Came to the darkside... because, good sleep

[Tech Dawg]

Hey folks. I just made the switch from ground dwelling and have to wonder what the heck I was thinking.. well, with some shoulder problems and typically being a side sleeper I have to slowly not be a side sleeper anymore. My last hike on the Tuscarora Trail ended me in a shelter and that floor did me in (plus just never really feeling good in a tent and could never find a sleeping pad that I liked.

So I looked around, saw some videos and made a few contacts. The bulk of my new gear came from Dutchware Gear and I'd say 90% of that decision was solely based on them answering their phone and offering great explanations. I got my Chameleon hammock yesterday and tried it out and oh wow that thing is great! So I got that hammock with the symmetrical bugnet, beetle buckle straps and some of that dutch bling.
I got a 12ft hex cuben tarp from Hammock Gear and a 20deg underquilt from Enlightened Equipment both of which I'm still waiting on. Pretty pumped to get my new gear on my 100 mile AT trip!

Aside from the hammock jazz, I'm a remodeling contractor in the Harrisburg, Pa area and my screen name is my nick name from every contractor forum that basically just ended up as my trail name or what have you. I got into hiking well over a year as a means to stay in shape. I had quit drinking almost 2 years ago and unfortunately kinda got ditched by a bunch of so called friends. I like going to the gym to try and keep fit and I also assistant coach on a highschool wrestling team. When I can, I periodically play music with a few of my friends. We recorded an album 2 years ago for fun but shortly thereafter one of the members left so the rest of us just get together when there's time away from family duties.

I think some of my new hobbies will be making some gear items for myself. I'd like to tinker around with some of those synthetic underquilt and top quilt kits from Rip Stop by the Roll... all so I can get a little practice to make my own backpack. I was trying to design up a new one with that Appalachian Ultralite company where I already have one of his but he took away his phone and doesn't take requests anymore. Just decided to eventually make my own instead.
Cheers
Todd

[Peppy]

Hello and welcome from Northern Arkansas! Looks like you have a great start to your gear! Enjoy hanging out!

[PlusOne]

Welcome from South Jersey. Make sure you check out the "Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning" link for the Northeast and try to make it to some of the gourd hangs. I'm a new member as well, and the folks I've met have been great. Welcome down the rabbit hole!!!

[m00ch]

In my hammock, especially in the winter, is where my best sleep is found.
Welcome.

[Tech Dawg]

Thanks! I was invited to one of the events when I had questions with Dutch but ended up not being able to go because of work that weekend but wanted to try one out sometime. Is there hiking involved or just show up and hang in a tree/camp?

[Tyroler Holzhacker]

Just want to say you are in great company here on the forums. You made some stellar gear choices for sure. Hope to see you at some hangs this year. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and all around great human beings are here judging from past hangs I have been at. Welcome to the hangin'/hikin' hobby. I also started hiking to get in better shape.

[Mooseman]

Howdy Dawg, welcome from NC. Almost all info you need is here just search, ask and share. I would suggest going to a group hang in the ( Campouts, hangouts) local section of the site and looking at setups to get other ideas and brands. I find on most major items it is better to stay with the cottage, custom or family owned business. My opinion only...... Thanks and start having fun in the trees!