New Guy with some questions

**yakyakgoose** · 12-07-2012, 23:50

Hi All-Ive been reading about hammocks for the better part of three days now (dont tell the boss) And Im having information overload, maybe I can get some help getting pointed in the right direction?

Needs: I live in colorado and want to be able to use a hammock down to around 10 degrees F. Im really worried about sleeping in a bend and on my back so been leaning towards hammocks that I can lay on my side etc. I also like the larger tarps that I can do stuff under. I also would rather use a insertable mattress pad than those bottom quilts if I can get away with it.

Current Gear: 0 degree down sleeping bag and an Exped UL 7 pad.

So...what can I get to hopefully use my current gear in addition to a hammock and a tarp to use in the rocky mountains? I did get the pad at REI and can return if need be.

Ive looked at the Exped Ergo Hammock but since Im 6' 210, its apparently made very short.

Any other hammocks I should be looking at?

**breyman** · 12-08-2012, 00:00

I have a Warbonnet Ridgerunner (bridge style hammock) that is great and works especially well with pads. Dream Hammock also has some great options. Any number of tarps would be good, depending on budget, etc. The Warbonnet Cloudburst is large and designed to go with the Ridgerunner.

The Warbonnet Blackbird is also great. I understand the desire to want to keep a pad but under quilts really are the most comfortable option.

What will you be using it for? Car camping, backpacking, a bit of everything?

Where in Colorado do you live? It might be worth attending a group hang (one is coming up in January/February) or meeting up with someone that has options you can try, including under quilts... Brandon's Warbonnet offices are in Evergreen... I live in south Denver.

**spaceweaseal** · 12-08-2012, 00:01

Get a Warbonnet's Ridgerunner and a Phoneix UQ, (perfect match).

**breyman** · 12-08-2012, 00:04

Originally Posted by spaceweaseal

Get a Warbonnet's Ridgerunner and a Phoneix UQ, (perfect match).

Or the Lynx under quilt, which is made specifically for the Ridgerunner.

**spaceweaseal** · 12-08-2012, 00:05

Originally Posted by breyman

Or the Lynx under quilt, which is made specifically for the Ridgerunner.

Yes indeed but the phx will work with everything...

**breyman** · 12-08-2012, 00:10

Originally Posted by spaceweaseal

Yes indeed but the phx will work with everything...

Fair enough. The Phoenix or Incubator are definitely more versatile as they go with other hammocks too. The Lynx just fits it so well i was hard (for me) to pass up.

**spaceweaseal** · 12-08-2012, 00:26

Originally Posted by breyman

Fair enough. The Phoenix or Incubator are definitely more versatile as they go with other hammocks too. The Lynx just fits it so well i was hard (for me) to pass up.

Either way, you can not go wrong

**Bubba** · 12-08-2012, 00:29

For getting to low temperatures (and true comfort), don't rule out underquilts. While more expensive, they make up for it in insulation properties IMO. Its hard when first starting out to make decisions without first trying out the gear but I suspect you will get the same recommendations as others chime in.

**breyman** · 12-08-2012, 01:04

Keep the questions coming as you research and consider. Hammocking is a ton of fun but has a bit more of a learning curve than tent camping.

The UQ will pack up to be bigger than your UL7 but isn't as big as a sleeping bag. Probably about half way in between, depending on which you get. As they're filled with down thy are definitely a solid choice for backpacking.

If you want to sleep down to 10, a 0* under quilt and 0* sleepin bag or top quilt would probably do the trick (depending on how hot/cold you sleep). The under quilts like the Lynx or Incubator tend to be pretty well rated to the temperature thy can keep you comfortable at.

You can follow the upcoming Colorado winter hang details at
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=63539

**flatline** · 12-08-2012, 03:33

when i started hammocking i used a ccf pad and my old surplus mummy for a year or so.
i was comfortable down to about 15. over the years i evolved to using quilts.
the quilts are more comfortable, but to get started a hammock and tarp, in addition to my
mummy and pad, was all i needed.
i started with a WBBB and SF and i was off and hanging with the big dogs.
i have since switched to all WildernessLogics gear and i find the NO is much more comfortable.
my big tarp is a OMW.
there are a bunch of good hammocks on the market so take your time, research what's out there'
then just dive in!
so much of hammock camping is personal preference and that comes from experience and
reading about others experiences.

Have a Merry Christmas!
__bob__