First Hammock Arrived Today... New to Hanging

Hello, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Scott and I am a student in Gainesville, FL. I have been camping all my life, but always in a tent on the ground. It wasn't until recently that I decided to start taking longer backpacking trips and started looking for ways to lighten my load.

Today, my ultralight backpacking solution arrived today in the form of an ultralight "the travel hammock" hammock. The thing weighs a whopping 10oz. and cost $20. I also bought some flat tree straps by Hammock Bliss to go along with it.

I was eager to test it out, so I trekked out to a creek in the woods by my house and found a suitable pair of trees. I decided to pitch the hammock over the creek just for grins. After a few triple half-hitch knots and about 2 minutes, the hammock was hanging and ready to go. I was nervous at first, but the second I laid down I realized that I will never use a tent again- it was so comfortable! The hammock supported my body well in any position. I tried lying straight, diagonal, on my side, etc. and love it all. I especially like that I can sit up and that I can lie with my legs over the sides.

I thought that a hammock would be less comfortable and less stable than lying on the ground, but I was willing to try for the price and the lightweight factor. However, I don't think I will look at a tent the same way I used to. Tonight I am going to try pitching the hammock in the backyard and lying in it with my sleeping bag. It won't get below 60F tonight, so I think I will be okay. I'll post tomorrow on the results.

a new convert, :D
Scott

Welcome to the hangin mafia.:D
How bad you Gators gonna beat them Buckeyes?
Assuming you go to Florida.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SRPhotographic

Hello, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Scott and I am a student in Gainesville, FL. I have been camping all my life, but always in a tent on the ground. It wasn't until recently that I decided to start taking longer backpacking trips and started looking for ways to lighten my load.

Today, my ultralight backpacking solution arrived today in the form of an ultralight "the travel hammock" hammock. The thing weighs a whopping 10oz. and cost $20. I also bought some flat tree straps by Hammock Bliss to go along with it.

I was eager to test it out, so I trekked out to a creek in the woods by my house and found a suitable pair of trees. I decided to pitch the hammock over the creek just for grins. After a few triple half-hitch knots and about 2 minutes, the hammock was hanging and ready to go. I was nervous at first, but the second I laid down I realized that I will never use a tent again- it was so comfortable! The hammock supported my body well in any position. I tried lying straight, diagonal, on my side, etc. and love it all. I especially like that I can sit up and that I can lie with my legs over the sides.

I thought that a hammock would be less comfortable and less stable than lying on the ground, but I was willing to try for the price and the lightweight factor. However, I don't think I will look at a tent the same way I used to. Tonight I am going to try pitching the hammock in the backyard and lying in it with my sleeping bag. It won't get below 60F tonight, so I think I will be okay. I'll post tomorrow on the results.

a new convert, :D
Scott

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:) awesome man,you will be hanging with great company here,welcome aboard,and as always may always hang happily:cool: neo

Welcome to the hanging crowd!

I'd take something extra for the bottom.... Bottom insulation is needed by most startin at about 70 * , believe it or not...

Tell us how your first night went... tomorrow.

pan

Welcome SRPhotograhic,
It's great to have another Gator on board here. You'll hammock camping but be careful it's addicting and can lead to making your own gear. There is a learning curve for staying warm but you've come to the right place. There is a wealth of information here and among all the members who are always so helpful and willing to share and help each other.

Welcome to the crowd and the forum.

One of the fun things about hanging is trying to find all of those great spots tents will never work at. I have yet to sleep over water, but I am going to try to find a spot my next time out.

BTW

GO BUCKS!!!

Welcome to the forum and to hanging. Looking forward to hearing how things turned out for you.

I often sleep in a hammock at home, in summer if its hot sleep in the hammock with a cheapo walmart table fan aimed at the hammock---you can turn the AC off probably and will still need something under you!