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  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    WonderMonkey's First Hammock Extravaganza

    Like many who come to these forums I am trying to decided which hammock is right for me. I've been looking at the different brands, styles, etc. and have a GENERAL ideal of the features I'm looking for. I'll use this thread to chronicle the journey.

    Q/A
    Q: How are you going to use your hammock?
    A: I camp out of my kayak during the months that I can get on the water as well as Winter camping. Here in Ohio for Winter camping I expect no lower than zero degrees and most times it is in the 20's.

    Q: How big are you?
    A: I am 6'2" and currently 260lbs. I'd like to be down to 240lbs by Winter but since they keep making tasty food that may be difficult.

    Q: What are some of the features you (n00b) THINK you want?
    A: Hey, easy there fella, I'm trying the best I can!
    - Using the Eagles Nest Outfitters brand as a reference I think I want the Double Nest size to handle the fact I'm a bigger fella.
    - I also think I want the double layer that allows me to put a padding, like my Therm-A-Rest, into to help out for Winter camping.
    - Mosquito (etc) netting. I've seen the ones that are attached where you turn it over if you don't need it and also the "socks". Not sure which most people root for here.

    Q: That seems to cover the basics, what else?
    A: I seen a picture of where someone looked like they had a large sleeping bag as a "sock" for the Winter. Gave some insulation under the hammock as well as over. I thought that looked pretty nifty. I haven't seen all the designs yet but I have one in my head that I'll make myself if a reasonably priced one is not available.

    Q: What, no rain protection?
    A: I always carry a large tarp with me and I think I can "A-Frame" that over a guide line to keep the rain off. Not sure how people handle the open ends but I figure I'll get that solved here in this forum.

    OK.... what other questions should I ask myself so I don't go camping my first time and figure out I forgot things?

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    I forgot to mention that I am also reading the stickies up at the top, etc. I'm sure those will go a long way in educating me.

  3. #3
    Senior Member opie's Avatar
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    Mar 2009
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    Lansing, MI
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    DIY Bridge
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    Etowah, gargoyle
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    Sounds like you are on the right track.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    My current plan is to put all my money in the hammock itself. I can always get a nicer rain fly, under quilt (or whatever it is called), straps, etc.
    Last edited by WonderMonkey; 05-31-2010 at 18:38.

  5. #5
    slowhike's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Hammock
    DIY, gathered end , w/ spreader
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    JRB Universal
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    If you go to the home page & click on "Forums" & look in the section that starts w/ "General Hammock Talk", you'll see different parts of the hammock system have their own forums, including "Bottom Insulation" http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=88
    Which also includes two sub-forums, Pads & underquilts.
    That will help you zero in on one part at a time.
    And welcome!
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by slowhike View Post
    If you go to the home page & click on "Forums" & look in the section that starts w/ "General Hammock Talk", you'll see different parts of the hammock system have their own forums, including "Bottom Insulation" http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=88
    Which also includes two sub-forums, Pads & underquilts.
    That will help you zero in on one part at a time.
    And welcome!
    Good information, thanks!

    Just as soon as I think I've seen a "Hey, that's what I need, right there!" I read another post or dive into a link and I've changed my mind. I hope I don't fall into "Paralysis by Analysis" on this.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Mustardman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    San Francisco Bay Area
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    It's easy to get overwhelmed - there is a ton of information out there.

    My advice is to grab a Warbonnet Blackbird hammock, and use a foam pad and your existing tarp until you figure out what you want to do for bottom insulation and a rainfly. It's easier to decide after you've spent a couple nights in the hammock, and your system will likely be constantly evolving.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mustardman View Post
    It's easy to get overwhelmed - there is a ton of information out there.

    My advice is to grab a Warbonnet Blackbird hammock, and use a foam pad and your existing tarp until you figure out what you want to do for bottom insulation and a rainfly. It's easier to decide after you've spent a couple nights in the hammock, and your system will likely be constantly evolving.
    That looks like a nice hammock and would certainly hold up to my height and weight. Thanks for the point.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    I'm torn between getting an attached bug net versus the sleeve bug net. If I am going to use my hammock year round wouldn't an attached bug net get in the way during the Winter?

  10. #10
    Senior Member
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    First welcome to the forum, second if you haven't already looked at em, I would definitely recommend taking a look at Shug's video's as he cover's pretty much everything that goes into hammock camping! You could also look at the specific manufacturer thread's and could see/hear what user's think and all!?!?

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