Hey from Maine

**Yotey** · 03-27-2012, 13:34

Hello, I am new to hammocks, but not new to camping. I am a university student studying wildlife ecology so I like gear that can go out into rural areas with minimal impact. I also am looking to do a thru-hike of the AT with a friend after I graduate in a year, so I'm looking to gear up for that as well.

I currently have a cheap 20$ hammock from Byer I got from the local hardware store, and I have slept in it overnight by the whole thing in a sleeping bag. It was alright, but my rear got a bit chilly. I read that it's a common trend in hammock camping.

I use Kammock tree straps to hang it, I got them from a friend who didn't use them much. I guess you could say it's not much xp.

**Joey** · 03-27-2012, 14:28

Welcome to the world of hammocking. There's a lot to absorb here, and much to enjoy on the trail with a hammock. I'm sure you'll enjoy it and look forward to hearing about your prep. and thru hike!

**MAD777** · 03-27-2012, 14:38

Welcome to the forums from Florida!
Stick around here and your backside will warm up

Maine is a beautiful state. I did a snowshoe/ski trip in Maine this winter as I usually do. I have a son that went to Hebron Academy up there.

**Yotey** · 03-27-2012, 18:34

Originally Posted by MAD777

Welcome to the forums from Florida!
Stick around here and your backside will warm up

Maine is a beautiful state. I did a snowshoe/ski trip in Maine this winter as I usually do. I have a son that went to Hebron Academy up there.

I've heard of that school, may have ran with some students from there back in my high school cross country days.

You could say I'm ... farther up North.

Yeah, I've been looking into getting an under quilt and options that would be viable for a at hike.
I'm not much of a winter camper, that's a bit too much hassle for me and I'd rather be out on my snowboard, but up here even in summer the night temps can get the drop on you. I've half froze my butt off a time or two in tents or field hand housing.

Even today I was out in my little hammock with the space blanket cliped on and under one of my down quilts, I've got a head cold and the cold air keeps my nose clear so I can work. I got a bunch of weird looks from the neighbors though. Oh well.

**myles to go** · 03-27-2012, 19:05

Welcome from 90 miles east of you on the maine/New Brunswick border. Good luck with the gathering of gear! You will enjoy the woods so much more if you can get the Hang of sleeping in a hammock

**dragon360** · 03-27-2012, 19:20

Hello and Welcome from another Canadian!

**raiffnuke** · 03-27-2012, 19:27

Welcome to HF from Mass.

**Atlas918** · 03-27-2012, 19:36

Welcome to HF, and greetings from Florida

You'll find plenty of information here on staying warm, suspension, different hammocks, tarps and everything else.

The cheapest and most simple solution would be to go to Target or WalMart and buy one of the blue pads they have in the camping area. That will help with your rear end being cold.

That is the method I use.