Suggestions for getting started?

**dimeotane** · 10-02-2011, 10:55

Since I'm a total newb to hammock camping, and really interested to switch from tenting to hanging, I'm trying to think through what I need to get this party started.

For starters I need a a hammock and to get familiar with using it.

I have about 25 x 4 ft of green parachute nylon fabric. It's not ripstop however. Should I focus on making a hammock with that if it's pretty easy? Or should I just spend the bucks and buy a setup? I know I'll eventually want the complete setup with bug mesh, tarp and hammock anyway.

These are some of my options in Canada that I know of(inc shipping)
the Hennesy Asym zip at MEC $130
Portec Double at MEC $65
Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Hammock at Amazon $55
Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock at Amazon $18
Vivere Parachute Nylon at Home Hardware $25
So many choices, which to choose? Any better options in Canada?

It'll be Fall, Winter, then Spring camping for a while. Before I go camping with a set up and freeze my *** off, I was considering putting some bolts up in the garage which isn't heated. And if in the middle of the night I'm dying from the cold I could always migrate back inside the house. It can get sub zero in there, so that would be a realistic test of if my bags & pads are warm enough. But it wouldn't be a good test against wind chill though. Does this sound like a good idea for testing it out?

**R00K** · 10-02-2011, 11:50

Welcome! I think the Skeeter Beater is a perfect light weight bug hammock. Great price, weight, and build. Thats a great place to get started.

**Detail Man** · 10-02-2011, 11:59

Welcome to the forum. If you haven't watched them yet, check out Shug's How To series. It will answer a lot of questions. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15516

The basics are a hammock, insulation (pad or quilts), and tarp. If you can sew, you can make a lot of your own gear. If you can't then there are plenty of cottage industry options here on the forum. Just scroll down towards the bottom of the forum page and you'll see them.

Hammocks can be made out of a variety of material, ripstop isn't absolutely required. I just needs to have minimal stretch, and strong enough to hold your body weight. 48" will probably be too narrow to make a hammock, but it could be sewn togther to make something about 60" wide.

Backyard/garage hangs are a great way to test your setup. If you get cold, go to bed. No harm done.

Enjoy the transformation. There's always plenty of good help to be found around here.