First hang in the Sipsey

**Minotaurus** · 04-17-2011, 18:41

Also my first trip alone in the woods. It was a whole lot of fun. I planned to hike the 209, but ended up doing the 200 to 207 to 210 (the Sipsey River was way too deep to ford while solo). Only did about a mile of the 210 because the camping didn't look good. Anyway, I ended up heading back and camping on the 207.

The pic is my new 1.0 WBBB hanging with a Maccat deluxe over the top. I put my inflatable sleeping pad between the two layers, but I overinflated it a little bit. Also, I think my ridgeline was a bit tight in the hammock. Overall though, I had a good night of sleep and look forward to doing some hammock camping in the future.

By replacing my tent with the tarp and hammock set up and getting rid of my old synthetic bag for a down one, I reduced my pack weight from about 34 lbs to 22.2 lbs for a two day (one night) trip (everything but water included). It was awesome! I am going to either dump a few items or find lighter alternatives for my next trip.

The only bummer about the trip was that the forecast predicted a low of 42, but the actual low ended up being 29! Thank goodness for the inflatable pad and a 20 degree down bag! The only place that I got cold was on my shoulder that was hanging off of the pad in the middle of the night.

**BillyBob58** · 04-17-2011, 21:23

Allright, Minotaurus! Congrats on first solo hang and dealing with 29F vs 42F and 1st hang in the Sipsey to boot!

**bigbamaguy** · 04-17-2011, 22:07

Congrats on the successful first hang..............You picked one heck of a challenging area for a first time outing. Be very proud indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!

**creativeKayt** · 04-18-2011, 00:09

Hear! Hear! Good work, Minotaurus! Congrats on a successful hang!

**Minotaurus** · 04-18-2011, 07:33

Originally Posted by bigbamaguy

Congrats on the successful first hang..............You picked one heck of a challenging area for a first time outing. Be very proud indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

Fortunately I've made several trips in the Sipsey. This was just my first one with a hammock. So I knew what was in store.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 04-18-2011, 08:12

Great to see you had such a great time. I will be up there in 5 weeks. Post more pictures! The 200/207 was one possible route being considered. How many miles did you do all together?

**Minotaurus** · 04-18-2011, 08:54

200/207 is a great combo, but there are very few good camping spots on the 207.

I ended up doing about 17 miles total. I didn't get many more good pictures. I will take a look at them when I get home tonight and post anything that looks good.

If you've never been to Sipsey before, I would recommend starting at the Thompson trailhead and heading out to the big tree. There is plenty of great camping along those trails.

**Arok** · 04-18-2011, 09:01

I'm also starting to plan a trip for next month to the Sipsey. I have never been, but I have a map.

**Can't Wait** · 04-18-2011, 09:33

Glad to see trip went well and the crocs and the bears didn't get ya

**Minotaurus** · 04-18-2011, 16:36

Originally Posted by Arok

I'm also starting to plan a trip for next month to the Sipsey. I have never been, but I have a map.

Keep in mind that it is very easy to get lost in the Sipsey. Even with a map. The trails are all poorly marked. If you want some company, just let me know (same goes for you Buffalo Skipper). I will likely be out there anyway. I'm always down to have new people in the group.