Houston Hammockers

[ttrocks]

I'm new to this forum and have met (electronically) and been helped by some of you already (thank you!). I'm starting my AT thru hike on March 15th and have decided on hammock as my sleep system thanks to Red Hat, who donated her HH Ultralight Backpacker Asym to me (wonderful pre-trail magic). I've since purchased a 3S Phoenix underquilt and OES Deluxe tarp.

Now I need practice setting up my hammock and tarp! Yes, I have no prior hammocking experience I was wondering if there are any Houstonians here on HF who would be willing to meet in person for some Hammock 101.

Thanks!

[UncleMJM]

If you make the drive to Aggieland, I'd be glad to coach you some.

[Randy]

I am in. I work down town Houston. But live up past Conroe. Pick out a weekend and hollar at me.

Randy

[Randy]

PS.

"Keeping it fair and balanced"

Hammocking 101 from a "Pound Hawg" perspective.

[Captn]

Yeah! What Randy said! Randy is a DIY inspiration. I've done about 100 miles of the AT on three section hikes, could be some fun discussions.

I'm in spring. What's up next weekend?

Do you have a gear list?

[ttrocks]

This weekend might work! It would probably be Sunday, since I'll be doing a pro bono event on Saturday. It's my second to last weekend before heading out :S I'm nervous!

Yes I do have a gear list, but I don't have weights for everything. Here it is:

PACK
Deuter Act Zero 60+10
Pack cover: compactor trash bag

SHELTER
Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym
CCF pad
Stakes
3 Season Phoenix underquilt

SLEEPING
Montbell Ultralight Super Stretch Down Hugger #2

KITCHEN
Caldera Keg F Stove System
Heet
25L Dry sack for food
Platypus 3L
Titanium Spork
Bic lighter x2
Aquamira
multivitamins
bottle for olive oil
bottle for spices

CLOTHING WORN
Lightweight long underwear top
Down jacket

Lightweight thermal bottoms
Shorts

Fleece gloves and beanie
Wool socks
Sports bra
Patagonia undies
Trailrunners - Montrail Sabino
Shoe inserts?

CLOTHING PACKED
Wicking tshirt
midweight top and bottom long underwear
Dri Ducks rain jacket & pants
2 extra pairs of socks
1 Extra bra
1extra undie
Camp Sandals
10L dry sack for clothes

ASSORTED
Lekki trekking poles
Swiss army knife
Couple ziplock bags
Couple bandanas
Petzl Tikka headlamp
Whistle
Book for reading
Compass
Phone
SanDisk Sansa m250
Watch
Cord
Small notebook/pen
Dry sack for assorted items
AT Guide

HYGIENE
Some TP in ziplock
Dr. Bronner’s 4oz
Toothbrush
Lip balm
Pack of Wet Ones
Hand sanitizer
Sani Fresh Freshette
Sunscreen
Adventure Medical Kit .3 + modifications (antibiotic ointment, duct tape, more ibuprofen, Benadryl, safety pins, etc.)
disposable razor
acrylic mirror
brush

[UncleMJM]

At a quick glance your list looks good.

You have a good hammock and the pad + quilt/sleeping bag combination should serve you well. For ease in set up and take down, there are some pretty easy mods on suspension you might consider, (either webbing or whoppie slings).

Both Randy and Captn are great guys and closer than I am to you and should be able to steer you well. If you can't make connections with them, feel free to PM me and if I can help I will.

FWIW, if you are on the west side of town and available to set up gear during the week, I am heading to Corpus Wednesday and back to College Station on Thursday and could stop somewhere west of Houston for a bit either way.

[Randy]

I am not much into gram counting unless it comes with crackers. Usually the guage I go by is how much I would sweat and how many trips from the gear trailer to the camp site...or if the water stain on my canoe is below the water line or not.
thats a Pound Hawg joke.

Just dont say. Your use only one sheet of TP a day......

[Captn]

I'm in a twelve step program for gram wheenies ..... Occasionally I relapse.

Several things to consider ... You'll be near resupply every 3 to 5 days .....25 liters is a Lot of food ..... And extra food is extra weight. NO can goods, or foods with liquids ..... But I'm sure you figured that one out.

I eat about 2 lbs of food per day .... And that is about a 800 to 1000 cu in for 4 to 5 days.

Camp sandals are a luxury .... Many ship them home after blood mountain.

Every ounce is an ounce you are going to carry over 2100 miles .....

Think of your clothing as part of your sleep system .... If it really gets cold can you wear everything you have other than extra undies? Extra should be in your bounce box.

[ttrocks]

About the 25L bag...I realized after I ordered it that it is too large. I'd rather just keep it than return and pay shipping! Definitely won't be packing it full. The extra room should be good for bear bagging my stove system and other smelly things. Thanks for looking out for my pack weight, Captn! I completely understand that if I want to increase my odds of successfully completing a thru, I should take my pack weight seriously. But no extra undies?

Uncle MJM, I should be free during the week. I live in the galleria area of Houston..

Randy, would Sunday AM work for you?

Thanks you all!