Howdy from IL

**cmc4free** · 08-10-2018, 08:21

Greetings all,

My name is Chris and I’ve been lurking around the forum for a while. I’ve been an infrequent hanger since 2012 but have really started down the rabbit hole this year. Hammock camping is something I wanted to be able to share with my wife as well, so at least up to this point, I’ve acquired us 100% matching gear, the only differences being fabric colors. I’ve spent several nights out in the hammock so far this season and my wife is starting to come around as well; now we’re both looking forward to some cooler weather!

What we’re using is as follows:
Chameleon – Hexon 1.6
Symmetrical bugnet
Symmetrical winter top cover with moon roof
Sidecar at head end on opposite side of outboard shoulder
Peak shelf at head end
Ridgeline organizer
Dutchware Xenon 12’ Hex Tarp
12’ Spider/Poly straps with Dutch Clips
Beetle Buckles and/or Dutch Buckles (depending on situation)
Single & double whoopie hooks on 7/64” Amsteel slings (depending on situation)
Dutchware spreader bar
Snugpak hammock underblanket with modified suspension
Snugpak jungle blanket
Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow
And some exciting items coming soon for colder weather insulation

I’m also wrapping my head around the myriad options available for a winter tarp setup before I pull the trigger. So many tempting add-ons and customizations! O_O

Anyway, really glad to be an official member now, and I look forward to learning a lot more from the fine folks on the forum here.

Cheers,
Chris

**Karla "with a k"** · 08-10-2018, 08:57

Welcome to the forum! I don't know where you live in Illinois, but I'm up in Milwaukee. Most of the hammock hangs I attend have a mix of Wisconsin and Illinois people.

We have a hang coming up in two weeks in Illinois. Maybe you and your wife can make it!?!

Here's the thread with the info: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...Aug-24-26-2018

I keep a list of local hangs (that I know of) in my signature.

I just bought a winter tarp from UGQ this year so if you want to check it out at one of the hangs, I'd be happy to show you. Otherwise, I did a video review of it on my youtube channel. (link is in my signature file too)

Hope to meet you both sometime!

**cmc4free** · 08-10-2018, 09:14

Originally Posted by Karla "with a k"

Welcome to the forum! I don't know where you live in Illinois, but I'm up in Milwaukee. Most of the hammock hangs I attend have a mix of Wisconsin and Illinois people.

We have a hang coming up in two weeks in Illinois. Maybe you and your wife can make it!?!

Here's the thread with the info: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...Aug-24-26-2018

I keep a list of local hangs (that I know of) in my signature.

I just bought a winter tarp from UGQ this year so if you want to check it out at one of the hangs, I'd be happy to show you. Otherwise, I did a video review of it on my youtube channel. (link is in my signature file too)

Hope to meet you both sometime!

Hi Karla,

Very cool, thanks for the tip about the hang in a couple weeks. I'll run that by my wife, but I'd be interested for sure! Our 3rd anniversary is on the 21st so this could be a neat way to spend it. I&M Canal is not far from us at all, depending on where exactly, but I will look into it! Her anniversary gift from UGQ should probably be delivered by then, too.

We're in Elgin, which is about 45 min from the WI border, approximately an hour west of Chicago. I travel through Milwaukee at least a couple times a year.

Winter Dream 12 is what I have my eye on! Was debating a 13' but can't yet convince myself the extra foot would be really needed. I see yours is 13', so do you have any comments about the length? Did you buy yours in 20d or 15d?

Kind of you to say hello!

**rweb82** · 08-10-2018, 09:27

Welcome from another Illini (south 'burbs). You should definitely come out to the I&M Canal sometime. There's usually a small number of folks who hang out there once a month or so. I'm gonna try and make it out there in a couple weeks, but not sure as of yet. Be sure to check the Trips/Hangouts- Midwest subforum regularly, and you'll stay in the loop.

**Karla "with a k"** · 08-10-2018, 09:54

Originally Posted by cmc4free

Winter Dream 12 is what I have my eye on! Was debating a 13' but can't yet convince myself the extra foot would be really needed. I see yours is 13', so do you have any comments about the length? Did you buy yours in 20d or 15d?

15d because I wanted the purple haze color.

I suggest 12 ft. I've run into problems with tarp & hammock suspension problems with 13. My next tarp won't be 13.

**cmc4free** · 08-10-2018, 10:18

Originally Posted by Karla "with a k"

I suggest 12 ft. I've run into problems with tarp & hammock suspension problems with 13. My next tarp won't be 13.

Opinion appreciated, thanks!

I've had a few instances already in non-wilderness situations, not being able to fit my 12' hex between the available anchor points and having to use a 10' square tarp pitched as a rectangular A-frame, so I was especially concerned about how often that would happen with 13'.

Originally Posted by rweb82

Welcome from another Illini (south 'burbs). You should definitely come out to the I&M Canal sometime. There's usually a small number of folks who hang out there once a month or so. I'm gonna try and make it out there in a couple weeks, but not sure as of yet. Be sure to check the Trips/Hangouts- Midwest subforum regularly, and you'll stay in the loop.

Hey, nice to meet ya! Thanks for the tips, I will definitely keep an eye out for some local hangouts we can make it to.

**daveocelott** · 08-10-2018, 11:29

Morning,
Welcome to the forum.
That is a nice list to have in duplicate.

**sabinajiles** · 08-11-2018, 21:43

Welcome! I'm south of you a couple of hours, in the Bloomington/Normal area.

**BananaHammock** · 08-11-2018, 22:22

Welcome! I’m in Mount Prospect as it says on the right. I’d love to hang with you sometime and get to know you. I’m looking into becoming a Chameleon convert so let me know what you think.