Hello from the tree-less desert of West Texas!

[gidgetgirl]

I realize the irony in living in a place that has no trees... but I would like to start hammock camping nonetheless. Anyway, just wanted to say hi. My main motivation to make the switch is comfort. I never slept well in a tent, but just thought that was how it is when you're camping. All these stories of pleasant nights of sleep have made me curious enough to want to try it out for my upcoming 6 weeks on the AT this spring.

This forum has been a great resource in learning, I can't wait till I get my 1st hammock!! Currently leaning heavily towards the Warbonnet Blackbird.

Nice to meet everyone, keep up the good work!

[DanglingModifier]

Welcome aboard! The AT is a good place to cut your teeth on hammocking. Be sure to have a decent tarp and bottom insulation. It can get awfully cold in the Spring, even near the southern terminus of the trail. Some of that is due to wind which is unimpeded in the Spring due to lack of many leaves on the trees.

If you're new to sleeping in a hammock it's likely that one of your biggest initial challenges will be staying warm (until you find what bottom insulation works best for you). That was my experience anyway.

[Ratdog]

Welcome !!

Don't let the lack of trees stop you, check out the TurtleLady Thread or TurtleDog thread on hammock stands.
Then there's always the trusty pipe stand.

Absolutely shake down your setup at home, dialing in the under quilt and top quilt options prior to heading out to the AT. I figure if you're the kind of person to tackle 6 weeks on the AT, you've likely given this a lot of thought but it never hurts to mention the basics.

Lot's of great info here and never hesitate to post up with any questions, concerns, etc. Again, welcome and enjoy.

[MDSH]

I've had a couple of mesquite trees hold me up pretty good. But a hammock stand is an excellent choice and fairly easy to make.

Welcome, gidgetgirl!

[FJRpilot]

Welcome from El Paso (about as treeless as it gets). There are lots of hanging opportunities around the desert Southwest. You've joined a great group, explore the forums, there is a wealth of information as well as the best group of people anywhere. Above all, have fun!

[UncleMJM]

Howdy and welcome to the forums! (Usually I'd say, "Welcome to the trees", but…)

If you don't mind putting on a few miles, head east this November and meet another 100 or so Texas hammock hangers.

Good advice on the stands. Anyway of getting up beats being on the ground.

[IndyFace]

welcome from northeast! hammock forums is basically information overload, your head will probably feel like its going to explode sooner or later. good luck on the AT. i hope to see pictures in the trip thread.

[gidgetgirl]

Thank you guys so much! What a great group. I did see the meetup in November, however it's about 6 hours away and right in the middle of my school year but otherwise, I would have loved to go. Luckily I will be moving to that neck of the woods (central TX) next year so I will have more access to trees soon!

Welcome !!

Absolutely shake down your setup at home, dialing in the under quilt and top quilt options prior to heading out to the AT. I figure if you're the kind of person to tackle 6 weeks on the AT, you've likely given this a lot of thought but it never hurts to mention the basics.

Yes! I will rig something up in the backyard at least, and New Mexico's forests are only 5 hours away. Sewing is actually one of my long time hobbies and I like making clothes and stuff, so I am planning on DIY tarp and down underquilt. Love me some projects!!

[MorChaos]

Welcome,

I am new here as well. Sounds like to me, that you will have to find a creative way to bring your trees with you... lol I am quite sure the knowledgable people here on this forum can help you out. Good luck to you and see you on the boards

[22hornet]

Welcome aboard, i was wondering how west Texas will be for hanging, i'm cycling thru there next spring on a cross country ride, dont want to bring a tent but not sure my options in that section. Thanks Jim