Newbee from Louisiana

[RabbyTat]

Greetings from Mississippi (Actually, I am really a Louisianian who is away in the employment exile so common with our home state...)

There are a bunch of hangers who meet at the Wild Azalea Trail just west of Alexandria. River Rat usually organizes the events. Look and see if one is coming up again. There are usually several types of rigs in attendance. Just bring a tent and "hang around" until you decide on what you want to buy.

I have a Hennessey and they treated me well.

RT

PS - My avatar picture was taken at one of the trail events.

[wilder setx]

hello from south east texas

[Fish<><]

for getting into this sport/hobby anything that'll get you off the ground will do. you can start out with a basic type of system for not too much investment. like any other hobby, you can easily lighten your wallet if not careful.

Many have been pleased with a hennessey for their first setup. for around $200 you can get a setup to get you in the trees in no time with little fuss. since i do not have a hennessey i cannot personally attest to the comfort and ease of use, but what i have read has been mostly positive.

People also love their warbonnet black bird's. Like a hennessey it also has a built in bugnet. once again, i do not own one so i also cannot say one way or the other.

I do however own a BIAS hammock, and can attest to the amazing workmanship and customer service pre and post purchase. Their hammocks do not have built in bugnetss, but in mossy infested areas, you will be bitten from your underside without treating your equipment with permethrin every couple of months.

What i personally recommend is to get a regular hammock, buy a bugnet, a tarp, some straps, rope, and whatever else you might need that you don't already have handy from your tent, and get to hanging.

Here is a setup that is cheap but will get you elevated off those nasty rocks, nuts, and sticks:

Hammock: http://www.amazon.com/Hammock-Bliss-...+bliss+hammock

Bugnet: http://www.amazon.com/Hammock-Bliss-...ammock+bug+net

or: http://www.amazon.com/Hammock-Bliss-...+bliss+hammock

tarp: http://www.amazon.com/Hammock-Bliss-...ock+bliss+tarp

these are the necessities, and all from amazon with a grand total of about $150

here is a cottage industry alternative:

Hammock: http://www.buttinasling.com/1seyoha.html (you can add a bugnet for $65 to your order)

tarp: http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier....ccat_tarps.php

this grand total (minus any insulation) is around $200 but is higher quality and much lighter since it is all made in america by people who actually enjoy this hobby like us and understand our needs.

third option to offer: look at hennessey's website. too many options for their stuff....

[gmcpcs]

Hello, and welcome from Texas!

[Willowcreek]

Welcome from Lafayette, LA

[RabbyTat]

Yigo Guam! Too cool. Hafa adai.

I lived in Tamuning and worked in Hagatna a couple of years ago. Stayed sane with hiking, diving and motorcycling.

RT

[toadz]

Welcome from Charleston, SC

[barnabus1898]

Welcome from Natchitoches! Whatever you do, make sure you have a BUG NET!!! I'm probably about to start doing some DIY'S once I get a thread injector, but in the mean time I have an ENO Guardian, and it more or less does the job. Make sure your hammock is thick enough to keep those critters off your back side, or have a 3 season UQ. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about that...

[barbermike]

welcome to the forum from Tennessee!

[Jazilla]

Hello and welcome from 10 minutes away. Finding the perfect hammock is not easy but it is possible. Shoot any questions you may have. We have a hang coming up and tents are more than welcome. Come and learn from folks that have been at it a while. If not there are a few of us close by that will be more than happy to help.