I've got the fever!!

[Meekin]

I started researching different gear as a way to help out my dad. He's 64 and is going to attempt a through hike of the AT next year starting in April. After a few weeks of research I asked him not to buy a tent until he read some info that I gathered on hammocks. Somehow during the process I became addicted to compiling information and diy plans (Thanks Shug and Knotty and countless others). I am going to attempt to build my own Hammock, UQ, and TQ in time to join him for a 2 day hike over Thanksgiving in N.C..
The camaraderie that you show to each other on here is awesome and I’m stoked to be joining the hammock community.



Meekin

[stevebo]

Welcome to the forum! I think its really great your dad is planning a thru hike ! (have him read Ray Jardines book "trail life"-lots of great advice!)

[tri-pod bob]

Welcome.....to a good (hmmm) addiction!

[Meekin]

Stevebo, He definitely is not planning on slowing down during retirement. I just hope i can keep up...

Tri-pod bob, the only cure for the fever is more cowbell...

[Meekin]

I've got a pretty good idea on most of the gear I'm putting together. Are there any good pack suggestions? Possibly DIY or something that can be modified for cheap?

[I'm a hammock lover]

Welcome aboard son! I hope that fever is contagious! We love new recruits!

[I'm a hammock lover]

I've got a pretty good idea on most of the gear I'm putting together. Are there any good pack suggestions? Possibly DIY or something that can be modified for cheap?

Well depending on how much money you have Kelty are pretty nice bags and most of them are 200$ and will last you years. I have the redcloud90 I think. If you really want a nice bag I recommend Osprey, or Gregory. I'd say you would want an internal frame backpack. And If you ever hike the AT for longer keep this in mind that 50% or something like that of people who hike the AT drop off gear at ranger stations on the trail within the first day so they can ship it home...Also make sure your shoes are broken in...

[gunner76]

welcome to the madness.

The AT is a great place to hike and use a hammock

[Floridahanger]

Welcome, from the Deep South. Get your dad on this forum as well so he can have as much fun as you will be having.

Check out flatline's signature --} https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=27048 and add yourself. You can find others around you to hang with.

Here's a DIY treasure trove of info --} https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=51555, It's the Ultimate DIY Project list

Also, check out the trip planning forum for group hangs around you.

[Gravity]

... Are there any good pack suggestions? Possibly DIY ... ?

There is an ultralight backpack kit that you can sew yourself. Here's the link:
http://questoutfitters.com/patterns-packs-cart.htm

There's a Yahoo group dedicated to helping people make this backpack:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/G4-Pack/info

And here's where to see the pack in its full glory:
http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpa...-backpack.html

For a thru-hike, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa and the ULA-Equipment Circuit are popular choices, although relatively expensive at around $200.

Best wishes to you and your father!