Hello All:

**solobear** · 09-22-2010, 17:28

New to the forum, new to hammocks too...I tried a "Vietnam era" jungle hammock that I got from cheaper than dirt about 15 yrs ago. (never used it)

The canvas was a little dubious for all that time in the basement, but I figured why not...Long story short, as long as I can work out the issue of waking up with hyper extended knees (hurts like hell that!!) but I'm hooked.

I even thought that having my new home nick named "the bear burrito" by my ground dwelling companions was pretty darn funny...(it still is.)

I'll be replacing all that nice (constantly!!) stretchy parachute cord (which I think was the root cause of the issue with the knees) with some no stretch webbing, while I decide how I want to proceed, but I am heavily inclined (right now at least) to go with a JRB Bridge hammock, and insulate the crap out of it. The week end that I spent in the canvas version was pretty good, but I froze, (mid-Aug in the tidewater area of Virginia) hence the serious look at insulation.

The point of all this is: I need ideas here folks. I'd like to get "the right rig" which from what I gather from reading a few of the forums is easily made, very cheaply, or easily ordered and definitely not cheap...

In all cases it needs to be light..and needs to support at least 300LBS (I'm a serious believer in over engineering)

I'm OK using what is at hand for the tarp, and I gather that either sleeping flat or sleeping diagonally is going to relieve the issue with hyper extensions of the knees....but surely, some of you out there must be using something other than these beautiful, but high dollar insulation packages.

I suspect that there must be some seriously inexpensive way to insulate against the cold (4 seasons please) without spending what for me at least, is a King's ransom...

Thoughts, pointers, rude outbursts, comments, other?

Thanks

Solobear.

[email protected]

**Poppabear** · 09-22-2010, 19:24

Solobear welcome to HF from Poppabear. There are quite a few hammocks that will meet your criteria. DIY is an option and there are of course may fine commercial hammocks. Some of them are not as expensive as you may think. The Hammock Bliss No-seeum-No more hammock can be had for around $60-70. Do a search here Sgt Rock recently did a review of it. Based on that review I got one to mess around with. It's a darn fine hammock for the money. I'm 6'3" 240ish and I have slept in it comfortably and can get a reasonably flat diagonal lay in it. So it is pretty easy on the backs of the legs. You will find that just about any hammock can be made more comfortable. By fine tuning the suspension and experimenting with the rigging IE: hang angles. There are lots of options on bottom insulation also. Again a quick search will reveal a ton of information.

**pgibson** · 09-22-2010, 19:41

Welcome to hanging Solobear. Like poppabear said do some searches there is volumes of info on all things hammock here. There are lots of ways to insulate a hammock for winter. Pads are popular on the budget side of things, often one of the lightest choices as well, only down side to them is the bulk you can get into for thick full body lengths. Under quilts cost more but don't mess with the comfort of the hammock and pack smaller normally. But they have a greater cost whether making your own or buying from a vendor. Lots of ways to go, experiment and study you will find what will work for you best in no time.

**Brian in so cal** · 09-22-2010, 22:01

Welcome Solobear!!

**solobear** · 09-23-2010, 07:13

Thanks for the pointers. I'll (quite happily) start "digging around" is the different areas as i discover them...this is a great forum.

**Poppabear** · 09-23-2010, 08:33

If you can not find the answers to your questions. Do not be shy about asking specific questions. With all the accumulated knowledge here. Someone is sure to be able to answer them.

**MandyDawn** · 09-23-2010, 10:41

Welcome to HF from TN.....Being a newbie myself...all I can say is....Welcome to the darkside!....Speaking about your "burrito"...we call it a taco....hahhahaa...
This really is a great forum, all of the people are terrific and definately check out the DIY sections, there are no stupid questions, just a quest for knowledge....
Remeber it is only an additiction if you request rehab!!....

**Shug** · 09-23-2010, 11:10

Hey feller ....... have a big ol' dig through all the hammock gold on here.....
Shug

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 09-23-2010, 12:45

Originally Posted by solobear

Thanks for the pointers. I'll (quite happily) start "digging around" is the different areas as i discover them...this is a great forum.

Welcome solobear. I have been digging around here for a bit and have to warn you. Stand by for info overload and be ready to "finally" make up your mind several times. I'm now at the Warbonnet Blackbird (WBBB...Lord do these folks like acronyms) Double Layer 1.7oz with the strap system (told ya) hammock stage. Finally sure enough to contact Brandon (the owner) to work out how to pay etc. Your journey will be your own and, like me, I hope you enjoy every cyber moment.

BTW, let me be the first one to tell you about Shug's newb videos...since I slammed his work when someone did the same to me...hi Shug

. They are worth their weight in pounds (that's HUGE here where folk live in gram savings land) and should all be watched. My first take was an impatient one but since have become somewhat of an addict to his work (sorry Shug, I was wrong maaan

).

**Shug** · 09-23-2010, 14:15

Originally Posted by Law Dawg

Welcome solobear. I have been digging around here for a bit and have to warn you. Stand by for info overload and be ready to "finally" make up your mind several times. I'm now at the Warbonnet Blackbird (WBBB...Lord do these folks like acronyms) Double Layer 1.7oz with the strap system (told ya) hammock stage. Finally sure enough to contact Brandon (the owner) to work out how to pay etc. Your journey will be your own and, like me, I hope you enjoy every cyber moment.

BTW, let me be the first one to tell you about Shug's newb videos...since I slammed his work when someone did the same to me...hi Shug

. They are worth their weight in pounds (that's HUGE here where folk live in gram savings land) and should all be watched. My first take was an impatient one but since have become somewhat of an addict to his work (sorry Shug, I was wrong maaan

).

Well .... I ain't handing over all that hard-earned info without a price!!!!

Yeah solobear ... be patient and focus on one bit at a time......
Shug