Cheap, easy, start up?

[Misanthrope]

Middle-aged, over-weight, bald guy looking at entry level options.. A fair amount of outdoor experience, but Hammocking is limited to laying about in an IMPS net on sunny days.. (See below)

I've done some research, and really like the looks of the Clark NA, but I'm not willing to drop that much cash at the outset..

Any tips on entry level hammocks? Is there someway to effectively rig a standard mosquito net (with the 4 corner point attachments) over a hammock? What would you recommend as an entry level system?

Thanks,

Gerry

[stretch]

Have a look at http://mosquitohammock.com/

The Jungle hammock comes complete ready to hang with a nice tarp. The hammock is double layered for easy use with a pad for insulation. The 150 dollar price includes shipping, which can be pretty slow (atleast two weeks, maybe less).

This is just one of many options, but most will agree its a solid setup.

[guySmiley]

I think that if I was looking for what you're describing, I'd go for this: http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/travel_h.htm

[ricegravy]

I second the Claytor Jungle. A great setup. Everything that you need to get started. Count on super slow shipping. It took 3 weeks for me to get my 3X4 Tarp.

[lori]

Or, you could go over the postings in the for sale forum. Alan posted a couple of complete setups.

[guySmiley]

Or, you could go over the postings in the for sale forum. Alan posted a couple of complete setups.

THAT would be the smartest thing to do.

Good advice, Lori!

[sclittlefield]

The Hennessy Expedition is also a great first hammock.

Here's a pretty good price on one: www.thehikingspot.com

Just be sure that whatever you get either comes with a tarp or budget for one. Mosquito netting already installed is nice, but yeah, you could rig up a regular mosquito net onto most any hammock (if it's long enough, 9' should work, 10' would be better). If your hammock comes with a ridgeline that is ideal - to keep the bug net off your face.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Greetings fellow citizen of the Land of Felonious Governors.

Knowing that your pocket is picked clean by our State and your City, I'm gonna optimize on the "cheap" part of your self description. You can get a no-frills hammock like the Grand Trunk Ultralight for $20 before shipping. You'll want to boost the suspension some, e.g. webbing, maybe another $10.

I'm pretty sure you can rig a cheap four corner mosquito net like this one--$13---but you'll have to do some DIY surgery to make passage for the suspension. If you have DIY skills then making a tube of netting for a hammock is a pretty simple project.

For a lower-end "complete" system I kinda like the Skeeter-Beater Pro (despite the fact that I sold mine!) If memory serves I replaced the suspension on that one too...this one is BIG and has a built-in bugnet that zippers in. The regular "Skeeter Beater" is a little cheaper but smaller enough that for me any way (6'1") the extra length of the Pro model is well worth it.

Best of breed though in gathered end hammocks are the Blackbirds. x2 in cost of what you pay for the Skeeter Beater, but quality throughout, USA cottage industry, worth supporting. I'm just waiting for a stimulus check from the government so I can stimulate Brandon some more!

good luck on the search for a hammock

Grizz

[fin]

Misanthrope, is that the Rhinelander/Minoqua area that your picture is from?

SBPro is a nice starter hammock, and no work needed to get up and running with a bugnet.

[ref103]

the travel hammock is good price. check out ebay. that thread for the grand trunk ultralight hammock from campmor is a great deal. the mosquito net can be bought at many sporting goods stores. depending on how far you hike or how light you want to carry any hardware store tarp can work but a little sewing can be done to some ripstop nylon from wally world pretty cheap. If you just want to buy a hammock/ mosquito net/ tarp package deal I suggest ebay or the mosquito hammock site.