Hi everyone. I am trying to figure out what hammock to get for cycle-touring--I needed a new tent but then decided a hammock might be better, since I find them comfortable--so I thought I'd try this Hammock Forums thing, but I'm finding it a bit overwhelming. Most of it seems directed at people who already know a lot. Which makes sense, but is there somewhere on HF where those of us who don't know all the lingo, and don't know all the reasons why we might need x, y or z, and don't know how it all works, can get some guidance? And recommendations *with explanations* of why this thing is better for that circumstance?
Here's what I'm looking for. I'm 5'4" and likely to remain under 130 pounds for the foreseeable future so weight limits are not an issue for me. Weight of the hammock & related gear matters, but it doesn't have to be ridiculously super-light either--it will be in the panniers, not on my back. (My bike is steel, not titanium--I'm not paying a lot more to shave off an ounce here or there.) I don't think I need to lay especially flat, as I've slept in various kinds of hammocks without discomfort. My experiences doing cycle-touring in tents in the northeast included some encounters with voracious mosquitos, so I'm disinclined to skip the bugnet. I'm NOT likely to be cycle-touring in weather below 50 degrees (60s daytime, 50 at night). I love the DIY concept but don't really want to get into sewing--no time for that, I just want to ride and camp. I don't have to get the cheapest hammock there is, but I'm not eager to spend a lot more than I need to. I won't buy anything at WalMart (we don't even have one in NYC but if we did, I wouldn't shop there).
I already bought (on sale) JRB Jacks 'R' Better Hammock End Straps & Tri-Glides Set. I already have one of those blue foam sleeping pads, and what has been an acceptable sleeping bag for summer tent camping--one side is like a sheet, the other side is warmer. I also have a REALLY old (pre-1960) down/cotton double-sleeping bag (my parents used it for camping before I was born) which I have been debating what to do about (it kind of needs cleaning and some repairs to the stitching, and I'm not really up for that, but don't want to waste valuable down... suggestions welcome).
And I have some questions (sorry if this is the wrong place for them, since I think I'm supposed to just introduce myself here):
I'm guessing that hammock camping requires more stuff for warmth (heavier sleeping bag, under-quilt, etc.) than tent camping. How much more and what will I need for a nighttime low temp of 50? (I hate trying to sleep while feeling cold--even a little bit cold!)
I saw someone mention that some campsites don't let you hang stuff from trees. How common is that at state park campsites in the northeast? Anyone know?
I think I had more questions but it's late, I'm tired and I forgot them.
I look forward to a barrage of hammock-geek knowledge in response to this, but please try to keep it accessible to this ignorant novice. Thanks!
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