Been hanging for a while, looking for a camping rig
First off, big thanks to those who make the HF site what it is. I love how much knowledge there is on forums, and this one is one of the best.
I've been a lazy hanger for years. Got an ENO Doublenest with my REI dividend in 2009 after coveting the one my buddy had in his yard. On advice from folks on here, I switched to Whoopie slings early on and have loved them. Still, I mostly keep the hammock in the back of my car for impromptu hangs. It's my luxury item on backpacking trips and longer hikes, but I've only used it for sleeping once — with mixed results.
Generally I'm a ground-dweller, but I'm looking to make the switch. My girlfriend just went ultralight (more or less) with a bivy and a silnylon flat tarp. She couldn't be more excited, but I have very little interest in a bivy unless I'm in the desert or something. I'd been sharing a decades-old tent with her, but that's finally fallen apart. So it's time to upgrade my camping setup.
I'm stuck between a couple options. I could mod the ENO so it'll work better for camping — add a structural ridgeline, buy a bug net, get a tarp — or I could buy a whole separate camping hammock and keep the ENO for lounging. I'm leaning toward the latter route and getting a WB Blackbird. The bug net and ridgeline are included, it'll hold my pad without trouble, the asymmetrical shape should be easier on my back (which is surprisingly bad for a dude in his late-20s), and everyone who has one seems to love it. Still, that plus a tarp comes in around $300.
On the other hand, it's not like modding my ENO would be free. A bug net isn't super cheap, a ridgeline costs several bucks, and I'd still need to get a tarp. And at the end of the day, I'd still have a hammock that doesn't quite fit the backpacking bill.
Any suggestions? I'm tempted to bite the bullet and go with the Blackbird, but I just quit my job to go live with my girlfriend's mom, who's sick, so dollars are pretty scarce. I've got savings that would cover the purchase, but my income is virtually nonexistent. On top of that, my girlfriend's itching to go camping once her gear arrives — so I've got to figure something out pretty quick.
Thanks for reading all this and weighing in!
Been hanging for a while, looking for a camping rig
Cinch buckle setup from Dutch is fairly cheap. $25 I think. If you have anyone that can sew a DIY bugnet could be the ticket for you. That would allow you to purchase a tarp and quilts first, and upgrade hammocks later.
Upgrade in modular units, get grandmother's assistance if possible
The great thing about hammock camping is that it is very modular and you can upgrade in steps as you have funds. Where most people spend the most money is when they feel the need to go Ultra Light or SUL and purchase everything ready to go. Perhaps they are hesitant to have someone teach them how to do a basic hem on grandmother's old thread injector that needs a bit of oil and attention and has been sitting in the garage for years. Or one at a yard sale for $10-50. There are probably some nice gear makers or if not at least some little old ladies (and men) near you who get together to sew quilts and would enjoy it if you stopped by to learn. They bake the best snacks, but bring some oreos they may like those as well. LOL
So a bug net does not need to cost you more than $20, if weight is not a concern shop around online or locally get a military surplus style, cut little slots in the ends and hand stitch some velcro or omni-tape closers. Many 10 year old boys could do this with grandmother's help, I know I could. Below is one of several dozen DIY bug net projects. the Sock with draw string on the ends is the easiest but a little more difficult to get in and out of.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...t-Bug-Net-Ever
This is not the best or lightest Tarp but for $25 it will work reasonably well:
http://www.woot.com/offers/yukon-out...ef=cnt_wp_15_4
Use cheap drop cloth to make your own Grizz break door or two and it is highly functional, I like transparent plastic so I can see if deer walk by.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-the-tarp-beak
edit: I just read your comment above, you were writing as I was. Not really necessary to know how to sew just run the machine to do a hem, there is a big difference, people who actually sew will generally let you know all about it. LOL Check local Parks and Recs for classes on "Intro to Sewing" or ask at local community centers and places of worship etc, google for quilters etc. I am not saying tell them you want to learn to "machine quilt" but do show a keen interest and respect for what they enjoy, it is a great hobby. I have relatives, now passed on, who did this for many decades.
Helpful folks nearby just a Google away. ;-)
There are so many "machine quilter" guilds, sewing circles, and other similar clubs in the area I live that they practically trip over each other trying to help new people out. Also at least 3 small independent sewing shops just in this one suburb town with one other shop dedicated to quilts and many more in the surrounding towns. My advice is DO NOT buy a machine until you at least visit some of these groups of people. They may be falling all over you trying to help you get a good machine or sell you one of the dozens they have been hording for a good deal. Seriously these are great people and the smaller the community the more helpful they may be. If you have 2-6 hours a week to spare you may never buy another bit of fabric camping gear again.