First overnight hang

**WonderMonkey** · 08-01-2010, 18:30

Sorry for the crappy photos, my wife took the camera for the weekend. Had to use my phone camera.

On with the show!

My kayak buddy and I both decided to do a safe trip for our first overnight in our hammocks. We thought it would be a fine idea to do a small trip on the river not that far from where we lived.

Referencing the following map with the links on the left....

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=39....CCD383B86!1441

After Kayak Buddy (KB now) got off work on Saturday we hit the water around 8pm. We start at a place called "The Narrows". The link on the left named "LMR - 72.2 - Narrows Reserve Canoe Launch" shows the spot. We paddle for a short time (about 5 miles, getting dark you know) and arrive at Bellbrook Canoe Rental who has graciously allowed up to stay there overnight. See the link named "LMR - 67.5 - Bellbrook Canoe Rental".

KB had an ENO Doublenest hammock and an ENO Guardian Bugnet. I had a Warbonnet Traveler hammock and an ENO Guardian Bugnet. KB had hung overnight in his backyard a few times with his Doublenest and I've only been in my Traveler while watching a baseball tournament from beyond he outfield fence.

Last night I didn't really need a bugnet but I thought I'd set it up to give it a go. Here is the finished setup:

Notice we are using the posts of a shelter. We both had cheap tarps so when presented with the opportunity to use the shelter we decided to hop on it.

When going through the bug net I noticed that the vertical zipper would certainly work but I think I'm going to order a horizontal one very soon. I got up twice during the night and noticed that if I didn't have the zipper in a convenient place it was a bit awkward.

Once through the bug net it only took me a few seconds to find a very nice level lay. Ahh, very nice.

After a few brats over open fire, and a few beverages I had brought with me we hit the hay for the night. After a few minutes I got up and stuffed some extra clothes in the hammock's stuff sack for a pillow. Huge difference for me. After that I found I was very comfortable with no knee pressure that I've heard from some here when they can't find a level lay.

The next morning KB woke me up (curse him!) and I still felt comfortable.

I had taken a CCF with me but didn't use it. I used a sleeping bag but only had it over top of me with my feet in the "foot box". That worked out great.

I look forward to my next overnight hang. I'm still going to enjoy my normal bed but I'll really enjoy the overnights in my hammock.

**pineapplenewton** · 08-01-2010, 19:02

sounds great. your lucky its still warm enough where you are to sleep with nothing underneath you.

**WonderMonkey** · 08-01-2010, 19:06

I'm looking forward to sleeping in the cold. I'm happy that I have time to prepare and get some proper gear for it.

**Poppabear** · 08-02-2010, 08:23

Ya got to do a little paddling and spend a night in your hammock. Life is good!

**WonderMonkey** · 08-02-2010, 09:41

It was VERY good!

**soundmanob** · 08-02-2010, 09:49

I think paddling and hammocking would be a lot of fun.. Been looking at the Native, Crucial 12. Love the water...
Utilizing the shelterhouse is a good idea especially with the picnic table right there. Any other campers near?

**WonderMonkey** · 08-02-2010, 11:14

Originally Posted by soundmanob

I think paddling and hammocking would be a lot of fun.. Been looking at the Native, Crucial 12. Love the water...
Utilizing the shelterhouse is a good idea especially with the picnic table right there. Any other campers near?

This was a place easy to drive up to. There was a large shelter about 50 yards away and there was a group of people in their 20's that already had their tents up and a good fire going. They had some music going so we got to enjoy that. They turned it off at a fair hour so we then got to enjoy the sounds of nature and the river going by just 10 yards away.

Paddling and camping is fun. I've done it using a tent a few times. The challenge is making sure you have a kayak that has adequate room for whatever gear you feel you need to take with you. You can really feel just a few pounds extra while paddling. You scrape bottom more often and you are pushing more boat through the water (boat sits lower).