Scouting magazine says...

[bobwhite]

...the #1 reason you should try hammock camping is because it's affordable. Bwahahahaha. It may be at first, but who can stop with just a hammock?

Scouting Magazine:Ten reasons why you should try hammock camping

[LuvmyBonnet]

Yeah, I'm only like 3 months into this and I've already enter 4 digits. I'm HOPING I'm done for a while.

[DuctTape]

Like many affordable hobbies, one can easily spend more, but it isnt necesary. I went 2 years in a hammock with only a $20 investment using tarps, bags and pads I already had. Was plenty warm and comfortable back then. An affordable car still gets you from a to b, it need not be a cadillac. But they sure ride nice.

[nothermark]

What he said.

I think an already equipped backpacker can convert to a hammock for under $100. Maybe well under. From there it's how much you want to upgrade. ;-)

[GoatHanger]

Thanks, I'm going to send this link to the den leaders and cub master of my son's pack.

[bobwhite]

What he said.

I think an already equipped backpacker can convert to a hammock for under $100. Maybe well under. From there it's how much you want to upgrade. ;-)

Exactly. Sure you can get a hammock for under $100. But to be comfortable year-round and confident in blowing rain, it is unlikely you will not spend more.

My point was that the article would make the inexperienced person think they can be good to go on the cheap. Maybe, but it is a slippery slope. It's like me telling my wife a boat is a great idea at this price!

[OneClick]

Quick calculation came to $1,500 for my main hammock gear (hammock, tarp, 2 TQ and 2 UQ). Ouch! Probably another $150 for accessories.

[Owl]

It can be done cheaply...it can even done WELL cheaply. Not by me...LOL...but I'm reminded of a couple of good MYOG friends of mine by reading this, and thinking of the awesome and inexpensive gear that they've put together.

Also...maybe I misread the article (which was written by one of our own, btw...), but it stated cost as the #10 (out of 10) reason, with comfort as #1, which I think we can all agree on.

And while we're lamenting on the money we've spent on our gear...I'm thinking of the same costs folk spend on ground camping gear of equal QUALITY as to what we've spent on our QUALITY hammocking gear...if you compare the two, it works out quite similar pricing schemas. I could have as easily spent the same amount of money on an equal quality bivy/down sleeping bag/tent footprint/pad as I have on my hammock/tarp/TQ/UQ. Especially if I'd have gone for equal temp/bulk/weight ratings as well as quality design/materials.

It's the comfort that's the true differentiator for most of us...price isn't that much worse when you factor in that you're spending money on equal quality gear that's often handmade by cottage industries for a niche market. Next time someone orders a custom hammock...give some thought on how much it costs to have someone handcraft virtually any sporting good item to your exact specs, and deliver within weeks.

Not picking a fight here...just offering another viewpoint. We're awfully lucky we're able to get what we got for the prices we've paid. Any other 'sport' would laugh at us complaining.

[daverr]

That's a very well-written article for its audience. Thanks, Derek.

[mountain_man_mike]

...the #1 reason you should try hammock camping is because it's affordable. Bwahahahaha. It may be at first, but who can stop with just a hammock?

Scouting Magazine:Ten reasons why you should try hammock camping

I saw affordability as the #10 reason, but since it's a countdown it is the first on the list. That said, Derek did a great job on the article and thank you bobwhite for bringing it some well deserved attention.