Just Started... Gear

**kehlopolis** · 08-20-2011, 10:29

I recently got into hammocking (as i call it) and I'm loving it. I have a super long list of things i need to purchase before i can go backpacking with it, but here is what i have so far.

ENO Dbl Nest
Kelty Noah's 12 (in a rectangular setup, covers alot!)
Slap Strap Pros / 7mm cord

and.. my favorite two new pieces of gear besides my tarp are:

Alite Monarch Chair
Nite Ize Figure 9's (these babies are saaaweeeet)

Like i said i have alot of work to do, but I will be looking for suggestions as the money rolls in.
Here is a couple pictures of my setup... in my front (side) yard!

**Joey** · 08-20-2011, 10:33

I've not used the slap straps, but noted a lot of folks not liking them. Most have changed to whoopie slings.

The Nite Ize Fig. 9s are nice, but Dutch's tarp flyz are way nicer.
http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cott...ies/dutchware/

Enjoy the hammock! The gear collecting has just began.....

**Boothill** · 08-20-2011, 11:16

Originally Posted by Joe Cross

I've not used the slap straps, but noted a lot of folks not liking them. Most have changed to whoopie slings.

The Nite Ize Fig. 9s are nice, but Dutch's tarp flyz are way nicer.
http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cott...ies/dutchware/

Enjoy the hammock! The gear collecting has just began.....

+1 to everything joe cross said, my gf just changed out her figure 9's for tarp flyz after she's had to listen to me tell her for the last 3 months how much better they were

and they are!

i've never used the slap straps myself, but everyone that has, will pretty much tell you that they will stretch on you

have fun accumulating gear, just be warned it gets very addicting

boot

**thegreatjesse** · 08-20-2011, 11:23

My first hammock was a DoubleNest, and I still carry it with me on most long dayhikes. I would suggest switching to whoopie slings, and definitely trading in the SlapStraps - they stretch a LOT. I'm not sure how buggy IL is, but if you hike in the summer, a bugnet would be a great next step - avoid the ENO bugnet if you're backpacking - while its a great net, it is heavy and fairly expensive. Options exist to buy from a cottage industry, but DIY would be your cheapest bet, and it would be a great first DIY hammock project. For consistency's sake, I'd suggest making a ridgeline for the DoubleNest. You can use any lightweight cord, but Zing-It is my favorite (can be spliced, pretty cheap).

I know that for myself, I need insulation beneath me at temps lower than ~55. You could use a CCF pad, or save your bucks for an underquilt. There are a number of cottage industries that make and sell underquilts (or, again, DIY is a great option). Check out HammockGear.com and JacksRBetter.com for a few options, but know that there are many alternatives. Eventually, you'll probably want a topquilt rather than a sleeping bag.

**Tannim** · 08-20-2011, 11:44

IL is a mosquito hell lol kehlopolis welcome hanging is so much fun you'll never wanna sleep on the ground again

**NewtonGT** · 08-20-2011, 12:05

welcome to the forums. glad your enjoying it so far

**olddog** · 08-20-2011, 14:27

Welcome aboard from Florida.

**kehlopolis** · 08-20-2011, 17:00

So many responses in a single day. Thanks for the advice all! I keep you posted on new gear developments.
Have just started looking into whoopie slings.

Please post your favorite gear sites.. for anything backpacking related!!!

**hrairoorah** · 08-20-2011, 17:30

Welcome from West Virginia to the addiction that is "hammocking".

**kehlopolis** · 08-20-2011, 18:04

btw have not had a problem with slap strap pros yet... but i also have not slept in overnight.

And for others wondering kelty noahs 12 is perfect size to set up as shown above. so easy.