View Full Version : Long Trail Thru Hike
bumt1941
11-14-2011, 14:02
n00b here, using a hammock for the first time on a long distance hike. Any thoughts on the Byer Traveller Lite? It seems too good to be true for something so cheap.
Any other suggestions? I'm on a bit of a budget
TinaLouise
11-15-2011, 08:51
the price of the byer traveller lite is very cheap but there's a lot more to hanging than just a layer of nylon under you.
How do you feel about skeeters biting you?? Or spiders falling out of a tree onto you?? You'll also need a tarp to keep the rain off. And most people tend to get cold without insulation. How do you take care of your gear, do you need a heavier fabric because you're ruff on gear? Or can you take care of a thiner material and not rip it.
Your "house" (whether it be a tent or a hammock) that you carry, will need to stand up to whatever situations that you encounter on your trip. And unfortunately a hammock (and all the other gear related to using that hammock -tarp-UQ-TQ) usually requires quite a bit of prior backyard testing before you're ready to go out on any extended long distance camping with it. Well, unless you happen to be going with someone who's already a seasoned hammock camper who could give you pointers!!
Post on this board and find out if there's any of us near you that you could check out their gear.
TinaLouise
streamline
11-15-2011, 09:08
Hey don't scare em' :)
I have no one around me that hammocks and I have done fine on shorter trips. Watch Shuggs videos and browse around. If your going on a thru hike I am sure you know how important R&D is, in this case Research & Develope your skills baby!
Playing in the backyard is fun, but not always possible. I have a busy life like the next person but never got more than a 15 min test hang before my first time out and I was fine, now all the friends I have started converting come to me. . . lol and I still direct them here.
Have you thought of diy, you can make a lightweight hammock that won't break the bank, just don't expect perfection.
lazy river road
11-15-2011, 09:58
What time of year are you going? That will IMHO determine weather or not you need a skeeter net or not. I did a section of the long trail in late June early July and I wouldent be caught dead on that trail without a skeeter net. But to each their own HYOH. So many black flies that time of year. Beyond that A hammock system IMHO will work very well on the Long Trail thats what I used for my week journey. Just remember their are some shelters that do not allow camping outside the shelter so just a heads up to be prepared for that as well.
bumt1941
11-16-2011, 16:06
I guess I forgot to mention that ill be taking a tarp lol. I just havent decided on which one. Was looking for advice on that particular hammock. I've checked out Shugg's vids (love 'em), so i've got an idea of everything that i'll need. I figured i would buy a cheaper one to start with, and concentrate more on the tarp and rigging.
Tentatively planning on going mid august or so, so skeeters aren't a huge concern. And luckily I've got a good area to do some testing. Just don't wanna sink too much money into it too quick
MedicineMan
11-16-2011, 16:53
I'd split the difference between an econo hammock and high dollar and go with a Traveler. I'm one of those that an econo -though not a Byer- failed on me. I've got at least one hundred nights in a Travler and it looks brand new.
If you think about the Traveler as in leaning towards it consider the double bottom model...no mossies biting you, perfect for 1/4 inch ccf use, and a firmer lay.
If you buy and and dont like it I'll buy it from you.
I have spent, and continue to spend, alot of time on that trail and in the Green Mountains. There will still be Mosquitos that time of year, trust me. Do yourself a favor and get a bug net, or a hammock with one built in. Are you going Nobo or Sobo?
nothermark
11-16-2011, 17:22
If you will fit it:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42088
nice deal on a hennessy scout.
bumt1941
11-16-2011, 21:46
If you will fit it:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42088
nice deal on a hennessy scout.
bahh sold!
I'm going SOBO, as my family lives right out of bennington. I thought about DIY, but i'm not terribly confident. The traveller looked ok, but it seems wayy short (I'm 5' 10", 175 lbs) How is the ENO singlenest? I've been reading reviews on REI's site, but everything is like 100% positive :rolleyes: lol
I'm about 6'4 and the singlenest is just too small - I'd splurge for the double personally....given your size, I'd suppose that would be nice and spacious....ENO's bugnet is pretty simple....There are a couple of small mods that can make it better...
i love my double nest but i do think its cheaper to do a diy, even if you have to take it to a seamstress to channel it out. the nylon on a diy imo would not stretch like the eno parachute. you'd get a flatter, tauter, bigger lay. the eno bugnet imo is just too rigid and bulky. buy some other netting or diy your bugnet. you're set in tarp, it sounds like. being a thruhiker, you will need to save the mula for down uq and tq. hyoh. just my opinion.
Otis_Hiker
11-17-2011, 15:43
The eno singlenest is what I used for most of the Long Trail. I'm around 5'10" and it works for me but not as roomy as a HH. Agree with previous post about bugs, I did 2/3 of the LT in June/July and the other 1/3 in August/Sept...buggy both times (some shelters BAD, some not so). If you need any help planning for the hike itself don't be afraid to send me a PM! Good luck with your hike.