Hi I'm new and have a couple of questions

[Draketake]

CCC545,

Morning and Welcome. Great group of people here to help you out. I am newer also ( began this Spring) and am constantly amazed at how nice and helpful, members are here.

As others have said, this Website, "The Ultimate Hang Book/Website" and Shug's You Tube videos, will set you off right. In addition, there are many members here, that have their own You Tube videos, packed with even more great info.

You dont need to drop a lot of money. If youve been camping already in a tent, youve probably got the gear, to get you off and running, until you decide, if Hammocking suits you.

Dont get all tangled up in the lingo and the feeling that you need the latest and greatest. For instance, a 12 X 10 Walmart Tarp, will do the same job as a 140.00 specialty Tarp. A 15.00 Energizer headlamp will do the same as a 100.00 one.

As with any sport/hobby, you can make it as simple or complicated, as you wish. Learn the basics. Buy/Make or Modify proven gear. Lastly, most of all, have fun. When you get it dialed in, you will have many nights of incredibly comfortable, sleep.

Be safe.

[Shug]

As simple as hammocks seem, they are quite complex. Take your time learning and enjoy it! Be patient.
Hammocks require tarp pitching which some folks have never done.
Just get a good hang first and find your sweet spot. Use a simple suspension. Use around a 30 degree angle to hang as a start.
Embrace the comfort quest.
Shug

[Floridahanger]

I haven't used either the Academy nor the ENO hammock so I can't help with this issue.

That said, when I first decided to start hammocking, I looked at an ENO at Gander Mountain and studied it. I decided I could make one for a fraction of the price. If you like to DIY, I made a cotton blank and tested until I liked it. Then I made a 10' ripstop nylon hammock using $1.50 fabric from Walmart. So, for $6 of fabric, I made my camping hammock with a Black Bishop Bag to hold it and extra material for other projects. I still use this same hammock for last 7 years.

It's up to you how much to spend and I would recommend to start with DIY(many choices- check out hammock or DIY section) or our Vendors section for less expensive (the word "cheap" would be wrong here).

-Of course, I too cannot recommend enough to watch Shug videos. Make a snack, a cold beverage of choice, and a good amount of time to fully enjoy the wonderful world of Shugemery on YouTube. Start with hammocking for noobs video series and enjoy.

-If you have a tent, go to a group hang and stay the weekend with them. They will show you plenty of rigs and some will let you try out their hammocks, and tips/tricks of the trade.

[Mogollon Monster]

I'd go straight to a Warbonnet, Dream, Dutch, or Simply Light Designs hammock (there are others, but I can't think of them right now). We have all messed around with the ENOs, Hennesseys and the like. Save your time and money and just get the good stuff. You won't be sorry.

[Need2noCallahan]

Welcome and happy trails. You are about to embark on a great journey. One of mystery and wonderment. Be careful, cause there is a bug out there and we would rather you find it on your own.

With that said, the Grand Master Of Funk (Shug) and Derek Hensen will be your guides on your fall down the rabbits hole. Just know this Alice, you can always go back but you probably won’t want to.

Ask lots of questions and follow your heart. Once you start figuring things out, you’ll be ready to start dialing things in. At which time you will want to seek out the “Professor”, the Wizard himself, The elusive Mr. Grizz who will set you straight on the Yellow Brick Road to hammock-er bliss. So Dorothy, click them heals and get ready for the ride. Remember on this ride, you are not required to keep your legs and arm inside the car at all times.

ENJOY


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[PharmGeek]

When was Grizz's last post?!


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[Need2noCallahan]

It’s been about a year since the Ariel series. I can’t remember the last video. I hope he didn’t get lost in the rabbit hole! Oh my.


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[FJRpilot]

When was Grizz's last post?!


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Last week. He’s lurking out there


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[GrizzlyAdams]

I'm baack!
Screenshot 2017-11-10 07.55.45.jpg

seriously though, hammock engineering has come to a bit of a stall owing to our letting the apartment which the sewing room out to the daughter of a family friend to help her adjust to being 'away from home' for a year before she heads off to teach English in Korea! That and spending a tremendous amount of time traveling.... I'm musing on a reprise of a video on hammock suspension, a summary for new comers. We'll see.

Now back to my rabbit hole...

[IRONFISH45]

My daughter and I started with really inexpensive hammocks about 12 years ago. I believe they were under $10.00 each hammock and $5.00 each set of straps.

I immediately loved my ENO. Then I found this site.

After many trials I found gear that woeks great for me.

As mentioned earlier, go with inexpensive, see if Hammocks are for you. Then go to a Hang and test different hammocks see what fits you and your finances best. I definately evolved in the type of hammock I need.

I moved from my ENO DBL NEST through a lot of hammocks to my Ridgerunner. I also learned I am claustrophobic, I require minimal enclosement.