Hello from central NC

**pyrrha1** · 08-12-2015, 08:08

I am 42 years old and just getting back into backpacking. I was talking to an employee of a local outdoor retailer about solo shelter options and he suggested a hammock. I was poking around the Web trying to find some information about hammock camping when I found this forum. Looks like a wealth of information to pour over so that I can really confuse myself

.

**wolf8895** · 08-12-2015, 10:21

Comfort is worth the confusion! Welcome!

**MarkThompson** · 08-12-2015, 10:28

There are two great thing about hammocks (in my opinion):

1) Portability. You can set up in places that a lot of tents can't. Uneven ground? Who cares! Ground is wet? Who cares!

2) Comfort. I simply can't sleep on the ground comfortably. I'm extremely comfortable in my hammock. Note that not all hammocks are equal for every person. Some people love certain hammocks while other people swear that certain hammocks just aren't for them. I thought I was perfectly comfortable in my Hennessy Hammock until I got my Dream Hammock.

So, when starting off into the hammock world fresh I suggest picking up something cheap and easy (Dutch Hammocks come to mind, but that's one of many to choose from), until you can get to a group hang that has many different kinds to try out. And even after seeing many that are awesome, you have to still find out what's best for you.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of hammocking!

**Chigger** · 08-12-2015, 10:45

Welcome from just up the road in Garner. There are almost 100 HF members in and around our neck of the woods. Get yourself out to the NC group hangs and get some of the confusion cleared up, or add more. Whatever you will have fun.

**Caminante** · 08-12-2015, 10:55

Welcome! I'm in the F-V, as well, and just got started with hammocks back in June.

**gunner76** · 08-12-2015, 11:12

welcome to the madness from down on the coast. There are several hangs coming up in the next couple of months. Make sure Hotlips is at one of them as she and Kingsford make some good eats in their Dutch Ovens

**PappyAmos** · 08-12-2015, 12:47

Welcome from down at the beach!

+1 on gunner's recommendation. Look forward to seeing you at one of the hangs.

**TallPaul** · 08-12-2015, 13:01

Welcome from Charlotte.
As others suggested, try a group hang.
You can learn more in a day or two than weeks of book learning on here.

**pyrrha1** · 08-12-2015, 13:02

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I think I'm sold on the idea of hanging vs ground camping. Looking forward to meeting some of you at one of the upcoming events.