New Convert, Thanks! and a request for Help.

**Rider** · 08-09-2007, 19:43

I am a new convert. I discovered this thread via a google search after I saw a Hammock camper new Telluride CO. I was tired of hurting my back on the ground and the guy let me try out his HH. After lurking for a while and learning as much as I could I took the plunge. My setup is completely due to the great info you all have provided on this forum.

I wanted to start somewhat inexpensively (without jumping in to make my own from the beginning). So I purchased a Trek Light Double hammock (the ENO colors available at a good price were horrid and Trek Light is a CO company).

I set it up in the following way - the hammock comes with a hook attached to a larkshead. (Picture 1) - I removed the hook and replaced it with a Onrope1 buckle (Picture 2) - I ordered 2 12' lengths of polyester webbing from Strapworks (they sewed 2" loops for $0.75/loop) this is now attached to the buckle (Picture 3). I also got a Nano wire biner - it took me all of 5 minutes to setup my hammock up the first time (followed by a 1 1/2 hour nap break in the hammock - that was 5 exhausting minutes).

The best part is the hammock the straps and the biners all fit in the attached (to the hammock) stuff sack. (Picture 4).

Finally I got a 9X9 Sportsman's Guide camo tarp (or a Neo) along with 50' of 3.8mm spyderline from APS.

You guys are a great resource - thanks for the advice and help.

I would like to ask a couple of newbie questions.

1. Should my tarp have sypderline ridgeline - that is can I get away with simply attaching a length of sypderline to the grommets (on diagonal) and attaching those to the tree and then staking? Or do I need a full length ridgeline?

2. What is the best way to attache the tarp to the tree? Is there a particular lashing or method I should learn to get the tarp centered and tight as easily as possible?

Thanks in advance for the help.

**angrysparrow** · 08-09-2007, 19:53

Wow. Great beginning setup Rider!

For attaching the tarp line, you can use a number of lashing methods, but I think I'd just pick up a couple of these instead. They allow you to tension a cord without having to tie any knots at all. Simply loop your tarp line around the tree, and tighten with the figure-9 gizmo.

Spyderline is great cord, and will carry a lot of weight for it's diameter. I use it in my hammock suspension. But, I find it to be too heavy for the tarp tie outs. I prefer something in the 2mm-3mm range.

Again, great starter setup. Welcome to the forum.

**slowhike** · 08-09-2007, 20:08

welcome to hammock forums rider.
i see angrysparrow has already beat me to the punch in telling you about the figure 9.
here's a link were there was more discussion on it http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...light=figure+9

about the tarp, others here are familiar w/ using that particular tarp & it's grommets, but one good resource for tarp line is speer hammocks.
it's strong, light, a good price, & the orange color helps cut down on guy line tripping<G>. ...tim

**FanaticFringer** · 08-09-2007, 20:30

Welcome Rider,

Great set-up. I'm looking at getting a Treklite Double hammock. Happy hanging.

**Preacha Man** · 08-09-2007, 23:41

Welcome Rider,

Your way up in the mountains, make sure to look at the threads on how to stay warm in your setup.

**Peter_pan** · 08-10-2007, 06:58

Originally Posted by Preacha Man

Welcome Rider,

Your way up in the mountains, make sure to look at the threads on how to stay warm in your setup.

Rider,

Amen to the preacha man comments..... get and use a good bottom insulation plan/system.

Welcome to the Hanging Gang.

Pan

**Otter1** · 08-10-2007, 08:15

Great job, Rider!

I ordered my stuff to convert to buckles this week. Have fun.

**headchange4u** · 08-10-2007, 08:23

Welcome to the forums Rider. Nice setup.

1.You don't need a ridge line for the tarp. Just tie your guy line to the tie out loops or grommets on the tarp and you should be good to go.

2. I normally use something like a trucker's hitch to attach my tarp to a tree. I have used the Figure9 Gizmos in the past, but I don't really care for them. I know I'm the minority on this. Most people love them.

Others mentioned insulation. Since you are starting inexpensive, pick up one of those blue foam Walmart camping pads. It will cost you like $6-7 and I have taken my blue pad down to the low 40's/upper 30's.

**Rider** · 08-11-2007, 22:45

Thanks all, for your welcome and the your help with the questions. I went to REI and got a couple of 9's - they worked great!. I took my son and his patrol on a brief back pack trip. It is the first time in the last 20 years of scouting that I got a good full night of sleep. My son was very jealous of the hammock setup - as were the other boys. Picture included.

The setup withstood a very strong Colorado PM Thunderstorm much better than the tents. I was comfortable and dry. After the storm was over, I did get a few insect attacks, so I guess my next project is some sort of bug screen.

Thanks again.