Help! I have no clue about what I'm doing!

[LittleWing]

I am totally new to the idea of camping. Recently I was invited to hike a part of the PCT with my dad. I was doing my research on what gear to bring, and a lot of people mentioned how they prefered hammock camping over tent camping. After weighing the pros and cons of each I decided that hammock camping was definitely the way to go. I've tried to do my research on which gear combination (suspension, top quilt, bug net, hammock, bottom quilt, and tarp) I'd like, but in reality I have no idea what to look for. I'll include a link to the kit I was looking at.

http://tinyurl.com/pfcwbqx

Any help is appreciated!
-LittleWing

[mountainhanger]

If your looking for one stop shopping you can't go wrong wi th paul. They're a few vendors that can do that at that price. And for a complete 3 season set up its a great way to start. As you venture further into hammock camping the options and abilities become almost endless...and we have found a reason for every one of them...lol. I would shoot Paul at arrowhead a quick email explain where your going , and make sure you tell hI'm your size and if it's where the big trees are let him know that too.
Also research research.and shug videos

[Beavercanoe15]

That sounds like a pretty sweet package, although you will still require an adequate tarp. There are lots of tarps out there to pick from.. A good starter is a Kelty Noah's Tarp 12. Not expensive if you check out Amazon for deals. Good coverage. Lots of pull outs and guy outs, can be configured to provide full coverage including doors. But..... I would suggest you "Hang" here, pardon the pun, for some time and see what this wonderful resource forum has to offer you. Welcome to the forum and to the joys of hammock camping. Be prepared for the ultimate in comfort.

[gunner76]

What section of the PCT are you looking to do ? The southern part in California goes thru a lot of desert where there are very few trees so hanging a hammock could be a challenge.

This guy hiked about half the trail earlier this year and has some great videos of his hike

[STinGa]

Beside what the others mentioned, be sure to practice an overnighter in your yard or a state park so you can work out the kinks and fix the minor adjustments. They will surface ... just don't want them to screw up you trip.

STinGa

[LittleWing]

Thank you to everyone! I wasn't expecting so many quick responses! We (dad and I) will be doing several practice runs before we go on our venture through the Oregon section of the PCT. If everything works out the way I want it tothen I might just find myself addicted. I'm so excited! I'll still stick around and see what I can learn from you seasoned veterans.

Thanks everyone!
-LittleWing

[Speedogomer]

Arrowhead equipment is nice stuff from what I hear. I recently got into hammock camping as well, and started off as cheap as possible to start. I'm not yet an avid backpacker, so the stuff I have works awesome for me, and it's all stuff I can upgrade over time. So far total, between suspension, hammock, tarp, top quilt, underquilt, and pillow, my total investment is about $170.

If I had to do it over, I may change a few things, but the cheap entry price for me was a good motivation to get out there and try it. If I had to spend $400-500 to get started, I may not have pulled the trigger.

If you have some extra $ to spend, Arrowhead makes good euipment that is not entry level, and should last...... unlike some of the stuff I have!

[Sailor]

LW--If you've no experience camping, then think basics and learn from experience, because you will not get what's right for you from a book or us. Hammoking is a little different than on the ground, but its probably not a make it/break it deal. For hiking, think how to stay or get dry--rain clothes, tarp, tent, a change of clothes, warm--some layers of clothes, sleeping bag or quilts, simple food, how to make hot water, a little safety gear, as in a light, first aid kit, navigation, as in a map and compass, and footwear--shoes, boots and how will you patch up your feet. A couple of books- Colin Fletcher's (older school) and Andrew Skurka (newer) would be fun reading, and then trying things out in your backyard. On the ground or hanging, go overnight in your backyard and figure out your issues, with your home an easy bail out. And take some all day local day hikes to figure out which shoes fit your feet, because hiking the PCT will work your feet. Four issues define happy camping--warm, dry, water and some food. When you don't head back into the house for one of them, you're all set.

[Kriswithak]

LW--If you've no experience camping, then think basics and learn from experience, because you will not get what's right for you from a book or us. Hammoking is a little different than on the ground, but its probably not a make it/break it deal. For hiking, think how to stay or get dry--rain clothes, tarp, tent, a change of clothes, warm--some layers of clothes, sleeping bag or quilts, simple food, how to make hot water, a little safety gear, as in a light, first aid kit, navigation, as in a map and compass, and footwear--shoes, boots and how will you patch up your feet. A couple of books- Colin Fletcher's (older school) and Andrew Skurka (newer) would be fun reading, and then trying things out in your backyard. On the ground or hanging, go overnight in your backyard and figure out your issues, with your home an easy bail out. And take some all day local day hikes to figure out which shoes fit your feet, because hiking the PCT will work your feet. Four issues define happy camping--warm, dry, water and some food. When you don't head back into the house for one of them, you're all set.

+1 on this!

[GoatHanger]

As was mentioned, always a good idea (and fun) to do backyard testing. No better place to test the limits of your stuff, and try new things without much risk.

Sailor has some good tips there, too. Skurka is great.

This channel has some decent beginner tips as well...
How-To Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...4466959C79BCAF