Howdy, yet another newbe here.

[Cheapshoes]

Revisiting backpacking, now in my 50s. Working to get family enthused too - we are 20+ year car campers. I like cozy backpack tents and pads, but sometimes get back soreness sleeping more than a couple days on the trail. Also my wife complains about the hard floor - when I can convince her to try this hammock, she'll never be going back and I'll be the one in the tent. Bought two hammocks (ENO DN and a Grand Trunk DN) plus the ENO bug-nets and tarps from ENO, from the local shop. We've been out once a couple weeks ago and will again next weekend. My grown daughter loves it, and I'm trying to love it - soft enough, but I get the swingy thing going that just won't settle down. I'm going one way and the glasses and stuff on ridge-line swingin t'other way right over me - Jeese like just breathing is enough to keep the swing going. Going to take a little while to learn to go with the flow. I'll try the bug net this time which might take the 'exposed' feeling out of it, after being a long-time tent camper. - best wishes, and this looks like a great site. CS.

[gmcttr]

Welcome to HF.

The net and a tarp do take away some of the 'exposed' feeling when sun goes down.

[MAD777]

Welcome from Florida. I actually love the swinging but it stops moments after getting into the hammock. I wish it would swing all night!

[IndyFace]

welcome from pittsburgh. i, also, love the feeling of the swinging hammock. it's like being a baby rocked to sleep again. i would definitely suggest trying a few times to find your soft spot and you'll be sure to love it. and also, if you can, post in the trip review forum for your upcoming trip, i'm curious to hear about it good luck!

[RedStix]

Welcome from Baton Rouge.

RedStix

[Cheapshoes]

Cool, thanks. Yeah, I expect the swingin' will be a good thing when I can settle down and go with the flow. I'm hoping we get some rain to cool it down and to add water to the creeks before next weekend. It's hot and buggy these days. It's a ten mile loop with a spring half way through, but it could be crowded being a holiday weekend here. Plan to pick up some permethrin spray this weekend to treat clothes against deer ticks. Yikes those get heavy.

[FJRpilot]

Welcome from far west Texas! I find the tarp above the hammock reduces that "Wide Open" feeling considerably. If you use a winter tarp, you will feel like your in a tent....

Lots of great folks here, you made a great decision to get off the ground. Welcome to the trees...