Whew, finally made a choice

[ditchbanker]

I've been agonizing over the decision to get a hammock for several weeks now. What to get. What suspension. What tarp. So many choices.

Today, after I've been bouncing around on all subjects for weeks, I finally realized I just needed to make a choice.

Popped out a few gift cards that had been burning a hole in my pocket and grabbed a Grand Trunk Double, a Noah 12 tarp, a good foam sleeping pad (my hammock trials with inflatables didn't impress me) and some stakes. Then I got on Arrowhead's site and ordered a set of straps, whoopies and toggles. Oh, and an adjustable ridgeline since I'm paying shipping anyway and it seemed cool. Currently eagerly awaiting a couple shipments coming my way.

I may not have made all the right choices, but I am relieved to have finally chosen. Oh, and I finally got to put some stuff under my username.

[DivaB]

Congrats on making your order and jumping in!

[Boomer]

Wow, sounds like you started off right! I actually have a GT double arriving USPS tomorrow and have had an extra set of whoopies sitting around from ArrowHead since last year (along with a bunch of Paul's tree straps). I have a Noah 16, which is heavy, but we can put several people under it.

My first pad was a Wally World CCF, which was good enough to start. You'll probably find that the CCF has a tendency to shift and it makes your back sweaty. So if you like hammock camping, you'll likely get a UQ or bug closure next.

Good luck!

[jons4real]

Sounds good to me , now get in that thing and post some pics !

[Atlas918]

Congrats on taking the leap. Don't worry, even the most experienced hanger still agonize over, "Should I get a new tarp? Should I switch suspensions?" Etc.

You'll see, its an obsessive hobby

You've got a great start. You've got the hammock, shelter and suspension on the way...now you just have to get out there and hang!

[SilvrSurfr]

I probably spent 100 hours evaluating all the options before I just said, screw it, I'm getting a Hennessy and getting off the ground!

Now that you're off the ground, you have something to compare to. I still love my Hennessy but am gradually trying different things - tarps, hammocks, suspension, etc. It's a real load off your mind to just make the first step!

[Bama Man]

Congrats on your new gear !!! I am new too and going through reading tons of info on here. Man, there's so many choices to make. It is mind boggling for sure. But it sounds like it doesn't stop, even after you are hanging. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your gear when you get it.

[Gideon]

Enjoy; it's a lot to think about before taking the plunge. I went with the Hennessy becasue it was a complete system; added the snake skins and the Martin toggles w/whoopie.

Actually bought a huge piece of closed cell foam (1/2") off a website for a very good price. Wanted it big enough to wrap it around well. I'll experiment with it and trim it to suit.

When you get out there the first time, take some pics and post'em!

Gideon

[ditchbanker]

Thanks, everyone.

I hung it for a few minutes yesterday from some old tie down straps I had around the house. Pretty comfy, even without a SR and with what was probably an improper hang.

I was REALLY tempted by the Hennessy for the completeness of it. I had a friend who had an expedition and an explorer he let me borrow and I just wasn't sold on the bottom entry. We don't have a huge bug problem in the area, so I decided I'd rather just have an open hammock. I'm happy for the people Hennessy works for, though, it's nice that we all have options.

I'm hoping I can get a little hang time today when my son (and maybe his dad) takes a nap.

[Buzz]

Hennessey also makes side entry zip models for the same price as their bottom entry.