Best purchase of 2017?

[OneClick]

Not a big purchase, but a merino wool Buff (neck gaiter). Game changer. I never realized how important it was to keep my neck warm. A high collar on a shirt or jacket doesn't count...at all. This thing is paper thin but long, so folded over once and it's still about 9" tall and thicker. So soft and comfortable you forget it's on. Pull it up in the pack and it "sticks" to your beanie, creating a makeshift balaclava that doesn't suck (those can be annoying to put on/off)

[EWoolf]

I got in on the Chameleon Kickstarter campaign too & have since, added the top cover, TQ & UQ. I've had a couple of nights in it & it's pretty comfy compared to the HH's I've been using up to now.

Honorable mention goes to the Golite Thinsulite Winter Jacket I picked up on eBay for next to nothing... it's pretty sweet, lightweight & perfect for extra layer insulation in the hammock.

How do you like the top cover? Do you notice a difference in warmth or wind blocking?

[heyduff]

I was thinking the half-wit will be on my 2018 list as I want a very light hammock with some bug protection. I camp in areas with lots of mosquitoes, spiders and other many legged creatures. Should this be of concern?

A full bug net is not that much extra weight--the half-zip is a good option. With that said, I LOVE my half-wit, I have spent maybe 100 nights in mine just this year. It is simple, no zippers to catch. The only downfall? If it is above 80 degrees and buggy...you have to keep your legs covered--I compensated by having no underquilt and got cooling from underneath and that worked really well. I find the half-wit is easier to get opened up while still in the hammock, and then if in the middle of the night, I notice bugs, I can just with one arm close down and fall back asleep.

[robertjackson]

How I have loved 2017--Let me count the ways- - -
This has been the year I really got serious about hammock camping, since I got back out in the wild last year.
I have accumulated many new items and bling and changed my suspension and CRL set ups a couple times till I feel happy with what I have.

My best buys this year are:
Dream Hammock Sparrow (Liked the Hennessey-but DH beat it out big time)
UGQ top and bottom quilts
UGQ Winter Dream XL tarp

Hoping 2018 allows me much more time to enjoy it.

[Tyroler Holzhacker]

my fave 2017 purchases have been......drumroll please.......................

1) Dream Hammock Sparrow...worth the wait...
2) 2qZq sewn on doors and center pole mod for my Mac Cat Ultra Camo Tarp
3) Bushbox LF titanium multi fuel outdoor stove system
4) Dutchware beetles and new poly-dyneema straps

Looking forward to my 2018 gear acquisitions. There is no such thing as enough gear for us gear heads.... LOL

[HoosierT]

I make all my gear so...

1) 9 yards of cuben to make a Thunderfly clone
2) Juki DDL-8700 thread injector
3) Made a 1.2 robic hammock with Dutch's vision zipper, in love with this hammock for backpacking

[captaincoupal]

I got the Katadyn BeFree over the summer, and it's the best!

[OneClick]

I got the Katadyn BeFree over the summer, and it's the best!

I wanted to say that, but mine recently clogged up permanently. Working with Katadyn right now to figure something out.

[jeyberke]

Dutch Chameleon Hammock
Warbonnet Wookie Underquilt

[captaincoupal]

I wanted to say that, but mine recently clogged up permanently. Working with Katadyn right now to figure something out.

Wow, that's surprising! I'd like to hear what comes of that discussion.