What do you wish you knew when you started?

[louisfb]

Another newb here and after reading this thread there is still one thing I am just not sure about. Should I get an UQ?

Thanks,

--louis

[MrClockWork]

Go to the park/back yard and practice (ad nauseum) setting up everything in every possible configuration before you make up your mind whether it works or not.

Think! Everybody has experiences and expertise that will be valuable when applied to all of the elements of camping. Don't assume you solved the world's problems when you have an idea but try and present it to an authority on the issue here (read: Grizz= bridges and suspensions, Opie= anything involving splicing, SGT Rock= anything ultralight, Shug= anything in general and how to make videos completely entertaining, etc...) Most likely they have been there and done that and can shed a little light on the party.

Get hooked up with local hangers for a trip. We all speak the same language

Know that everybody has their own "must have"s so their setup might not work for you. Try stuff out. Think about what you "must have" (light weight/simple/ fiddle factor/ lots of coverage/ fool proof/ etc... and go for that.

[Shnick]

Another newb here and after reading this thread there is still one thing I am just not sure about. Should I get an UQ?

Thanks,

--louis

Yes

Shnick

[GrizzlyAdams]

what I wished I'd known before is how engrossing (one might say addictive) this hammock gear business is. Not sure that knowing this would have changed anything, but I really had no idea how much of my hobby time would be sucked away by hammocks and the hammock culture here.

newbe beware!

[sturgeon]

Just to be contrary...

DON'T get an underquilt!

At least not at first. Pads are cheaper and they work. If you feel hammocking is for you, and if you think pads are uncomfortable, then maybe you'll spring for a UQ later. If not, you haven't made too big an investment.

DO get a double layer hammock if you can. It saved me a few nights. I was able to stuff all kinds of stuff in there to stay warm when I exceeded my UQ's temp. rating.
It also keeps a pad from moving around.

DO get way more Amsteel and Dynaglide than you think you'll need. You can never have enough cordage. Pretty soon, you'll be wanting to make your own WhoOpie slings and continuous ridgelines, etc, etc,

[jayf124]

That simplicity can sometimes be the best option.

Carefully evaluate any improvements or changes you want to make before you put your money toward the newest, latest, lightest, smallest thing available.

There is a ton of excellent info here from great people with a lot of hammock experience.

Use their experience and the information they share here to your advantage, BUT, just because forum member _________ who has _____ posts uses ________ for their ________ doesn't mean that will be the best _______ for you.

Jay

[uncle_ray_ray]

Ounces count! Less ounces cost, but in the end it's well worth it. You may as well purchase the lighrweight stuff initially, pay for it, get it over with, because you'll be coming back later to purchase it anyway.

[bindibadgi]

just because forum member _________ who has _____ posts uses ________ for their ________ doesn't mean that will be the best _______ for you.

Unless it's _______. Then it's practically infallible.

I have to add a +1 on making an inventory (and include precise weights). You'll know what you've got and how much it will cost your knees. You also won't forget something necessary!

Good. Now how do I show past me this thread?

[tuna]

what I wished I'd known before is how engrossing (one might say addictive) this hammock gear business is. Not sure that knowing this would have changed anything, but I really had no idea how much of my hobby time would be sucked away by hammocks and the hammock culture here.

newbe beware!

my thoughts too.


oh I wish I knew about hammock camping several years ago. I like to analyze and evaluate what I need and I find the best place to do that is in my hammock.

[Gustav]

I wish I knew earlier...that an underquilt was the only way to go. After you get an UQ what a difference and what a good nights sleep. Thanks Hammockgear.

Plus 1 UQ was the thing that made the biggest improvement!! HammockGear.com keeps me all warm inside. (My Hammock)