Hi from Connecticut

[laghang]

I've been watching Shug's videos and reading about hammock camping on Reddit. I figure that it's time to finally join this forum and grab a hammock. I like hiking, birding, and hanging. I want to find a hammock that will serve me well for many years. I'm trying to get my husband to come along with me so I would like to find something that works for him too.

My husband slept terribly on a thermarest basecamp xl (30in wide) when we went car camping so I hope that he'll sleep better in a hammock and enjoy camping. My husband is about 5'9" and 300lb so he will need a strong double layer hammock. I'm supposed to be around 140lb but I'm closer to 160lb right now (got to get hiking!). I would love to find a hammock setup that would be great car camping or backpacking. Although I would like to keep the weight down, going ultralight is not a major concern for me right now.

Right now, I'm thinking about getting a hobo hammock (10 ft, weight tested to 540lb, only $55 with straps) for hanging in the backyard and using on day hikes. It may be a good way to see how much we enjoy hammock camping before jumping into buying something really nice. I thought the Warbonnet Blackbird would be the perfect hammock for camping but I'm less sure after looking into the Dream Hammock Dangerbird. I love the idea of the footbox and self in the WBBB but the DHDB seems much more open and doesn't seem to require tie-outs if you're feeling lazy. I was thinking about trying out a WBBB 1.7 double layer (so it will hold my husband) because they have an amazing return policy. We're going car camping soon so we could have the tent, hobo hammock, and the WBBB to test out and see how we sleep. I have the buy once, cry once mentality but I also don't think there's any reason to get more than we will really need.

What do you think of this idea? Any tips, advice, or suggestions for a new hammocker?

Thank you so much!

[Secondchance]

Hi laghang, welcome from Norwalk! There are lots of great products out there. The main thing is to get hanging!!! Your wallet will be lighter after outfitting two for sure! Enjoy, secondchance

[Phantom Grappler]

laghang maybe you will be more comfortable in 11 foot gathered end hammock? Good luck!!

[laghang]

Thank you for the warm welcome! I'm only 5'4" so I don't know if I need an 11 ft hammock but my husband is a bit bigger so he may appreciate it.

I guess I'm contemplating whether or not to get a cheap hobo hammock. I figured we could see how it goes and keep it as a backup if we get a nice hammock. Maybe that's just spending money on something we won't use? I'm also debating whether the WBBB or a Dream Hammock is right for either of us as a nice upgrade hammock.

[jcblough]

I would suggest you aim for a decent grade hammock. Chances are if you like using it, you will want another sooner rather than later then the cheap hammock is sunk cost. You certainly don't need top of the line to get started, but I always feel that starting with the bare minimum not really a fair way to give something new a chance.

If the first time you tried steak it was a frozen tenderized job . . .you are likely to not like it while not really having any idea what the real thing was.

[SilvrSurfr]

Welcome from the Jersey Shore. I've never heard of a hobo hammock, and I'd be concerned about whether those tree straps are nylon rather than polyester. You might want to look at a Dutchware hammock as a good starting point. You don't necessarily have to get a hammock with integrated bugnet like the WBBB or a Dangerbird, at least not right away. Integrated hammocks are generally more expensive than simple, gathered-end hammocks like Dutch sells.

Tarp and insulation are more important than the hammock, in my opinion. Hammock camping is great if you stay dry, so a good tarp is essential. Since you're suspended in the air, you'll have convective air forces to deal with, and underinsulation (pad or UQ) will be required probably anywhere under 70* F. Pads aren't particularly easy to deal with compared to an UQ, and some people even get double-layer hammocks just to help manage the pad.

Good luck!

[MikekiM]

Happy hanging!!!

[DrPhun]

There is a hang in Ashby, MA this weekend easily within 2 hrs. You could visit that, even if only Saturday afternoon. People would be very happy to show their setups. They actually usually do a formal tour. (There is a anonother thread set up for that hangout). Seeing it all upfront would help you avoid buying an ok setup and then buying the setup you really want 9 months later.

[laghang]

Thank you for your advice everyone!

DrPhun - Thank you! I noticed the hang in the other thread. I have some commitments this weekend so I don't know that I can make it. I was feeling hesitant to try to make it because I'm not part of the crew so I really appreciate your invite! I agree that seeing it all in person would really help. If I can't make it to this hang, hopefully I'll be able to come to another soon.