Newbie in Atlanta

**eggcentric** · 04-16-2014, 13:32

I'm a total newbie when it comes to Hammock camping. I have camped many times in my life, mostly car camping with a tent and inflatable air mattress. I recently acquired an ENO Double Nest from a friend and I'm dying to try it out. I've hung it several times in my yard and love the feel of it. I used slap straps as an attachment so far. I frequent Goodwill, constantly looking for camping accessories to bring along. I just bought a Coleman self inflating air mattress with inflatable pillow attached. I have yet to even lay on the thing but I hope that it works for me. I don't expect anything too grand for the price of $7 (USED). I don't have a tarp as of yet, nor do I have an underquilt. Any suggestions for a cheaper way to go than the REI route? Anyone used any DIY setups? How important will the underquilt be in the GA spring-fall? I don't expect any camping in temps lower than 40.

I'm thinking of a camping trip this weekend to try out my gear. Are there any 1 night places that anyone knows of? Thanks for all the tips in advance.

**KAHartson** · 04-16-2014, 18:31

Hello from Cleveland, Ga! I do not use an underquilt myself, since I do most of my camping spring to fall. I have one of those closed cell foam pads from Walmart that I put under my sleeping bag, and I usually wear sweat-clothes at first and remove if I get too warm. That seems to do the trick for me. If you're not going to be hiking very far, you could always solve your tarp problem with just a basic tarp from the hardware store suspended on a ridgeline above your hammock. As to your question about local campsites, I'm not really familiar with camping in Atlanta, and I do most of my camping up near Helen or Dahlonega. Hope this helps!

**SwinginIt** · 04-16-2014, 18:42

Welcome from another Clevelander. Like has already been said, you can get a blue pad from Walmart and a blue poly tarp if you wanna go the absolute cheapest route. Or you can get a Gear Guide tarp or a Kelty Noah tarp for not too much money. I do recommend ditching the Slap Straps since they're nylon and will stretch, get polyester or polypro straps.

For somewhere to camp your best bet is to head up this way. There are places galore around here.

**grannypat** · 04-16-2014, 18:42

Welcome to the forums from SC.

**Birch** · 04-16-2014, 19:00

Welcome fm WV

**2ply** · 04-16-2014, 20:08

Welcome to HF from Athens.

**ferrulewax** · 04-16-2014, 20:12

Welcome from yet another clevelander!

**dfscott** · 04-16-2014, 20:26

Welcome from Atlanta as well! I'm also a newbie (haven't camped 'for real' yet), and I picked up a DoubleNest with my REI 20% off coupon. We'll have to compare notes as we go -- I'm heading to Fort Mountain State Park next weekend for my first hammock camping so I'll let you know how that goes.

**Tuck** · 04-16-2014, 20:31

Welcome from someone who was raised in Conyers.

I started out hammock camping as cheap as anyone could. Grand Trunk Ultra Light was my first hammock and my current one is a DIY tablecloth with a easy foot box mod (check out my DIY thread). My first tarp was made with two $2 clear shower curtains from Walmart and duct tape. My bugnet was made with two $4 window shades from Walmart (check out CrypticCricket on YouTube).

Anyway, there a a lot good and helpful people as well as info here at HF. Don't hesitate to ask for ideas and help.

-Tuck

**Tuck** · 04-16-2014, 20:32

Welcome from someone who was raised in Conyers.

I started out hammock camping as cheap as anyone could. Grand Trunk Ultra Light was my first hammock and my current one is a DIY tablecloth with a easy foot box mod (check out my DIY thread). My first tarp was made with two $2 clear shower curtains from Walmart and duct tape. My bugnet was made with two $4 window shades from Walmart (check out CrypticCricket on YouTube).

Anyway, there are a lot good and helpful people as well as info here at HF. Don't hesitate to ask for ideas and help.

-Tuck