New with lots of questions.

[motlekj06]

Hey Guys,

Im starting an AT thru-hike on April 8th. I currently have an MSR Hubba Hubba tent, but after talking to some friends and reading some reviews, i think im going to join the ranks, go with a hammock and thank god for the return policy at REI.

After reading alot of stuff on the internet, im thinkin about going with a Warbonnet Blackbird 1.1. It sounds great, but im having trouble figuring out what i should do for a UQ and TQ. Ill be starting in GA in april, so im hopin the temps wont be too cold for too long.When it comes to quilts, I see alot of DIY stuff and more brand names and abbreviations than you could shake a stick at.

Im not lookin to spend alot of cash. Every extra dollar spent on an insulation system is one less beer when i come into town. I appreciate any suggestions at all. Thanks!

Kyle

[Dblcorona]

Just a few things to consider.
1. You'll still need a tarp
2. If you go with the 1.1 double, you could go with a pad between the layers instead of under quilt. And your sleeping bag can be used too. That would save some money for beer. That would also give you a pad to use in the shelters when you choose to stay in them.

[Two Tents]

Just a few things to consider.
1. You'll still need a tarp
2. If you go with the 1.1 double, you could go with a pad between the layers instead of under quilt. And your sleeping bag can be used too. That would save some money for beer. That would also give you a pad to use in the shelters when you choose to stay in them.

Sound wisdom to get you going. You can wear extra clothing to bed. You'll be fine with set up I would think.

[bloomgorge]

if you take one of those beer bottles and pee in it, that'll also help for a few hours as well to stay warm while sleeping.

if you're going to do an insulation set like dblcorona suggested - which is a good one. I might also get a space blanket and prior to leaving tape it into a tube to fit around your pad so when you slip it in, you'll get a little bonus bounce back of heat. i would also get a slightly larger tarp with this type of a set up to cut down on wind.

oh - and if you do decide to switch to a hammock from a tent, there's a learning curve so I'd spend as many nights in your backyard prior to your trip to dial in your gear or you won't make it past your first night of CBS.

good luck - wish you the best.

[brushybill]

msr hubba hubba $285.00
decent pad $90.00
sleeping bag $250.00 =$625.00

vs blackbird $130.00
uq $230.00
tq $230.00
tarp $90.00 =$680.00

only $55.00 more but way more comfortable, i have the hubba hubba tent, very nice tent, but i will take my hammock any day

[smashdn]

msr hubba hubba $285.00
decent pad $90.00
sleeping bag $250.00 =$625.00

vs blackbird $130.00
uq $230.00
tq $230.00
tarp $90.00 =$680.00

only $55.00 more but way more comfortable, i have the hubba hubba tent, very nice tent, but i will take my hammock any day

Blackbird $130
CCF Pad (Wal Marks or Army Surplus) $ 13
Hennesy Hex $ 65
Sleeping Bag $ 250? (I am thinking $150)
Total $ 458

More Yuenglings!

[BillS]

I use a Wal-Mart blue foam sleeping pad that cost me $6.00. They show something very similar on their website that cost $12.00, but it comes with tie straps.

Sleeping-Pads

I lay a piece of "Bubble Foil" insulation the same size as the pad on top of it. The Bubble Foil cost about 25¢ per sq ft (by the roll), and weighs about .47 ounces per sq. ft. Call a local home insulation contractor, tell them what you want it for, and ask if they'll sell you a piece. If they have it, most will. Even if they double what it cost them, it will still only cost you about $6.00.

So, I have $12.00 bucks in my set-up. For both warmth and lightness I'd bet on it against any down UQ and any expensive pad any day.

Bubble Foil

And I enjoy Boulevard Single Wide IPA when I get back from backpacking

[te-wa]

msr hubba hubba who cares
decent pad unimportant
sleeping bag doesn't matter

vs blackbird priceless
uq priceless
tq priceless
tarp priceless

(can u tell i like hamrocks? )

you can get a brand new UQ for +20 degrees for under $200. keep eyes open for used, they float around but dont last long.

there is a great chance you'll find other hangers on the AT. the farther West you go, the less you'll see hammocks. but, we're catching on, finally. have fun shopping and have a great hike!

[rjcress]

Here is my UQ:
http://gear-report.com/how-to-make-a...-camping-myog/

And I'd pair that with and IX TQ like the one I describe here:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=29579

If you make them yourself you'll be in for about $100 - $120 in materials.
I sometimes make stuff like this by request and charge 2x the cost of materials... which is on the low end of the range you'll find at the cottage shops that work with IX.

tree to tree might have some of the Molly Mac Gear UQs in stock
http://stores.tttrailgear.com/-strse...Categories.bok

or you might try Molly Mac directly if you need custom stuff.
http://www.mollymacpack.com/new.html

If you can't tell, I'm partial to IX.

I'll second what BloomGorge said and add that you are awfully late in the game to be switching to a hammock. I think it can be done safely and you'll likely be glad you did, but you'll want to get your hands on gear quick and have time to test it before you leave.

[Wags]

assuming you already have a sleeping bag you can use that on top of you for awhile while you decide if you like hammocking. the CCF pad underneath will suffice. that's $6 spent for those 2 items...

i'd go 1 of 4 ways for the hammock itself:
-grand trunk nano (if you care the most about lightest)
-warbonnet traveler (you can get the bugnet later if you decide you like it. won't need it for awhile)
-jrb bridge hammock (like sleeping in your bed at home, heaviest option)
-http://www.mydiygear.com/pages/projects/hammocks.php see what he comes up with...

tarps are worht spending the extra $30-$40 over the hennessey for the coverage. warbonnet bmj or the OES deluxe are great options...

so there you are outfitted for at the VERY most $315
other options weighing in around $150-$200