Hello from the Gulf Coast!

[nooma]

Hi everyone! I picked up a yukon hammock with bugnet from the recent Woot.com sale. I haven't been camping since my early teens and thought it was about time. I work in IT, and am rather out of shape at this point so I doubt I'll be hiking much, but it'll be good to get back outside.

Since, as with most hobbies, you can't just buy one thing and be good to go I've since ordered a set of whoopie slings, tree straps, a Kelty Noah 12 tarp (I like that I can make doors, it rains a lot here), the sierra backpack from woot a few days ago, and various cords and the like. In this area our "winter" gets down to lows in the 30s, so for most equipment I've been looking at 20 degree stuff.

One are I could really use some wisdom for people who may live close by is the whole UQ vs pad vs the fact that I'm mega cheap problem. If I'm going to end up getting an UQ I feel like the 3 season Arrowhead New River regular would be reasonable since I'm not skilled with sewing, and the people I know who have sewed their UQ put in close to $100. I figure $50 for being lazy isn't terrible. Then again is there an inexpensive pad that is wide enough and would work for my climate? I'd appreciate suggestions here.

Also a side note: the bugnet yukon wasn't labeled a "double" does anyone know if you can still sleep comfortably diagonal in it for a more flat lay?

[olddog]

We have a few group hangs through the season in central Florida. Keep an eye on the southeast trip planning forum. You didn't state where you are on the gulf coast but anywhere on the gulf is close enough to come to the 5th Annual Florida Hang. Great opportunity to meet other hangers and see a lot of hammock rigs from DIY to top of the line.

Welcome aboard from Lakeland.

[nooma]

Thanks for the info! I'm from the South Alabama area. I'll keep an eye out.

[stoikurt]

We have a few group hangs through the season in central Florida. Keep an eye on the southeast trip planning forum. You didn't state where you are on the gulf coast but anywhere on the gulf is close enough to come to the 5th Annual Florida Hang. Great opportunity to meet other hangers and see a lot of hammock rigs from DIY to top of the line.

Welcome aboard from Lakeland.

I consider all of my DIY stuff top of the line, I just didn't pay top of the line prices (just messing with you Olddog, nothing intended). Welcome Nooma, I qualify as a Gulf Coaster from Panama City.

[Porch Hanger]

I dunno how well it would work for ya but ...

The cheap blue foam "camping pads" from box stores and a piece of "reflectix" you can buy in a 25 foot roll from Lowes in 16 / 24? / 48 inch widths.
Reflectix, if ya don't know is the silver stuff used to make sun screen inserts for cars and to wrap ductwork, etc. It's just bubble wrap with reflective mylar(?) on both sides. That stuff has many uses from cheap effective insulation to pot cozy's.

It does work, but it's a little cumbersome.
IMO ... investing in an UQ is the better option.

btw ... welcome from Corpus Christi, Texas.

[Duffy]

Welcome from Pensacola!!!

[doc17th]

Welcome from Philly.

[drifter]

Welcome from next door.

[shef]

Welcome for a SC hanger, with roots that run from Niceville, FL.

[RedStix]

Welcome from Baton Rouge!