Managing Hammock Camping Expectations.

[NJHeart2Heart]

Looking at your previous post, you have Zero degree UQ and a 20 degree TQ so you should be fine at 30 degrees or so. I use a Bear Mountain Bridge and I have never been cold, except my nose. I recommend bringing some kind of balaclava for your face. As far as back pain, I sleep in my bridge at the house because it prevents back pain.

You will be fine. I wish I had some 30 degree weather to camp in. The heat has arrived in my area.

Thanks for the astute observation (of my previous posts) and the positive words! I'm kinda wishing that there would be a gathering right her in Jersey... only because we are getting some really nice days now.

[cmoulder]

No need to wait for a gathering — go out on your own and have some fun!

Northern NJ.... Stokes State Forest

[County_mountie]

NJHeart2Heart....

You really need to do practice hangs before going out into the unknown. By sleeping in your backyard in varying degrees of temperatures and weather you will get to know and trust your gear. You will also get to know what your gear can and can't do as well as what your body will allow.

By doing practice hangs/camps out in the backyard you give yourself and automatic "out" by being able to escape into the comforts of your home should the environment and gear not be working together. This will most certainly alleviate your concerns completely and give you a greater idea of what you and your gear are capable of.

Enjoy your backyard trials and I hope your figure things out and are able to enjoy the great outdoors without any anxiety.

All the best!

[NJHeart2Heart]

NJHeart2Heart....

You really need to do practice hangs before going out into the unknown. By sleeping in your backyard in varying degrees of temperatures and weather you will get to know and trust your gear. You will also get to know what your gear can and can't do as well as what your body will allow.

By doing practice hangs/camps out in the backyard you give yourself and automatic "out" by being able to escape into the comforts of your home should the environment and gear not be working together. This will most certainly alleviate your concerns completely and give you a greater idea of what you and your gear are capable of.

Enjoy your backyard trials and I hope your figure things out and are able to enjoy the great outdoors without any anxiety.

All the best!

So this is good... your (albeit good) arguments for doing more trials has gotten my jaw out, and now I'm thinking "EH.. I can DO THIS!"

It's actually not too much the unknown though.. not like going on a solo camping trip... I might not have been as clear about what I thought was the obvious. We will be in the good company of several other experienced hammockers, and I'm confident we will get some great advice from them as the weekend goes on.. and again.. worse comes to worse I could walk to the car to warm up LOL!!

So I do have plenty of options. Hopefully my bridge will work great, and I'll be sold on hammock camping. If not, I have my GE which I could try and then the tent backup, and if not, it's not like we paid a fortune - we could if really miserable hotel it, and just visit the next day, but I don't think it will come to that.

[oldgringo]

I've been at this for a long time, and there are still plenty of learning moments. Let that be your expectation: go prepared to learn, and take drugs for your back.

[Hangdang]

The mind is a tricky thing isn't it?
Sounds like you have all the equipment, support and logistics under control...now it's time to block the thoughts and just do it!

Maybe try to imagine past the event. How wonderful and accomplished you will feel after you conquer this beast. It's very easy to think about all the bad things, but try to give the good things their space in your brain too.


Good luck!

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[Grunt]

Cold weather camping is the best. You'll get better each time out, so just try to worry as little as possible.

[cougarmeat]

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

[Marklkiefer58]

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

He who has the spice, controls the hang