Why did I not discover this forum eariler?

**sloth713** · 10-17-2014, 15:15

Hi, my name is Chris and I currently live in Omaha, NE. I have been hammock camping for almost 8 years now. I started off with a ENO set up and now primary use a Clark NX-150. I wish I would have discovered this forum earlier because it is such a wealth of information and all my hammock camping knowledge came from trial and error. I honestly don't know what else to say, anyways I am just glad to now be part of this community.

**12trysomething** · 10-17-2014, 15:35

Welcome Chris. This is a truly great place with great people.

**Bubba** · 10-17-2014, 18:43

Welcome! This is old hat for you but hopefully you can pick up some new tricks. Lots of good people here. There's also the chance to attend a group hang to meet those people and see different hammock set ups. Have fun.

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-17-2014, 18:57

Think on the bright side - you probably saved yourself a lot of money!

**99Star** · 10-17-2014, 18:58

8 years ! I'm lucky have HF start from beginning, still learning everyday, would like to hear your experience, especially those derived from try and error.

**fgblueenohanger** · 10-17-2014, 20:08

Welcome to the forums! This is a terrific place to "hang" out and pick up tips or just see what everyone else is doing or just spend hours watching Shugs videos. Welcome!

**MAD777** · 10-17-2014, 20:26

Originally Posted by sloth713

I wish I would have discovered this forum earlier.

I wish I would have discovered hammocks earlier,
instead of spending decades on the ground!

**sloth713** · 10-18-2014, 22:19

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I hope in the near future I can go on some camping trips with other HF member. As I said I started hammock camping about 8 years ago. It initially took me a few nights to get use to it but as you all know once you get use to it there is no going back. I actually lived out of my hammock for 7 month 6 years ago when my life feel apart and I was lost so I decided to bum around until I figure out a new direction. Since then I have been working and going to school wish I found a new direction, I am working towards a PhD in astrophysics (currently I am finishing up my BS and have been accept to master school in Alaska next school year). Since I started hammocking I am always willing to carry the extra wight to get a better night sleep on back packing and paddling trips. I also sleep in my hammock almost ever time I am away from my house.

I have two current favorite ways to hammock camp.
1. I like to do multi day river trips on my stand up paddle board and I can think of no better way to rest after a a long day paddling than a hammock. The great thing about rivers is that there are almost always tree to set up under (as we all know rocks and boulders can leave you hanging lower than you want to).
2. I like to skydive and many weekend I sling up my hammock under a swing set by my skydiving club's club house. It is better than sleeping on the gnarly couches in the club house. When I am at bigger dropzone I often set up under the beacon (the tower with a spinning light).

Finally so I can easily winter camp I just sent in my Clark NX-150 yesterday to get modified so it can fit a Z Liner T-150 (the new one piece liner instead of the old 7 piece model). When I get it back and get a chance to use the Z Liner T-150 I will post an initial review. Before this I have been Using externally draped wool blankets connected underneath with close pins and office alligator clips to keep me warm in the temperatures form 10 to 40 degrees fahrenheit. Hopefully this new better fitted Z-liner will be more effective, more convenient, and much lighter. Also I just want to mention that with an order of the new one piece Z Liners that Clark will upgrade your hammock for free to work with them, all you have to do is mail then your hammock (you can keep your rain fly, poles, and stakes at home to save on shipping weight).

Once again thank you all for the warm welcome, I really appreciate it. If anybody is anywhere close to Omaha Nebraska let's go on a camping trip some time soon before winter fully sets in.