Well, I finally did it...

I have been watching and reading these forums with pleasure for quite a while now and finally, last weekend, I hung (hanged?).

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My son (10) and I went to a patch of woods about an hour and a half northwest of St. Louis and walked a couple of hundred yards in to set up camp. I wanted to finally try my hand at hanging.

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We each had similar set-ups: BCUSA tarp overhead with a little awning. Warbonnet Traveler DL to sleep on. We used 1/2" ccf pads that were 24x72" with a second piece of foam across the shoulders. Giant Slumberjack sleeping bags from 20 years ago to stay warm.

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Well, it dropped down to about 25 degrees F. and we were very warm but also very uncomfortable. On reflection, I think that the sleeping bag kept me lined up on center and gave me a huge back ache. In the morning, after rolling and stowing sleeping bags we both took a quick siesta (sleeping asymmetrically) and it felt GREAT! I now realize that I need to fiddle with my sleeping arrangements (maybe top quilt or unzipped bag) for a better sense of comfort. But I am motivated to get off of the ground. My little catnap felt so marvelous that I am search of the perfect sleeping scenario.

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I think that this next time I will try the pads again but use a light unzipped sleeping bag or Woobie as a fake "top quilt".

That's a fine looking young man you have helping you there.

Woobie should work, but you might want to pin the bottom into a footbox to make sure you don't kick it off in your sleep.

Looks like a great first time out. Congrats on getting the kiddos outside

Keep fiddling, you will get it dialed in, and welcome from SC.

That's the spot!

I started with a sleeping bag unzipped about 2/3 and used as a top quilt. The comfort only gets better as you move into specific gear for hammocks.

Keep at it!

I use a sleeping bag myself, but what I will do is just unzip it to just before it turns to the feet. and unfold the bag stuff my feet in the "BOX". and do that. it works well for me untill i can afford a TQ

partially unzipped sleeping bag as a top quilt works so good for me that I may never bother to buy a top quilt. ;-) Keep fiddling and you will be fine.

Sounds like a great learning experience. Either way you've learned the secret, a bad night in the hammock is better than a good night on the ground!

so glad others take their kids out....

looks like it was both fun and a learning experience...

Great outing. I'll bet they had fun with the chair!