Hello from SE Michigan

[DubhAingeal]

Hello,

Just wanted to pop in and say hey as a new member. My May Cairn box came with a Serac Hammock and Straps in it, and have been looking for ways to enjoy it since I sadly do not have any trees in the back yard. :/

Hoping to get enough extra gear together for using it for camping come Sept. Suggestions on some extra gear would be appreciated as it will all be new to me. Sitting in one is one thing, learning to camp in it another.

Laters

[Phantom Grappler]

DubhAingeal, you're off to a flying start. You can find all kinds of great advice here. You will want to read about insulation for your hammock--especially under insulation--pads and or underquilts--to prevent the dreaded CBS--cold butt syndrome.
Come to a group hammock hang near you. Click on Forums, click Outings, click Midwest and you are automatically invited to any group hammock hangs you'd like to attend.
There you will see all manner of hammocks and tarps and they will be glad to show off their rigs and talk hammocks and drink ☕️ coffee.
Your best start is watching Shug's YouTube videos--his ten part series of short videos on how to hang a hammock, tarp, insulation---fun and learning at same time.
Mainly, get out there and have fun---have a place you can bail out in case too wet or cold until you can trust your gear...


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[DubhAingeal]

Thanks for the welcome.

Had already started looking at some under quilts (ENO Ember 2 and the Outdoor Vitals Aerie are just two I have noted down) and the Typhoon Rainfly for a tarp so far. Will go looking for the youtube videos you mentioned. Just need to start carrying it with me more often. Went to the park today and after getting there was like, well this would have been a good op to try it out.

[michigandave]

Welcome neighbor to the south! You'll find lots of great information here so take advantage of the resource. Word of advice: do your research before buying anything...browse the forums and if you find a member with a piece of gear you're considering, send them a message and ask for their feedback. Remember the old adage "but once, cry once". Buying the right piece of gear will give you the best possible experience in the long run. Get out to a group hang and check out the variety of gear. Happy hanging!

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[Phantom Grappler]

Sometimes a hammock that is too short can cause uncomfortable calf ridge pressure.
Shug has an excellent video on causes and cures of calf ridge pressure. I do not remember the name of that video, but it's worth watching twice. What michigandave said is spot on! I went from a shorter hammock to longer hammocks for more comfort.
By going to a group Hang, you will get a crash course in everything hammock. You still want to watch selected videos and research some on your own--a group Hang will give you a big shortcut on this journey...


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[Peppy]

Welcome from Northern Arkansas. Be sure to check out the vendors action. HF has a great group of folks who not only make gear here in the US of A, they use it as well! All of them are more than willing to take your questions and help you find the right gear for your needs!

[ChucksOrangeDream]

Just go! Watch videos, read, and go. Have fun!


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[Rain Man]

Welcome from Nashville, Tennessee. Was just in your neck of the woods, in Ann Arbor over New Year's. My eldest moved there then from DC with her family.

[Big Flounder]

Welcome to the forums, from northeast Indiana

[Phantom Grappler]

Would tarp you are looking at be big enough, if you switched later to an 11 foot hammock?
Shug's video is called?
Dealing with calf ridge
If later you got an eleven foot hammock, you might want a tarp with an eleven foot ridgeline
All this is my best guess.
And lots of hammock new guys as well as seasoned ultralight backpackers do great with hammocks shorter than eleven feet.
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