Help me choose a hammock system

**clb** · 03-06-2010, 11:39

Hello All, Shug's noob vids have been a great help, not to mention putting me in a really great mood!
I'm a newbie; been canoe/kayak camping and hiking, now I'm ready to try backpacking. I want to go as light as possible but as comfortable as possible,which is what brought me here. I do most of my hiking from Oct-May, when the bugs/heat are to a minimum. Mostly TX hill country,Big Bend and AR so far.
While I don't generally camp on the coldest nights of the year, I have awoke to 26 degree mornings at Big Bend at Christmas.
Just need a critique. I am thinking to start, I might go with the Gossamer Gear thinlight pad; probably the 1/4" 40" wide, cutting it and taping to be able to fold and roll it. Seems that might be cheaper that a regular width and adding a SPE. I'm sure I'll add an UQ by the fall. I will definitely go with a TQ, thinking about the JRB Hudson River. I like the WBBB,for a tarp, not sure yet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I'm female, 5'5" 130lbs, pretty cold natured.
thanks in advance,
leigh

**AhNuts** · 03-06-2010, 11:49

Leigh, everyone has their own favorite hammock, DIY or factory made. So.. unless you have lots of money to spend the next best way to determine which one you'll love is to have some friends who will let you use theirs to get a feel for that brand/style.
I know this is not much help but remember if we all had the same taste in cars then there would only be one brand, style and color.
LOL

John

**AhNuts** · 03-06-2010, 11:54

One other thing, if there is a group hand in your neighborhood, go for a visit, folks love to show off their rigs and talk about it's virtues.

John

**KerMegan** · 03-06-2010, 12:00

there is a group gathering ('hang' as they are known) coming up in March near you- check the trip planning section for "east texas"
(i will have to miss that one- already booked to MS that week...)KM