New guy from Michigan

**Harlow** · 07-26-2018, 07:32

Hello! I've been backpacking/kayaking for 20+ years. I recently stubbled upon hammock camping and I'm a bit curious. I like the idea of being able to set up nearly anywhere and the I really like the idea of a great nights sleep. I bought a cheap Grand Trunk hammock/straps to use as a test "bed". The results have not been promising, at least not in my basement. But I'm here to learn.

**Karla "with a k"** · 07-26-2018, 07:41

Hi Harlow!

I grew up in Michigan, but live over in Wisconsin now. You've come to the right place to learn more!

You'll find a ton of opinions on hammocks here too. So, I'll give my two cents. I have a Grand Trunk hammock, but have never even tried to sleep in it. My DIY 11 foot gathered end is WAY more comfortable. I learned a good rule of thumb for a good length of hammock is to take your height + four feet. I'm only 5'6" and still sleep in an 11" hammock. I highly suggest that change first for you. Also, adding a hammock ridgeline. There are youtube videos out there on what this is and how to set it up so I won't go into detail on this post.

Lastly, I can't recommend more attending a hammock hang. The closest one to you (that I know of) will be the October Chili Festival @ Yankee Springs Rec Area (between K-zoo & GR). The thread hasn't been posted yet to announce all the details yet - be on the lookout for it.

Hope to hang with you soon!

-karla

"with a k"

**TrailSlug** · 07-26-2018, 07:43

Welcome to the forums. I would recommend trying a longer, wider hammock and also a bridge hammock as all of these should provide more comfort than this Grand Trunk hammock. If there's a group hang near you check one out as it's like window shopping for hammocks and many will let you try their hammocks out.

**Big Flounder** · 07-26-2018, 08:24

Welcome to the forums! I suggest you keep doing some research and make sure you're getting the most out of that Grand Trunk hammock (i.e. hang angle, laying diagonally, etc). A great resource, besides these forums, is Shug's videos if you haven't discovered them already. Check him out... https://www.youtube.com/user/shugemery

**ShroominDave** · 07-26-2018, 08:43

Welcome from a Michigander. Stick with it as the first few nights trying to sleep in the hammock can be restless. Also I agree with going with a longer and wider hammock to truly get comfortable. And BTW camping in Michigan without a bugnet is suicide

**michigandave** · 07-26-2018, 08:59

Welcome from another Michigander! Come to a hang sometime and meet your hammock camping neighbors.

**Peppy** · 07-27-2018, 06:26

Hello and welcome from Northern Arkansas!

**Bubba** · 07-27-2018, 06:39

Hello and welcome. There is a learning curve to this way of camping but it's worth it. When I started backpacking in the 90's I slept on the good old Thermarest self inflating pad. Even though they have better sleeping pads these days, I look forward to going to sleep on trips. Never had that feeling when tenting it. Waiting out storms is also more enjoyable. Good luck and keep at it.

It's handy being able to set up pretty much anywhere if needed. Here's me camping on an incline with a 100 foot drop just below my lounging hammock.

**INhammockcamper** · 07-28-2018, 15:06

Definitely trial and error with setup and also finding a hammock that works well for you. I have a Grand Trunk and a Hennessy Hammock. I sleep fine in my Grand Trunk, but it isn't nearly as comfortable as the HH.