I'm old enough for AARP but not for Social Security, LOL, 6' tall, working on dropping the weight I found last year. I've camped, mostly car camping, since I was a wee lad, but have been gearing up and toning up (round IS a shape) to do more backpacking to include section hiking the CO Trail, possibly starting this summer with a couple or so weeks, and some other short to medium length multiple nights hikes in this general region (OK, AR, etc.) and points west. I've always slept down with the critters on the ground in tents, but have a terrible time getting a good night's sleep. I have no illusions of getting my gear to ultralight status, but am trying to pare down the last few lbs to get to around 15 or so; my tent, pad, etc., swapping to a hammock system would be close to the same, a few ounces one way or the other.
I finally was able to try out a gift cheap Amazon hammock and found it extremely comfortable; only could lounge in it, not lay due to size. Over the past couple years, I've watched a lot of Shug's videos, among many others, got lots of great general knowledge from them, but will have to go back and repeat some to get into the weeds. Side note: I have a suspicion that I and my kids have seen Shug perform in the Greatest Show on Earth. So, anyway, I'm nearly ready to purchase a hammock to evaluate its suitability for me.
I have the means to purchase good quality gear, but don't want to spend unwisely. I'm leaning towards getting a regular width Chameleon with at least a bugnet to get started, maybe also a topcover a little later after I can make sure I'm fine sleeping in it. I also need a tarp. If it doesn't work out, hopefully this would be a quick sell. I might later investigate the Sparrow after I know what works and doesn't for me. I've looked at Warbonnet, but the comparisons and features keep leading me to the Chameleon now and maybe Sparrow later.
I have a rectangle quilt with cinchable footbox setup I can use as a TQ, I've been down to a little below freezing with it but wouldn't want to go any colder. I also have a Massdrop pine quilt that I'd likely set up as a UQ, following the ideas that I saw elsewhere on here, think that is rated at 40. I'd get some colder weather quilts after, again, determining that hammocks work for me. I think these would work for me while I evaluate.
Newb questions for the forum:
1) At what temp would you want to have a top cover versus a bug net/no cover? I don't presently plan to do any camping in temps below 20F, most would be above freezing.
2) Is a hex shape a good starting tarp? 11' or 12' for a 11' hammock? I'd probably get this from Dutchware as well as the hammock. I'd like to have good protection from a strong wind driven rain, while not blocking evening/night breezes.
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