New Hanger - GT SBP

[HesNot]

I received my first hammock - a GT SBP for Christmas. Still trying to figure it all out to be honest and see if I like hanging before big extra investments. I do have a few questions around a tarp and suspension.

Tarp - obviously the SBP does not come with one unlike the HH and WBBB (although it seems many change out the stock tarp anyway). What size and type makes the most sense to go with the SBP? Is there a reasonably affordable option to start out with? I hike in the southeast (NC, SW Va and E TN) with my son's scout troop primarily - so we go regardless of the weather and while not the PNW it can be damp in the SE mountains. So coverage matters I suppose. Weight is a secondary issue but the lighter the better (I know the SBP is not the lightest option but it isn't much worse than my Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1).

Suspension - the stock suspension seems to be roundly criticized as not tree friendly and a nuisance to adjust. This makes sense to me and whoopie slings seem to be the most favored option. Suspension in general is dizzying so I'm looking for something pretty straightforward to adjust and setup without needing to sort out all the permutations. It seems like whoopie slings, straps and a toggle of some sort is about as versatile and straightforward a place to start as any but I appreciate input. I'm not a huge guy - 5-10 and 188.

Oh - maybe one more question - what does a structural ridge line do for the hammock that you don't get out of the bag/box?

[Rleblanc3]

I have one of these and it is a piece of cake to change suspension, 2continuous loops and whoopies are the way to go. Throw in 2 tree straps and MSH and "Bob's your uncle". As far as tarp, that depends on price you want to pay and type of camping you want to do. I have a Kelty Noah 12 for now as I mostly car camp and weight isn't an issue. Lots of room for nasty weather and such. As most would suggest, watch Shug's videos on youtube. Fountain of info and extremely entertaining guy. WOOHOO Buddy..........

HYOH

[Cali]

I agree with the Kelty Noah 12 for starting out and on a budget. It is a nice tarp.

The Frozen Butt hang is this weekend in Columbia, SC., and if you can try to drop by it would be awesome to have you. I know it is a good drive from Charlotte, but you will learn a lot and meet a bunch a great folks. Bring your hammock and we may be able to help you get it set up and may even help with some insulation and tarp if we have enough extra. Please don't rely on it, but I am bringing extra insulation, however some folks have already asked to use it. I may have some extra, but not sure.
Hope to see you there.

[dirtwheels]

+1 on the installing continuous loops or dog bones on the hammock as an attachment point for the whoopies or UCR's. I just made my 1st pair of UCR's out of 1.8 mm cordage thats rated @ 1000#'s.

Great info

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=66163

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=76105

[HesNot]

Thanks for the input!

Cali - that sounds like a blast but I'm tied up this weekend unfortunately or I'd make the trip - it would be nice to have some first hand experienced help getting acquainted with the setup.

I'm planning on using one of my Exped synmats initially but am aware of the limits - hence may not be able to take it on the February trip... we'll see what the weather looks like but if it's going to be really cold I may just go to the ground where my systems are better tested.