New eagle, new user, new to the forum!

**adamsw3** · 06-05-2009, 14:16

I have always wanted to try hammock camping, but buying another expensive system (already have a few tents) has been out of the question. But I was lucky enough to pick-up a single nest at the local Eddie Bauer outlet for $25! I also ordered a set of pro slap straps and they are on the way.

So now the newbie question start! Is there a spot on the web that explains the process for hanging a nest the proper way? How do I select camp spots? What is the list of necessary gear?

Any feedback is welcome!

**angrysparrow** · 06-05-2009, 14:29

Originally Posted by adamsw3

Is there a spot on the web that explains the process for hanging a nest the proper way? How do I select camp spots? What is the list of necessary gear?

Really? Are you being serious?

Welcome to the forum. Spend some time reading the forum threads here - your questions are thoroughly covered.

Also, have a look at this site for more info.

**adamsw3** · 06-05-2009, 14:42

And why wouldn't I be?

**Hetairoi** · 06-05-2009, 14:44

Originally Posted by adamsw3

I was lucky enough to pick-up a single nest at the local Eddie Bauer outlet for $25! I also ordered a set of pro slap straps and they are on the way.

Congrats on your buy and welcome to the forum.

Is there a spot on the web that explains the process for hanging a nest the proper way?

<looks around> um, yes, yes there is

How do I select camp spots?

you'll need two trees, that's about it. though if you search you'll find you don't always need the trees.

What is the list of necessary gear?

get a pad, blue walmart ccf is fine, just get something to go under you. 1st rule of hammocks.

Any feedback is welcome!

don't worry, we're not ALL smartasses, just most of us

**angrysparrow** · 06-05-2009, 14:51

Originally Posted by adamsw3

And why wouldn't I be?

Pardon my amusement. I probably read your post wrong. Let's start again.

Welcome to the forum!

To hang your hammock, start by selecting two trees that are about 12 feet apart, and hang your webbing straps from them and connect the hammock. Be sure to hang the supports high on the trees, because generally speaking the more sag the hammock has the more comfortable it will be (it will let you lay diagonally across the hammock fabric, and thus flatter).

As to the rest of your questions - stick around and read some. All the info you need is here on the forum.

**adamsw3** · 06-05-2009, 14:57

thanks, actually he answered my question...

"Also, have a look at this site for more info."

I was looking for a good site other then a forum to get basic info. Wading through posts can be time consuming.

"adversus solem ne loquitor "

**shrek** · 06-05-2009, 15:02

Originally Posted by adamsw3

I have always wanted to try hammock camping, but buying another expensive system (already have a few tents) has been out of the question. But I was lucky enough to pick-up a single nest at the local Eddie Bauer outlet for $25! I also ordered a set of pro slap straps and they are on the way.

So now the newbie question start! Is there a spot on the web that explains the process for hanging a nest the proper way? How do I select camp spots? What is the list of necessary gear?

Any feedback is welcome!

First thing with the ENO is lose the "biners" that come with it (they weigh a ton) and buy some lightweight ones. The CAMP nano or the ENO deluxe carabiners are good choices.

I have a Single Nest and it's pretty straightforward on setting it up. Wrap the straps around a tree and hook your hammock to a loop. You will have to play with it a bit to find the amount of sag that is comfortable for you. I personally like to set it up fairly tight. YMMV.

Keep in mind that the Slap Straps are nylon and will stretch some when you lay in the hammock. Just take that into account when you set it up. You may want to hang it a little higher than you might think. I set mine up where it's almost too high to just sit down in it. By the next morning, I'm only 18" off the ground. Then again, I'm a bit on the heavy side.

Also, as you will read on any thread here about set-ups, get a tarp of some kind. You will appreciate the protection from the sun and rain.

Oh, as mentioned before, get the "blue pad" from Walmart.

**adamsw3** · 06-05-2009, 15:27

Thanks! Got a blue pad already so I am good to go. Now need to find a good tarp. I have read here (I follow directions well) that the ENO tarps are to be avoided. What I am confused about is size, there seems to be many different opinions on tarp size. I want to go with something silnylon to reduce weight.

**east_stingray** · 06-05-2009, 15:42

Almost all of the quality tarps are sil (or spinnaker). There are a ton of options on sizing for tarp. Pretty much what it boils down to is:

Bigger = more comfortable/convenient, more margin for error

Smaller = lighter, usually cheaper.

**Cannibal** · 06-05-2009, 23:11

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

Really? Are you being serious?

Originally Posted by adamsw3

And why wouldn't I be?

See what happens when you try to be funny angrysparrow; you confuse the new kids.

Welcome to the forum adamsw3! You'll find answers to all your questions here. Plus, a few hundred you haven't even come up with yet.

Arguing the obvious, oh boy that's one of our most favorite things to do around here! Just as Ewker.