Never hang from a dead tree, even if there's nothing above to fall on you. You may spend one night like that, only to have the rest of it fall on you the second. Don't ask me how I know.
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Never hang from a dead tree, even if there's nothing above to fall on you. You may spend one night like that, only to have the rest of it fall on you the second. Don't ask me how I know.
I was Dumb as a Post with a brain fart.
My initial ride in/on a Hennessy -- I'm going to do the initial stretch without benefit of the 'directions', ahem:
Still in the skins after set up -- I'm too smart/stupid for my own good so I'm gonna sit on the whole Shebang and stretch it all at once.
Sprong went the ridge line --- sheet bended a piece of cord in and it is still that way 5 1/2 yrs later.
If you are going with an asym Hennessy Tarp, get the next size larger than the hammer body.
With all due respect, I have to take exception to some of these being referred to as "Beginner mistakes"
The Hennessy Expedition is an excellent way for a beginner to find out if hanging is for them without blowing the bank. For $100 you can get everything you need to start.
Another option would be a WBBB for $160 and a MacCat Ultra for another $130. I wouldn't call that a beginner mistake.
My setup has evolved due to the wealth of information presented here.
I used the tiny stock tarp with the hooks several times with no problem, but eventually went with the MacCat Ultra because I wanted more room. I wouldn't have made that investment without knowing I was in it for good.
After a year of camping with stock straps, I upgraded to long ones and rings.
I'm still using snakeskins and love 'em.
I'm still using an interior pad, no problem (have the zipper mod) and have never been bitten through the bottom. (They can't get through the pad)
My biggest beginner mistakes were hanging too tight... I thought the ridgeline should be banjo string tight and having my head too high. In a tent, I would always pitch with my head up if possible. The first time I slept in the hammock, me and everything in it were at the bottom the next morning. I still have the head a little higher than the feet, but not much.
Yup, been there and done that. The dead tree looked fine until the rain started during the night, then the root system gave away and down she goes.
BTW, another strong endorsement for Snakeskins. I use them for my tarp only instead of a stuff sack. They are really nice for setting up in the wind.
Make sure you have your tarp staked down securely! If you don't, the wind may sneak up on you in the middle of the night, wreak havoc on your tarp and throw your stakes only god knows where...... :(
Site selection
The idyllic spot on the rocky outcropping with one tree overhanging the lake looked really inviting on a warm sunny afternoon. Later that night, the cold breeze blowing off the lake that brought with it the rain was f-f-f-f-reezing. At least it hushed up the bullfrogs... :o
Bring an extra tarp
If you're planning on camping with groups, or in my case, cubs & scouts, it's useful as a changing room.