Hello from San Diego

[ptyx42]

Hello!

I've been backpacking with a hammock for 5 years now, mostly in the Sierra and local hikes in SoCal: San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Cuyamaca, various hikes in Sequoia/Kings Canyon NPs.
I like both short overnights (including in the snow) and longer 5 to 7 days trips.

My setup is:

• Warbonnet Eldorado
• HG DCF tarp (with doors) with a continuous ridge line
• Dutchware 2" straps and whoopie slings
• Various quilts and under quilts depending on season (Hammock Gear, Enigma, Warbonnet)

I've played with a few suspensions options and swapped my original silpoly tarp for DCF (I do miss the way silpoly just flows into the bag. I do not miss wet or icy silpoly in the morning). I'm always looking to improve and save a few ounces.

I always have a bit of a tree anxiety on new hikes. So far as I've always been able to find hanging spots (some admittedly sketchy), but I often carry a 'plan B' with an ultralight pad and bug net for the day I'm unlucky.
I hope this forum will help me learn, and alleviate my (and others) fear of deserts and rocky places with no trees!
Happy hiking!

[Drakey]

Welcome to the community!

[SilvrSurfr]

I have a basic rule - I don't camp anywhere there are no trees. It's relatively easy to avoid treeless areas - use Google Maps to check your route.

I've gotten to the age that I will not camp on the ground - it's a hammock or I go home.