Hello from Central PA

**Scooby** · 12-20-2014, 17:30

Greetings All,

Just stumbled into these forums a few days ago. I've been backpacking and camping for many years. Despite having been perfectly content on the ground, I decided to give this hammock thing a try. Makes sense, there being many more trees in Penn's Woods than there are flat sites with no rocks or roots.

Went out and got a HH EUL and SS last spring and spent a couple sleepless nights trying it out over the summer. Got the tents back out for the rest of the season. But not being one to give up easily, I am committed to make 2015 the year of the hammock. That led me to here, to learn what I must in order to get a good night's rest.

Look forward to joining the hammocking community.

-Scooby

**SilvrSurfr** · 12-20-2014, 18:30

Welcome from the Jersey Shore. This is my favorite time of year to hammock camp - 2015 is only 11 days away!

**runningwithscissors22** · 12-20-2014, 18:33

Welcome! I am glad you didn't give up!

**Black Foot** · 12-20-2014, 18:45

Welcome! Consider coming out to a group hang before you throw in the towel - lots of people there that can help you dial things in.

**The Tree Frog** · 12-20-2014, 20:03

Welcome from southern NJ. Check the Trips forum for group hangs.

**Scooby** · 12-20-2014, 20:07

Thanks for the welcome folks. My first trip of 2015 is planned for January 9th and 10th. Hopefully the super shelter is up for the winter weather. I will definitely keep an eye open for a group hang. Sounds like a great opportunity to gain some valuable knowledge.

**yooz85** · 12-20-2014, 20:54

Welcome from north east PA! I have been doing the hammock thing for a few years now here in PA and beyond, I get a good consistent nights sleep anywhere I go. Keep at it you wont be disappointed.

**raiffnuke** · 12-20-2014, 21:42

Welcome to HF from Massachusetts.

**oldpappy** · 12-21-2014, 09:57

Welcome from Virginia (and a regular camper in Kinzua Country, NW Pa)
In reference to your Sleepless nights - often folks hang their new HH's too tight creating a ridge down the middle. If so, I suggest you leave the tarp and SS off until you figure out a good hang position. Find a couple trees about 12 feet apart to experiment at and try hanging it with a couple inches of sag - vary the hang angle until you find a flat/comfortable lay. The HH figure 8 lashing is good, but not easy to make adjustments/changes, so learn a couple of quicker methods like your own variation of the single ring:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...l=1#post282822
There are many other youtube examples to try.
P.S. I use the figure 8 on the foot end and a single ring on the head end because you usually only need to adjust one end.