First hanging trip...any advice

**NM_Leo** · 10-02-2014, 16:27

I'm doing an overnighter in NM Pecos visiting Stewart Lake. I will be carrying my new Dutch Argon Hammock (11') and a JRB GL3 (both are in the mail...on their way to me).
I've done some backpacking, spending the night on the ground...this will be my first trip in the trees. This trip will break in the equipment and I'll learn more about what I'm getting into. I'll have my Noah 12' tarp and a small thermarest pad for my feet.
I'm all caught up on Shug's videos (man that took a while), but what a showman and wealth of knowledge he possess. I figure if Shug can have that much fun, I should be able to enjoy myself as well. we will see. thanks for any advise. Leo

**Bubba** · 10-02-2014, 16:45

Looks like you have the basics covered. Don't get discouraged if it takes some fiddling to get comfortable or to get your set up the way you like it. Finding comfort is different for everyone. Some kind of ground sheet is nice to stand on while changing or even to lay gear on. Have fun!

**AaronMB** · 10-02-2014, 16:49

Good stuff.

I'd highly recommend trying to hang everything at least once, close to home (backyard, park, etc), before taking it on a trek.

**NM_Leo** · 10-02-2014, 16:56

I will do this...thank you for the reminder

**NM_Leo** · 10-02-2014, 16:57

trying it out once...I plan to do just that. Everything is expected to come in this weekend, and I will hang it up for a trial run. I'm sure my teenagers will love that.

**STinGa** · 10-02-2014, 17:00

Yup ... what he says ^^^^. I would definitely hang in the back yard overnight at least once. If you can get 90% dialed in there, it will be much better than starting at 0 or near 0.

STinGa

**Carbonmated** · 10-05-2014, 15:56

Have a great trip Leo, looking forward to some pictures

**IndyFace** · 10-07-2014, 09:41

i use some sort of thin tarp or ground sheet to stand on for after i take my shoes off. i also suggest finding a way to keep your shoes off the ground from most of the creepy crawlies. if you can't find a way to hang them in a bag or under you in a gear hammock, i suggest shaking them out VERYYYYY well before putting them back on. also take into consideration, any campfire that you may have. a friend of mine doesn't like to hang her tarp immediately. well, we had a campfire on our last outing and some of the ash blew in the direction of our hammocks. needless to say, her stuff had some ash on it so she set up her tarp.

**NM_Leo** · 10-07-2014, 10:19

that's a good point. no ash or ember burns...for sure. I will keep the fire away just to be sure.

**NM_Leo** · 10-07-2014, 10:23

ok, just remember this is my first hammock. I purchased one of Dutch's Aragon hammocks with Whoopies. For everyone who told me to try it out first, thank you. Great advice. I installed an adjustable ridgeline, and I'm still debating how much sag is right for me. 83% was just a starting point. I think I will need to go with more sag to get a flat position in this 11' hammock. Playing with the supports was constant. When I added the ridgeline, I had to start the tweeking all over. I'm getting excited about this weekend. It will be a great learning opportunity. Keep those ideas coming. thanks, NOOB