Newer to Hammocks, Backpacking Enthusiast

**dakotaross** · 07-23-2016, 12:06

Do you actually have the "system"? Hammock, straps, tarp, quilts? Fine if you do, go use it. Get a feel for it as ENO is not bad stuff, its just not directly targeted to the backpacker, but more the camping enthusiast. Not that you can't backpack with it, but as you probably know, the fat biners need to go!! Get some mild weather camping in while you can, THEN start watching Shug's winter videos - not only is it all good info in an entertaining format, but you're left with the impression that if this clown can do it

then certainly I can.

p.s. THEN you'll know what you want for winter time. Winter is a steeper learning curve for the hammock part, but sounds like you're an old hand at the "being in the cold" part.

**Dux** · 07-23-2016, 12:25

Welcome to the forum! Plenty of hangs in Wisconsin this year. You'll have the opportunity to see and talk about a wide variety of gear at any you attend. Happy Trails!!

**xMagnolia** · 07-23-2016, 13:27

I started with a basic ENO single nest, pro straps, and the old, heavy biners. At my first group hang, my kind and generous new friends helped me to modify with whoopies, Kevlar straps, and some Dutch bling. What a difference! I can totally eliminate the strap bag in dry weather, it all fits with the hammock. I don't have a scale at home, so can't give you the grams. I just know it's significantly lighter.

Charlotte.

**WIBackpacker** · 07-24-2016, 11:38

Originally Posted by dakotaross

Do you actually have the "system"? Hammock, straps, tarp, quilts? Fine if you do, go use it. Get a feel for it as ENO is not bad stuff, its just not directly targeted to the backpacker, but more the camping enthusiast. Not that you can't backpack with it, but as you probably know, the fat biners need to go!! Get some mild weather camping in while you can, THEN start watching Shug's winter videos - not only is it all good info in an entertaining format, but you're left with the impression that if this clown can do it

then certainly I can.

p.s. THEN you'll know what you want for winter time. Winter is a steeper learning curve for the hammock part, but sounds like you're an old hand at the "being in the cold" part.

Yep! A good friend bought me the entire system, as a wedding gift... including hammock, guardian bug net, rainfly, slap-straps. I started tinkering around with the straps and replacing some of the hardware with lighter weight climbing pieces (biners, cord, etc). Thanks for the video link recommendation! Most people think you're totally nuts when you tell them you love winter camping....

Originally Posted by Dux

Welcome to the forum! Plenty of hangs in Wisconsin this year. You'll have the opportunity to see and talk about a wide variety of gear at any you attend. Happy Trails!!

Thanks! I was pretty excited to see all the activity in the Midwest subforum. Hope to make it to one soon.

Originally Posted by xMagnolia

I started with a basic ENO single nest, pro straps, and the old, heavy biners. At my first group hang, my kind and generous new friends helped me to modify with whoopies, Kevlar straps, and some Dutch bling. What a difference! I can totally eliminate the strap bag in dry weather, it all fits with the hammock. I don't have a scale at home, so can't give you the grams. I just know it's significantly lighter.

Charlotte.

Cool. So there is hope! If I can fit it all in the hammock bag, I'll totally be on the right track. I already ditched the crazy heavy biners, I think that was 12oz right there.

**kattdogg** · 07-27-2016, 03:44

Awesome to hear there is another crazy Wisconsin person out there who likes winter camping. I started last year on probably the coldest weekend. Like it much better then the whole summer camping thing. I spent the better part of this year so far working on diy gear for winter. I have been trying to get my pack weight down but the best i can do is 20lbs, it would be awesome to get some tips and ideas from you, but I think most of that is dog food weight. what kind of dehydrated meals do you do for your dogs, I have a 3yr old Gsd that he eats double on the trail compared to home.