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  1. #1
    Member iamjoshwilson's Avatar
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    Feb 2014
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    Greenville, NC
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    Allow me to introduce myself

    I am 26 years old and born & raised in Greenville, North Carolina. I have been backpacking a few years now with my kelty Salida 2 tent. I came across hammock camping in an effort to reduce my pack weight. I finally broke down a few weeks ago and purchased a Grand Trunk ultralight hammock.

    I ran across a 5x7 waterproof nylon tarp at wal-mart which I setup on the diagonal. While the coverage is not as much as I would like, the $10 cost fit right into my budget (did I mention I'm working on my 2nd BS degree which I'm attaining without any debt whatsoever). Needless to say, my budget has very little wiggle room.

    I work Friday and Saturday nights 11PM-7AM at a hotel so I have not been able to sleep in my hammock overnight yet. I'm hoping to be able to try it out one night either this week or next.

    I have a rather noobish question. I'm planning a 24 mile loop hike along a portion of the AT in a few weeks and am having 2nd thoughts about bringing my hammock as opposed to my tent. Nighttime temperatures being my major concern as I don't have funds for an UQ currently. I do have a 20* synthetic sleeping bag which keeps me toasty in my tent.

    The low will probably be around freezing when I will be in the mountains.

    So convince me one way or the other! Will i be ok with this minimal setup, or should I pack the tent for assured warm sleeping?

    PS Thanks for all the threads I've read which have gotten me this far. I can say I have definitely learned a lot from this site

  2. #2
    Senior Member 2ply's Avatar
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    Oct 2006
    Location
    Soco Gap, NC
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    Clark DLX, ENO SN, BIAS WWM
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    Welcome to HF from Georgia! You probably already have a pad from ground sleeping. This can be used in the hammock too. If it's an inflatable only add half the air. Adding wings to the sides will help with shoulder and hip warmth. Try it in the backyard before hitting the trail.
    Everyone ought to believe in something....I believe I'll go set up the hammock!

  3. #3
    Member iamjoshwilson's Avatar
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    Feb 2014
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    That's a good idea as I do have an alps inflatable sleeping pad. I didn't know how much insulation it would provide. Something else I have considered is buying some duct insulation and using that instead of my sleeping pad. It is essentially bubble wrap with mylar on both sides. It would be a whole heck of a lot lighter than my pad and cheap.

    Thoughts?

  4. #4
    New Member mr hvac's Avatar
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    Mar 2013
    Location
    E. TN
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    welcome to HF from TN. make sure you try it at home before you go. once your on the trail its to late. this advice was given to me when I 1st started hammock camping and it didn't take me about an hr to realize i wasn't prepared for the cold.
    The path you choose in life. Should lead straight to a Hammock!

  5. #5
    Member CAS52's Avatar
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    Dec 2013
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Hammock
    DIY Tablecloth Hammock
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    Welcome to HF from a fellow North Carolinian. I spent a few years in G'Ville myself.

    I echo the previous suggestions as I'm in a similar situation (hammock, straps, tarp > no UQ or OQ...yet). I'm trying various recommendations and DIY methods noted here in the forums. I'm testing them out at a buddy's house on the weekends. That way if i get severe CBS and can't make an adjustment...I can go inside...LOL.

    Anyways, makes sense to figure it out before you're on the trail.

    Good luck!

  6. #6
    Member iamjoshwilson's Avatar
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    Feb 2014
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    So I stopped by lowes on my way home. They have the duct insulation (apparently called reflectix) in a 25'x3' roll for $15. I was on my motorcycle so couldn't get it today. I'll snag it in the next couple of days. I'd like to compare it to my sleeping pad for hear retention. It sure would be nice if I could set the hammock up in my backyard but I have no trees big enough to support it.
    "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -Thomas Edison

  7. #7
    Senior Member doc17th's Avatar
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    Jul 2013
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    Just outside of Philadelphia, Pa.
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    Welcome from Philly.
    When I was a kid the only time we were in the house was to eat and sleep.

  8. #8
    Senior Member nuttysquirrel's Avatar
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    Dec 2012
    Location
    Forest Grove, OR
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    Quote Originally Posted by iamjoshwilson View Post
    So I stopped by lowes on my way home. They have the duct insulation (apparently called reflectix) in a 25'x3' roll for $15. I was on my motorcycle so couldn't get it today. I'll snag it in the next couple of days. I'd like to compare it to my sleeping pad for hear retention. It sure would be nice if I could set the hammock up in my backyard but I have no trees big enough to support it.
    reflectix is great for bottom insulation. welcome from OR!

  9. #9
    Member iamjoshwilson's Avatar
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    Feb 2014
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    Quote Originally Posted by nuttysquirrel View Post
    reflectix is great for bottom insulation. welcome from OR!
    nuttysquirrel, any tips you have on using the reflectix? Does it move around on you during the night? Thanks!!

  10. #10
    TallPaul's Avatar
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    Aug 2012
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    Charlotte, NC
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    Hey there - welcome from Charlotte.
    I've got the same issue - no trees (well, none that are together anyway). I put a couple bolts up in the garage when I first started.
    Like others have said, try to get a night in with your rig prior to committing to a big trip.

    Good luck

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