Self Introduction

[ddwbeagles]

After lurking this site off and on over the last year, I have decided to make the switch and come off the ground. I have never minded tent camping and have some great highend backpacking tents, but find it harder and harder to find suitable spots. So, I now an officially starting the research on which to get. And, as you can imagine or remember when you were a noob, there are so many vendors and types out there, I find it all a bit overwhelming. So, even in my introduction speech - feel free to make any recommendations. Remember the purpose is backpacking so weight and size are very important. That and I would like to keep the intitial purchase (hammock, suspension system, bug net and tarp below $500. The UDQ and OQ I can either DIY or get later. Thanks and I look forward to contributing and learning from you guys.

David

[Lost_Biker]

Hello and welcome to the forums, David! Warbonnet and Dream Hammocks make excellent gear that will last you for many years. For way less than $500, you can get top of the line.

[raiffnuke]

Welcome to HF from Mass

[Duffy]

Welcome from Fla! Many folks find Hennessy Hammocks good to start out with, because of their all-in-one nature(hammock + tarp). I prefer Warbonnet, myself.

[Brute1100]

Welcome... My recommendation would be a bias weight weenie micro, buginator net, either whoopie slings or UCRs your choice... And then for coverage I recommend the Superfly for maximum coverage or the tadpole for a little less coverage but still more than enough...

[swampfox]

Welcome from South Carolina!
I'm in the Warbonnet Blackbird camp myself. You can get that and any one of several excellent tarps for under $500.
Keep a close eye on the For Sale thread. The really good deals don't last long.

Swampfox

[Dev]

Welcome from Va. For a hammock you could try a DIY tablecloth hammock. Searching the forums will bring up many posts in the greatness that is tablecloth hammocks. Also war bonnet black birds are very popular here. Best of luck!
Hang loose!
Dev

[fiveonomo]

Welcome from a newbie in Powhatan, VA. I went with Warbonnet and although I only have one night in my new set up I am so glad I did. With that said, I am a Warbonnet guy but there are many vendors/companies making quality hammocks. Do your research and pick what best suits you. I don't think my very nice backpacking tents are gonna get much usage now. Good luck to you.

[grannypat]

Welcome from SC. I suggest you go to a group hang and meet all the helpful people check out all of the different set ups.

[ddwbeagles]

Thanks all for the greetings. What an awesome group!