Hello Everyone

[jmdavis]

Hey everybody,

After a many year hiatus from hiking due to a back injury, I came to the conclusion that the hammock may be the secret weapon.

For car camping, I can use the Timberline tent with a twin sized airbed (pretty comfortable too). But since it takes up my whole pack, I don't think that it will work to well to get back out on the trail.

My Blackbird arrived today and I have a JRB tarp and driducks on the way. With perhaps a bit of work to Whisperlite #2 (I made the mistake of loaning #1 to someone who lost it and I may need to overhaul the seals), I'm thinking that a test run will be in order next week (or even this weekend).

Finally I want to say thanks for all of the good information here on hammock forums. I've managed to learn alot in the past few weeks of browsing and searching.

I wish that I had a cool name, but really, it's just Mike.

[Peter_pan]

Mike,

Welcome to the forum and the hanging gang...

You will probably need more than just a weather shield below you this time of year in Virginia.

Stop by the shop when you are in our corner of the state.

Pan

[jmdavis]

Mike,

Welcome to the forum and the hanging gang...

You will probably need more than just a weather shield below you this time of year in Virginia.

Stop by the shop when you are in our corner of the state.

Pan

I didn't realize that you guys had any sort of storefront or I would have driven down.

I actually have a synthetic bag that I think can work as an underquilt temporarily. I have to figure out how to rig it. Though I admit the JRB sale was awfully tempting.

[bigbamaguy]

JMD
Welcome to the forum and happy hanging. There threads here that tell you how to convert a sleeping bag to a under quilt (UQ) in the DIY section. Check it out. I don't have the time to make things so I just succumb to this addiction and help the cottage industry people out that are members here.

[Frawg]

Welcome aboard, Mike! Good to see another Virginian. Best of luck with the back.

[Knotty]

Welcome to the forum. I hope the hammock turns out to be just what the Dr. ordered for your bad back.

If you can afford it, get an under quilt. Yes there are other ways to get by but nothing is quite so nice as a toasty UQ.

[Captn]

I had a Laminectomy in 91, fusion this year ... L4, L5, S1

A Hammock is the ONLY way to go.

[jmdavis]

I had a Laminectomy in 91, fusion this year ... L4, L5, S1

L4 and 5 are the trouble spot.

I just returned from picking up shock cord and 2mm in anticipation of the arrival of the tarp and modifying my synthetic bag.

[opie]

Welcome to HF jmdavis.

[Captn]

L4 and 5 are the trouble spot.

I just returned from picking up shock cord and 2mm in anticipation of the arrival of the tarp and modifying my synthetic bag.

Contrary to popular belief, don't do lower body exercises except for walking, unless approved by a ortho Doctor. However, upper body strength is VERY important for keeping the strain off your back .....

Hammock in Peace .... it's nirvana compared to that cold, hard, damp, bone chilling, spider infested, chigger filled, animal poo covered, rocky, root impregnated, place we used to sleep called, gasp, <whisper> the ground. (can't say that too loud around here or we'll get a lot of people upset .... )

By the way ... I took on an extra 2 to 3 lbs in my pack for the hammock setup ... and it was worth every ounce.