Hey! New here...

[Perkolady]

Hi Tinker and welcome to HF!

IMO, it's kinda hard to really say which hammock(s) would really work the best for you personally. What works for me may not work for the next guy, etc.

From what I see in threads here, your body weight and height can have a lot to do with what would work for you. I also think the position you sleep in plays a big role in what you would find comfy as well.

This doesn't help much, but trial and error are often the best teachers, so you may want to plan on trying more than one

You might want to meet up with some others at a hanging gathering. That'd be a great way to see and try out different hammocks and see what works best for you.

Welcome to the hanging world. You'll likely love it!!

[Cannibal]

Actually, I didn't think about that lol. What would you recomend?

My preference is an underquilt for 3 seasons and either a double layered hammock or a NeatSheet draped loosely underneath during the summer.

[Banjo]

Thanks for all your help yall, and keep it coming lol, I don't know much about this stuff yet (obviously lol.) I'm sure learning a lot though.

[ikemouser]

Check out my thread KNOT INFO in the tarp section for a great way to attach your tarp to your tarp ridgeline.

[keys?]

Welcome tinker
It's exciting, exhausting, & overwhelming at the same time isn't it?!

Once you think you've finally got something figured out somebody goes and creates a whole new concept of doing things. The guys and gals on this forum are very creative and things don't ever stay the same for too long from my experience, but it does keep things interesting.
Some advice if I may, when you finally do decide on a hammock, just pick one hammock, one setup to focus on ...then after awhile you can begin the treacherous, never-ending descent to gear monger world

Good luck!

[Banjo]

Lol thanks! Yeah, it is quite interesting, I mean really, who'd have ever thought there was so much to learn about a hammock lol? I can't wait to get one, for sure.

[Wentworth]

The velcro on the speer hammock: the loop side is on the hammock from memory, so it won't tear up your pants?
I love all Ed Speer's stuff. Absolutely nothing to go wrong.

I love my blackbird, but I sleep with a knife in the hammock. I have this fear of busting a zip and being caught inside! At least I could cut my way out of it

[opie]

Welcome Tinker!!

[Banjo]

Thanks Wentworth and opie!

[Duffy]

Actually, I didn't think about that lol. What would you recomend?

From my 'lighter/simpler is best' perspective, I use a Z-lite pad in a SPE. The SPE is similiar to the ones on Ed Speer's website, but homemade. The Z-lite folds up and ties on top of my backpack, while the SPE and small 'wing' pads fit against my back in my pack. The wings in the SPE do a nice job of keeping knee's, elbows and shoulders warm, and mosquito-bite free. There is a learning curve to sleeping in this configuration, as the pad wants to slide around at first. Took me about 3 nights to get used to it. no longer a problem. I've used this system down into the low 30's, and slept plenty warm. YMMV

The pad also come in handy for sitting on the ground, and sleeping on the ground if necessary (hasn't happened yet!).

- Duffy