Hello from Central PA

**bennylt** · 01-10-2014, 09:15

Hello everyone,

My name is Ben. I am new to hammock camping. An avid backpacker friend of mine got me interested.

I am originally from outside Philly, I now live in State College, PA.

I am a trail runner, so I spend a significant amount of time in Rothrock State Forest training racing and just loving the mountains.

A couple times per year we will go to trail races outside the area and usually camp. Comfort and a good night's sleep is crucial before a long race.

As trail runners we are also into fast packing. If you are not familiar, it is basically overnight trail runs. Running with gear. So minimalism is key. It is a fair weather adventure so nothing more than the hammock, emergency blanket and bug net are needed as far as sleeping materials. Other trips are drive and drop. Or hike and drop, then run.

My dimensions are 5'7" 165Lbs.

My first kit is
ENO Double Nest
ENO Bug net
ENO Pro-Fly
generic webbing

My main questions will revolve around keeping warm. It can get very cold at night. and it is known to be very windy on our ridge tops.

I look forward to the adventure!

Benny

**2ply** · 01-10-2014, 09:39

Welcome to HF from Georgia! Lots of great info here on the forums and some great trout fishing in your neck of the woods! I miss living in Pa.

**I-Hang** · 01-10-2014, 10:29

Welcome from SE Pa!

I am newer to hammocking so do not take what I say to be 100% accurate. As far as staying warm I tried to start out with just a sleeping bag in the hammock. The sleeping bag had kept me warm down to 0* but it would not keep me warm in the hammock in the 30*. I added a pad under me which helped but I tend to roll when I sleep so the pad moved creating cold spots. I got a full length UQ and spread the sleeping bag over top of me and I was comfortable and toasty warm. I have replaced my sleeping bag with a TQ and I have had the best sleep ever while hiking and camping. You will have to try different things and see what works best for you. Have fun experimenting!

**bruinfan** · 01-10-2014, 10:37

sup from California
welcome and get comfortable. you'll b here a while
check out the stickies.
have safe
be fun

**bacall79** · 01-10-2014, 10:47

Welcome to the forum from Upstate NY and an ex-Pa resident.

**bennylt** · 01-10-2014, 13:03

How come everyone is "formerly" from PA. is there something wrong here that I'm not picking up? ha ha ha

Thanks for the friendly welcomes everyone. I'm glad to be here.

Another thing about me is that I'm a total Jock-Nerd. Meaning that i find something physically difficult... then i study it intensely as I try to do it the best way possible.

**yooz85** · 01-10-2014, 13:12

Welcome from northeast PA, a lot of good places to hang in this state!

**Klaussinator** · 01-10-2014, 13:29

Originally Posted by bennylt

How come everyone is "formerly" from PA. is there something wrong here that I'm not picking up? ha ha ha

Yup, me too - born in Harrisburg, raised in State College. Mine was a business move; but man, I sure do enjoy spending time out in the PA woods when we're up visiting family. And how bout Raystown Lake?!? Tons of great trails in that area...

But anyhow... WELCOME!

As for lightweight compact insulation, you might look into a single layer of Insutex underneath you, perhaps used like a pad in a dbl-layer hammock, and maybe a CubanFiber sock to block the wind. Done right, this setup could remain all together as one unit, giving super-fast setup & tear down. If you're talking about colder temps, then you're gonna have to pack more weight & bulk - no way around it.

-Klauss