Lessons learned: Things you learned the hard way

[Shug]

Don't go on a long backpacking trip thinking the walk is going to be fun all day.
There will be trials and tribulations along the way.

Shug

[michigandave]

Another suggestion for backyard testing: set up in the dark with no headlamp 2 different ways ( hammock first then tarp first, like you'd do for rain). Also, always pack your gear the exact way every time so you have always know where things should be.

[varga49]

The cheaper it is, the heavier it will be.

"I don't care who ya are, that's funny"
#1.I thought my first hammock setup would last a lifetime #2 then I thought I could do without upgrades. #3 then I thought I could hang in the Ottawa Valley in the spring time without an UQ. Wrong on all 3 counts

[BananaHammock]

Don't plan for the "what ifs". Plan on doing what you are doing without injury and prepare to cut up your gear if you need that big bandage and a splint. Don't do anything unnecessarily dangerous, but instead make safe decisions and your medkit will stay packed in the bag the whole trip.

[dickstarbuck]

Always hang your food and "smellables" a good distance away from your hammock.

[captaincoupal]

Back up your knots. ESPECIALLY if you're hanging over something you don't want to fall onto.

[slugbait]

Most of us have hit the ground at one point or another- so never hang higher than you are willing to fall and don't hang over something you're not willing to fall on. P.S. my hitting the ground has always been do to user error.

[Billy Goat]

Don't go on a long backpacking trip thinking the walk is going to be fun all day.
There will be trials and tribulations along the way.

Shug

I find it is usually the end of the day and setting up camp that is the most rewarding part of the day. There are often gorgeous views or surroundings but a difficult trail usually pays off with grand places to relax and enjoy the sunset and a nice dinner. As long as it isn't pig brains and milk gravy... blech!

Cheers,
the Goat

[ice man]

Don't grunt your tarp so tight the seams stretch. You would not believe how much rainwater can come in through those needle holes. I use Clark hammocks with the spreader poles. they seemed a bit wimpy, so I "souped them up" by using driveway marker poles. found out why Clark warns you not to. It pulls the teeth of your zippers apart. Cost around C-note to get fixed.

[Jhp45auto]

Take the advise about underquilts and budget for one. It truly makes the difference for comfortable hammock hanging in cool weather.

You can be warm with a pad, but you will likely have some bad experiences until you get it right. This I definitely learned the hard way.