Lessons learned: Things you learned the hard way

[mdwattsjr]

It never ceases to amaze me how I agonize over ounces in the living room, and just wish I would have brought it when I get out there. And this is coming from a former dyed in the wool super ultralighter. If it's gonna make your trip more enjoyable, relaxing, and comfortable, by all means, bring it. The guys that sneared at the foldable chair attached to the back of your pack will be screaming jealous when you get in camp and have a wonderful place to relax your weary muscles and enjoy the evening.

[mdwattsjr]

And for gosh sakes, bring good coffee! Life's too short!

[JmBoh]

check to make sure your new fuel canister works. i went last week for an overnight and took a new untested fuel canister. i started to prep to boil water, attached the stove to the canister and nothing. no gas. it took me about 45 minutes of fiddling with it before i got it to work. i had to break out the multitool and push the little pin down to free it up. lesson learned. put your stove on your fuel and test it BEFORE you get out in the field!!!!

[Woodsie8]

Now that would totally irritate me!

check to make sure your new fuel canister works. i went last week for an overnight and took a new untested fuel canister. i started to prep to boil water, attached the stove to the canister and nothing. no gas. it took me about 45 minutes of fiddling with it before i got it to work. i had to break out the multitool and push the little pin down to free it up. lesson learned. put your stove on your fuel and test it BEFORE you get out in the field!!!!

[Woodsie8]

Not going anywhere without coffee! The bears would run

And for gosh sakes, bring good coffee! Life's too short!

[Woodsie8]

Unfortunately, I probably never have that problem. I am the one with a bunch of stuff hanging off my pack Afraid I will freeze or starve

It never ceases to amaze me how I agonize over ounces in the living room, and just wish I would have brought it when I get out there. And this is coming from a former dyed in the wool super ultralighter. If it's gonna make your trip more enjoyable, relaxing, and comfortable, by all means, bring it. The guys that sneared at the foldable chair attached to the back of your pack will be screaming jealous when you get in camp and have a wonderful place to relax your weary muscles and enjoy the evening.

[Woodsie8]

Perfect advice!

Feet are in charge, your feet dictate the level of enjoyment you will have on the trail.

Clipping your toenails, clean socks, shoes with a proper fit (both length and width) and keeping your feet clean will all give a better chance of having a fun time.

[Sweeper]

I have done so many of these in the past 12 years of hanging.

100 degrees in the middle of summer, don't need a pad or UQ, right? Check. Massive thunderstorm in the Mts and temps drop to the 50's overnight. I froze, got up at 3 am and started hiking out.

Those trees look big enough to hang from, right? Check. Worn out after a 20 mile day on the AT, I couldn't figure out why my tarp kept sagging into my face all night.

Why is this brand new, expensive, 20 degree UQ COLD? Oh, I just grabbed it out of the mail and took off without doing a test hang in the yard to figure out that it rigged differently than my other UQ's.

I could go on and on. There is much wisdom in this thread.

Semper Gumby is my motto when in the woods because it always rains at least once.

Sweeper

[BenJa]

Lessons I learned:

** All the little hardware gadgets don't add enjoyment to hanging a hammock. Whatever is fastest for you is what you should do.
** Kickstarter brings out the best (GO! Hammock) and worst (PNT Documentary) in hanging.
** Hiking, climbing and camping with friends is paramount. Can't live well without enjoying things with others.
** Don't make excuses... just do it if you want to do it.

[Lumberjackrob]

** Don't make excuses... just do it if you want to do it.

A little reminder from the North Country Trail folks

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