New member Alabama

[chickenbone]

Hi folks. I have been stalking HF for a while now, but I am legit as of today. Thanks for all of the info so far.

I am new to hammocks but not to hiking or backpacking. I hike in the GA mountains as I can and am working on sections of the Pinhoti and MacKaye Trails as well as having hiked on most of the Hawaiian Islands.

A couple of years or so ago, I noticed more and more hammocks on the trail. My first thought after watching the hangers fiddle with set-up and finding the right tree was "what a bother". I could set-up and take down my tent several times for what it took the hangers to decide which suspension to use. It looked like they were using some sort of complicated algorithm to just get started. Then, add all of the extras such as an UQ, and really- $$, ozs! Then, I started planning a thru hike (SOBO on AT in 2017). At 50ish, I figured a good night's sleep was about the most important thing I can do for myself. While I have never hiked with a hammock, I knew they were comfy. I didn't know how I would like sleeping in one overnight. In any case, I bought an entry level hammock as a test and have slept in it several nights now. It was an easy and immediate decision in consideration of my desire to make sure I rest well on my AT hike. Like so many others, I have slept better in the woods in my hammock than I have anywhere else in my life (including my pricey Tempurpedic)- well worth any bother or a few ounces. I figure both of those will get better with time too.

Dream Hammocks and UGQ now have my orders. I'll get back with you all with some info and pics when I get my gear. I look forward to learning more from everyone on the HF. Thanks to the admins for your work in keeping HF going.


PS- always looking for hiking buddies in AL and GA area.

[johnspenn]

Hello and welcome to the forums from Marietta GA. Being 50ish myself I also understand the importance of a comfortable night's sleep. The good news is- as you become more familiar with picking out the right spot and deploying your gear, you will become more efficient at it and it will be just as easy (easier, IMO) than setting up your uncomfortable and claustrophobic tent.

I hike up in N GA as well whenever I can (usually with my better half). We love sectioning the AT and the Cohutta Wilderness area, among others.

Happy hanging!

[TrailSlug]

Welcome to Hammock Forums ChickenBone. What part of Alabama are you from? You should check out a group hang to get to know other members. There's one this coming weekend in the Sipsey if you are free.

[chickenbone]

Thanks JS. I'll look for you on the trail.

[chickenbone]

Hi TrailSlug-

I'm south of you around Anniston. I saw the hang in Sipsey this weekend. I can't make it likely, but I will keep an eye out for other opportunities.

[TrailSlug]

Hi TrailSlug-

I'm south of you around Anniston. I saw the hang in Sipsey this weekend. I can't make it likely, but I will keep an eye out for other opportunities.

Cool. Have you done a lot of the Pinhoti? We need a resident Pinhoti specialist on here

[chickenbone]

I've done sections 12-9 in AL. So, far from an expert, but I can give reports and a little advice. I will be doing more and more of the AL side this fall/winter. The Talladega Forest is an oft overlooked park but is a beautiful place. Eventually, I will venture to the GA Pinhoti. The http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/ has lots of good info, data, and such. I am happy to go check specific areas in AL for reports as anyone might request (best I can).

[Snugs]

Welcome from Decatur!

[Afterparty]

I'm going nb in 18! Good luck to you I have been sleeping in my hammock for a month now to get used to it early on I too am waiting on my DH. Welcome

[chickenbone]

Thanks much, and the best to you in 18.

CB