Hello all Im new to backpacking starting this spring. I have had an eno double nest for about a year with bug net and dryfly and was wondering what your thoughts might be on using it for long weekend trips i have never stayed the night in it, just use it to hang out on camping trips and in the back yard. Thanks for any thoughts.
Welcome. I don't have that setup but believe others here do. From what I recall, there is no reason that wouldn't work on weekend trips. One thing to consider is to set it up and sleep out in the back yard (if available to you) prior to your weekend trip to make sure you know your equipment.
Syb
Enjoy the elevation
Don't think you'll need the bugnet this time of year, but the hammock and dryfly will work any time of year. Just need a pad or under quilt for some insulation, and a top quilt and you're set and ready!!!
I agree that you probably won't need a bug net this time of year. You will definitely need a top quilt or sleeping bag and underquilt or pad for insulation.
+1 on a test hang in your back yard. Hammocking requires a higher fiddle factor than tenting usually, so practice is beneficial. Of course, the rewards are well worth it!
"The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can.
Pursuing it with eager feet
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."
~Bilbo Baggins - LotR
If your other option is sleeping on the ground, you have chosen the best way to go. There may be better setups, but any thing hanging beats the alternative.
My guess is you've never hung in when its cold and at night. Your hammock/net/tarp is fine, but you do need underneath insulation. Folks new to sleeping in hammocks often don't get that even in a tent, your underneath insulation comes from the pad, not the sleeping bag - the hammock replaces the comfort of the pad, but not the insulating value. You can use a pad in a hammock, but its built for use on a horizontal surface, so there are issues. Underquilts are pure bliss and actually easier to use on something like an ENO rather than a staked out hammock.
Cadam106,
Richfield is around an hour from Mohican St. Park, consider coming down to the Ohang on the weekend of the 20th and meet up with some area hangers. Even if you didn't want to brave the weather for an overnight, you could pick up a lot from just seeing different setups and all the gear discussions.
David
That should work fine. There're quite a few folks here, judging by the profiles by their avatars, that use that set up.
+1 on the under insulation. If you're cash-strapped and without a sewing machine, a no-sew poncho liner underquilt will get you down into the mid-40s for most folks. It's heavy compared to some of the options out there, but it's also durable and cheap.
Another thing that is worth considering is your hang. If you've mostly been hanging in your back yard, you're probably choosing the same two trees every time. So, you're not used to hanging from trees that are different diameters from those, different distances apart, and at different ground angles. Practice getting your comfortable hang as much as possible on as many different trees as possible before going. Or, alternatively, budget some extra time for when you roll into camp at night for set-up. It'll help a lot with your comfort level.
I hope you enjoy your trip!
I have the same setup except for the tarp. It is great for warm weather, but like others have said if it is less than 70 degrees you'll want an under quilt or pad. Under quilts can be pricy but if you're handy at all you can make one for about $50-60. It's not that hard. Chickenwing has some instructional videos on how to make one from climashield. Should give you a good idea of what's involved. Good luck. Welcome to life off the ground!
Ps. Putting a structural ridge line on your eno will help with the consistency of your hang.
If you are using the Slap-straps for your suspension, you may want to upgrade those. They will do the trick, but they can stretch a lot in the night causing you to end up a lot lower in the morning...or on the ground. Also, you have less adjustability with them since you can only connect at pre-set loops.
"The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can.
Pursuing it with eager feet
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."
~Bilbo Baggins - LotR
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