Hanging on the cheap!

[XSrcing]

A lot of new hangers can be intimidated by the initial cost of getting in to being comfortable, but that's not the case. This is a quick run down of what I have acquired over the past several months on a very limited budget.

Hammock: Grand Trunk Ultralight - $20

Suspension: 9 ft DIY whoopies and 1 inch tree huggers - $15

Tarp: Eddie Bauer Expedition Outfitters 9'x9' urethane coated - $15 (used gear find!)

Bottom Insulation: 1/4" ccf pad that has 1" of eggfoam on top - $15

Top insulation - Fleece blanket - Free. Stole it from my fiance.

Pack: Older REI Traverse Tour Star 45-50 liter internal frame - $50

That's $115 and I sleep extremely comfortable. I will say, I consider that pack to be an extravagance. Before I bought that I used an older Jansport backpack that I got for $5.

I may eventually buy a WBBB and some nice down insulation, but at this point I simply don't feel the need to.

So don't be intimidated by the prices you see on a lot of popular gear! Get experience out there before you feel the need to drop some serious cash!

[geektar]

It's great to start cheap you'll learn early on what does and doesn't work for you without major expense. Personally after a few super cold nights I got sick of pads and bought an under quilt haven't been cold since. But as for as the hammock goes I tend to use my DIY more then my pricier ones.

[timabababaluka]

Well said! You can hang for as much or as little (if you're creative) as you care to spend. My first setup was very basic, but functional.

Hammock: DIY gathered end--4 yards polyester jacket liner from Hancock Fabric. $8 on sale

Suspension: mule tape provided by one of our stand-up members for the cost of shipping. $11 (it was A LOT of mule tape--I'm trying to convince some of our local scouts to give hammock camping a shot). Bought 30 feet of amsteel and upgraded to whoopie slings... $10

Tarp: 9x11 camo poly tarp on sale at Harbor Freight... $9

Tree huggers: Harbor Freight ratchet straps... $5

Pack: I still use the Kelty Ridgeway I bought in the mid-90's. I forget the price, but on a recent trip to the thrift store I saw several oversized backpacks or rucksacks that would be serviceable... none of them more than $10, and most of them at around $5.

Under insulation: blue Walmart ccf pad... $6

Upper insulation: Sleeping bag... free (already had one)

For under $50 a person can enjoy camping out rather than suffering a slow death on the ground. A patient and creative person using found or repurposed items could easily do it for half that. I think it would be a fun project to see if one could amass all the hanging essentials for 0 out of pocket (it wouldn't be the Waldorf, but it would be an improvement over ground-dwelling).

Definitely no shame in going the hobo route if it gets you up in the air

[hikerman2000]

Great thread!

[sargevining]

I'm putting together an ultra cheap set-up too. So far:

Byer's Traveller: $9.98 on sale at Academy b/c the color is hideous (Plum)

Texsport Mosquito bar: $10.00. Saw a post on HF a week or so ago where somebody had taken one and cut out opposite corners to pass the suspension through so you can lay on the diagonal and use the other two orners for tie outs.

I almost pulled the trigger on a $5.00 sleeping bag at a garage sale today, but it was way heavy (that old), and I've got one I bought years ago so like timabababaluka I'm going to all it free.

Currently skulking PIF for some whoopies, ridgeline, and tree straps. Checking Ebay for a down blanket for a UQ, and am looking for the lightest and cheapest ugly tarp I can find.

[Montalaskan]

As a new hanger myself, noobs hear this: Don't be intimidated, this is about fun and relaxation. And don't think your gear isn't as cool as someone else's. HYOH.

[Inertia]

In the walmart camping section... 1 inch by 6 foot lashing straps w/triglides (two per pkg ). I have used the same pair for tree straps on various hammocks for over a year.Thay have held up nicely and do not stretch. be sure to get the 6' rather than the 4' ones so you can use the triglide to adjust the length. I use them with Dutch Clips and diy whoopies. Oh, they are $ 2.99 for a pkg of either length.

[XSrcing]

Before winter rolls around I will find a way to get a nice down under quilt. I also have plans for 2 more DIY hammocks.

Currently skulking PIF for some whoopies, ridgeline, and tree straps. Checking Ebay for a down blanket for a UQ, and am looking for the lightest and cheapest ugly tarp I can find.

I've got 60 ft of Amsteel blue at home. What'll ya trade for a set of whoopies?

[Apis]

DIY can be had for lots less than "branded" gear for sure. That being said, what's your time worth? 'Cause DIY takes time.

[720fly]

My first was cargo net from the army/navy store $5
Paracord that I already had
Spreader sticks from area I was camping in
And my old sleeping bag
Wally world tarp $5-6

Really want woopies now for th GTSB