Considering a Hammock

[fire_water]

This is yet another "I am considering a hammock and want more info about them" post :-) I will start off with describing my current shelter system, sleeping position, and some requirements and concerns.

Current shelter:
- Ray Jardine 2 person sil-nylon tarp (similar to this one)
- no-see-um netting inner net-tent for bug season
- home made synthetic quilt
- I have materials on-hand to start construction of a down inflatable sleeping pad (72" x 30" x 2.5")

Sleep position: start on my back and flip to side sleeping the rest of the night

Environment: fall and winter in the mid-west U.S. are my favorite backpacking seasons with occasional spring and summer trips.

Hammock Requirements:
- accomodate a 5'10" 160lb. person
- side-sleeper friendly
- flexible setup for cold and warm weather
- bug net option
- ground shelter option
- light weight is important

Concerns:
- side sleeping
- banana feeling
- weight of entire hammock setup
- where to store my backpack loaded with gear?
- cost of a cold weather hammock setup
- purchase or build? I have a list of sewing projects on my plate so not sure I want to take on another one


So starts the long road of researching hammock brands and features and deciding if a hammock is right for me. Any advice, experiences, comparison info, etc. are appreciated.

Thank you!

Nick

[Ramblinrev]

The northeast is lousy with hangers and depending on where you are I suspect that within two hours of you in any direction there is a hanger who would be happy to let you give their rig a try. I'm in central PA and have three styles... HH explorer (old style), DIY Bridge and DIY top loader (no bugnet). If you are any wherre near central PA give me a PM and we'll see about getting together so you can lie and try before you buy. That's my recommendation. Personally.. I'd drop the ground requirement... but that's just me.

[Shug]

Hey there. I did a series on video that may answer some of those questions and give more insight into the hammock life: Hammock How-To and Whatnot
Hope it helps some.
Shug

[Southernfan6885]

You CANNOT go wrong watching shug's videos, unless you wet your pants from laughter. Seriously though, I would watch those and follow his advice. He's largely to blame for me being so darn interested in hammocking!