Finally finished my set up for my thru-hike!

[WesleyGalles]

(Gotta set it up wherever I can, even if it's 15 feet from a busy street!)

So I finally just got my whole set up in. My 2 carabiners and 4 rappel rings came in today! Woo! It makes set up a complete breeze. If anyone has the HH or a similar type of suspension, I would certainly recommend it.

So, my whole setup consists of a HH Expedition Asym Classic, Walmart blue CCF pad, default tarp, Marmot Sawtooth 15* bag, and a couple of tent stakes.

Now, 2 things:

1.) I'm considering not even getting a pillow, is this wise?

I had just woken up to the mailman delivering my package of biners/rings and went outside immediately to set it up. Once inside I was sleeping in about 5 minutes. With the elevation towards my head end, I just don't think I'd need a pillow, I was more than comfortable.

2.) When going on my thru, I'm debating on carrying only 2 stakes, just for the tarp. What do you think?

I would actually consider myself to be the complete opposite of claustrophobic, I really enjoy being in small spaces. This being said, I don't know if I'll even want to stake out my hammock like that again. It also seems like if I don't stake out the hammock that the CCF pad will wrap around me even more, which I like.

Just give me some feedback guys. I'd love to hear your words of wisdom!

[MDSH]

Looks to me like you're ready to go, hammock-wise. That's a very nice set up.

I love it when people are happy.

.

[pgibson]

My advice is to practice, practice, practice, practice and then practice set up some more. Take lots of day hikes in the woods, park, back yard. The more the better. Then do some overnight trips with your set up....then some 3 night trips..Then practice, practice, then more.

Then you will be able to awnser your own questions. And be more ready to use a hammock on a thru hike.

[UncleClark]

I use a Hennessy Explorer and I like staking out the hammock sides myself. But if you like it not staked out that's all that matters.

[pgibson]

Keep in mind... I don't mean in any way to discourage you. The set up looks and sounds like your finding your way. I really hope your thru goes great and is the adventure of a life time. Just that a pillow and how many stakes will be quite personal choices. I happen to really like a pillow and take one on every trip. I also tend to take an extra stake or two incase I need/want to do something different with my tarp.

The more you work with the system you have set up the more you will dial in what really fits you.

[ferball]

I never bother with a pillow in my hammock, but extra stakes are always handy and the space weight trade off is worth it for that one time you need a couple extra stakes.

[louisfb]

I take a small down pillow but I put it under my calves not my head. I usually don't need one under my head.

--louis

[WesleyGalles]

I'll definitely consider extra stakes, but I think the pillow for me is just unnecessary.

[WesleyGalles]

Also, these are the rappel rings I got.
http://www.rei.com/product/471123/smc-descending-ring

I find it really funny that 3/4 of the people who reviewed it mentioned they use them for hammock setups. haha

[Gordzilla]

I don't use a pillow, but if I feel I want one or it is a wee bit cold on the back of my head, I use my shirt or some such.
I used to bring one stake "just in case", and would use sticks found on site or en route. I don't know what kind of conditions you will encounter, but often I am able to tie off to things around me. Rocks, roots, smaller trees and shrubs etc. That said, I bring pack stakes now because I find they work better for me in rockier ground. They don't weigh very much and pack well.
I stake my hammock out maybe 65% of the time depending on how lazy I am or how gnarly the weather is. It doesn't seem to affect comfort much for me.

Those rings look exactly like the ones I got from MEC (Canadian REI) they work awesome.
Is your Hennessey a bottom entry one or zippered? I sold mine and miss it.
Have a great and safe trip.