia’s Cranberry Wilderness, part of the larger Monongahela National Forest. The specific area for this hike, located between the Williams River and the Cranberry River, is commonly referred to as the Cranberry Backcountry.

Official Cheeseburger Time Shirts
https://teespring.com/stores/sintax77-official-merch-store

For an easier read, check out my full blog post
http://www.sintax77.com/hammock-camping-in-the-rain-cranberry-wilderness-backpacking

Each of the 3 days will be comprised of three different “vibes”. Day one will mostly be a lowlands hike in the woods, day two will be primarily along the the beautiful Cranberry River, and day three will be a mossy, higher elevation ridge hike along Kennison Mountain.

With a new Amok Fjol XL tarp in hand to thwart the forecast of rain, each night will be spent hammock camping and testing the new Amok Draumr XL hammock, which Amok kindly sent for evaluation.

No permit is required to camp in the Cranberry Wilderness, but there are rules and regulations regarding backcountry camping. You can find more information on the USFS Cranberry Wilderness website https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=12368

Full GPS track data, including campsites, water sources, etc, for this trip can be downloaded on in the above blog link or on my website’s Trip Data Page.

Trailhead Used: Kennison Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot, N38° 11.113′ W80° 16.837′
Hillsboro, WV 24946

Kennison Mountain Trailhead parking area has room for a half dozen dozen or so vehicles. No parking fee or permit required. Loop begins from the parking lot side of the road.

Trails Used, Day 1:

Begin at the Kennison Mountain Trail Parking Lot
At the intersection, head right (northeast) on the South Fork Trail
At the fire road, depart the South Fork Trail and head left (northwest) on the road.
Camp along the Cranberry River (1 mile after the bridge and South Fork Shelter)
This is a medium sized camping spot with space for multiple tents or hammocks. There’s an established fire ring with rocks for camp stoves, etc. It’s located right along the river, so there is no need to pack in water. If taken, there is another option one tenth of a mile up on the right, where Lost Run meets the Cranberry River.

Day 1 Mileage: 6 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 217 feet

Trails Used, Day 2:

Continue northwest on the fire road.
Camp along the banks of Cranberry River, near House Log Shelter
This is a large camping area with multiple tents or hammocks. There are spots to camp right by the shelter, or if it’s busier,, there are more options along the river, a few hundred yards downstream from the shelter. Established fire rings are at those locations, as well as by the shelter, which also has two picnic bench and a nearby privy. All of these spots are right along the river, so there is no need to pack in water.
Day 2 Mileage: 5 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 207 feet

Trails Used, Day3:

Continue a short distance southwest on the fire road.
At the sign for Kennison Mountain Trail, ford the Cranberry River (look for the blue diamond on the other side).
Stock up on water here, as it will be your last reliable source for the rest of the day.
Continue on Kennison Mountain Trail.
At the intersection with Frosty Gap Trail, head left (east) to stay on the Kennison Mountain Trail.
Pass intersection with South Fork Trail.
Return to parking lot.

Day 3 Mileage: 9 miles
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 2,070 feet

Grand Total Mileage: 20 Miles
Grand Total Gross Elevation Gain: 2,494 feet

Notable Backpacking Gear:

Amok Draumr XL Hammock (flat laying hammock system) https://www.amokequipment.com/collections/draumr-xl-introduction
Amok Fjol XL Sleeping Pad https://www.amokequipment.com/products/fjol-xl-pad
Amok Borg Tarp https://www.amokequipment.com/products/borg-multitarp
EMS Longtrail 70 backpack https://go.magik.ly/ml/kait/
Mesh water bottle pockets by JustinsUL https://www.etsy.com/shop/JustinsUL
Hammock Gear Burrow 40 Top Quilt https://www.hammockgear.com/premium-burrow/
DIY Esbit Stove
Esbit Fuel Cubes https://amzn.to/2ZKE6Vp
Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/2GR7AJX
Sea to Summit Long Handled Spork http://amzn.to/2uyl5GJ
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter https://amzn.to/2WcjfYZ
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/2XVxnX7
Outdoor Vitals Adventure Jacket, Loftek version http://bit.ly/2WHh940
Dutchware Folding Sit Pad https://dutchwaregear.com/product/folding-sit-pad/
Olight Wave LED Headlamp https://amzn.to/2D443Vq
Garmin Oregon 650 GPS https://amzn.to/2WFzsps
Casio ProTrek PRW-2500 https://amzn.to/2FPpAmd
Spot Messenger https://amzn.to/2WiDO6o
Mountain House Backpacking Meals https://amzn.to/2FPpAmd

Disclosure: A commission may be earned on some of the links on this post.

50 Comments

  1. AddamFierzani on April 1, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    I watch this video in top 5 nuke and there a ghost says get out and be quiet stay silent

  2. ay bby on April 1, 2022 at 6:32 pm

    Where was ur backpack?

  3. Ave :p on April 1, 2022 at 6:33 pm

    "I love doing deep winter trips in the winter" -Sintax

  4. Conor Foley on April 1, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    Wow. Nice

  5. MS Mountain Man on April 1, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    Great video!!!

  6. Robert Calmes on April 1, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    You have inspired me to buy a hammock. I fear snakes anyway! Great videos!

  7. Mike N on April 1, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    Its pronounced Monaga hey la, not Monaga he la if you give a shit.

  8. Mr. Robinson on April 1, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    You need to get into the midwest, light pollution is not a problem, but there is no mountains, tent or tarp is highly recommended…

  9. Oğuz Kilic on April 1, 2022 at 6:42 pm

    The content you share is very good thank you. I also discovered a very useful app for friends like me who are just starting bushcraft. Maybe you’d like to take a look. I’ll leave it down for you. The app name is( Offline Survive Guide App | Survival Techniqs(PRO))

  10. Travis Nineosix on April 1, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    29:03…2A protection!

  11. wildwestlady on April 1, 2022 at 6:45 pm

    I think that line is for game cleaning?

  12. S Carn on April 1, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    What a great vid !! Thankyou !

  13. HyperXprojects on April 1, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    Greetings from PA – I heard your references to Philly and wanted to say Hi! I’ve been on the Broad St line and know what you mean!

  14. harold sams on April 1, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    I’d be worried someone would vandalize my vehicle lol great videos! thanks

  15. Delio Official on April 1, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    Hi i from malaysia

  16. jakesgreat on April 1, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    I wonder how effective a door lock is on a soft top jeep?

  17. Lewis Seward on April 1, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    I loved the video. Nothing ever goes as planned and you have to be flexible which you are. You’re obviously very experienced and really thought the hammock would be something I’d like to try.
    Lots of very good practical tips in your video. Very informative!

  18. Andrew Last on April 1, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    Oh man, your still making them. I saw your video years ago where you got lost in a whiteout.

  19. Sun Fairy on April 1, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    whats a bear bag

  20. Torchbearer on April 1, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    Watching this just before I am heading out for a few days 😀. Just waiting for my powerbank to charge. Great stuff!

  21. AOBOGamingINC on April 1, 2022 at 6:52 pm

    Ima stick with my normal hammock

  22. Kyle Greenwood on April 1, 2022 at 6:53 pm

    Yah West Virginia!!

  23. joseph koomson on April 1, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    i will like to join you one day to enjoy the trip

  24. Diana Jones on April 1, 2022 at 6:56 pm

    Fished the Cranberry river many years. Great trout fishing. Fly fishing also.

  25. Human Powered Machines on April 1, 2022 at 6:57 pm

    That bear pole is probably a shelter for a tarp.

  26. tamara gordon on April 1, 2022 at 6:57 pm

    what hammock do you recommend? and tarp

  27. Gerry Hughes on April 1, 2022 at 6:57 pm

    No way could I sleep in that hammock I will stick to my Hennessy

  28. Limadon on April 1, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    I just made video on this and let me say i wish i was as prepared as you xD

  29. Steve Yeater on April 1, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    You shouldn’t sit on cold rocks in WV it will give you hemorrhoids

  30. Relax & Explore on April 1, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    Love the gun in the pouch to the right of you in the hammock. I would do the same thing.

  31. Paul Darbishire on April 1, 2022 at 7:04 pm

    gave you a thumbs down because 85% of the footage was of your torso and face – why is it so many people who call themselves "creators" feel the need to put themselves front and centre?
    Wear a chest harness so we can see the wonder and beauty of nature, please!

  32. Aric Johnson on April 1, 2022 at 7:06 pm

    Great video. I really enjoyed your comments and attitude.
    Redeye

  33. Mr. B. on April 1, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    always check your shoes before wearing it 😉

  34. Debby Utz on April 1, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    This guys channel is very good. I grew up in these Colorado mountains and we never went into the woods at night lololol no way & I live pretty far back from anything

  35. Stephanie on April 1, 2022 at 7:16 pm

    Can a regular size camping padwork with this hammock or would it be sliding around ? Anyone have any experience with it?

  36. Walter Maner on April 1, 2022 at 7:17 pm

    Very helpful review of the Amock hammock. Got me to wondering if you could swing in it like a porch swing. That would be cool.

  37. Jim Y on April 1, 2022 at 7:17 pm

    anyone interested he gives a tour of the inside from 28:56 to 28:59 that includes commentary too.

    ; ]

  38. Destiny Hodge on April 1, 2022 at 7:18 pm

    Idk why but I can’t be brave enough to camp out by yourself in woods 🙅🏽‍♀️ very brave ! I just don’t do the dark like that

  39. E James on April 1, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    Always a nice video from sintax77

  40. Susan Distasio on April 1, 2022 at 7:22 pm

    It was another great video. I so appreciate watching your backpacking trips. Question? Do you always go to the same place for a cheeseburger or hit local places? Thanks

  41. Jam Sax on April 1, 2022 at 7:22 pm

    Do you pack heat?

  42. Jared McDaniel on April 1, 2022 at 7:23 pm

    I’m watching this in my backyard laying in my Hennessy hammock

  43. Nenna Joiner on April 1, 2022 at 7:23 pm

    loved watching this…different from others really appreciated it. what equipment did you use to record?

  44. Tom Demarco on April 1, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    What is light pollution??

  45. plutoplatters on April 1, 2022 at 7:25 pm

    that hammock’s a GREAT design.. never seen that one ..

  46. Alex Gonzalez on April 1, 2022 at 7:26 pm

    Would you ever get the hammock with doors from hammock gear ?

  47. Mike Miller on April 1, 2022 at 7:27 pm

    dude I love your hammock it looks very comfy

  48. ShaeJ's Into The Wild on April 1, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    We just ordered the amok 5.0. Any feedback on shopping time for these?

  49. skoal022 on April 1, 2022 at 7:29 pm

    That bear pole won’t stop the Mothman! You got lucky bro.

    Nice video BTW.

  50. Mart_ Pac on April 1, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    Do u have a gun ?

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