ok, I bought it, now what???

**angrysparrow** · 06-15-2007, 07:24

Originally Posted by Hooch

In regard to spyderline, I'd probably go with a 3.8mm, which is rated to about 1900#. Better safe than dropped!

Exactly, and that's what I'm using. But, I doubled it up too!

**funbun** · 06-15-2007, 07:36

Originally Posted by DawgU

I'm trying to stay light, but everybody keeps saying MacCat deluxe, so I'll defer to your wisdom. What kind of guyline do you use? I want the lightest that won't be a pain to deal with. Thx!

I use the Speer guylines. Scroll down to the bottom of the page; it's under Make your Own Hammock Supplies. It's spectra just like the Spyderline for your suspension; therefore, it's also low tangle.

**Hooch** · 06-15-2007, 07:43

Originally Posted by DawgU

What kind of guyline do you use?

I use the stock line that came with my ENO DryFly tarps right now. I don't know what your thought on luminescence are, but my plan is to change over to something like Kelty Triptease line or MSR Reflective Cord. I've seen a few people use the orange cord that Ed Speer sells, it's pretty bright and very lightweight.

**Hooch** · 06-15-2007, 08:01

Originally Posted by Shadowmoss

Do definitely hang with the standard rig. Then, and only then, will you understand the ring/buckle modifications, and more importantly, the why. Then go out and hang a large tarp with rain starting to fall as you hang it. You will then come in and beg Slowhike to explain the figure 9's and how they are used for hanging the tarp.

Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

Go ahead and use the tree huggers to suspend the hammock for a short while then upgrade to the ring/buckle system. It will make you appreciate the ring/buckles more as well as give you knowledge to give to others.

Finger and Shadowmoss are pointing you in the right direction, for sure. I used the ENO Slap Strap Pro first, but am now on the ring buckle support system. Once you hang with the "original" suspension, you'll have a very good understanding of why people upgrade to other suspensions and be able to pass that experience on to others. But then again, like someone else said, just go hang your hammock and have fun with it! And definitely sink a couple bucks into the Niteize Figure 9's. It makes hanging your tarp quick and hassle free.

**txulrich** · 06-15-2007, 09:23

Originally Posted by DawgU

I'm trying to stay light, but everybody keeps saying MacCat deluxe, so I'll defer to your wisdom. What kind of guyline do you use? I want the lightest that won't be a pain to deal with. Thx!

I put the triptease on mine. It really shows up at night when the light hits it. That way, I don't fall flat on my face on one of those middle of the night watering ventures.

The weight penalty of the deluxe vs. the standard is not that high for the extra coverage. You won't regret this decision.

**Hooch** · 06-15-2007, 09:55

Originally Posted by txulrich

The weight penalty of the deluxe vs. the standard is not that high for the extra coverage. You won't regret this decision.

According to the OES website, there is only 2 oz difference between the standard and deluxe. The weight "penalty" of 2 oz is more than worth it for the trade off in coverage. If it were my decision, I'd go with the deluxe for the extra coverage. Staying dry is a good thing, and the extra coverage will probably keep you that way.

**wallace** · 06-15-2007, 12:13

FranticFinger is right. I just completed my first 8 day use of the HH. I had previously read a little of the ring suspension thread but did not fully appreciate what was being said. I used the tree huggers and the figure 8 lashing. After coming back from my trip I ordered the components to make the ring suspension. I am also considering the Delux MacCat tarp.

For my first trip which was in late May, I used the Oware pad. Although it was somewhat cumbersome as to how it layed in the hammock, it was cheap ,$24, very light (~6oz) and provided adequate insulation. The important thing is that it is 40" wide. I could tell it was working by positioning a leg off the pad and feeling the cool. I will probably be looking into something better (underquilt) in the futrure, but this worked for my first trip.

Bottom line: go out, use the hammock, and then come back here and re-read everything.

**funbun** · 06-15-2007, 14:13

Originally Posted by wallace

Bottom line: go out, use the hammock, and then come back here and re-read everything.

Sage advice. Written like a true Masta.

**FanaticFringer** · 06-15-2007, 16:12

Hey I've just been called Finger and FranticFinger. That sounds obsene. It's FanaticFringer. You know instead of Lunatic Fringe, it's Fanatic Fringer.