Advice for Newbie

**TrailBlaser** · 03-21-2018, 20:42

Greetings fellow hangers,
I anticipate having my first experiences with hammock camping in a month or so. I have a Warbonnet Ridge Runner (bridge) double-layer hammock. At this point I will be using a sleeping pad and bag, but would like to move to an underquilt and topquilt. I would appreciate any advice you have for me about using a sleeping bag/pad and for those of you with a Ridge Runner, your recommendations for an underquilt.
Thanks in advance,
John

**Phantom Grappler** · 03-22-2018, 05:30

If possible, have a quick overnight test run in your back yard. Watch Shug’s ten part videos on how to hang a hammock, insulation, tarps....
Good luck

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Shug** · 03-22-2018, 07:45

Here is some intel.......
Carry forth.
Shug

**Bubba** · 03-22-2018, 08:51

Since you have a Warbonnet hammock, I’d say look into Warbonnet quilts.

**Shug** · 03-22-2018, 08:57

Originally Posted by Bubba

Since you have a Warbonnet hammock, I’d say look into Warbonnet quilts.

I agree. The Lynx.

**pgibson** · 03-22-2018, 08:58

There are only a couple quilts that are made to fit the RidgeRunner. We make 2 versions a full length and a partial length version, the Ridge Creeks. Warbonet makes the Lynx. And then I think there was one other option that recently stopped being made. The unique shape of the Ridge Runner makes having a fitted quilt the best choice as you save a good bit of weight as well as easier fit with no fiddle factor.

**dakotaross** · 03-22-2018, 09:12

Regarding what you have now, I would use as thin a pad as you can get away with. I find a thicker pad raises your center of gravity and makes the hammock more tippy, plus it puts your knees potentially in contact with the rigid top sides of the hammock (when turning onto your side). But that's just my experience, YMMV as that hasn't been a problem for others. And as for the bag, just zip a little bit to make a foot box and let the rest drape over you, don't try to zip up all the way in it. With all the extra material around you, you'll realize the value of having a TQ.

**OlTrailDog** · 03-22-2018, 09:23

Use the sleeping bag just like a top quilt. +1 on the AHD Ridge creek. It is much less expensive and does the job. Especially since this is your first hammock and you may find other hammocks are more to your liking. My first was also a WBRR, but I moved on to enjoy the Hammocktent Gamma UL, Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, and Dream Hammock Sparrow and have not looked back. If you become a dedicated WBRR user, THEN consider shelling out the big bucks for a more expensive UQ.

**TrailBlaser** · 03-23-2018, 18:58

Thanks very much. I have checked out Shug's videos. Really informative and entertaining as well. Just waiting for the weather here in the Northeast to improve before I go out and try to setup.

**Rouskof** · 03-24-2018, 14:31

You can always sell your Lynx second hand here easily. It is good to have one anyway if you have a RR.
Same for the top quilts. Also I find top quilts are better on the ground as well, compared to sleeping bags. So no worries, go ahead and buy top and bottom quilt, from warbonnet or any other cottage vendor, if you can afford.