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  1. #1
    Member survive7713's Avatar
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    What is the most important thing to buy??

    I am going to take a poll among all of the hangers here. What is the most important thing you should purchase: hammock and tarp, sleeping bag or pad.

    Leave your opinion and suggestions for others.

    Thanks
    Last edited by survive7713; 04-28-2012 at 08:36.
    Happy Hanging To All

    S-size up the situation
    U-undue haste makes waste
    R-remember where you are
    V-vanquish fear and panic
    I-improvise
    V-value living
    A-act like the natives
    L-live by your wits

  2. #2
    Senior Member angrysparrow's Avatar
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    The options are incomplete.

    When considering a hammock setup as a shelter kit, the tarp is always the most important component, even more than the hammock. It's what provides your actual shelter from the elements.

    After that, it's your insulation (in cold weather, at least). For most situations, I'd personally go with an underquilt and top quilt (or a bag used as a quilt) rather than a bag and pad combo.

    The hammock is, IMO, the third most important item. Its function in the system is more like a suspended bivy. It can protect from insects (netted ones do, anyway) and let you be suspended above uneven or rocky ground, but it doesn't actually keep you dry or warm like the above items.

    Backpacks don't really fit into this consideration. That's more of the 'mode of carry', which would be different depending on the trip.
    “I think that when the lies are all told and forgot the truth will be there yet. It dont move about from place to place and it dont change from time to time. You cant corrupt it any more than you can salt salt.” - Cormac McCarthy

  3. #3
    Member survive7713's Avatar
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    Thank you I have edited the options.
    Happy Hanging To All

    S-size up the situation
    U-undue haste makes waste
    R-remember where you are
    V-vanquish fear and panic
    I-improvise
    V-value living
    A-act like the natives
    L-live by your wits

  4. #4
    Senior Member WV's Avatar
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    AS speaks true. If funds are limited:

    1) You can make a hammock with 3 yds. of fabric and some rope.

    2) Buy a tarp (you can save $$$ by getting 4 mil poly and some mason's line; use pebbles wrapped in the corners to tie to).

    3) Buy a good underquilt (not a pad).

    4) Use an open sleeping bag as a top quilt (or wear lots of clothing).

    Simple, eh? Don't skimp on step 3.
    Last edited by WV; 04-28-2012 at 09:55.

  5. #5
    I think a UQ is the most important purchase.

  6. #6
    Member hammocksonlyplease's Avatar
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    I'm going to say for me it is the under-quilt first, and then the tarp, because I can sleep in good weather with no tarp, but anything under 73 degrees Fahrenheit and you will regret not having bottom insulation. The pad is not a good choice if you don't have a second layer (like the wbbb) to put it in to help keep you on it all night.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    I'm going to go with everyone else on this, an underquilt is definitely the first thing you should purchase... Even though I still haven't taken my own advice... I figured ohh, a pad will be fine but let me tell you it's not.

    I've slept one night on the pad and it was horrible, every time I moved the pad would move and I would be cold. I'm just waiting for my new credit card to come in the mail so I can call Adam over at Hammock Gear and order myself a Phoenix! And a Burrow while I'm at it, all done up with M50! The wait is almost unbearable!

  8. #8
    Senior Member exup's Avatar
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    +1 on what WV said.

  9. #9
    Senior Member bcaron's Avatar
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    My head says that the tarp is most important....but my backside says UNDERQUILT!
    " I have not yet begun to procrastinate!"

  10. #10
    Senior Member fin's Avatar
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    Underquilt. As others have said, you only need a tarp when it rains but you need insulation all the time. They are also a lot more difficult to make, whereas a tarp can be made from a roll of tyvek, a blue poly walmart tarp, 4 mil plastic sheeting, etc..... Hammocks are just a few yards of fabric and rope - bugnet is a luxury. Definitely underquilt.

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