looking for all the info I can get

**bikepacker** · 10-20-2011, 22:56

I am new here and am enjoying reading and learning all there is to know
about hammock's. I am getting into bike packing on a mountain bike and
think that this would make an ideal shelter as far as protection and
the lightweight of the system.

I am in the Denver area and am planning on riding the Colorado trail this
next year and am wanting to carry a hammock with me. I think sleeping
with my legs elevated will help my legs recover at night from a long day
of riding. Anyone else into bikepacking on here with personal hammock
setup do or dont's.

I will be making my own gathered end hammock that is shown on the site
to start with and plan on putting a cuben tarp together as well.

This is a great site by the way and it's nice to see how helpful and
friendly everyone seems. Get tired of other fourms where no matter
what you post somebody will come along and post negative or rude
comments sooner or later. None of that here it seems so I will be
enjoying all the info available here.

**dragon360** · 10-20-2011, 23:06

Welcome and hello to the good life from Canada!

**bhinson** · 10-20-2011, 23:07

Hi and welcome to HF from Winnipeg MB Canada
I'm also new just joined this year
It is a great place
I tooky
Mt.bike an Hammock on a short test ride
This summer and got a few funny looks
From passes by as I lay in my hammock
Along the trail
But I can tell ya after some hard riding it was nice to have my feel up
Even if it was only for an hour or so

**FLRider** · 10-20-2011, 23:24

Welcome from somewhere flatter than your current area!

I got into hammocking due to bike camping as well (which is different from bikepacking; think car camping using a bike and you're not far wrong). Yes, the ability to raise your legs after a long ride is definitely helpful. Yes, the lack of tent poles and lighter weight of the system versus comparable tents/pads in the warm months is great. Yes, a larger tarp will give you a place to put the bike out of the weather.

I can't recommend hammocking during three-season weather enough. During winter is where it begins to have issues, but even those are soluble with enough ingenuity or cash. I haven't been disappointed in any of my bought gear yet, and my DIY gear has mostly worked as well (a surprise for me; I expected it to fall apart the first time!).

Welcome to the forums, and if you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me!

**Stormstaff** · 10-21-2011, 05:07

Welcome to the family!

**Gaberloonzie** · 10-23-2011, 06:17

Welcome from Columbia, SC! I would love to "bikepack" but it seems like most of the really great camping areas around are hike in only, there are plenty of mountain bike trails but I don't think they allow camping though I could be looking in the wrong places.

**OutandBack** · 10-23-2011, 07:32

Hi bikepacker,
Welcome to the forum from another Mtn Biker.
You couldn't be talking about mtbr, front range forum could you? haha
I bike pack with my hammock and would be happy to discuss what I have found that works.
I currently ride a 07 Yeti AS-X and an 04 Azonic depending on the trail. Both are setup to carry overnte gear.

Again welcome.

**olddog** · 10-23-2011, 08:43

Welcome aboard from Florida. Enjoy the ride and the fun!

**pellet gun** · 10-23-2011, 09:00

Hello, from the warm, sunny south!!

**Doctari** · 10-23-2011, 11:27

Welcome aboard!

As you start out, do NOT try to "Get it all at once" As we often warn NOOBs, there is a HUGE learning curve going to a hammock*. Most start with Shug's videos because that is a great place to START! Then read the comments about the various hammocks & accessories. Look at pictures, ask questions, then go over to Cannibal's house & pick his brain,

try a few of his hammocks out & see what you like best & go from there.

*Being here at HF can lessen that curve, but just because I like hammock "A" Doesn't mean you will. You may prefer hammock "C", which I can't sleep in at all. Sorry!