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Start by trying other hammocks. Don't skip this step, because you'll need to come back to it if you do! :o


You could also do this:

Start by getting Ed Speer's book Hammock Camping.

Make a...

You're right, otherwise I'm going to go broke trying all of the options! :laugh: I had delusions of just making one and being happy with it. :rolleyes:

My current unsuspended length is around 8'6. When I used whipping instead of knots, it was 10'. I'm using a non-structural ridgeline (just for bugnet suspension). I'm not sure about ridgeline length....

I'm 5'8", 235 lbs, fairly wide shoulders. My hammock is Supplex nylon.

I should note that I haven't tried sleeping for more than 30 min in the center. I might notice more knee discomfort if I do...

I have a strange observation to report. I don't like laying on the diagonal for these reasons:

1. My feet pushing against the side of the hammock causes fabric tension against my shoulder.

2....

Sounds like a good plan.

I have a DIY I made following Speer's design. I did a very similar approach when I added cinch buckles: cut the strap, looped it over, and bartacked the buckle inside the...

It's normal. Just be glad you're not sleeping directly on the pad with a quilt like I am. :mellow:

Another "loud thinker" here... :)

Setting up the hammocks under a tarp might help with the condensation.

Looks good. Here are some things to evaluate:

1. The air mattress would annoy me in a hammock. I'd rather sleep on my 3/4 length blue CCF pad.

2. Do a test setup in the backyard. It's no fun to...

This page might be helpful in your planning:

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/wv.htm

Shoes: I hang mine on a side pullout, or just leave on ground.
Pack: Hang from hammock strap at head end tree.


A kitchen kit sounds like something a bear would come to investigate. :scared:

headchange4u, how does the comfort of this hammock compare with a WB Blackbird? I made a clone somewhat following this design, and I'm just wondering if I'm missing out on anything. :)

Use a second pad under your upper body for below freezing, or use a single Texsport dual-foam pad.

I made a Speer clone, but later untied the end knots and whipped them using the instructions in headchange4u's Hennessey clone thread. It's much more comfortable that way. I was getting too much...

My experience with clothing is that polyester breathes (wicks away moisture) much better than nylon.

Very interesting thread. I've been wanting to try hot tent camping sometime, but hate to give up my hammock. This makes it possible to do both.

Here's a very informative site and forum on winter...

I made a RayWay quilt last year. I think the claim is that it's conservatively rated to 38 or 40 F, but I was plenty warm at around 35 F. The draft shield is somewhat helpful in tucking in to reduce...

My eating/cooking gear is minimalist:
GSI aluminum 1L pot (could use a coffee can with wire attached for this)
Lexan spoon (handle cut down slightly to fit inside pot with lid on)
Steel cup fits...

Looks like a nice setup!



I'm experimenting with my DIY Speer. It's 10' 7" x 60" nylon supplex (fabric size). I untied the knots from the end and folded and whipped it as described by Rapt in...

I just tried this last weekend on my DIY Speer. I untied the overhand knot, folded as described here, and whipped with a bootlace.

I like the flatness, more knee support, and it reduced the...

Made my first hammock, a Speer DIY (supplex nylon). I like it overall, but when laying on the diagonal with my feet to the left and head to the right, there's a squeeze on my left arm which causes...

Yes, Quest rocks!

I called right before closing time, :o and they still cheerfully volunteered to take the time to see if they had everything in my order in stock. :eek: I didn't expect this at...

Did a backyard test hang with head 1' higher than feet without any hint of nausea. :cool:

I'm planning to experiment with the Garlington insulator idea for bottom insulation. I have enough...

I was a little underdressed for the cold, I admit. And, yes, I should've been wearing that fleece jacket and found another pillow. I thought all that "natural insulation" I have been accumulating for...

Thanks for the suggestions.

I tried a looser hang tonight, and I think that might work, especially with the knee pillow suggested by angrysparrow.

The bad news is that I discovered part of my...

Thanks for the tips angrysparrow and Hector.

I'll work on my hang and getting comfortable more in the backyard before my next trip.

I did my first overnight hang in a state park campground Sunday night in a DIY Speer made from supplex nylon. The temp was 50* F at midnight, and reached a low around 38* F.

My sleeping gear and...

If you have time and skills to DIY, you can make a synthetic quilt for around $100:

http://www.rayjardine.com/

Interesting place and video!

...but no UFO or ghost footage? :D

Does anyone use the Garlington insulator underquilt? What are your thoughts and experiences on this? To me, it seems like a cheap, lightweight, and effective solution which has the advantage in the...