New to hammock camping and looking for some guidance.

**NerdMachine** · 09-12-2012, 19:49

Here is my current setup:

The setup includes:

Homemade hammock with bug net - 575g
Homemade 10x10 tarp - 747g
Carrying case and rope - 154g
Inflatable sleeping pad - 900g
North face -8C synthetic fill sleeping bad - 1400g

I recently slept in it in 10C weather wearing long johns and I was fine.

I like this setup, but I am interested in getting it lighter and warmer. I want to be able to camp year round, and it goes down to ~ -10C here in Newfoundland, Canada.

The first thing I am going to get is a foam pad for lightness 3-season hiking. I then want to move towards a underquilt, overquilt setup. I made the other gear myself so I want to make my own quilts as well. Any guides or stores for the materials would be appreciated.

I think I would keep my 10x10 tarp for 4 season use, and make a trapezoid small one for minimalist hiking in the summer.

Does this sound like a good plan?

**gunner76** · 09-12-2012, 19:55

Sounds like you are on the right path. Just try and test all your gear under controled conditions so if something does not work as planed you find it out before you get deep into the woods.

Check http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/ for DIY materials and he also has some plans for some gear.

**NerdMachine** · 09-12-2012, 20:02

Thanks. That is where I got all my materials and guides initially.

Is it worth it to add cat curves to my tarp or turn it into a hex to save a little weight?

**NerdMachine** · 09-12-2012, 20:05

I see this guide for an insultex quilt.

How would that compare to down, and could I add an additional layer to make it warm enough for winter?

**Bigbaby** · 09-12-2012, 20:45

You need you an under quilt to keep you warmer and a top quilt to lighten your load.

**dammfast** · 09-12-2012, 20:51

Have someone hold your wallet for you!! might save you a trip to the poor house.

**gunner76** · 09-12-2012, 20:57

How would that compare to down,

It would a bit heavier than down and would not pack down as small as down. Good point is that it should cost less.

**Fish<><** · 09-13-2012, 06:36

First and foremost, welcome to the forums. Secondly, gunner has great advice. Here is mine. With the tarp, keep that one big and no cat cuts. Diy a smaller one for minimalist. The reason why is when it gets down that cold, keeping your heat under the tarp is a big concern. The closer to the ground you can pitch it, the better. With cat cuts you will have a hard time keeping drafts out which in turn wil rob you of heat. I would like to offer a suggestion in place, if you are really wanting to do the cat cut thing. Get a sock. They have been reported to add on average of a 10 degree farenheit increase in temperature surrounding your hammock. Also, down underquilts are lightweight, warm and compress very well. The only downside is they are expensive, and are quite a deal to DIY.

**NerdMachine** · 09-13-2012, 08:04

What do you mean by a sock?

I haven't found any good guides/materials for a down underquilt? Would a diy down one be significantly better than a diy insultex one?

**Fish<><** · 09-13-2012, 08:16

Here you go!

And yes down would be waaaay better than ix. Unlesss...you want a summer quilt. As far as instructions, they are kind of spread out but if you look for a sticky titled "how fronkey stuffs down" it will help with handling it from being all over your house. There are numerous places to find out how to make underquilts. Sounds complicated yet simple at the same time.

Hope this helps