Moral Dilemma: Whose Comfort?

[easyriver]

If your intention is to introduce them to hanging then make it as easy for them as possible. I wouldn't let them choose. Choose for them IAW their physical size if possible. Suggest that they rotate their hammocks later. If your intention is to have future hanging partners then hopefully you will get it right. Those younger backs may come in handy some day!

Hope you have a good time.

[NCPatrick]

I agree that it's up to you and what you feel comfortable doing. Any one of those hammocks is going to be comfortable, and the weight difference is IMO negligible.

[TinaLouise]

I would make sure that between the 3 of you, that you'all are carrying enough insulation to stay warm. You can have the most comfortable hammock in the world but it wont be a pleasant experience if your shaking all night from the cold.

I also would let everyone try all the hammocks and then decide who sleeps where. Just pack all 3 of your backpacks up evenly and when you get to the campsite, do a lesson with each hammock on how to set it up. You do the first one then oversee them putting up the other two. You could throw in a "proper campsite selection for hammocks" too. (like picking out the worst ground spot for a tent but showing how hammocks are above all that) And don't forget about widow-makers.

By all means, make sure they enjoy it and have fun.

TinaLouise

[sswens]

Well Good Question. If you want them to appreciate Hammocking i would probably let them have the warmer and lighter setups that way in the future you will have more poeple to Go Hammocking with if they have a good experience.

[Bradley]

My son, a son-in-law and myself . . . Should I . . . so they have a nicer hike? . . . ?

If your intention is to introduce them to hanging then make it as easy for them as possible . . . Hope you have a good time.

. . . If you want them to appreciate Hammocking . . . that way in the future you will have more poeple to Go Hammocking with if they have a good experience.

Make it good for them . . . but don't hurt your self . . .

[grampa]

Thanks for all the (conflicting) advice! The range of responses matches how I feel! Bradley, you sum it up nicely!

At this point, I'm feeling like the hammock choice really doesn't matter all that much. The hammock lay is very similar and the weight difference is pretty minimal. I might suggest to them that they use the BBs, since they will be a bit less complicated to use vs the separate bugnet of Traveler.

We went over the clothes they're taking last night, and I'm now sure I'll use the summer weight quilts, and have them use the 3-season ones. I'm better situated to stay warm in a thinner set of quilts, both by other gear and by experience. I certainly won't freeze with the summer quilts, and I can be sure they will be more comfortable.

And Jeremy, I will certainly make sure they understand their survival depends on not ruining my gear!!!!!

[FireInMyBones]

That sounds like a good idea.