Looking forward to my first hanging

**HCook** · 10-12-2011, 22:27

Always loved camping. Son just joined BSA and I joined with him. First campout was in a tent and I didn't sleep nearly as well as I remembered doing on campouts as a kid. I've been reading and watching all I can about hammock campuing and this forum has come up too many times to not jump in. I'm looking forward to a good night sleep in a hammock. If half the stories I read are true, sleep will come better hanging in a hammock than laying on the ground.

I'm tempted by the thought of a DIY hammock, but my sleep is worth a lot to me... Do I go for it? How many times does it usually take to "get it right"?

**Shug** · 10-12-2011, 22:41

I say go for it!
I did a whole video series on hammocks and tarps that may answer some of your questions. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15516
You will be sick of me by the end.....

Carry on.
Shug

**Catavarie** · 10-12-2011, 23:47

Well I'm a big proponent of DIY. If you don't like the way the hammock lays then it's alot easier to take a pair of scissors to a DIY than a brand new $100+ Hennessy or Warbonnet. Plus there is nothing like having tailored gear.

**Lepmeister** · 10-13-2011, 03:53

Have a go!!!!!
Half the fun is a playing around.

**raiffnuke** · 10-13-2011, 04:54

Go for it!

**Macro** · 10-13-2011, 05:04

Hi, I am an assistant scoutmaster in Liberty S.C. (Troop 172). If I can help answer any questions, just send me a message. P.S. I love my Warbonnet Blackbird and the whole troop now carries hammocks when we hike.

**HCook** · 10-13-2011, 20:39

Thanks for the warm welcome. I see some of you are using woopie slings and others are using webbing. Is the choice based on weight in pack? Holding power? or Ease of setup?
I'm not totally understanding the ridge thing. It seems like a good idea to guarantee enough loose fabric to lay flat when at an angle. So why doesn't everyone use them?
BTW Shug I've already seen some of your videos on the WBBB... Love 'em! Looking forward to seeing the how to section for making my own.
Macro, we're in Blue Ridge Council, Troop 519. Another Assistant Scoutmaster and his son (Eagle about to turn 18) have the ENO hammocks. They seem to like them. I'm wondering why the rest of the troop hasn't joined in. It may be that they haven't had them long... Guess I'll find out soon. Did you switch from tent to hammock for the pack weight or comfort?

**Triggerhpy** · 10-14-2011, 00:38

Oh boy Now you went and done it. Scouts and hammock camping. Now you'll have to get one for the wife.

**Macro** · 10-14-2011, 06:52

I'm getting older! I switched for comfort and it's easier to find a place to hang the hammock. I am the guy who always finds the spot for the tent that has the hidden rock. I watched other scoutmasters get up in the morning holding their back. NOT ME! As for the troop, we used 550 para cord and some rip stop nylon to make their hammocks. Most of the boys love them so much they bought factory made one (ENO, etc.) The ridge line thing for me is to keep the bug netting off while you are in the hammock. Alot of people use it as a storage spot (hanging glasses, watches, phone, etc.)

**DocTheo** · 10-14-2011, 08:17

Welcome!

ASM for Troop 614 in Gainesville FL here.

I've been looking into doing a DIY project myself - for right now I'm loving the Hennessy system I've got - but I'm still a noob as well. I will say that it's nice to get up in the morning on campouts without back pain. I've considered hanging in the back yard and sleeping in the hammock at home!

As far as the DIY thing goes - as I tell the boys - you might possibly fail if you try something you've never done before, you will certainly fail if you never try.