Hello from Baltimore

[Patapsco]

Hello!

I live in Baltimore, MD and I am brand new to hammock life. So, I am also brand new to HammockForums.net

I'm still working on getting enough gear for camping. My plan is to start with pads for insulation. And, if it goes pretty well, I may save up to invest in an underquilt.

Here's my first try at my new rain fly set up:

https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...date=lastvisit

If anyone reads this, what's one thing you wish you had known before you started hammock camping?

[NarlocB]

Heya Patapsco!! Welcome to the forums, i'm just up the road from you.

If i had to start all over again, I would have attended a group hang for a day. Seeing them in the woods, maybe lay in a few to figure out which way i like to lay in them. Would have save me time and probably money (who am i kidding, its like an addiction). There is a group hang coming up in October (MAHHA) if you can spare a saturday it is not that far a drive from us and then you can see all kinds of options.

[TrailSlug]

Welcome to Hammock Forums. The one thing I learned is to spend once cry once rather than try to nickle and dime a setup only to find that it just wasn't going to work or wasn't comfortable. There's a trail cleanup meet coming up at the end of the month that includes a hang just up the road from you. I would recommend checking this out as well to meet new folks and to see a few setups.
https://hammockforums.net/forum/show...up-overnighter

[Chesapeake]

Welcome from Perryville

[TrailSlug]

Welcome from Perryville

You should invite this guy to your trail cleanup and show him the ropes.

[Tigglet]

Hi Patapsco! Welcome to the forum!
I'm pretty much a noob myself --- I've been out in my backyard a couple of times this summer and did my first overnight at a state park in DE just a few weeks ago.

The one thing I wish I had known prior to starting hammock camping --- I'd have to say it would be I wish I had met all these people on this forum earlier and hung around them a bit before jumping in with both feet and purchasing stuff. I had no idea what was available out there - and am still trying to figure out what works and doesn't work for me. I've struggled with equipment, knots, tarps, etc. It was very frustrating - but I have learned a lot by struggling and from my failures. Having someone else along on that first overnight who knew more than I did would have made it a more enjoyable weekend and lessened my feelings of stupidity, frustration, and aggravation.

That said, I plan on attending the trail cleanup AND the MAHHA hang in October. Hoping to get better each time I go out to hang.....

[Murph...]

Hi! I'm a noob from Baltimore as well...and found out the hard way that a pad just really doesn't work. I went out to Annapolis rocks last night to try my new 20 deg wookie under quilt and was quite toasty. Forget the pad...get the quilt...

Welcome!

[Patapsco]

Thanks! I likely won't be able to make it this time. Is there a way to see these kinds of events here on the forum?

[Kale Kale]

Welcome from Southern Maryland! I recommend going to a group hang or event of some sort to really learn a lot in a small amount of time. Gives you the chance to see a lot of set ups, too. You can see group events by going to the top and going to Forum then scroll down to Outings. I'd recommend looking in Southeast and Northeast. Southeast covers VA which is close enough to consider.