Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Franklin, TN
    Posts
    2

    Oldie but Newbie

    This site is great but there is an overwhelming amount of information here to weed through. I have decided to post some information with the hope of getting some specific guidance. Thanks in advance.

    Background:
    I really want to get off the ground. I am 5’8”, 183 lbs (working on it) and 56 years old. At my age, it is getting more and more difficult to enjoy the occasional backpacking trip when sleeping on the ground. I live in TN and will do most of my backpacking in TN, GA, AL, NC, and VA. I am usually a 2 season backpacker (late spring, summer, early fall). I have sleep apnea. Sleeping with my head slightly elevated will be helpful.

    Assumptions:
    Based on where and when I backpack I am not too worried about cold weather but mosquito netting is important. I assume a hammock with an integrated mosquito net will be lighter than 2 separate pieces of equipment.

    Values: (in order of importance)
    1. Convenience - I don’t want to spend a lot of time tying and retying knots on a suspension system in order to get the right hang. I am not a DIY’er.
    2. Weight – the lighter the better
    3. Cost – less important.

    My thoughts:
    1. I am going to buy an inexpensive hammock with mosquito netting, probably a Byer Moskito Traveller Hammock ($40) and take car camping just for the experience. Also, this may be a good long-term option based on weight
    2. I really like the Warbonnet Adjustable Webbing Suspension (? Oz, $30, convenience). Will this work with other hammocks including the Byer?
    3. I like the Hennessey Cat Cape Poncho Rainfly (9 oz, $80). Having a rainfly that can also function as a pack cover and rain gear makes this gear multifunctional and will save overall weight.

    Your thoughts?

  2. #2
    Senior Member MAD777's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    White Mountains, New Hampshire
    Hammock
    DIY, WBBB & Switchback
    Tarp
    HG cuben,OES Spinn
    Insulation
    DIY 3/4 UQ/TQ, UGQ
    Suspension
    Dynaglide / Dutch
    Posts
    10,950
    Images
    39
    Welcome from Florida.

    A cheap starter hammock like you mentioned is a good idea. Use it to attend some group hangs (see trip planning sub-forum). You will learn an awful lot and get to jump in a lot of different rigs. You can also see first hand how different suspensions work.

    I think you will eventually like a combination of tree strap and whoopie sling. That system is simple, lightweight and less bulky.

    Personally, I like to have separate tarp and rain protection for me. It's advantageous to first put up you tarp, then deploy the hammock in the dry underneath it. With separate rain protection, you can then move around the campsite and stay dry.
    Mike
    "Life is a Project!"

  3. #3
    Senior Member ernesthemmingway's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Tampa, Florida
    Hammock
    ENO singlenest
    Tarp
    WL Big Daddy
    Insulation
    poncho liners
    Suspension
    webbing
    Posts
    315
    Images
    3
    Ordinarily you can attach any suspension system to any hammock without any issues. I am also a fan of adjustable webbing suspension. Its quick and simple. Just make sure to tie a quick slippery knot at your buckle. That will keep the webbing from sliding out on you, and keep you from unexpectedly hitting the ground.
    with two m's, like "hammock."

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. Newbie's gonna try to make his first hammock Newbie
      By PineMartyn in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 14
      Last Post: 10-23-2012, 17:39
    2. Newbie from KC
      By wilderness77 in forum Introduce Yourself
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 04-15-2012, 14:50
    3. HHExped 2.5 (oldie) out for an adventure!
      By wi1ecoyote in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 3
      Last Post: 06-04-2011, 21:11
    4. newbie
      By tiredhiker in forum Introduce Yourself
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 08-03-2010, 11:54

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •