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  1. #1
    Senior Member dfscott's Avatar
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    first-timer -- after hammock, what next?

    I’m sure this is probably subjective, but I’m hoping to get some advice so my first hammock experience (next weekend) will be a good one.

    First, the environment:
    - Typical state park campground, north Georgia (most of my future camping will be in Georgia as well).
    - Temps are expected to be mid-70s during the day, mid 50s at night.
    - Forecast is for some showers, but hopefully nothing torrential (I’ll have a backup tent in case of a deluge – I’m not ready to go hardcore without a bit more experience).

    The hammock gear I have:
    - ENO doublenest
    - Atlas straps
    - Generic 8’ x 10’ tarp (for fly)
    (conspicuous missing items are bug net and additional insulation)

    So, I looked at my tent camping gear and was thinking I could repurpose some of it:
    - Thermarest Z-lite Sol sleeping pad
    - Generic Blue Closed cell sleeping pad
    - Generic mummy bag (rating to 5F)
    - Camp pillow, stocking cap, other standard camp stuff.

    Finally, about me:
    - 5’ 10” and 190 lbs.
    - Frequent camper with backpacking experience
    - I tend to be a warm sleeper (my mummy bag is generally too hot)

    Now to my questions: my budget is pretty limited at this point (spouse is cracking down on the spending). If I can only spend another $50-$60 or so, where would I get the best bang for the buck? I’m no handyman, but I don’t have any problem with moderate DIY projects if those are good options.

    Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

  2. #2
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    A good hammock tarp....shelter is essential))))))
    Carry forth and enjoy the hammock quest.
    Shug

    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  3. #3
    Senior Member Loki's Avatar
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    +1 shug is the master!

    Next, considering your budget, spending it on attending a group hang would probably pay back the most
    - Loki my videos
    "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
    Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
    The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,
    while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." — John Muir


  4. #4
    Senior Member captaincoupal's Avatar
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    I agree with Shug, bring the tarp, even if you don't use it. Also bring your blue pad - you might be a warm sleeper, but at 50F you may still experience CBS (Cold Butt Syndrome) without something underneath you. I've been able to use a simple CCF pad very comfortably to <35F, so they definitely work.

  5. #5
    Senior Member lostagain's Avatar
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    +1 for both Shug and Loki. However, for a bugnet on a budget (try saying that five times fast), you can't beat the easy-ness (easiness?) of an ENO Guardian. It's $60 @ REI and you can find them online for a little less. Easy to install and gives you the option of "see if I like this type of bugnet" before spending much more on other types. See this thread for more opions on bugnets.
    Remember...no matter where you go...there you are.

    "I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion". - John Steinbeck


  6. #6
    Senior Member dfscott's Avatar
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    Thanks all, for the advice.

    However, to clarify: are you saying to dump the 8x10 homemade tarp (I. E. The diamond draped over a continuous ridge line shown in the ultimate hang) in favor of an actual store-bought tarp? Or are you just saying to make sure and bring one?

    (And a special thanks to you, Shug, for the reply. My 10yo son Zander and I watched about 8 of your videos back to back yesterday and he thought you were hilarious. He'll be excited to know that I've now had a brush with greatness )

  7. #7
    Senior Member captaincoupal's Avatar
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    Hey df - it seems like your question is "how can I spend more money?" and you've gotten answers to that (buy a new tarp, buy bugnets). There are a million ways you can spend your money; how about you use what you have, go have fun, and then take it from there? You're car camping with a tent backup, you really don't need to spend anything right now. Hammock camping isn't about spending money, although you're always going to find something that you want to buy. But first and foremost anyone here will tell you to go camping. More stuff won't bring more joy to your outdoor experience.

  8. #8
    Senior Member dfscott's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by captaincoupal View Post
    Hey df - it seems like your question is "how can I spend more money?" and you've gotten answers to that (buy a new tarp, buy bugnets). There are a million ways you can spend your money; how about you use what you have, go have fun, and then take it from there? You're car camping with a tent backup, you really don't need to spend anything right now. Hammock camping isn't about spending money, although you're always going to find something that you want to buy. But first and foremost anyone here will tell you to go camping. More stuff won't bring more joy to your outdoor experience.
    Great point -- experience is the best teacher, right?

    I'll give it a whirl and see.

  9. #9
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    If you want to spend $ then for sure a new tarp, a bug net, a nice UQ would be the top items on my own list.

    But, from the list of equipment you post there is no reason you need to purchase anything before you try it. I would bring that CCF pad with me for sure because you are going to get CBS without some sort of insulation under you. The mummy bag will certainly work as a TQ.

    If you have not already done some test hanging in your own back yard (or close park) I would suggest that before you head out to the woods but since you are taking your tent camping gear along....at least you will have a good back out plan Mostly relax and have fun.

  10. #10
    Senior Member
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    I have had great success in the hammock with the thermarest CCF pads. They are comfy in my double layer, and given they have some contours, I've had little to no condensation issues with them. Definitely give the zlite a try. Also use the reflective side when colder and the yellow side when warmer. It does change things a little IME.

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