Lessons learned: Things you learned the hard way

[Woodsie8]

I am curious, what lessons have you learned the hard way. I want to eliminate them, first thing......

[SilvrSurfr]

The cheaper it is, the heavier it will be.

[Pyrogen]

Thinking I could get into hammocking "casually" comes to mind.. I bought an ENO Junglenest intending on it being my one-stop solution to camping.. then came a dutchware, and AmSteel addiction.. then came an underquilt.. and a tarp..soon a stand.. probably another hammock, likely more dutchware, some camping stoves, more dutchware, and an undying urge to "rig" everything I can as conveniently and cleanly as possible to my ridgeline. And more Dutchware. Did I say Dutchware? I meant it. That guy's website is like the pringles of hammockery.


Also, adapted easily from my experience with motorcycles.

Cheap, Durable, Light: You only get to Pick 2.

[Scarecrow]

Here's a lesson I learned the hard way. If you can move the trees by grabbing them with your hands and shaking them, they're no good for hanging. I underestimated my weight one time, strung up the hammock, and soon as I sat down in it, one of the trees completely fell down on top of me. Won't be making that mistake again.

[Peartree]

Each tarp setup and especially porch mode overnight - always make sure the rain will drain. You know, the rain that wasn't forecast and you turn in with nothing but stars...

[dkurfiss]

Test your gear in a controlled environment such as when car camping or in your back yard because doing it 500 miles away from home can be a very bone chilling experience!

[Woodsie8]

Here's a lesson I learned the hard way. If you can move the trees by grabbing them with your hands and shaking them, they're no good for hanging. I underestimated my weight one time, strung up the hammock, and soon as I sat down in it, one of the trees completely fell down on top of me. Won't be making that mistake again.

YIKES!!!!!

[Dylanc95]

Plastic hardware is not durable. Reflectix is not enough underneath my butt when the temps get low. I also second what Surfer said. I've found I'd rather make both my wallet and my pack lighter rather than heavier.

[Kallorne]

Don't make your first attempt at Hennessy lashing in the dark, with cold fingers, at the trailhead, over the concrete pad in the gazebo....it slipped and I thunked.



PS same goes for all new gear, don't depend on it until you've proven to yourself you can use it effectively.

[TheYoda]

Don't hang across a game trail (no matter how small).

Turned out to be wild turkeys and maybe skunks, but still... up all night wondering what critters were crunching around in the leaves.