Hi guys. I recently gave up lightweight shelters and heavy solo tents on bikepacking trips for a shiny new HH explorer w/ snakeskins. I have read a lot of the forum and decided to compile a few questions:

-What are the modifications I should make in the order I should make them for lightening up the system as well as easing setup time. I know whoopie slings are the obv answer but are the whoopie hooks the latest and greatest?

-Is the stock fly sufficient?

- guy lines to ground or to rain fly?

- rain fly stored in snakeskins also?

-when purchasing a sleeping bag should i get one a few degrees colder if i dont plan on using an under quilt? What temp rating sleeping bags do you guys use around the southeast?

-new tree webbing with whoopie purchase or are stock straps ok?

-Adjustable ridgeline? or does it really matter

-should i brush up on knot tying? i dont know much

-whats the smallest I can expect this thing to pack with a compression sack?

- any other general tips to help a newbie out? I have watched a million setup videos with rings, whoopie slings, hooks, biners, etc and I basically looking for the most up to date methods and modifications that must be done to further enjoy.


Thanks a million in advance! I cant wait to get out there and hang