I think I'm ready...

[Daddio]

Well maybe, maybe not. I keep going back and forth on what I want to do for my first hammock.
Yesterday I was set on just buying what I think is my dream system. A dream hammock roaming gnome with some options that came up to right around $200.
But today I'm thinking about taking a little cheaper route and going with a Dutch netless double layer. Have to deal with the bug net separately.
I'd probably start with a Kelty Noah 12 tarp since it will also work with the family tent.
One of the things that has me reconsidering the dream system is I'm not sure how I will lay. I'm very left handed and side sleep most of the time. So I "think" I would like the left lay, but I also don't want to base it all what I think since I know that I don't know.

So yeah, still just as lost as every other newbie.

[Zilla]

A Dutch hammock is a great way to start out until you figure out if your a left or right lay,, i bought my XLC and it turns out that i am a left lay,, still love the hammock but am thinking about selling it because it's not a left lay, just can't get myself to part with it.

[PaPa K]

I have a Roaming Gnome as my backpacking out in the bush hammock and it is great, but I keep it mostly for that. However, I started with an Eno double and still have it and several Dutch hammocks in my hammock herd. I love the Dutch Argon for the lay and comfort, his nylon comes a close second as it stretches a little less. Poly is third as it gives the firmest lay. Having said all that I recommend you give a hard look at a Dutch hammock as it is a far more economical was of determining what you like and don't like, and how you like to lay. Then when you know what you want you can go big with one of Papa Smurfs beauties knowing what you want. There are never too many hammocks cause I hand inside and slept in my Dutch Argon several times a week, and I always have an extra to indoctrinate new hangers to the fold (4 so far ) Good luck and happy hunting.

[grok]

My best advice would be to point out that any hammock, no matter the price, is a piece of fabric with rope at the ends. Make your own first. DIY is as much of a reward as the hang.

[Colonel Panic]

Look at Underground Quilts. They will rent you a DH Darien for a very reasonable fee.

[SilvrSurfr]

Nothing wrong with a Dutch hammock - all I use lately. Start with a simple, gathered-end hammock and you may never remember why you wanted a Cadillac hammock.

[MississipVol]

$35 sounds cheap but the amount you would save on a Dutch hammock is not as much as you would expect once you add in the price of a ridgeline, suspension, and bugnet. It is still about $45 less than a Warbonnet Blackbird so if you don't care about the additional features like the footbox, shelf, tie-downs, etc - the Dutch hammock may be the way to go. But then again - $45 is not much more to spend if you think some of those features are worthwhile to you.

[jabomba]

A Dutch hammock is a great way to start out until you figure out if your a left or right lay,, i bought my XLC and it turns out that i am a left lay,, still love the hammock but am thinking about selling it because it's not a left lay, just can't get myself to part with it.

I'm in the same boat right now. I order a dream hammock, so I may part with it when that gets here.

[Daddio]

$35 sounds cheap but the amount you would save on a Dutch hammock is not as much as you would expect once you add in the price of a ridgeline, suspension, and bugnet. It is still about $45 less than a Warbonnet Blackbird so if you don't care about the additional features like the footbox, shelf, tie-downs, etc - the Dutch hammock may be the way to go. But then again - $45 is not much more to spend if you think some of those features are worthwhile to you.

That's just the thing, I don't know what is important to me yet. I priced out a Dutch with some options and it was about $100.

[bkrgi]

Also consider a Warbonnet Traveler and you can get the separate bug net
Something to be said for a simple gathered end Hammock as noted by Silvr Surfr