Survival is what you make of it. That being said, a hammock can go a long way in squaring away up to 1/3 of your existence in a survival situation. How you rig a hammock is up to you, but we prefer not to use the Gilligan method if at all possible. We like it low to the ground. We want the comfort offered by the hammock while still having the ability to blend into the surroundings.
To start with, pick a location with adequate drainage. A gradually sloping grade is all you need. Of course, this means you will have to have an e-tool with you. Yes, an e-tool is extra weight, but they are worth their weight in gold in a survival situation. Especially when field construction can make you or break you. With respect to necessary added weight, that's why S.S.I.G. products are all about cutting weight.....so you can carry the gear you need.
The whole idea of the Mult-pak is to combine the rucksack with your hammock, eliminating a good percentage of weight that an e-tool would add in the first place. The Swack Shack or O.P.S.E.C. Poncho will eliminate more weight with regard to overhead shelter and the location of the hammock (dug in ) will also eliminate the need for heavier sleeping gear as the wind is no longer able to continually rob you of your body heat. So, by the time you've changed just these 3 pieces of gear, you've already more than made up for the weight of an e-tool.
Using your hammock to measure, you start by digging out the surface plants, roots......basically breaking up the "fallow ground". (A pun, to be sure, if you are only beginning to get off the couch and hone your outdoor skills....
) The Multi-pak can be used in place of a poncho to carry the dirt away from your hide for proper disposal/concealment. The sturdy 1000 Denier Crye material is more than up to the task.
Looking good, but not quite what we're looking for. One of the things we are looking to accomplish is a secure place for our gear. There's no better place than under the Hammock. This is the reason for the inner duffels of the Multi-pak. The proper depth will assure adequate storage. Making your spot a little wider than the Hammock assures a place for you to step to get in and out of the Hammock, as well as a spot to put your night-time protection for ready use.
Now that's more like it! Going 24" will give more than adequate space for anything you care to accomplish with your Bivy/Hide. Staking the ends is easy with 550 cord loops and some stakes, if you are in an area with no trees. Otherwise, the trees can be used as stakes. A simple horizontal piece that we found dead and standing....well, leaning....is used to hold the Hammock. The proverbial 2 birds with a single stone......a handy Hammock support and the removal of a widow-maker in camp.
The bottom line is a formidable shelter with no horizontal line above 24". Your gear is stowed out of sight and harm's way. Your shelter is not in contact with the ground in case of insect infestations in the area and the hammock is not affected by heat robbing winds should the temps dip in the night. Added protection of a run-off trench can be added where desirable, though in the sandy area in which this hide was constructed, drainage isn't a problem. The Hammock can be moved aside in seconds giving immediate access to the hole in the event of a charging Rhino as well as quick access to your gear. Using cobbler's pegs the shelter is down in minutes as well.
In cooler weather, the hole can be entirely filled with leaves/etc. to insulate beneath the Hammock....with greater efficiency, I might add, as the materials will keep their loft since there's no body weight to compact them. The potential for such a shelter goes off the charts.
This is just one more way to increase your odds. In every facet of survival, take every advantage of the elements and the gear you carry. Take your best shot. One never knows if it will be the only shot you get.
