Long time lurker and now posting for the first time. Trying to figure out the best set up for family of 5. Two adults. 13,12 and 2 year old.
Moved back east from out west where we had the ability to car camp with popup camper or Kodiak Tent practically anywhere and not see anyone for days. Now we are back east and the kids are older (minus the 2 year old) and looking to get a good and somewhat lightweight backpacking setup for all of us.
I figure the cheapest way to go (to start) is to try and use some older gear I have laying around. We have an old REI Half Dome tent that I plan on having everyone else use while I go the hammock route.
So here are the final setup ideas until I hit the lottery and can get everyone in the family a hammock.
For now the wife and kids will sleep in old REI dome tent with some old thermarests. They can all split the weight up and each carry a piece of the tent (tent/fly/poles) when backpacking. This should keep each of their shelter weight carry to under 3 lbs.
I will need to buy a hammock. I have been looking at the best economical hammock setup.
1) My ideal setup would be a Dutch wide Hexon 1.6 with a Fronkey Bug Net and the tadpole Tarp. This would have run me around $270 and I would still want to get snake skins, stakes and cord for another $30 and then would also need to get UQ. The Jarbridge UQ seems to be the least expensive. That would have been another $100. Grand total would have been around $400. Total weight for shelter around 3 lbs. This setup would give me the lightness I need and removable net when there are no bugs around. I would have used a continuous ridge line without hardware like this set up:
http://theultimatehang.com/wp-conten...eline-tarp.jpg
I also really like the WBBB XLC and the Superfly. Total weight around 3.5 lbs and cost of $350. Add UQ and I am at $450ish. Too expensive for my blood at this time.
But I can’t stop coming back to Hennessy Hammock as the most economical. I looked at the Deep Jungle Asym Zip that is on sale right now with the bigger Hex Rainfly and the Double Bubble pad. Total setup is about 2 lbs more than the dutch setup I really want.
Not my ideal setup. I really don’t want a permanent bug net and overall heavy total weight. Which I estimate at about 5 lbs when all is said and done. But total cost is $234 and it comes with snake skins and free shipping. Not sure how I can beat that. Especially with a summer weight "UQ" built in.
Part of me really just wanted to start and DIY my own hammock and use a harbor freight $6 tarp. But I hate mosquitos and would have had to by a $50 bug net anyway. So that would have got me up to $100 for hammock and net and tarp more or less. Still would need UQ etc etc. At that point there is no sense in reinventing the wheel.
So…..I think I am just going to pull the trigger on the HH. Any input before I do? I think I will use it for a while and eventually pass it on to the wifey and get me the dutch set up down the road. The kids will most likely just end up in a HH scout or cub because for the price I don’t think you can get any better than that with rain and bug protection.
Great site you all have here! Thanks for your help!
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