Greetings from the Bay Area.

**MilkyC** · 12-23-2016, 11:13

Hi All,

I'm MilkyC from the Bay Area, CA. I've been a ground dweller for a long time but after watching a ton of Shug's videos I've gotten the hammock fever! I'm hoping to put together a kit, preferably cheaply, to see if I even like it! I have trouble getting comfortable in my own bed at home so I'm a bit wary about how I'll do in a hammock. I'm a side sleeper generally so I'm wondering how that will go in a hammock. Looking forward to learning more and getting out into the wilderness to try a few nights in a hammock!

**soul embrace** · 12-23-2016, 11:27

Welcome from alabama. Check out dutchware for some good hammocks that are on the cheap side. Everything you need hammock wise will be around $90 shipped (that's includes the hammock, suspension and every thing). That's about $6 cheaper than an ENO double with their atlas straps and the Dutch hammock is longer and better. Longer hammocks are more comfortable. I'm a side sleeper in my bed but sleep on my back in a hammock and sleep better in my hammock than I do in my bed.

**TrailSlug** · 12-23-2016, 11:42

Welcome from another Alabama guy. I too am a side sleeper and this is exactly why I choose the Warbonnet Ridgerunner bridge hammock. There's less shoulder squeeze and a bit more room to roam and the under quits on these units is a no fiddle clip it on and forget it. Check out the bridge hammocks as they are catching on around here.

**NarlocB** · 12-23-2016, 12:07

Welcome to the furums. Enjoy the addiction. And don't worry most of us blame Shug for it.

**Rifleman** · 12-23-2016, 12:43

Welcome! Like Soul Embrace, I am also a side sleeper in bed but sleep on my back in the hammock. I also sleep better in the hammock than in a bed. I would suggest buying a hammock from Dutch and try it before you buy anything else. You could use ratchet type straps, or even tow straps to hang your hammock if they are rated appropriately. Ratchet straps already have the adjustability built into them, but they are a little heavy and bulky to carry in a pack. Try the hammock at your home or a park or wherever you have a couple trees to see if it appeals to you. Can you take a nap in it? Does it feel comfortable? Don't forget the diagonal lay and hanging the foot end slightly higher than the head end, as well as using the thumb/finger method to approximate the correct angle for your suspension. If you have been watching Shug and reading here then you already know about these things. Then play around with it, make adjustments, and see what you think. No need to buy quilts and tarps and other accessories if you don't enjoy the hammock. I bet you will though.