Free Advice To the New Guys

**Dev** · 03-13-2014, 23:54

I can second thinking about a purchase too long. Also, this has happened to me as a noob, hitting the wall of discouragement. If you go out and your first hang is not pleasant don't give up, ask questions and keep on tweaking.

**pinballwizard** · 03-14-2014, 00:02

Everything said is great. Being a newer hanger, but not a completely new hanger, I would feel that everything said is EXACTLY what my path has been since getting off the ground (right down to watching SHUG's videos while pondering trying a hammock and saying to myself, "what the heck is Hammock Forums". Since then, I bought some deal site hammocks for 25 bucks which are big and sooo comfortable. I have bought NINE JCP puffer jackets waiting for me to learn how to sew, and I just got my mothers sewing machine from her house the other day.I'm using my pads until I make my UQs. I use an ENO tarp I bought at an REI garage sale, until I buy or make a larger, nicer one. And, I have DIY Fronkey bugnets, made from tulle, that I had my dry-cleaner sew, costing me about 15-20 for a pair. My suspension is my own DIY Whoopies I learned by just following this youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtJGTgpv4dc
Long story short, everything will come into place as you say, from experience of actually hanging, "man I need that and it's worth the effort to make it, or the money to buy it." For now, read and watch, hang and GROUP HANG. And finally, don't buy anything until you know why you are buying it. There are hangers that still prefer their pads to UQs, so don't spend money until you know what your getting is really for you.

**pinballwizard** · 03-14-2014, 00:07

Originally Posted by Mountnman

Don't be to proud to ask questions

Also, this is killer advice, but the fact that you started this thread is a great sign

**HomeMadeHiker** · 03-14-2014, 11:25

Originally Posted by PMan

walk in the door with your own package for her.

This just sounds dirty!

**slicktop** · 03-14-2014, 15:32

As a newer member, my advice: stop thinking you're going to find the "perfect " setup right out of the gate. You won't. And even if you find a setup you love, your curiosity is gonna drive you crazy and you'll end up trying/buying/making/modifying something else, so just buy a hammock and start hangin'. And for goodness sake, spend a few nights in your backyard before your first "real" overnighter. I saw a few people setting up for an overnight hang this last weekend on the LSHT... single layer hammocks, no pads, no under quilts, 60 degrees and windy during the daytime. I PROMISE they would've preferred to learn THAT lesson at home!

**Dutch** · 03-14-2014, 15:46

Originally Posted by Mumbles

I'll take it.

You win Mumbles

**MGLion** · 03-14-2014, 16:05

Originally Posted by slicktop

As a newer member, my advice: stop thinking you're going to find the "perfect " setup right out of the gate. You won't. And even if you find a setup you love, your curiosity is gonna drive you crazy and you'll end up trying/buying/making/modifying something else, so just buy a hammock and start hangin'. And for goodness sake, spend a few nights in your backyard before your first "real" overnighter. I saw a few people setting up for an overnight hang this last weekend on the LSHT... single layer hammocks, no pads, no under quilts, 60 degrees and windy during the daytime. I PROMISE they would've preferred to learn THAT lesson at home!

As former scout and Marine, I would say that if you don't want to spend a night or two in the backyard, make the first few nights at a site when you can retreat to your car, at least, not 10 miles into the woods.

**shipsgunner** · 03-14-2014, 19:04

Originally Posted by Aluminumbling

Join this site.

Watch Shug's videos.

Get a 2nd job.

Amen to that!!!

**doc_mosi** · 03-14-2014, 20:27

As a new hanger (never actually hung yet...)

I say a great big thanks to everyone for the suggestions...

I've already been asked by the DW twice what's in the that box??

Once...did you order that before or after you asked if I was going, what if I wanted a hammock too? Reply: Um...don't worry I bought a second one already, it's on the way.

I'm really glad the DW doesn't really know the totals so far...I've been at this for about a week and a half now. I'm never gonna total my spending. I'll faint.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for all the great tips and suggestions.

And I'll be a donating member before next week ends. Just saying.

**Lorax** · 03-15-2014, 08:40

I would say to get all your gear earlier than you think you need it. When buying from cottage vendors, don't wait until a week before "the big trip" and expect a custom item to be on your doorstep in 4 days.