New to hammock camping and looking for some guidance.

By the way, I love this photo.
http://i.imgur.com/8zQRr.jpg

I dare you to set up a tent on that site.

That's a darn nice looking rig! Nice spot, too. How was the view?

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Originally Posted by NerdMachine

What do you mean by a sock?

I haven't found any good guides/materials for a down underquilt? Would a diy down one be significantly better than a diy insultex one?

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A sock is simply a slip of material that you slide over the hammock to retain warm air inside and defeat drafts. There are multiple versions out there. Here is one of the simpler designs.

For a down underquilt, there are multiple threads out there dealing with it. Here is a good set of instructions, here is another, and here is yet another.

Down is better for cold-weather camping (what you're going to see from ~September to ~April in your area of the world), since it is very breathable and allows moisture to pass from you into the outside air, preventing you from being soaked by condensation. Insultex is wonderful for warmer weather, since it's cheap and less water sensitive (so, if/when you get wet weather, it won't be as bothered by it if you manage to get the quilt wet). It is not very vapor-permeable, though, and does not pack down nearly as well as a down quilt will.

Hope it helps!

welcome from the west. I am sure you will find all the info( and more) than you are after here :) sweet spot you found there, great views :) enjoy the new addiction

Hey NerdMachine,

Welcome to the Forum from "Bluefin" in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. You have a pretty nice set up there. You may want to check out some down underquilts instead of using pads for insulation.

We have some world class hiking trails here.

Hope to see you on the trail someday soon. :)