In planning my first hike with some friends one of them suggested taking a hammock instead of a tent. I thought this was intriguing, now hours of investigating and I think I have the hammock bug. As I have a tight budget for this trip, and no hiking gear, the plan is to DIY a table cloth hammock, get a blue tarp, and hang in the trees. I am super stoked for this new adventure and want to thank all of those who contribute their knowledge to others through this forum.

First hike is going to be the Manistee River Loop in mid-September.