Hello from Virginia

**Leslie** · 09-03-2012, 20:09

Hi. I'm a recent earth-based convert. Oh, how my back appreciates it. I've been lurking here for a few months and found the info on this forum invaluable, especially the no tree hanging area. Thanks for a wonderful collection of articles and photos to learn from.

**2ply** · 09-03-2012, 20:18

Welcome to HF from Georgia! You've come to the right place for all your hammocking needs. Best of luck on your hangs.

**Rooster** · 09-03-2012, 20:19

Welcome from Chester, SC.

**holantr** · 09-03-2012, 20:22

Welcome from MN

**mrmike65** · 09-03-2012, 20:23

Welcome, Leslie! What led you to trying out a hammock for camping? Have you seen the thread about the upcoming VA hang on October 6th?

**dragon360** · 09-03-2012, 20:48

A few new people today! Hello and Welcome from Canada!

**Roadrunnr72** · 09-03-2012, 21:20

Hello, and welcome from central VA.

**Leslie** · 09-04-2012, 06:47

Thank you for the welcomes! mrmike, I haven't read about that hang yet. I'll check that out in a little bit. As for why I switched, there are lots of reasons.

First and foremost, I just can't sleep on the ground anymore. Camping for me now involves a bike since I gave up my car in '06. I used panniers to carry traditional, heavy equipment (tent, mat, bag & tarp averaged bout 14 - 18 lbs.). The following year, I modified a child carrier (removed the seats & added a solid floor). Although I could carry everything, the cart added another 25lbs.

Two years ago on the C & O was the final straw. It was late September. Inside the tent was so muggy but the breeze sitting at the table was awesome. Skeeters dined on me all evening. Even the spiders had a vendetta on me. I vowed to find a better way the next year.

In comes the hammock. I debated getting one for months.
I was worried it would hurt my back and knees more.
I was worried about falling out in my sleep.
I was worried I'd rip it or break the ropes and hit the ground.

Turned out, all of these worries were nothing more than uneducated assumptions. My hammock, bag, and a rainfly salvaged from an old tent weigh in under 5 lbs. I'm currently looking on the forum for ideas about treeless hangs as I want to hit the GAP next spring and I've heard reports the campgrounds are quite strict about no hammocks even though I can't find anywhere on their websites that forbid them.

I will never go back to sleeping on the ground unless there is no other way.