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  1. #1
    New Member Bandit402's Avatar
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    Who you calling CRAZY??

    Dear Fellow-Forum Members,

    Today is one of those hard Fridays that feels as though it will never end. This is likely because of my FIRST hanging trip occurring this weekend. Not only will this be the first time I've camped in temps this low, but the first time using my new hammock setup.

    Estimated low: 6F
    Estimated high: 17F
    Location: Manistee National Forest (MI)


    Getting to the point... I've experienced an amazing amount of push-back about this trip this weekend from my friends and family. (Granted, two of my friends are coming with me.) The lower temperatures and survival conditions are no joking matter for certain. However, how do you all cope with putting your loved ones mind's at ease?

    So far I've had to pack an extra sleeping bag, extra pad, and my tent just in case. (But lets be honest, I ain't touchin' that thing! )

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    -Bandit
    Last edited by Bandit402; 01-21-2011 at 10:09.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Ryvr's Avatar
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    All my wife insists on is that my insurance policy is paid up lol.
    When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun.

  3. #3
    Rockdawg69's Avatar
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    Been there many times. Just put on a BIG Smile and keep going. After a while they get the message.
    Rockdawg69

    It's a long way to the top if you want to Rock and Roll ----- those hills!!!

    Professional Prevaricator: Part-time dealer in Yarns, Tales, Half-Truths, & Outright Lies -1st half-hour session at no cost (Lawyers and Doctors excepted).

  4. #4
    Rockdawg69's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ryvr View Post
    All my wife insists on is that my insurance policy is paid up lol.
    +1 on that one also.
    Rockdawg69

    It's a long way to the top if you want to Rock and Roll ----- those hills!!!

    Professional Prevaricator: Part-time dealer in Yarns, Tales, Half-Truths, & Outright Lies -1st half-hour session at no cost (Lawyers and Doctors excepted).

  5. #5
    Senior Member KerMegan's Avatar
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    bring them along?

    (which is not to say that extra equip/backup plans are indeed excellent things to have along when you are still dialing in the system..)

  6. #6
    Senior Member oldgringo's Avatar
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    Have "Alternate Plan B" in place, be prepared to use it, and make sure they know it.

    They have every reason to be concerned. There's a learning curve associated with cold weather camping, especially in a hammock, that is best navigated with a house or vehicle close by. Be careful out there.
    Dave

    "Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton

  7. #7
    Senior Member JaxHiker's Avatar
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    My wife doesn't worry, she just thinks I'm nuts. Then again I wait until the coldest days and hang in the backyard. Maybe that helps her realize I almost know what I'm doing.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Rug's Avatar
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    Realistically: Calm, confident assurance that you know what you are doing, you know your gear, and you know what to do if the gear fails.

    Idealistically: This is what brings me joy, if you love me, that means you want me to be happy.

    Practically: Don't worry, I'm bringing my cellphone, and the car is only x# of miles away. (insert small value for x).
    I ride a recumbent.
    I like to HAM it up on the CW.
    I use Linux.
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    Of course I sleep in a hammock!

    Rug.

    Hang On!

  9. #9
    Senior Member animalcontrol's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bandit402 View Post
    Dear Fellow-Forum Members,

    Today is one of those hard Fridays that feels as though it will never end. This is likely because of my FIRST hanging trip. Not only will this be the first time I've camped in temps this low, but the first time using my new hammock setup.

    Estimated low: 6F
    Estimated high: 17F
    Location: Manistee National Forest (MI)


    Getting to the point... I've experienced an amazing amount of push-back about this trip this weekend from my friends and family. (Granted, two of my friends are coming with me.) The lower temperatures and survival conditions are no joking matter for certain. However, how do you all cope with putting your loved ones mind's at ease?

    So far I've had to pack an extra sleeping bag, extra pad, and my tent just in case. (But lets be honest, I ain't touchin' that thing! )

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    -Bandit
    well, IF this the first hanging trip, you have prepared properly and hung in the back yard? ALOT. at these temps. Correct?
    Because, if the answer isn't YES!!, then I agree with your family!

    Many factors may reduce their (and mine) concerns...backpacking or car camping? PLENTY of winter camping experience (even on the ground)? you have tested, tested, and re-tested your set-up?
    If you think reading this forum, buying a hammock, a pad, and using a couple sleeping bags prepares you for nearly 0*F, sorry friend, your wrong. Will you die? Probably not. Will you have any fun? Probably not.

    I know we ‘old timers’ get our groove on testing the limits of our gear (and sanity) camping cold, but please DO NOT START THERE! we didn't

    Rant over…

    PS- I do a snowshoe hang on the Manistee River in the national forest every year...beautiful place!! good luck!
    PSS-I did nearly die on a winter tent trip 15 yrs ago...take it seriously!!
    "Every day is a new day to a better future"
    "Of all the things that matter, that really and truly matter, working more efficiently and getting more done is not among them." ~ Mike Dooley
    "What if I told you that you couldn't have anymore of anything... No more friends, no more money, no more anything, until you first got happy with what you have?"~ Mike Dooley
    "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." ~ Socrates

  10. #10
    Senior Member Raul Perez's Avatar
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    Everyone in my family hates when I go out especially in the colder temps. They have a rule... call or text when I'm camped and ready for bed, call/text when I wake up to make sure I'm OK.

    I'm seriously considering the SPOT to just press a button to let them know I'm ok and give them a sense of where I am.
    "If you give a monkey a gun and he shoots someone, you dont blame the monkey"

    The end of the world is not coming in December, it is happening now in my living room. - TFC Rick

    http://watermonkey.net/

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    http://www.youtube.com/user/RaulPerez1?feature=mhee

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