Newb here. I used to paddle whitewater (hardboats and rafts) in the '90s and have done a few walks back in the day, so I have a bit of old-*** gear and have slept (on the ground) in enough places to make me think that being off the ground is a nice idea.
I've been pretty hard into cycling for quite a few years, and now kids are getting old enough I'm looking at doing a few short bike tours. Most likely in the S24O style (sub 24-hour overnight), because my big girl has special needs and it's not easy for me to get away for long times.
So, I'm thinking that a hammock rig would be a good thing. I'd never twigged that diagonal lay was how to do it, so I've rigged up my wife's crappy cotton yard-hammock to try, and I think there's some potential there. Comfy. Still, I don't know if this is going to be really manageable, so not up for spending big money. At least, not yet.
I'm starting cheap. I've ordered a cheap hammock (https://www.banggood.com/IPRee-Upgra...p-1188271.html) - figuring that a spare basic hammock won't be a bad thing to have lying around if/when I do upgrade; and a cheap 10' square tarp (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232514998343) - figuring that tarps are pretty universal and the old blue polytarp I've covered my sailboat with for the winter needs replacing if it comes to that.
For insulation - I'm in a cold-ish part of southeastern Australia, where winter temperatures go a few degrees below freezing at worst. Now's the worst time of year. I'm keen to get out there, but in reality, probably won't be out until it's warmer. I've got a few thermarests and probably a CCF rolly somewhere in the shed. Hard to carry lightweight style on a bike, but doable as a starter until I figure out something better. I have a couple of old sleeping bags. Longer term, thinking I'll probably invest (time or money) into quilts. Costco throw style (I'm pretty handy with a sewing machine), or not. Quilts are a new thing since I last spent time outdoors, so I'll need to do some research. I also picked up a big windshield reflector for $5, for more experimental testing.
I should also point out at this point that I've trained and worked 20 years as an engineer (although I'm doing other things now). I like a bit of problem solving and tinkering ;-)
Suspension wise... I have no problem with ropes, straps and knots. From a boating background... tying kayaks on to cars, swiftwater rescue work, makeshift tarp shelters... been there, done that. I've hung off a few cliffs as well, so I know how to tie a knot I'd trust my life to. I have plenty of 1" tie-down straps to scavenge, until I figure out why anyone spends more.
This time of year (when I probably need better insulation than I have) I don't really need a bug net. But it's Australia, most things here want to kill me, and bugs get bad in summer, so I'll need something when it gets warmer. Haven't locked anything in yet. Maybe a DIY job from thrift-shop curtains? Maybe a $20 cheapie from eBay?
So that's my first, toe-in-the-water setup plans. Not throwing away too much money, expecting this to be a short term stepping stone arrangement.
Longer term... depends how things go with my ghetto rig. I'm not going to be spending hundreds of nights a year in a hammock, but I can see the attraction of putting some money into a setup that isn't crap. With zero experience, I think the Naturehike windcloud (Hennessy copy?) looks like a good deal (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm//3324559...pid=1377411636). Still needs insulation, so I need to work that out separately, but can transfer learnings from my ghetto rig.
Looking forward to getting out, and looking forward to tweaking my setup over time.
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