Newbie Hammock Setups.

[HamMike]

I'm sure that browsing this forum for the first time can be confusing and overwhelming to the hammock noob. One of the most frequently asked questions by any new members here on Hammock Forums is, "I'm new to hammock camping. What is a good hammock/tarp/insulation system to start with?"

To help answer that questions for any future newcomers, I'm issuing a challenge. The gloves are off. Consider yourself taunted.

The object of the challenge is to put together a hammock setup within a specific price range. Your system should include, at bare minimum, a hammock, a tarp, suspension, and some sort of insulation. Shoot for a 3 season temperature range, like 40*F and up. Assume that:

1. Someone buying one of these setups already owns a sleeping bag for top insulation.

2. Weight is not an issue

3. Bug protection is optional.

4. Accessories (guy line, biners, cinch buckles, rings, stakes, etc) are optional.

5. No sewing and only minor modifications may be necessary.


Provide links if possible. You don't have to answer all of them but bonus points for those that do. I'm looking for:

The Ultimate Budget Setup: Under $50

Hammock Setups Under $100

Hammock Setups Under $200

Hammock Setups Under $300

Hammock Setups Under $400

Hammock Setups $400 and Up (or your dream system)

I'll get things started:

The Ultimate Budget Setup: Under $50
(aka the Walmart Special. All these Items should be available at your local WM)

Super Cheap 8x10 tarp (example) $9
Kalisto Hammock $19
Walmart blue CCF pad $9
Webbing from ratchet straps $10
__________________________________________________ _______________

Total: $47



Hammock Setup Under $100

Gear Guide 12x12 tarp $30
Walmart blue CCF pad $9
Kalisto Hammock $19
Webbing from ratchet straps for suspension. $8-10
__________________________________________________ ________________

Total: $77




Hammock Setups Under $200

Skeeter Beeter Pro $58
Gear Guide 12x12 tarp $30
Speer 4x4 SPE $45
Walmart blue CCF pad X 2 $18
Ratchet strap webbing $9
__________________________________________________ _____________

Total: $160


OR

HH Expedition Asym (includes tarp, hammock, & suspension) $140
Speer SPE 2x2 $35
Walmart blue CCF pad x 2. $18
__________________________________________________ ___________

Total: $193

Just clicked on the kalisto link under your budget setup. It says $10 , even better!

[Goblin]

I just ordered my first hammock based on this thread. I wanted to provide an update for any other noobs coming along. The Kalisto hammock doesn't appear to be available from Wal-Mart anymore. I ordered the
Grand Trunk Ultra Light from Gazzo's for $11.69. Now I sit and wait...

Awesome thread. Thanks!

[Dain Bramage]

I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to hook up stereo....and where do I get a "If this hammock is rockin', don't come knockin'" sticker?

[soysos]

first set up
military jungle hammock $25 ebay 4lb
wool blanket $10 surplus shop 2lb
ya really heavy but with 20* sleeping bag kept me warm to 10*

I have since gone to something lighter
wal-mart traveler hammock $10 1lb
military poncho and liner UQ $25 2lb
second poncho tarp $10 .5lb
with a 10* bag I've used this to 10*

[stevebo]

claytor no-net hammock----40.00--my favorite hammock so far!
speer straps----------------9.00(way better than the suspension that comes with the claytor!)
blue ccf pad from walmart 5.00
mosquito netting, salvaged from another project-free!
add dutch clips and triglides and you have a very functional system! comfortable and easy to set up.
For a tarp, Ive never tried it , but in"beyond backpacking", Ray Jardine mentioned using plastic sheeting (visqueen?)--if you reinforced key areas with a little duct tape, it would probably work fine for a while! He claimed it was pretty durable if you were careful with it!

[PRKy]

Ya'll amaze me on a daily basis. It's kinda humbling to confirm just how little I know about hammocks.

My current set up is the (new) dd frontline, with a dd tarp. I think the hammock and tarp came in at around $135 or so (including postage from the uk). I've already used it 6-8 times completely stock with no mods at all. (I see whoopies in my future though) The only thing needed is some cord for the ridgeline.

We always have a few of the blue walmart pads around, both for camping, and for use as exercise mats.

My fav sleeping bag for the money is my lafuma 650 pro. Very tiny, has an accurate temp rating (40 deg), and usually available around $65-$70.

[WonderMonkey]

In the first 2 replies I learned a ton.

There's no other way to say it: "I love this forum!"

Agreed. I've already got my eye on a few that I want for my first go round. I don't think I could go wrong with any of them.

[cataraftgirl]

Trek Light Double hammock with included suspension - $69.95
KAQ Lost River 3/4 underquilt - on sale - $ 85
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9X9 - $59.95
Total - $215
Newbie from Utah, just starting out as a "hanger." Will improve my suspension system next, then maybe add a bug net. Not as much need for the bug net out west as back east & down south. This forum rocks. Really informative.
KJ

[Shug]

Trek Light Double hammock with included suspension - $69.95
KAQ Lost River 3/4 underquilt - on sale - $ 85
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9X9 - $59.95
Total - $215
Newbie from Utah, just starting out as a "hanger." Will improve my suspension system next, then maybe add a bug net. Not as much need for the bug net out west as back east & down south. This forum rocks. Really informative.
KJ

Prepare to sleep in a bit late by the river in your new comfort palace.
Whoooooo Buddy .... or Budette ...... or Budress.
Paddle on .... looks fun.
Shug

[okennedy]

This is my first setup and because of my brother I knew what hammock to get. But if any of you are like me and all the posts I have read leads me to believe there are a few then you know how to pinch a penny and you have a bunch of old gear lying around.
Hammock: $160 Warbonnet Blackbird
Suspension: $0 included
Tarp: $0 old timberline tent bottom ,9.5'X8' with 10 tyoffs (works great)
Insulation: 0$ closed cell packing material from work

Spend your hard earned money on the hammock and with the bug netting, foot box and shelf the warbonnet is an awsome hammock and worth every penny. I have only slept in it three times so far but I have had the best sleep, no backaches( crazy dreams though)