first hang this weekend

[DigitalApollo]

Well after a couple of weeks of reading this forum, checking out everybody's websites and making my own hammock my first attempt at a hang will be this weekend. As part of an agreement with my wife I promised not to spend a bundle on this project so my first hang is going to be BASIC. I have my DIY hammock, CCF pad, sleeping bag for a top quilt, & a webbing based suspension system. I'm choosing to go without a bug net and based on the forecast I'm going without a tarp. I'm in SE Nebraska if you need that info for the questions I have listed below. Thanks in advance!

1. Am I crazy for going without the tarp? This is not a 'deal breaker' for me. If I see enough reason to get a tarp before leaving this weekend I will pick one up.

2. With what I have listed above what advice can you give me? I am the only hammocker in the group and everybody is curious to see how it is going to work out. So with that said I don't want to end up having to set my tent up in the middle of the night.

PS - If this is as easy and enjoyable as I expect it will be I know I will be making changes (especially to the suspension system) to my setup.

[Shug]

Well after a couple of weeks of reading this forum, checking out everybody's websites and making my own hammock my first attempt at a hang will be this weekend. As part of an agreement with my wife I promised not to spend a bundle on this project so my first hang is going to be BASIC. I have my DIY hammock, CCF pad, sleeping bag for a top quilt, & a webbing based suspension system. I'm choosing to go without a bug net and based on the forecast I'm going without a tarp. I'm in SE Nebraska if you need that info for the questions I have listed below. Thanks in advance!

1. Am I crazy for going without the tarp? This is not a 'deal breaker' for me. If I see enough reason to get a tarp before leaving this weekend I will pick one up.

2. With what I have listed above what advice can you give me? I am the only hammocker in the group and everybody is curious to see how it is going to work out. So with that said I don't want to end up having to set my tent up in the middle of the night.

PS - If this is as easy and enjoyable as I expect it will be I know I will be making changes (especially to the suspension system) to my setup.

1) Yes ..... I suggest a tarp. Weather can change ..... listen to Mother Nature not the Weatherman. Plus, wind can really make your hang chilly and a tarp can block that.
2) You oughta be allright.......
Shug

[Veto 65]

Just keep it simple and keep an open mind to improve your set up.

You can get a cheap light tarp at Wally World by going into the paint dept and getting a clear plastic sheet, and some light masons line to tie it up. This will keep the dew off of you in the morning even if there is no rain (snow) in the forcast.

I hope its not too cold for the ccf insulation. Depending on if your a warm/ cold sleeper the insulation is not good for freezing temps. try a poncho liner for an intermediate cold under quilt. I got mine at an army navy store for about $15.00. It should have the tie outs (used to tie on the poncho), so you can tie around the hammock.

[Hawk-eye]

....PS - If this is as easy and enjoyable as I expect it will be I know I will be making changes (especially to the suspension system) to my setup.

Sure it will be and yeah you will be making changes. The "fiddle" factor is part of the fun!

Look forward to your trip report! Enjoy!

[pgibson]

I concur with with the others, #1 have fun with it, camping is fun and if you are not starting with it then why bother. #2 yes grab even the cheapest poly tarp at walmart or the likes. They are heavy by backpacking standards but like Shug said it will help a lot to block even a light breeze -even a very light breeze can make a big difference. And this time of year little storms can blast in out of no where. So be prepared--that sounds familiar. Take a good water bottle to heat some water in and throw it into your bag for extra warmth if it is going to get cool at all. But have fun and let us know how it works out.

[DigitalApollo]

Thanks for the feedback. I will definately be having fun with this. I love camping and believe this will only add to the comfort and fun for me. My interest in tinkering is why I had to promise my wife that I wouldn't spend a lot on this... to start with.

We are only hiking in about 5 miles so the added weight of a poly tarp won't have a big impact as compared to its benefit.

[Hawk-eye]

.... My interest in tinkering is why I had to promise my wife that I wouldn't spend a lot on this... to start with......

Snicker ...

catching my breath ...

[G.L.P.]

yeah i agree with Shug...take a tarp...a blue poly tarp for $8 will work fine for now ...better to have then to not have

and have fun...

can't wait for the trip report