GreshMan begginer

[gresh-man]

i have just started out hanging with a king size hammock my brother gave me for christmas. i need to outfit everything else so any help i can get would be greatly welcomed the first thing i need to know is after i have the hammok is what is the next thing that i need (underquilt or rainfly)

[Junebugdawn]

Well, you need a rainfly year round, but only need an underquilt in the cold months. I'd focus on the fly, because you can always make a sleeping bag underquilt for cheap. Then later you can make or buy a lighter quilt.

[breyman]

Welcome from Denver.

The next step is to learn a bit more. Hammocks are AMAZING, but have more of a learning curve than traditional tent camping. Derek Hansen's The Ultimate Hang (book) and Shug's videos are both fantastic resources.

[Gresh]

+1 to Shug's videos...they've learned me a lot. Having access to my gear and experience should make things easier for you (hopefully), and you can borrow my copy of The Ultimate Hang next time you come over.

It's true that there's more of a learning curve (as you've started to experience), but with the cornucopia of information to be found here as well as on the hangs that I'm sure you'll tag along with me on, you'll be a veritable pro in no time.

Also, +1 on the tarp/rain fly thing.

[gresh-man]

so the rain fly is more important than the under quilt

[mbcruzin]

Welcome to the forums. And yes I would go with a tarp or fly of some kind. You gots to protect you and the gear.

[flatline]

welcome to Hammock Forums and hey from high point nc.

my personal progression was:
hammock and tarp
then UQ
then TQ

then repeat and repeat again.

[Squidbilly82]

Welcome. Glad you could join us for a little bit this weekend

[WesleyGalles]

Welcome from Texas!

[pgibson]

so the rain fly is more important than the under quilt

Welcome from out in Idaho.

Yes generally speaking most folks will use their rain fly year round. Your tarp will keep you dry when its wet, block wind when it blows, shade you from the sun when it's hot....it is your shelter. Your hammock is only your bed and while critical to comfort should be secondary to the quality and function of your tarp. Many work backwards in that regard. Tarp is top priority to go camping, then your hammock and insulation.

In some areas folks can get away without a UQ during the warmer months of the summer. Many of us though will need to have something for underinsulaiton year round.