Newb from West TN

[HangTenn]

Hey HF:

My wife and I are newbs to hammock camping. Looking forward to our first trip at Land Between the Lakes (LBL) in KY. We will be using a "pod system" because we don't have UQs or TQs, yet. Should we be worried about condensation much? If so, what are other preferred methods of staying warm? OR, what are suggestions on ridding the condensation?

Look forward to hearing back from many of you and nearby hammockers!

- MH & Mrs. MH

[Mike04345]

Welcome!! I'm new also so can't be much help to you at this time but I'm sure the hangers will be more than happy to give you some sound advice. Happy hanging

[potneck]

Welcome from Dover, TN. I'm just a few minutes from the South entrance to LBL. I've only used Quilts so can't help you much but you've come to a great place to learn about hammock camping.

[oldbiker]

Welcome from middle southern TN. Wish I could help with info but I use a UQ & Down sleeping bag.

[grannypat]

Welcome from SC (originally from Carroll Co., TN). Don't have any answers for the pod question. I've used pads and currently use an underquilt. I have duct taped fleece to reflectix to help with condensation.

[HangTenn]

Thanks, everyone! Eventually, we will make UQs, but I just recently talked her into hammock camping for our trip! I was beyond excited when she agreed to it! I hope we stay warm and keep our down sleeping bags free from condensation!

[MyD0j0]

From eastern Missouri, welcome! Can't help with your question about pod and condensation, though, for the same reason as the others.

[captaincoupal]

Condensation and moisture in the winter is a big concern. Make sure that you test your setup before you go out in the woods, especially since keeping warm at night is so important.

[girlnextdoortn]

I'm on the other end of the state from you.

I've been hammocking for years year round. I've done it all and tried most everything out there.
I will preface and say I'm also a ultralight backpacker. I'm over anal about what everything weights that goes in my pack.

Don't waste your money on all the fancy rain fly's. Get yourself a ripstop tarp, paracord, aluminum stakes, and a gallon sized freezer bag. All of that can be nicely folded and packed down to nothing in the storage bag.

Now what we do we always utilize 3 trees in a triangle so basically you have 2 hammocks on one tree. String up your cord and tarp stake it down. Now your sides and over head is covered. Your main objective is to reduce air flow underneath you. According to ENO your hammock shouldn't be over 18 inches off the ground. I can't see a huge difference if it's higher.

I've got a closed cell pad, a plasma 30 bag and can stay warm without a under quilt.

We were in the back country of GSM a few weeks ago when it snowed that's the coolest temps we have been in this year. We stayed pretty toasty warm.

[tncamper]

Welcome from a little farther west. Until last summer, I was going to Henderson at least once a week and once a month had to go for a week. I lovedd staying at Chickasaw while there.

Shane