Hello from Wisconsin

**Wilklersticks** · 05-23-2019, 13:03

Hello everyone,

I originally got into hammocking as a way to relax once I hit camp during overnight backpacking. I realized that I enjoyed laying in my hammock more than the thought of setting up my tent and laying on the hard floor! I've been a casual lurker in these forums. I was never able to view attachments in the past so I figured it was time to get serious and register!

I started out with an eno doublenest as my casual lay, but have since graduated up now that I'm hoping to make this more than a fantasy. I went after the Dutchware Chameleon w/ the beetle buckle system and a sym. top cover. I'm realizing now I should have done the bug net with the summer coming upon us. Whoops! That'll be the next purchase. I wanted to have my first outting this weekend so I ended up running to REI and picking up a Profly tarp, which I know isn't the best and coverage will be close since the Chameleon is an 11', but there was a sale and I'm impatient! A tarp upgrade might be the next upgrade after the bug net (or sooner?). I've even gone as far as making the DIY Gemini under/top quilt. I'm curious how it will work since I'm 6'2". It might end up a little short, but that's what we're here to find out.

With all that silliness out of the way, I do actually have 2 questions.
1. Are there any major items I'm missing? I have the Hammock, bug protection, rain protection, and warmth protection covered. Maybe I'm missing something?
2. What are some good resources to find out the best places semi-local (southern WI/Northern IL) to get my outdoors fix? I know there are campgrounds abound, but I'm hoping to find some things a little more secluded and in-tune with nature. Sometimes this will be solo, other times I may bring a few companions that I'm trying to get hooked.

**alifeoutdoors** · 05-23-2019, 13:26

Welcome

Your two best resources for true single track backpacking are the North and South Kettle Moraines. Both have the Ice Age Trail running through and some what secluded shelter sites. That's about the best you can get in southern Wisconsin.

**Wilklersticks** · 05-23-2019, 13:55

Originally Posted by alifeoutdoors

Welcome

Your two best resources for true single track backpacking are the North and South Kettle Moraines. Both have the Ice Age Trail running through and some what secluded shelter sites. That's about the best you can get in southern Wisconsin.

That's what I was leaning. My initial need to stay close to home really us just until I get more comfortable. Once I feel better about the gear, I'm certainly going to expand my reach.

**alifeoutdoors** · 05-23-2019, 14:07

Originally Posted by Wilklersticks

That's what I was leaning. My initial need to stay close to home really us just until I get more comfortable. Once I feel better about the gear, I'm certainly going to expand my reach.

Aye, they are great places to get started. You can get a sense of that up north remote feeling, have plenty of woodland and trail to get comfortable with skills and distance all while being close to civilization as a back up.

**bigdisgrace** · 05-23-2019, 17:09

Originally Posted by Wilklersticks

That's what I was leaning. My initial need to stay close to home really us just until I get more comfortable. Once I feel better about the gear, I'm certainly going to expand my reach.

tru dat cut your teeth on the IAT, super easy access.

**Karla "with a k"** · 05-23-2019, 13:43

OMG! You are in MKE! So am I!!! I've been wondering where all the MKE hammock hangers are! I'm over in Bay View. Where are you?

I'm hosting an event this weekend at Wildcat Mtn SP (via meetup, but I've got a thread on here too). Can you come? There will be about 16 of us. About 1/2 in hammocks. We could answer all your hammock questions!

I keep a list of local hangs in my signature profile below. I hope to meet you soon!

**Wilklersticks** · 05-23-2019, 14:07

Originally Posted by Karla "with a k"

OMG! You are in MKE! So am I!!! I've been wondering where all the MKE hammock hangers are! I'm over in Bay View. Where are you?

I'm hosting an event this weekend at Wildcat Mtn SP (via meetup, but I've got a thread on here too). Can you come? There will be about 16 of us. About 1/2 in hammocks. We could answer all your hammock questions!

I keep a list of local hangs in my signature profile below. I hope to meet you soon!

I'm actually out in the 'burbs in Waukesha. I plan on "roughing it" in my family's lake house backyard this weekend to get my situation straight so wouldn't be able to meet up this weekend, but I'll keep an eye out for events. I was actually scoping out the meetup page earlier today. Forwarded it to a few friends even so I imagine I'll jump in on one of those eventually.

**Wilklersticks** · 05-23-2019, 14:11

Originally Posted by Karla "with a k"

OMG! You are in MKE! So am I!!! I've been wondering where all the MKE hammock hangers are! I'm over in Bay View. Where are you?

I'm hosting an event this weekend at Wildcat Mtn SP (via meetup, but I've got a thread on here too). Can you come? There will be about 16 of us. About 1/2 in hammocks. We could answer all your hammock questions!

I keep a list of local hangs in my signature profile below. I hope to meet you soon!

Sidenote: I actually just realized I've watched your youtube video on the winterdream polemods before. Small world.

**Karla "with a k"** · 05-23-2019, 14:51

Originally Posted by Wilklersticks

Sidenote: I actually just realized I've watched your youtube video on the winterdream polemods before. Small world.

Whoa! Indeed a small world. So, you already know that I love UGQ tarps!

**Cr8tvcamper** · 06-10-2019, 08:10

Hey from Cedar Rapids, IA . I'm willing to drive anywhere in the Midwest for a good hang! Haven't found any Iowa hangs yet. I'm soing the IAT in 2 weeks.....can't wait.