newbee with questions...

**Brent338** · 06-08-2011, 16:03

first off let me say hello to all,
I have recently gotten hit with the backpacking bug, as I am tired of car camping... in a few trip just testing out my gear, I have found that a tent is a considerable weight and size issue... I grabbed a $12 hobo hammockII from a local store and tried it out last weekend, and to my surprise, awoke next morning without any back pains or such that I normally would get from a tent, even with a good mat...
So...

I have spent the last 2-3 nights researching all the models options.
I still cannot really decide, my main concern is staying as dry as possible.

HH with side zip looks like a good choice... but the tarps look a little under sized..? maybe a larger model with the hex fly. looks pretty slick with the snake skins, setup and take down would be a snap.

Clarks are nice, but too spendy... for now anyway.
I like there camo option very much though...
I was debating on making one, borrowing a sewing machine, and going to town with some camo material from...
http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Ki...abric-Woodland
or whatever, but that may be a bit over my head... too many material choices, what to use for body? rain fly..? 70d ripstop nylon, 200d, 210D 1.9 oz. coated ripstop...?
Or, go get like say a...Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock in camo, and get a good hex fly... but who makes a good camo hex fly?

opinions anyone?

**raiffnuke** · 06-08-2011, 16:05

Welcome to HF from Mass. It looks like you are well on your way to saving your back and breaking your wallet!

Welcome to the trees.

**Debi Jaytee** · 06-08-2011, 16:35

Welcome to the forums! Hennessy Hammocks are good beginner hammocks, I have the bottom entry one myself. I do use a larger tarp over top though as I could never really seem to get the supplied one to fit right (it seemed to me anyway). I kinda kicked myself in the butt for buying such a large tarp but now I've got my bf into hammocking too, so both of us can hang under the same tarp. He's got the zipper entry and loves it!

**gunner76** · 06-08-2011, 20:08

welcome to the madness.

Lots of good hammocks out there and there is no one perfect hammock for everyone.

**NewtonGT** · 06-08-2011, 20:14

welcome to the forums. gotta love a hennessy

**flatline** · 06-08-2011, 20:58

Brent338
welcome to HammockForums and hey from high point nc.
there is a ton of stuff here to read, learn and ask about.
if it's hammock related it's here or still waiting to be invented.
hang on and have fun.

home is where your hammock is.

**rip waverly** · 06-08-2011, 21:02

off hand warbonnetguy sells a big camo tarp.

can't go wrong with a zip hennessy. do yourself a favor and buy a tried and tested hammock before building your own. you'll pick up design tips from seeing whats proven to work.

**Detail Man** · 06-08-2011, 21:10

Welcome to the forums. You can spend as much as you want to get outfitted, or you can get by on the cheap finding bargains or DIYing it. The sewing required for a simple hammock is very basic and only requires a straight stitch, no zigzags etc. There are good instructions here http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205.

There are several great cottage industry folks here on the forums that make hammocks, tarps, and everything else you'd need. Most of the vendors have their own subforum which is located toward the bottom of the forum page.

**Brent338** · 06-09-2011, 22:57

leaning towards HH explorer deluxe...

reg or hex fly...? I'm thinking hex, will it still fit in the snakeskins? or is the extra size not needed to stay dry, and go with the reg tarp?