New in SC

[trigger hurt]

If it hadn't been for that big evil storm cell rolling through here, I would have been there Friday night! That does NOT sound like a good time. Time to hit google and figure out where Honey Hill is.

Alternately, there's a great spot to stealth camp a mile or so from that campground.

Boris

There's plenty of great spots to stealth camp, but when it's cool enough for me to camp, it's also hunting season. Gotta be really, really stealthy and know your surroundings.

Personally, there's a few places I'd like to try near Awendaw.

This is Honey Hill Recreation Area --> http://maps.google.com/maps?q=33.17447+-79.56242

[Boris Losdindawoods]

Personally, there's a few places I'd like to try near Awendaw.

Awendaw is practically my backyard. As soon as it cools off, let's go. Caleb is the new guy so he brings the beverages, right?

Boris

[trigger hurt]

that sounds fair to me.

are you familiar with buck hall recreation area? the southern terminus of the palmetto trail starts there. I've wanted to hike in for an overnight there for a while, but I've never had any volunteers to go with.

[CalebMoses]

I'm good for beverages. I think I talked the wife in to setting aside $$ for a warbonnet. Do you think its feasible to make my own tarp or should I suck it up and buy one? If so what do ya'll recommend? I would love to do as many day or weekend trips as possible. I coach football so i would be able to head out late Friday and stay till Sunday. Let me know!!

[carolinasbackpacker]

I'm good for beverages. I think I talked the wife in to setting aside $$ for a warbonnet. Do you think its feasible to make my own tarp or should I suck it up and buy one? If so what do ya'll recommend? I would love to do as many day or weekend trips as possible. I coach football so i would be able to head out late Friday and stay till Sunday. Let me know!!

How are you at sewing? I can't sew a lick so I got a MacCat delux and I am quite pleased with it!

[CalebMoses]

I took a sewing class in high school...made an apron, boxers, pillow, and pin cushion. Part of me wants to just buy it, then try to make another from the design. Is that cheating?

[Boris Losdindawoods]

Do you think its feasible to make my own tarp or should I suck it up and buy one?

You can definitely make your own, but it's not really going to save you any money unless you're a gram weenie. You can get a perfectly good light weight tarp in the range of $25 to $35.

Chinook 9.5' x 9.5'
Chinook 9.5'x12'
Chinook 12'x14' monster

If you want to go even less expensive, you can go to Lowes or Ace Hardware and pick up a tarp for under $10. The more expensive tarps are no better at keeping you dry, they're just lighter. If you're car camping, then who cares? If you're going to hike, the weight may or may not matter to you.

Boris

[NCPatrick]

But if you're into making your own gear, go for it. I've yet to make a tarp (although I've helped and was present while someone made one) but I think it would be pretty rewarding to be under something YOU made out there in the piney woods.

[CalebMoses]

I think I like the idea of making my own gear. My main use for the hammock and tarp will be 3-4 day backpacking trips, usually Sept.- Oct. in the Smoky Mountains. Weight is always an issue, as is warmth. Will most of warmth come from under/ over quilts or does the tarp help in that area? Any recommendations for the area/ season? I eventually see myself owning/making multiple setups for different environments. For now, what do I need to be comfortable?

[JWinNC]

NC guy here. Love Charleston and surrounding areas... just got back from Edisto Island. Slept out one night in hammock... was gosh awful hot, but fun.

JW