New Hanger in Dallas TX

[MelloTommy]

Greetings from fashionable North Dallas!
Joined a short time ago after hearing about it in YouTube videos and reading about it in "The Ultimate Hang". I'm 56. Pretty much a lifetime camper and backpacker. Besides family, the other selfish passion is cycling (2 wheels, human-powered). I've spend a lot of nights as a ground sleeper with the troop and my son is an Eagle.
I tried a Lawson hammock several years ago and would consider that a failed experiment. But I just couldn't stop thinking that there were so many advantages of getting off the ground and there had to be a way to make it work for me. Probably like a lot of you, I watched dozens of Shug's YouTube videos, eager to learn. On a weekend backpack last Fall, a couple of new guys brought hammocks. They set up quick and slept well. One of my New Year's resolutions for 2018 was to take the plunge and buy a modern hammock and get started.
Warbonnet ran a sale over Memorial Day and I nabbed the new Blackbird XLC. I picked up a used SuperFly and a HG Phoenix 40º UQ on eBay. Now I'm shopping for a proper top quilt to use instead of an unzipped mummy bag.
I'm also a big fan of another minor YouTube star, Jon Fong, the man behind FlatCatGear. If you haven't seen his cooking system, I encourage you to check it out.
I see there is a group hang coming up in November at Fairfield Lake State Park. Maybe I'll make it and meet you in person.

[rhjanes]

Hi, Welcome and such.
I started with a WBBB....Have the XLC also. Tried a lot of Dutchwear bling (attaching stuff). Got a Dream Hammock Raven and love it. I got Hammock Gear quilts and love them.

[UncleMJM]

Howdy and welcome to the trees! Glad you've seen the info on the hang in November. I hope you can make it!

[MelloTommy]

When posted my first entry above, I'd only napped in the backyard in the new WBBB. I just spent my first full night in it earlier this week. Still in the backyard but gaining experience and confidence. Even though it was only my first night, I was so impressed with the comfort and quality of sleep - much better than even my best nights on the ground. I think I'm a convert.

Check out the photo of my setup:
IMG_5793.jpg

[xMagnolia]

That’s a nice rig! Love your local pink wildlife. Now that the weather in the South is finally getting conducive to being outside, you can get more hang nights in. Keep your eye out for group hangs.

Charlotte

[Lebreton]

Welcome to another hanger from Texas

[MelloTommy]

A few nights later, I went for the full weather test. Slept well again and stayed dry. Ready to venture beyond the back yard!

IMG_5797.jpg

[rhjanes]

Nice! What straps do you have on the tree?

[MelloTommy]

Good eye. That's a 2" ripstop strap from MyersTech. Since Texas State Parks require 2" straps, I needed something other than the 1" webbing that came with my WBBB. $20 for a pair 5' ripstop straps with very cool no-HW clips made from 3/16" Amsteel tied in a button knot. The other end has a continuous loop on it. I put a Dutch Hook on my whoopie sling and use it to connect to the continuous loop. Lightweight, simple set-up.

IMG_5808.jpg