Wannabe hanger

[tammons]

So,

I have pretty much a full setup for UL tent camping. My base weight is between 12-13.8# depending on the season, but I think I would like to try an
AT section hike with a hammock this winter starting at Springer in mid December.

As far as sleeping gear, I have a montbell #1 spiral, tyvek bivy sack, blue pad, regular neoair. Also have a campmor extended poncho tarp IE 5x9.

From what I have seen a 8x10 or 9x9 tarp in a diamond seems to be the better tarp setup unless I figure out an opt closed tarp.

I am 6-3 and about 225.

So what ultralight hammock would you recommend and do I need anything else like a different tarpt etc ??

Would I be better off building one ?? Building a silnylon tarp is a no brainer.

Also has anybody figured out a hammock design that could be used as a bug tent you could use on the ground similar to the mld solo design.

Thanks in advance

[Shug]

Hey tammons,
Glad your condsdering the hammock route. It is terrificly comfortable and gives you a lot of options.
No easy answers to your questions though ..... so I would advise grabbing a coffee or brew and start reading and searching around on this site.
Everyone will give you an opinion here!
If you sew, make your own hammock as it is super easy to do. Tarps .... a whole lot of options there. Search in the "Tarp" section and check out the vendors on here.
Have fun and be patient......
Shug

[tammons]

Thanks,

Been reading all day. I found risks site and there are some good ideas there.
The Z double layer hammock with whipped ends looks easy and makes sense.

Dont really need a bug net for this winter.

Do you think a neoair between the 2 layers would work okay ?? Dont know why I would want to use it over a quilt except it is small packed and if I end up on the ground it would be nice.

Not sure if it would be enough either in december.

[Shug]

Thanks,

Been reading all day. I found risks site and there are some good ideas there.
The Z double layer hammock with whipped ends looks easy and makes sense.

Dont really need a bug net for this winter.

Do you think a neoair between the 2 layers would work okay ?? Dont know why I would want to use it over a quilt except it is small packed and if I end up on the ground it would be nice.

Not sure if it would be enough either in december.

check out JustJeffs site:http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html
It is full of hammock glory!
The neo should do fine .... something for the shoulders is really nice. Check out an SPE : http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/SPE.htm
or just put something under your shoulder on cooler nights. The spe adds a bit of weight but if you value comfort it is negligible.
Lots on here think that a better nights sleep in a hammock makes your hiking better since your body ain't sore..... at least for us older fellers.
Still a gram-weenie though.

[beep]

Thanks,

Been reading all day. I found risks site and there are some good ideas there.
The Z double layer hammock with whipped ends looks easy and makes sense.

Dont really need a bug net for this winter.

Do you think a neoair between the 2 layers would work okay ?? Dont know why I would want to use it over a quilt except it is small packed and if I end up on the ground it would be nice.

Not sure if it would be enough either in december.

The NeoAir (or any 20" wide pad) won't give your shoulders coverage. That's why the Speer folks came up with the Speer SPE. Plus, the R-value (insulation rating) of the NeoAir is around 2.5, not really enough for serious cold though probably good to freezing or thereabout. Oh, a +1 for JustJeff's website. He has LOTS of good information.

[tammons]

Well my tent right now is 2#10oz so I should be able to beat that.

I had planned to replace it with a GG the one tent, but I have a feeling that once I sleep in a hammock that might change.

Still cant figure out how one side sleeps in a hammock though.

[Shug]

Still cant figure out how one side sleeps in a hammock though.

a lot on here do .... I do not. I lay like a mummy!
Will let others give you advise there.
Fun diggin' in, ain't it?
Shug

[tammons]

Would a neoair regular do for a side sleeper. I am like a 100% side sleeper.
If I added a blue pad to the neoair that should do it.

Is a neoair more comfortable in a hammock that say a quilt ??

I just cant quite figure out how well an air mattress works in a hammock.

[Shug]

Would a neoair regular do for a side sleeper. I am like a 100% side sleeper.
If I added a blue pad to the neoair that should do it.

Is a neoair more comfortable in a hammock that say a quilt ??

I just cant quite figure out how well an air mattress works in a hammock.

Under Quilts are much more comfortable than pads!!!!!!! They cover your shoulder and you can lay any way you want.
I used pads for a year in an SPE ... no problem. Just deflate them more than you think you should.
Get a 1/2 UQ or whole UQ and you will be happy. But don't sweat it .... play with pads and practice. It has a learning curve which most of us actually enjoy!
Coach Shug

[JayS]

Most folks find a quilt more comfortable but there are many who use pads. If you go the pad route, check out SPEs (segmented pad extender) as someone above mentioned. Otherwise, it can be a pain to keep the pad(s) where they need to be for warmth.

And if you use the Neoair, you may find it more comfortable if you deflate it some.

edit: I see Shug beat me to this! Shug of the fast fingers!