Finally finished my set up for my thru-hike!

**Redpath** · 02-13-2013, 19:51

Originally Posted by lilricky

If you're going to use a stuff sack anyway, you might want to look at this:
http://www.amazon.com/Granite-Gear-G.../dp/B000XUJ96S A silnylon stuff sack with fleece sewn on one side.

That looks like a great idea, I just ordered one!

**WesleyGalles** · 02-13-2013, 19:57

That does look like a nice stuff sack. I definitely might consider getting one of those. What to put in it? Clothes, I guess?

**affreeman** · 02-14-2013, 07:58

Originally Posted by WesleyGalles

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!

I use the same 'biner and ring suspension on my Hennessy. Super fast and easy.

On my Hennessy I tie both ends of the elastic side tie-outs to the little ring on the side of the hammock so it makes a big loop. After I pitch the tarp I take that loop and simply hook it into the little plastic mitten hook that is attached to the tie-out point of the tarp.

As for a pillow, I just use my down sweater as a pillow. I don't need much since the slope of the hammock provides a bit of a pillow already.

**fishbait** · 02-14-2013, 08:36

Nice setup. Some hangers will bring stakes others will improvise, I've done both, it's a personal choice. The same can be said for a pillow. Sometimes I use one (Winter Camping) other times I don't (Spring Summer, Fall) if I need something to tuck under my noggin I'll use my coat or the stuff sack with my spare clothes. I'm not a gram weenie so weight never dictates my use of a pillow or stakes. Good luck on your hike and like pgibson said, practice, practice, practice.

**ninjahamockman** · 02-14-2013, 09:16

A pillow is really good head insulation. I never stake my hammock because I love getting a swing on before I go asleep.

**sargevining** · 02-14-2013, 13:59

Stuff sack with clothing or my poncho work as a pillow for me.

I notice that you're hanging the head end higher than the foot end. Most folks do it the other way around to keep from sliding towards the center while sleeping. YMMV.

When using the standard tarp, I stake the hammock out. I have prusik loops on the hammock ties, and tie my tarp guys to those.

**Suede** · 02-14-2013, 17:38

Originally Posted by lilricky

If you're going to use a stuff sack anyway, you might want to look at this:
http://www.amazon.com/Granite-Gear-G.../dp/B000XUJ96S A silnylon stuff sack with fleece sewn on one side.

I have this stuff sack and like it a lot.

**WesleyGalles** · 02-14-2013, 19:55

Such great tips from everyone. It's very much appreciated. I do have one question

Today I took my hammock out for a nap in the park, it was rather sunny, so I threw up the rainfly to dim it down a bit. However, the tarp would blow up when a gust caught it just right, and I don't know if I strung it wrong, but I racked my brain about it and it seems I exhausted mostly every method of stringing it up. That being said, it blowing up like that doesn't seem to help me much if it's raining...WAT DO?

**affreeman** · 02-15-2013, 09:02

Originally Posted by WesleyGalles

Such great tips from everyone. It's very much appreciated. I do have one question

Today I took my hammock out for a nap in the park, it was rather sunny, so I threw up the rainfly to dim it down a bit. However, the tarp would blow up when a gust caught it just right, and I don't know if I strung it wrong, but I racked my brain about it and it seems I exhausted mostly every method of stringing it up. That being said, it blowing up like that doesn't seem to help me much if it's raining...WAT DO?

That's exactly what would happen to me during thunderstorms, which is why I ditched the stock tarp and replaced it with an OES Maccat Deluxe.

With the stock tarp attached to the hammock ridgeline, it is nearly impossible to get rid of the sag that occurs when you get into the hammock. Much better to have a tarp suspended on its own ridgeline.

**Shug** · 02-15-2013, 10:40

Originally Posted by WesleyGalles

Such great tips from everyone. It's very much appreciated. I do have one question

Today I took my hammock out for a nap in the park, it was rather sunny, so I threw up the rainfly to dim it down a bit. However, the tarp would blow up when a gust caught it just right, and I don't know if I strung it wrong, but I racked my brain about it and it seems I exhausted mostly every method of stringing it up. That being said, it blowing up like that doesn't seem to help me much if it's raining...WAT DO?

Perfect your pitching techniques. Also, site selection on windy days is paramount.
Carry forth......
Shug

PART 5: Tarps .... we love 'em .... we need 'em! Especially if you are a hammock hanger. We are going on a tarp journey ....I hope to cover MOST of the info. You are gonna have to do some research and trials yourself. It is the only way. The only. Site selection and widow-makers are touched on. Knots ... I cover a few but not all by any means! A looky-see at the continuous ridgeline for tarp. Under the tarp for snow camping. See the much talked about "figure 9" in action. Oh, the thrill! Toggles on tarp d-rings. Whooooo Pull outs on tarps. Some guy line speak. A look inside my DIY winter Tarp with Doors. A Coyote kill site.

PART 7: More tarp tips. More on site selection Look at shock-cord pull outs. Close up of corner guy lines. See the snow stake. In the snow! A SPAM Moment. Winter Porch tarp set-up. I jump back and answer questions on why I use a 1/2 UnderQuilt and not a Full Length. A glance at my winter go-to stove. Some goodnight palaver. Morning grog and tarp talk.