First Hang DONE!

**optimator** · 04-12-2009, 13:47

Hey guys, finally got my first night in. I spent last weekend at Lava Beds National Monument. The first night was nasty, 40 mph winds & snow flurries. I slept in my tent

. But that was the weather I was expecting, so it was no biggie. Saturday was beautiful. I got back from hiking and hung my JH. The trees in my campsite were a little too close (I think) but my homemade suspension worked perfectly. A big thank you to this forum, and the members that were kind enough to answer my pm's! I had planned to use my Big Agnes IAC & blue foam CCF pad. But.... I forgot the CCF pad at home. It's not something I use often and it just got left behind. So I put in the pad, flipped it over (no bugs yet), and waited for bedtime. I used my Montbell UL #2 for a quilt. Around 3 I woke up cold. No suprise, it was in the high 20's with a nice breeze. I got up, grabbed my insulated bibs & down jacket, and got back in. I slept till almost 10! It was awesome

I need to decide what I'll do for bottom insulation. Due to work hours right now, the SPE is looking pretty good. But that's for another thread. A BIG THANK YOU to this forum and all the members who personally helped me get started. Hammocks rule...

**mitch** · 04-12-2009, 15:25

Way to go optimator! Just did my second hang in my JH with my blue CCF and 30 degree bag. It was 40 with rain, and I did very well. I use the 4x3 tarp, and if it gets bad I button down the ends like doors. I hand the ends pulled up and over the top to make it a diamond fly. I think you should try the SPE, I just mad one last night and think it will just the thing. I made the cover out of Neat Sheet because I think it won't slide as much. Anyway, welcome to hangging!

**optimator** · 04-13-2009, 12:36

Yeah, It was awesome. I'm going to check into the KAQ but since he won't be shipping till next month, It'll give me time to try a DIY SPE.

**jeffjenn** · 04-13-2009, 13:38

Optimator, are my eyes playing tricks on me is your hammock & tarp brown camo? Not green/woodland camo?

**optimator** · 04-13-2009, 13:45

No, must be your eyes. It's all woodland camo!

**Walking Bear** · 04-13-2009, 20:23

Originally Posted by optimator

No, must be your eyes. It's all woodland camo!

The camo is great, but that bright orange pack sticks out

**Preacha Man** · 04-13-2009, 20:27

I am glad that you got a chance to try out the hammock, I am glad that it worked out for you.

Dwight

**tight-wad** · 04-13-2009, 23:20

You sound like an experienced camper with perhaps more than one sleeping bag? Perhaps more than one down sleeping bag? If so, get some twine and buttons and figure a way to strap the 2nd down bag under you. Ideally you would use shock cord instead of twine. Make a slip knot in the twine, hold the button up to the fabric, wrap the slip knot over the button and fabric, then tie the loose end off to the suspension somewhere.