Starting Out - Need 2 hammocks

[awcauld]

Ok guys, been camping with the wife for a couple of years and we have many of the same issues that many others have stated. The wife could never get comfortable on the ground. I have been lurking for a little while and I have finally gotten around to the first post. From what I think I have decided I need some advice with purchasing our first hammocks and setup. I am 6'2" 230 and my wife is 5'7" 130. Would love to have a reasonably priced setup sub 400 to 500 range with the possibility of sharing a Tarp to save some cash and space. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[DemostiX]

There are a few approaches and an active recent thread, with pictures and illustrations.

[Les Rust]

Welcome. The guys at Butt in a Sling (BIAS) hammocks are running a deal right now for $55.00 to get started with a basic set up, even with two of those you've got plenty of room for other items. You might want to check out their website. Many ways to do-it-yourself as well if you have the inclination. Keep us posted on how it goes.

[JohnSawyer]

The big questions are: Car Camping or backpacking? Expected Low temps?

Sharing a tarp? No problems, just get one of a decent size... If you're car camping, the guide gear 12x12 is a great deal...

[awcauld]

Would definitely be backpacking with not a huge emphasis on ultralight, but not trying to have something overly heavy or that doesn't pack well. Would like to venture into some three season but in time, would like to get the basic setup for warmer weather camping for now.

[Bic]

I think DIY is a great route for the hammocks themselves as it is really easy to put together a gathered end, but the butt in a sling deal sounds good too! For the tarp I recommend the wilderness logics old man winter tarp. I'm heading out this weekend with my wife and it works great for the two of us!

[Ramblinrev]

Biggest question atm is bug net or no? If you want an open top hammock there are some good choices at less than $40 per. Grand trunk, treklight both have offerings for inexpensive hammocks that would do the trick. If you want/need a bugnet, and I assume you would, the prices tend to go higher. Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter standard is the cheapest on I am familiar with. It has some quirks but is usable particularly for the wife.

[awcauld]

I see, I think we would definitely want a bug net, the question is should I get at hammock with a built in but net or buy a separate one to cut weight when not in bug season?

[Cali]

I like a seperate bugnet, so you can leave it at home in cooler weather (no bugs). However, I do like the hammocks with the attached bugnet, so you will have to decide what is best for you. Right now it is getting buggy and you may decide to get an integrated bugnet, and you can always make a simple DIY hammock without netting later. Good luck to you. Also, Altrec is having an aniversary sale right now, and they have several hammocks on sale.

[DemostiX]

You could save yourself very serious dollars with a DIY bug net for two. Very serious. It would give you an opp to "learn your preferences" in hammocks.

How? Tons of bug nets available for cot campers, and porch sleepers, and for < $30. Hang your pair of hammocks from a pair of trees. Get a few dozen "bobbie pins" or safety pins, and figure out how to shape and trim that bug net, putting in pins temporarily to do so, to be followed by stitches.

You may also need to figure out how to cut and seal a pair of make entrances/exits, and how to pin it and seal it UNDER both hammocks. Or maybe not.