Need Help Fast!!!!

[Dwhitt1981]

I'm leaving out tonight going to the smokey for a three day hike and need help because this is my first time in a hammock.

1) How long does my tarp need to be( using it as a fly)?

2) I have a 40 deg mummy bag will I need a pad to keep my warm (the temp shows to be in the mid 40s )?

Thanks

[MrGreen]

You will defiantly need a pad or some type of under quilt. Since you are leaving tonight I would stop by your local Walmart or REI and pick up a cheep blue CCF pad. I've never used one but you can find hundreds of testimonials on this forum to there effectiveness. Have fun on your first hang !

[angrysparrow]

1- That depends on the length of your hammock. What type?

2- Yes, I would certainly take a pad along. Something a simple/cheap as the infamous Walmart blue CCF pad will help, but it might slide around in the hammock. There are ways around that but not 'on instant notice'. Perhaps put some dots of silicone on one side of the pad, and place those against the fabric to prevent sliding.

[Dwhitt1981]

I've got to go to wally before I go and was thinking of a blue pag.Thanks for the reply

[Optimus]

Ok, Ok . . .

1.) I would say about 8.5 feet on the daigonal (check out my recently posted "shower curtain thread)

2.) to keep you warm . . . I'm going to say yes, but you could use a windshield reflector instead if time is of the essence. (I've used one down to about thirty)

How this helps and have a fun trip !

Slopes

[beep]

I'm leaving out tonight going to the smokey for a three day hike and need help because this is my first time in a hammock.

1) How long does my tarp need to be( using it as a fly)?

2) I have a 40 deg mummy bag will I need a pad to keep my warm (the temp shows to be in the mid 40s )?

Thanks

Honestly, you should at least have some backyard practice before heading out.

BUT...to answer your questions...the tarp should at least be long enough to extend the length of the strung hammock. A few inches of "overhang" is a good thing. 10-12 feet is probably sufficient.

You will DEFINITELY need some insulation under you in the 40's. While your pad may offer enough insulation value on the ground, it probably isn't wide enough to cover your shoulders where the sides of the hammock will wrap around you. The best "quick fix" would be to cut up another cheap CCF pad that would go cross-wise in the shoulder and chest area to give you some extra needed coverage as a supplement to your regular pad.

FWIW, before I bought an UQ, I used a 25" wide pad in my WBBB for bottom insulation. It was "OK", but my shoulders were cold where they were up against the "bare" hammock. Lots of shifting around trying to stay warm and centered.

[Dwhitt1981]

1- That depends on the length of your hammock. What type?

It's a Grand trunk and I think its 10'5'' but not sure.

[Dwhitt1981]

Thanks guy for all the info. I'm going to see what the length of my tarp is now and go from there but the blue pad is going to be my quick fix. I hope it will get me through this one. I think I'll be ok because I sleep hot but I'll have it under me anyway.Thanks again you all are great!!!!!!!

[bdpalace]

Looks like Friday night will be the acid test...

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...=193&map.y=181

[Beast 71]

It's a Grand trunk and I think its 10'5'' but not sure.

That sounds about right for a Grand Trunk. While you're at Walmart you could pick up a blue tarp too, they have them as cheap as anyone.