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  1. #1
    New Member Vela A.'s Avatar
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    Mainer, considering a hammock for AT thru hike

    Hi there,

    My husband and I are stating our AT thru hike in April. I love hiking but have never had a good nights sleep in a tent. Never ever. I'm told if I convert to a hammock I'll be a happy camper. I'm hesitant only because of cost. What I'm looking at is the Warbonnet Blackbird. And if I'm not mistaken I'm going to need a fly, and an under quilt, plus my sleeping bag (20 down) in the winter. Send the under quilt home in the summer. That looks like around $400.
    For a thru hike, does this sound like a good setup? or am I spending too much? I feel like I might be. Is there a significantly less expensive way to get a comfortable hammock with bug netting, a rain fly and an under quilt?
    Thanks

  2. #2
    New Member Rock Paper Scissors's Avatar
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    Just to give you more options for hammocks check out the Darien & RoamingGnome from dream hammocks. They are cheaper and lighter, im seeing more thru hikers use them. Also the jarbide 3 season UQ is only a $100.

  3. #3
    Senior Member 12trysomething's Avatar
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    This thread is somewhat similar and may be helpful.

    https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...d.php?t=104417
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  4. #4
    Senior Member oldsoldier's Avatar
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    You dont HAVE to have a UQ. I never used one. I have a Gossamer Gear CCF pad, that was made for hammocks, and it served me well with my WBBB. I have since sold my WBBB though, and now use a WarBonnet RidgeRunner. I still use a pad though-I have gone to a Big Agnes Q core insulated pad.
    I am one of those people who fidgets while sleeping. a UQ would often slip on me, creating cool spots. I only had a 3/4 length one though. But, still, I opt for a pad, as its fidget free.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Rain Man's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldsoldier View Post
    ... I opt for a pad, as its fidget free.
    Wow, I used a pad for several years and had the exact opposite experience. Every time I turned, the pad turned too and I had to fidget to get it aligned diagonally and back under me, and even then my knees and butt got cold against the sides.

    To the OP, be careful thinking you can do without an UQ in the summer. Not true in my experience. Hanging on those mountains, in the clouds, with a breeze blowing through the night, my bottom half gets way too cold to sleep with only a thin layer of nylon to protect me.

    Rain Man
    "You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods

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  6. #6
    Senior Member Deathstar77's Avatar
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    There may not always be trees. Be prepared to go to ground.

  7. #7
    New Member Vela A.'s Avatar
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    Was that the 1/4 thickness pad? And to what temp did you find that was comfortable? I would love to forgo the UQ if I can!

  8. #8
    Senior Member oldsoldier's Avatar
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    The pad I had is a gossamer gear pad. Its thinner, like 1/8" I believe, but wider. When its in the hammock, between the layers, it doesnt move. And, there is enough that it wraps up the sides somewhat. With just that and a reflectix pad the same size, I took it down to -7. The pad would be useless on the ground. I have since gone to a RidgeRunner, and use a Q core pad, which works great. I had poor luck with a traditional pad. If you're interested in the GG pad, send me a PM, we can work something out. I dont have a use for it anymore.

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