Boy Scout (leader) in Los Angeles

**drumorgan** · 05-25-2017, 12:36

Got my Eagle in 1986, and my son is 11, just got his First Class. Our first year together in Boy Scouts and this Troop does some great camping. This past year we saw the Naval Base in San Diego, Anza Borrego, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Malibu beach camping. And next year looks even better.

As an adult, I can now afford all the "cool" gear, and there is so much of it. I have my nice backpack, a sleeping bag for different temperatures and so far, I've used a TINY 1-man tent as it packs up so nicely. It is still a bit uncomfortable (I am 48) sleeping on the ground, even with a pad.

Recently, I saw the Chillax double-nest hammock at Costco. Say what you will, but I'm loving it, especially for the price.

Now, as I usually do, I am getting into it. Got it set up in the backyard trying to learn how to get comfortable. After a few day-time naps, I tried sleeping all night last night. It was super, with my 30 deg bag and a pad, and a small pillow, it was perfect.

I am already watching Shug's videos and looking at all the goodies at REI, and will probably pick up an Eno Double-Nest with the mosquito net, rain fly and rigging gear, all sold in a package (on sale this month for $164 total)

I can't wait to get this thing out on a REAL campout and sleep comfortably. I'm always the one that is a little "off" from the main crowd, and I'm sure this hammock rig will do wonders for my "rep" with the Troop

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**Rekoob** · 05-25-2017, 13:15

Welcome to the site.
Do yourself a solid and research this site about items before dropping your hard earned cash.
Good luck and let us know how it's going.

**rick417** · 05-25-2017, 17:48

Welcome to the addiction.

**TrailSlug** · 05-25-2017, 17:58

Welcome to the forums. Check out the sales forums as there's some quality gear that come available from time to time and congrats on getting above terra firma.

**99Star** · 05-25-2017, 22:03

I think you're look at OneLink system, it's a quick entry system (have one myself), if the pad get you no CBS (cold butt symptom), spend some time study what's good for you, the underquilt is one of the component that got you to really appreciated hammock overnight. if ENO didn't upgrade their carabiner(mine were having sharp point edge, that will scrap your Altas strap) on the DoubleNet, replace them with $5-$6 climbing rated biners, the fly eventually you may upgrade to 4 season that have door. That's a good start to enjoy a summer.

It's good to have 'specialty' in your troop, I'm known to the tree hanging guy in my unit since 3 years ago, there're many skills used on hammock camping you can teach Scouts/adult. I still emphasize Scouts need to master tenting before they can 'upgrade' to hanging.

Welcome.

**BoyScoutAustyn** · 05-27-2017, 18:58

Welcome from Washington state!

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**Scouter811** · 05-30-2017, 10:28

Welcome from a Scouter from Pennsylvania. You will enjoy your time with your son. I have two boys in so far, one is life and one is tenderfoot, and our troop loves hammocks. We have a whole group we are taking this summer for a rustic week long hammock camping experience.

**dakotaross** · 05-30-2017, 11:12

Two things...

1) always use straps on trees

2) know this calculator and note what happens to horizontal shear force when the angle of the hang is reduced...

https://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/

In fact, the book should be required reading for anyone involved with scouts who wants to use a hammock.

**Phillip W. Martin** · 05-30-2017, 11:38

Welcome, After years of ground camping myself, I switched to the trees and haven't looked back. There is a ton of great advice from all over on the forum. Check them out.