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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Downers Grove, IL
    Hammock
    WBBB XLC 1.1 dbl
    Tarp
    WB Mointainfly
    Insulation
    WB Yeti UQ
    Suspension
    WB whoopie slings
    Posts
    51

    Veteran Backpacker ready to take the plunge

    Hi All,

    I've been backapacking for 25 years and have always used tents. I've got a lot invested in some pretty good gear but the more I read about hammocks and how comfortable they are, the more I want to try it myself.

    I'm a back sleeper, and have always had trouble getting a good night's sleep on the ground. After a few hours my lower back starts to stiffen up because my glutes need a fairly deep concavity to sink into. A couple years ago I bought an Exped Downmat 9 pad that was a definite improvement, but I still want something better.

    Also, I really like the the idea of being able to set up my sleeping shelter wherever two suitable trees can be found. Finding good tent sites in the backcountry can be very frustrating, and sometimes impossible if you don't make it to an established site or find it fully occupied after a long day's hike. I think a hammock will be both comfortable and liberating.

    After some research on hammocks I'm leaning towards the WB Blackbird, but I won't be taking the plunge for a few months. Backpacking season for me generally begins in September. I hail from Chicagoland, and rarely make it out west. Daytime highs much above 60 is warmer than I want to carry a 25 pound pack uphill, and bugs are not my friend. My best sleeping bag is a 20* Western Mountaineering Ultralight, which I'll probably use as a top quilt initially. Since I camp in nighttime temps down to 20 or so, an underquilt will of course be necessary.

    I'm looking forward to learning more about hammocks and the art of using them in this forum.

    Cheers,
    DW

  2. #2
    Senior Member flatline's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    high point, nc
    Hammock
    Wilderness Logics Night/Lite Owls
    Tarp
    WL-TP/OMW/BF
    Insulation
    WL-TQ/UQ x3
    Suspension
    Dutch-n-Whopies
    Posts
    2,162
    Images
    48
    welcome to HammockForums and hey from high point nc.
    there is a ton of stuff here to read, learn and ask about.
    if it's hammock related it's here or still waiting to be invented.
    hang on and have fun.

    home is where your hammock is.

  3. #3
    Senior Member squidbilly's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Alabamistan
    Hammock
    DIY
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    DIY
    Insulation
    DIY
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    DIY
    Posts
    1,095
    Images
    20
    Welcome from Gadsden,Al. You sound a lot like me. I like to backpack from fall through spring. Summers down here are brutal and the bugs will carry you away. You can't go wrong with the Blackbird, but try others if you get the chance. Maybe you can find a group hang near your area and check out some different set-ups.

  4. #4
    Senior Member bigbamaguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    NE Alabama
    Hammock
    Clark NX-200
    Tarp
    Clark XL-Fly
    Insulation
    KAQ NR UQ/AHE KAQ
    Suspension
    Strap/cinch buckle
    Posts
    1,693
    Welcome to HF from bama.............you have come to a great forum and you can't go wrong with the Blackbird hammock. I also suggest that you make it to a group hang in your area and see the different hammock set-ups, most folks will let you try their rig out......if you ask nicely.
    Par Si Vis Pace Para Bellum

  5. #5
    Senior Member grok's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Dayton, Tn.
    Hammock
    DIY
    Tarp
    DIY
    Insulation
    none yet
    Suspension
    whoopie slings
    Posts
    439
    I will make the guess that you'll love the change. If you are a little timid about spending the money just to try it out, you can make what is called a 'gathered end hammock' out of something as simple as a sheet. After you do this you will buy the WBB, and then be sure to post the pics of your first DIY

  6. #6
    Senior Member HWS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Lakewood, Ohio
    Hammock
    WB Blackbird Double Layer 1.0, DYI
    Tarp
    The Edge
    Insulation
    Jarbridge UQ HG-TQ
    Suspension
    Straps/Dutchware
    Posts
    193
    Images
    12
    Welcome Drift Woody,

    I recommend that you go to a group hang in your area to see and tryout, Hammockers are warm, welcoming and love to show off, all of the different rigs and combinations of gear that are available.

    Lots of good info and people around here on HF. Feel free to ask a lot of questions so you can make a good decision.

    Enjoy your journey from ground to above ground dwelling.
    I hike with SCISSORS cause it makes me feel dangerous ... LoL

  7. #7
    Senior Member Detail Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Hammock
    DIY or Bonefire Whisper
    Tarp
    DIY Silpoly
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    Incubator, Burrow
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    Bonefire Deluxe
    Posts
    889
    Images
    5
    Welcome to the forum, DW. Sounds like you're where I was last summer. I came across hammock camping while researching light weight backpacking. After watching Shug's intro to hammocks, I had to give it a try. After a bit of DIYing, I hung one night in the backyard and was immediately converted. One of the best things about hanging is how much cleaner it is - no more wet nasty ground sheets to pack up. I also like how much more condusive to LNT hammocks are.

    You've come to the right place to learn more. Definitely get to a group hang if you can to see all the different setups. That helped me a lot.

  8. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Downers Grove, IL
    Hammock
    WBBB XLC 1.1 dbl
    Tarp
    WB Mointainfly
    Insulation
    WB Yeti UQ
    Suspension
    WB whoopie slings
    Posts
    51
    Thanks for the warm welcome!

    I'll definitely keep an eye out for group hangs that I might be able to attend. Rather than attempt a DIY gathered bedsheet for my first time out, I can rent (or purchase and return) a Hennessey at REI. I'm not averse to some personal handiwork, but I wouldn't want my initial impressions of sleeping in a hammock to be clouded by sub-par design and workmanship

    Meanwhile, I'll read up on all the great advice in this forum!

    Cheers,
    DW

  9. #9
    Senior Member mountain_man_mike's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Clovis, CA
    Hammock
    DIY
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    DIY silnylon
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    DIY CLIMASHIELD UQ
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    DIY hugs & whoopie
    Posts
    1,632
    Welcome aboard DW!

    A few years ago I made the move to hammocks and never looked back. That feeling of tossing and turning in the night to find that "just right" spot to get comfortable and the aching back and knees vanished with that move. I am much more comfortable and a lot less grumpy in the morning as a result.

    Keep an eye out for those videos and posts by some of the legends here. They are informative as can be and entertaining beyond words.

    Happy Trails...

  10. #10
    Senior Member Fronkey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Grass Valley, Ca
    Hammock
    DIY The Crippler
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    4,848
    Welcome to HF!

    Fronkey

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