Getting into hammock camping on an extreme budget

**jaygnar** · 11-11-2009, 20:24

This is my first post so I will begin by saying "Hey!" and also thank you all for participating in these forums.
I've been lurking around here for the past week or so and I'm trying to work out the best way to try out hammock camping with my extremely limited financial means.
Here's my plan for startup gear:
Hammock- Byer Moskito Traveler
Tarp- Brown Poly 8X10 from Walmart
Straps- tree huggers made from tie-down straps.

I'll be installing a static ridgeline and making a set of mini snakeskins to deal with the multiple suspension lines that everyone seems to have tangling problems with. I'm also aware that the zipper may need a tack stitch to keep it from separating so I'll take care of that if need be.

I live in northeast Georgia so the "winter" here is pretty mild. However, I have a REI 20degree bag that I can use as a topquilt and an old army synthetic mummy bag that weighs a ton but maybe I can cannibalize it into an underquilt or something. I'll prolly just start out on a CCF pad and snuggled inside my REI bag.

I am fortunate enough to have a few acres of woods on my property so I will backyard "camp" and just experiment for awhile to get my setup dialed in.

I think that I've cut about every possible monetary corner possible that will still allow me to have a decent setup.
I just thought that I'd let you guys with all of your experience and combined knowledge look over my gear list and let me know if I've missed anything, or if there are any better alternatives that are still dirt cheap. I'm watching used gear sales and such but this setup should give me decently good gear and the ability to experience camping with my feet off[ the ground for a change.

**vitamaltz** · 11-11-2009, 20:29

Sounds like a good start. I'm visualizing a map of Georgia and it doesn't seem to have a northeast. Isn't that South Carolina?

**sir White Wolf** · 11-11-2009, 20:32

Hey and Welcome Jaygnar

Sounds like we live close to each other, Im over near Helen.
Looking forward to hearing how your Addiction progresses

**Pawfoot** · 11-11-2009, 20:33

Welcome to the forums, Jaygnar!

I hope that everyone is able to answer any questions that you have, and I hope you find that hammock camping is just the best, plain and simple.
I'm almost positive that there are ways to keep your budget low and still have an awesome setup.

Good luck, and Happy Hammocking!

**Cannibal** · 11-11-2009, 20:35

Nice starter kit.

Welcome to the forums!

**amac** · 11-11-2009, 20:40

First off, let me welcome you to the forum.

I, too, started with the same Byer hammock. Even though I now have a Warbonnet BB, I still love my Byer. I guess it's kind of like your first car. The static ridgeline on the Byer will be all you need to keep the lines from tangling. I don't think you "need" the snakeskins, but they certainly won't hurt anything. I haven't had any issues with the zipper. Don't know why you'd need a tack stitch. I will say that a pad inside the hammock is pretty tough to keep just right. It'll move everytime you toss and turn. One cold night, when there were no bugs, I flipped the hammock over and used the netting to hold my pad. Worked great (that's what sold me on a double layer hammock).

Mason line from a local hardware store (braided, not twisted) is a very strong and cheap cord for the ridgeline and for the tarp.

Your stuff seems pretty heavy, but you also seem to be fully aware of that. As far as the gear you've listed, I wouldn't bother looking for any more, that will just add to the cost. You already have a complete hammock setup. Enjoy.

**Peanutdude** · 11-11-2009, 20:48

Hey welcome! I'm quite new myself and I have a very small budget for hammock camping right now but it looks like you got yourself a nice set up. I couldn't afford to buy an under-quilt for winter so I made one. Hope you enjoy hanging!

**MacEntyre** · 11-11-2009, 20:52

Welcome, Jaygnar!

Recently, I've been noticing the many people whose first hammock was an ENO Doublenest, and it's still their current hammock. It's large, and inexpensive. You can spend the money you save on insulation... any UQ will fit it.

- MacEntyre

**Off-road** · 11-11-2009, 21:54

I believe your ready to hang yourself.

I went to the tree's just a few months ago but from what little experience i have i can tell you i much prefer an UQ over a pad as the pad seems to compromise the comfort of the hammock.

Make that UQ and skip the pad.