New PA Packer

**greengables** · 12-02-2011, 12:45

Hi everyone,

I am a new backpacker at 43 years old. My son and I took our first trip last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it! We used 50% borrowed equipment as a trial run and I felt like I was sleeping in a coffin in my sisters tent. I decided after reading BPL and HF that I would rather try hanging than invest in my own lightweight tent. I recently purchased a GT Skeeter Beeter PRO and I'll plan to start by using my BA pad. Now I will start looking for a tarp. I assume when the weather is nice, you don't even need a tarp. Do most people always tarp as a precaution?

I also still need to purchase a bag/quilt and was thinking of going with a lightweight down bag like a Marmot Arete 40 degree since we'll do mostly warmer weather trips. Y'all are a wealth of knowledge, so any advice is welcomed!

**raiffnuke** · 12-02-2011, 12:47

Welcome to HF from Mass.

**Two Tents** · 12-02-2011, 12:51

Welcome to the addiction! Borrow gear to get out again! I watch the weather. If it's nice with no chance of rain I don't put up my tarp. If it might rain I put it up but leave it hang above me in the snake skins ready to deploy. A sleeping bag as a top quilt is fine. A pad under you is also OK. Basically use whatever gets you into the piney woods.

**MadWolf** · 12-02-2011, 13:19

Welcome from North Carolina

**joehasbeard** · 12-02-2011, 13:35

hey welcome from... PA! What part of the commonwealth are you from? Also, you'll do fine with a bag up top and a pad on the bottom, the tarp isn't a "must-have-before-hanging" but I wouldn't go out on an overnight without one.

**dragon360** · 12-02-2011, 13:41

Hello and Welcome to the Forums from Canada!

**Poppabear** · 12-02-2011, 13:42

Welcome to the wide world above the ground. IMO a tarp is always a good idea. Even in predicted good weather you just never know what Ma Nature is going to throw at you.. There are many pitching options to suit about every situtation.

**sunny** · 12-02-2011, 13:43

Hey there and welcome! You'll love hammock life. Even my most uncomfortable nights have been better than my best nights on the ground. I have a Hennessy while my partner is in an eno. We each have our own tarps (my came with the hammock while she purchased hers from eno). We also have a kelty noah's tarp 12ft. During our trip this summer we bunk bedded our hammocks and used the kelty. It provided plenty of coverage hanging as both a diamond and in a rectangular configuration. There are plenty of options for tarps on hammock forums so I doubt you have too much trouble finding one that suits your needs. In regards to a bag, most folks here seem to go with top quilts which I have not used yet. However, both my partner and I use Big Agnes Lulu's rated to 20degrees. Oh, if you go with a bag get one rated colder than you think you'll need (especially for hammock use) because comfort range usually ends up higher than the actual temperature rating. Our main reason for the Big Agnes is that they have forgone the bottom insulation on the bag and have instead built in a pad sleeve. For now we are using REI 3/4 self inflating pads. i just fold some clothes in a bag for my foot insulation. This has worked out really well into the damp 40deg weather of southern Alaska. If you use a self-inflating pad just remember to let it fully inflate then let out enough to suit your comfort level. I found even when I forgot to close the valve I still had enough insulation so I never felt cold. Even in the heat of late Oklahoma summer it's cool enough in a hammock at night that I need a blanket and a pad for insulation for my underside. I like to snuggle with something when I sleep so I sleep with a small fleece blanket which I can use as an extra cover or something to tuck into a cold spot if one shows up during the night. Just a warning, once you get started on this particular path it's hard to get off. Hanging is addictive! Ask any one of the folks here and if they say otherwise, they're in denial. The hardest part of addiction, you know, is admitting you have a problem.

Best of luck to you!

Sunny (OKC)

**bigbamaguy** · 12-02-2011, 14:14

Welcoem to HF from Bama............

**greengables** · 12-02-2011, 14:16

Originally Posted by joehasbeard

hey welcome from... PA! What part of the commonwealth are you from? Also, you'll do fine with a bag up top and a pad on the bottom, the tarp isn't a "must-have-before-hanging" but I wouldn't go out on an overnight without one.

I'm from Columbia County which is the Bloomsburg area, off I-80. Where do you like to camp/backpack in PA?