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Trying again in Michigan
Greetings,
This site has been highly recommended to me by 4 members of another backpacking site. I have a game plan for getting into hammock hiking and can definitely use some help. First some background:
I live in west Michigan and have been into ultralight hiking (UL) for about 5 years. My current pack weight varies between 9 and 10 lbs for up to 7 days. Soon after getting into UL I took a shot at hammocking and frequently checked sites at Clark, Hennessey, Speer, Sgt Rock and Risk.
I purchased a Speer kit. My wife sewed; we gathered the ends and sewed on the straps and I was pleased with our efforts. Then my troubles began, mostly operator error I'm sure (and not a reflection of the kit). I,m 6'0" and 205#. The hammock fit me like a taco, pinching my shoulders even though I was lying diagonally. I got in with my boots on once and rubbed a thin area in the fabric. The straps seem to stretch and I could never keep the right sag. Finally, I did not like velcro'ing the mosquito netting and would have liked some simpler method for ingress and egress.
At the time I had not found this site and had no real resources to bounce ideas and problems off of. Now I still very much like the concept of hanging. My main goal in joining this site is to be hanging next spring. Until then I will spend the time:
-Getting familiar with the content and layout of this site
-Researching
-Asking questions from members of this site
-Build a kit with little more than a 1# net increase to my current pack weight (stay UL).
-Meeting hangers in and around Michigan so that I can see their gear and techniques.
-Planning for sleep temps from 25F - 75F, bugs and rain.
When I first tried hanging I did not know about ridgelines and I don't think whoopie slings existed. I'm a total newb and will have a million questions (though I will try to use the Search function often). I will happily listen to all the advice I can get and would be really grateful to see some of this gear in person.
If anyone has ideas on how to go about this other than what I've outlined above let me know. Otherwise, thanks in advance for future advice.
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Welcome to HF! Glad you found the site. Take a look around, read what you find interesting, ask any questions you have, and you will be right at home in no time.
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Welcome to the forum.
There has been quite a lot of discussion on the site recently about SUL hammock setups, including some of the folks you mentioned. You'll find some great answers.
Start here and here, and follow the rabbit trails of info that are linked therein. You'll get up to speed quickly, I'm sure.
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Welcome aboard from another MI hammocker. I'm sure you'll find the right combination for getting off the ground.
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Howdy Nieghbor and welcome to the forums. :D
Just what part of SW Michigan do you hail from if'n you don't mind me asking.
I used to live in Kalamazoo and now live in Charlotte, which is just south of Lansing. There are several forum members in the west and southwest part of Michigan, and I'm sure they will post on this here thread you have started. If you want Michiganders to respond, it has been my experience and observation that all you have to do is put the word "Michigan" in the post title and they seem to come out of the woodwork.
For many of your DIY and other questions...just wait until "Gargoyle" responds and direct alot of your questions his way. That boy has done many DIY projects and has a very ingenius mind. He can invision things right in his brain, and very quickly also.
I hope this has helped you, and again I say "Welcome"!
Happy trails,
Barefoot child
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Welcome to the hang. Good group of people here.
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Welcome on over Canned heat, glad you decided to join us here. There are a lot of folks in MI, think I may have already mentioned that, I am sure one can help you get set.
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Welcome Canned Heat.
I would be delighted to show off some gear and talk hammocks.
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See...I told you he would be signing in. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
Now, here is your chance to ask away! :cool:
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Whoooo Buddy welcome. I like the band Canned Heat!!!!!
Shug