Hello from Orlando

**Brad32825** · 07-11-2017, 09:02

I just found this forum yesterday though a youtube link and am just freshly into hammocks...so forgive my ignorance as I'm learning. I'm a BSA scout master for a local troop and go camping monthly and at a recent summer camp picked up a $20 hammock.....cut me some slack. It works for hanging out and relaxing. But now I have the itch to get something more serious, there's a nice hammock in the For sale section of the forum I have my eye on, hopefully it'll still be there when I have my money together. Going to build a turtle dog stand this weekend since my back yard lacks any worth while trees..there are 2..about five feet apart, but I have all my archery stuff set up there. Anyways, I look forward to learning more and hopefully be able to use a nice hammock instead of a tent for BSA campouts and family campouts.
Happy camping-Brad

**TrailSlug** · 07-11-2017, 10:06

Brad welcome to Hammock Forums. Let us know if you have any specific question and be sure to check out the Ultimate Hang book and Shugs YouTube channel as well as Spiguyver Backpacking for some excellent getting started and gear videos.

**Brad32825** · 07-11-2017, 10:41

Thanks for the recommendations! I just DL'd The Ultimate Hang and will check out those channels! Much appreciated

**2 Samuel 22** · 07-11-2017, 11:19

Welcome aboard from a fellow Sunshine State hanger. Lots of great information here, great people too. If you are interested there is a group hang soon at Hidden Pond in Ocala National Forest: 5th Annual "No Underquilt Hang"

**MoonBear** · 07-11-2017, 11:40

Welcome, from Orlando...

**Slowanderer** · 07-11-2017, 13:10

Hello Brad,
Welcome to Hammock Forums.
Enjoy!

**heyduff** · 07-11-2017, 14:46

You landed in a good place! You don't have to spend a bunch to have a happy hang--that is my experience. I have a $30 hammock from Amazon that I tweaked a little by changing the suspension and adding a ridgeline that I keep in the car and take with me everywhere--all in, I maybe have $60 in to it and prefer it to any bed indoors when at crowded gatherings and the lumpy beds and hard floors that usually are available. I did get me a half-wit but, being honest, I sleep just as well in my inexpensive hammock! Poke around, read, fiddle--it won't be long and you'll have you hammocking sea-legs!!

**Brad32825** · 07-11-2017, 16:07

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!!!

Samuel-thanks for the info on the gathering, not sure I can make it since that's one of my girls 18th bday.

heyduff- I was thinking of adding a ridgeline to it and see how much difference it makes, will also add a bug net and if I end up getting a difference hammock my wife or kids could still use the one I already have.

There are lots of cool option out there, the Amok Draumr is a pretty cool set up..a little expensive, but I'm a stomach sleeper so that may be an option down the road. also, look like someone just nabbed the one in the for sale section I had my eye on.

**rick417** · 07-11-2017, 18:06

Hello and welcome from Alabama! There will be more For Sale items, you can count on that!

I bought my first budget hammock in November 2016, plus a couple others, and have been using them as learning tools. (They also happen to be quite comfortable to me.) For instance, I've learned that I am comfortable sleeping left or right diagonal, so I have narrowed my future cottage vendor hammock to a symmetrical design that will give me that flexibility. I've also learned I want an integrated bugnet that is removable...or at least can be tucked out of the way when I don't want to use it. I've had a blast on this journey and it's provided the motivation to get outdoors every month since November. I hope you enjoy every minute of your experience.