OK all you hammock hanger's out there. Just what you have been waiting for, a newbie wannabe hammocker out here wanting to be convinced that hanging is the way to go.
This summer, as every summer since 2000, I did my section of the AT and encountered a couple at a shelter. Husband slept in the shelter while the wife was a hanger. Both in their early 60's and she had a number of physical limitations (i.e. broken back and neck, bad knees, etc) that limited their ability to hike many miles in a day. But, none the less, were out there giving it hell. She said that her hammock was the only way she could go as it allowed her a good night's sleep that a hard surface or the ground wouldn't.
I didn't really get into what type hammock she had but from my recollection, I'd bet it was one of the Hennessey models. So, this pretty much sold me and convinced me that this was a direction I needed to head in.
Now, what do I need from you? Wish I knew exactly what to ask. So, I'll start with what do you think is a good hammock to start with? Consider that due to job commitments, I'll pretty much be hiking a two week stretch anywhere from the last week of July up to perhaps the first week of October on the AT and I am presently in Central Virginia and headed North.
Secondly and knowing that practice makes perfect, how long after you decided to go the hammock route did it take you to get proficient at set up/take down, so that when you set it up, you could sleep all night comfortably without dragging the ground and/or getting wet in a rain storm.
Lastly, anything you might want to throw in there that experience taught you.
Thanks to all and I am looking forward to your responses.
Fat Man Walking
VA to VA - 07
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