Most important part of Hammocking?

[Sethrotull]

Hi

New to Hammocking. If you were starting out and buying gear where would you put your money first? I know I need a tarp so is it most important to get a great one? (Warbonnet Superfly) or a great Hammock? Maybe it is a quilt or suspension? Let me know how you would build your kit.

[Syb]

Began with a DIY hammock. A cheaper tarp was next, used a sleeping bag until I got a TQ and then a UQ. In my opinion get the 'hang' of hanging your hammock with lots of practice first. Lots of opinions and I'm interested in what others have to say.

[gunner76]

First you need to get a hammock then a tarp. Then get a good UQ then a TQ

[OutandBack]

Folks on this forum do all kinds of hanging.
Indoors, full time, backpacking, car camping, etc. How about some details of your goals?

[Sethrotull]

So I have been a ground camper car and backpack I don't get out as much as I used to. Sometimes I have my GF with me sometimes my 6 year old. I got a Grand Trunk double thinking I could put my daughter in with me but I don't think that is gonna happen. So thinking about a Hammeck Breezy for anyone who comes along. Right now I am mostly car camping so weight and size isn't an issue but I would like to eventually have an all purpose setup. I am sure I will end up with a warbonnet or Dream hammock eventually. I have cheapey tarps that I could use just not a big fan of the bulk. Plus I like the door idea of the SF. Looked at Funky Forests because I can do the doors with that but if I am gonna spend $80 I might as well step up and get the SF. Sleeping pad and sleeping bag for now I figure.

I know I am gonna peace my gear together I just don't want to buy twice too much.

[Likeapuma]

I'd say the hammock is the most important component. Once you find one that is comfortable for your, then start building around it.

Blue tarps can make do for a while, and sleeping bags & pads can keep you (relatively) warm until nicer options become available.

[12trysomething]

My sequence was; hammock, tarp, UQ, TQ, Grizz Beaks. My advice would be to save and buy quality gear. Do your research, ask questions make your choices then end up comfortable!

[Otter1]

I agree with the others that the hammock should be first.

Think of this: if you buy a tarp designed for gathered end hammocks, and ultimately decide you prefer a bridge hammock, you're stuck. So dial in your hammock while using your existing tarp(s) and then spring for "the one"!

Let me add that many (more like most) of us tried multiple designs before finding what's best - in fact I'm still playing with new tricks and toys!

[dkurfiss]

I purchased a HH set up so got the hammock, suspension, and tarp at the same time. My next purchase was an UQ as I am a cold sleeper. I then added in a bigger tarp BCUSA 10x10. Next was a TQ to be followed by a 2QzQ Griz Beaks, Mod 4 to allow me to zip off the bug net, along with an UQP from 2QZQ.

On the tarp which I replaced, I will use/carry my stock HH tarp when I am doing day things and/or do not feel the need for a dry place beyond my hammock.

Just to sum it up in order:
Hammock w/suspension
UQ
Tarp
TQ
Grizz Beaks, Mod 4, and UQP all at once

[grannypat]

I say get thee to a group hang where you can check out different types of hammocks and look at gear. I bought a Hennessey Hammock set up at first. Used it with pad and sleeping bag. Then made a DIY hammock to suit my size and a Fronkey bug net and purchased a Kelty Noah's 12 on sale. Then saved and got a used underquilt from the sale forum which I could use on my HH or my DIY. Have purchased a mix of used and new UQ and TQ's. Then I purchased a small Tadpole Tarp because I wanted a smaller, lighter tarp. My next purchase will be a Superfly, because I want something lighter than the Kelty and which has doors. I like having extras in case I can entice someone to go hang with me.