Rabun Bald - Braden graduated to a hammock

[the2nddeal]

This weekend, brownc joined me and Braden for a quick overnighter up Rabun Bald in NE GA. This was the trip that Braden would graduate from a tent to a hammock. In the morning he informed me he didn't ever want to use a tent again.

It was a bit hazy on top, so the 360 degree views weren't what they normally are. I can't complain, though.



This is our setup. brownc's setup is behind these from this point of view.



The boy and his fire. I never build a fire when hiking, so it was fun taking the time to build one with him.



It was a bit foggy in the morning. Again, no complaints.



Braden was in the Hennessy Expedition on the right with a DIY summer UQ. I was in the DIY hammock on the left with a NeatSheet UQ (with a layer of IX).



I can't wait until the day that he carries my gear.


Another weekend, another great trip making memories with Braden.

[LostCause]

Awesome! Always glad to see parents spending time outdoors with their kids! Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

How did that IX neatsheet UQ perform? Any more info on it?

[the2nddeal]

Awesome! Always glad to see parents spending time outdoors with their kids! Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

How did that IX neatsheet UQ perform? Any more info on it?

Thanks. Both kids love hiking, so we do it as often as possible.

As for the NeatSheet UQ...this was the first time I've used it. I put Braden in the down UQ because I really wanted to make sure he was warm. I didn't want his first night in a hammock to be a cold one.

I cut down a family size NeatSheet to make the UQ. I also have a sheet of IX that is cut to size that I can throw into an UQ. In this case, I threw it into the NeatSheet UQ for a little extra warmth. In the morning, the temps were in the mid 50's and the NeatSheet UQ (with layer of IX) was enough to keep me warm. I was in shorts and a t-shirt and used a JRB Nest as a TQ.

Given the choice between the NeatSheet and the down UQ, I'll go with the down most days. I made the NeatSheet one for occasions just like this where Braden would be joining me (in mild weather).

Anyway, that was a long response to say it performed well in the mid 50's.

[Poppabear]

Thanks for sharing those are some nice pictures. There is nothing better than spending time in the outdoors with your kids.

[NCPatrick]

Great report! Sounds like a really fun trip.

[brownc]

Here are a few pics that I took on the trip.

[Land]

Cool report and nice pics. Thanks for sharing.

How many trees did you use to hang the hammocks -- three or four? The setup looks nice 'n' cozy.

Chris

[MedicineMan]

yes! wonderful pics, thanks for sharing!!

[the2nddeal]

How many trees did you use to hang the hammocks -- three or four? The setup looks nice 'n' cozy.

Braden & I used 3 trees. In this photo, you can sort of see that we used separate trees for the far end of our hammocks, and the same tree for the ends nearest to the camera (the center one in the cluster of 3).