Hi from Southwest Florida!

[raynchk]

I'm new to hammock camping, just getting started/equipped. I first became interested back in 2006 when preparing for a bicycle tour from Deadhorse Alaska to Puerto Vallarta, MX. At the time, Hennessey Hammocks were getting popular and I seriously considered buyng one for the trip. But I opted to go with a Hilldeberg (?spelling), one man tent instead. Down here in Florida the hammock seems like a better idea with all the snakes, bugs, etc. My only concern is my girlfriend and I like sleeping together, but I'm getting accustomed to the idea of two hammocks, a big one we can both nap in, and a smaller one she can sleep in. She's from Puerto Rico and a hammock sleeper from childhood, also only 5'2" and 100#s, so combined with my 6'1" 195"s it should work out. As time goes by, I become more and more of a minimalist when it comes to camping, so hanging seems right.

I'm going to start with a GT Double Parachute Cloth, its on sale at REI, then get a Kammock mosquito net and large rainfly. After that I'll get her hammock, probably one from one of the cottage vendors on this site, mosquito netting and see if both hammocks work under one tarp. We're both interested in kayaking the Everglades -- mosquito netting will probably be mandatory there.

This is a great resource, people and videos are very helpful. I like to do a lot of research before I purchase, this forum gives me an opportunity to do that.

Thanks for being here, and maybe one of these days I'll meet some of you guys in person.

[olddog]

Welcome aboard from Lakeland. Most couples find that separate hammocks work better than a single for two. Mighty Mouse and Duffy are normally able to find a triangle of trees or other grouping which allow them to sleep side by side. They have even gone to fulltimeing side by side at home. When you get set up we will look forward to meeting up with you on the trail some day. Check out the trip planning report on the Fifth Annual Florida hang (FHV) held during the MLK Jr. weekend in Ocala NF. Even if you have to utilize a tent you will be able to meet a great group of people from all over the US and see more hammock setups in one place.

[doc17th]

Welcome from Philly.

[lilricky]

Welcome from Kissimmee! Like Olddog said above, be sure to check out the Southeast subforum of the Trip Planning forum. And especially read the thread about the upcoming Fifth Annual Florida Hang, one of the largest gatherings of hammock enthusiasts in the world.

[Floridahanger]

Welcome to the fun, from East Coast.

Don't worry about hammock gear if you already have a ground set up. We will still accept you. Come out and play.

It won't take too long to get 2 full rigs to enjoy the woods in the trees. I would also recommend 2 separate hammock rigs and hang next to each other.

Check out Fronkey vids. He and Pockets hang together and you can get some ideas on the best way how.

Hope to see you at the 5th Annual Florida Hang in January, MLK weekend in Ocala.

[MAD777]

Welcome from right across from you in Southeast Florida!
Sounds like you have a similar sized family as mine except my wife is from Cuba

[FLRider]

Welcome from Gainesville!

I also recommend the Fifth Annual Hang; it's going to be a blast!

Two hammocks are truly more comfortable than one. The only real drawback is cost of insulation; the rest is pretty easy to work around.

Either way, I look forward to seeing you at FHV!

[Rock Paper Scissors]

Hello there, from the other side of the pond. Welcome