Newest of the New

[TheeJesster]

Hello everyone! I'm a 20 year old guy who's looking into buying my first hammock. That right, I'm a complete newb. I grew up on a farm just outside of Grand Rapids, MI. I am a Math and Physics double major at a small university in southwest Michigan, where I am also working this summer.

I've been on a number of camping and backpacking trips, and have really wanting to get into it a bit more, especially to spend more time with friends and family. My sister has a handmade hammock that she received as a gift from a friend, and I've seen how much she's enjoyed it. On the last camping trip I went on, one of my friends brought his hammock set up and raved about it, and it's been eating at the back of my mind for the last 8 or so months. In addition to that, my girlfriend and I have discussed a couple times over the past year that we should totally get a hammock for trips to the park and day hikes.

I'm just now finally getting around to making the dive (it's been a busy year), and, after a little bit of perusing (2-3 hours of reading), the community here seems awesome. I'm aware I'll probably get hooked like the rest of you, but I've decided I'm okay with that.

Sooo, yeah. I hope you will bear with me as I continue to learn, and I'll be looking forward to any and all guidance you all can give me as I get involved, especially as I make my first purchase.

[tstark]

I'm fairly new at it, too,maybe a year hammocking now. However, I've learned a lot. Biggest lesson thus far is, buy the right gear first. I've enjoyed my cheap gear, somewhat, but I wish I would have just purchased the good stuff from the beginning. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, but now I spend all my time planning the next trip. I am addicted.

Get a long hammock, for me 11ft seems the right length, I'm 5'10".
Get an under quilt, to save money, go the synthetic route. Weight only matters if you are taking long hikes. It sounds like you do more hang out camping.
Bug nets for top and bottom are important on warm nights.

I hope you get the hang of it quickly!

[OCDave]

Welcome to the forums TheeJesster

[LuvmyBonnet]

Welcome to the Forums. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you have. Better to ask than to find out the answer the hard way.
Yes... you too can become a hammock addict.

[michigandave]

Welcome to the forums from another Troll under the bridge in Clarkston, MI. Was just over on your side of the state yesterday. Enjoy the forums and you'll find that we're a friendly group always willing to help out a newbie.

[ChucksOrangeDream]

You're in the right place to find out. Friendly bunch of people on here.
I haven't been in it long, but long enough to know I spend a lot of money starting out that I should not have. In other words, get good stuff. May cost more, but worth it and will save you lots.
As far as a hammock, lots of good choices and great vendors. I recommend an 11 ft hammock. It much more comfortable if you want to get restful sleep.
Have fun on your new adventures!


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[Scoutmaster1056]

Welcome from Muskegon! I am in GR most days for work! I have only been at this for a couple of years but I am now making my own gear! I am always happy to answer questions if I can.

[FatedStranger]

Greetings from another like yourself, of the newb variety! Like a few have already said, go with quality first otherwise you could jade yourself a bit to the experience. I just got into the DIY stuff myself and yeah.. you get hooked fast. I'm already eyeballing sewing machines...