Missouri Frozen Butt Hang January 27-28, 2023 - Bell Mountain on OT

**runners_low** · 11-30-2022, 19:49

Starting this thread to test interest in another MO FBH. We have some nice new trails along the Current River that would be ideal except for the ONSR prohibition on hammocks in “organized campgrounds”. Perhaps we could locate a hang site close to parking for night one, then hike the trail in further for a Saturday night hang. I will inquire of Ozark Trail regulars to get some suggestions. Of course, this is open to any suggestions that are appealing to those interested. Post if you are interested along with any site/hike suggestions. Thanks, Joe

**kstpehens** · 12-01-2022, 10:32

I would be interested. Located in Western Ky (so close to the SEMO area) - and have never hiked/camped in MO. That probably doesn't help much with site selection - but I could easily get away for a weekend.

**runners_low** · 12-01-2022, 17:11

We would love to have. you. Our normal routine is to camp at or near a campground on Friday night, then hike in to camp on a trail Saturday night. We will get some suggestions and I am working on one. Joe

**mo_hunter** · 12-06-2022, 19:37

What are you thinking for dates? I live in northeast MO so nothing is very close for me. What about bell mountain for a camp location if the other doesn’t work out. Could camp at the bell mountain trailhead off state hwy A for the first night. I believe that was done a few years ago. Just throwing that out there.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**twentybelow** · 12-08-2022, 20:01

I've been watching this page since October hoping that someone would break the ice, so to speak. It's interesting that you mentioned Bell Mountain because that's what I was going to suggest if nobody spoke up in the next few days. That's where the first MO FBH was held five or six years ago and has all the ingredients for a good trip: a trailhead with an established campsite near the parking lot, a flowing water source, and a scenic destination for the second night's camp. I guess we'll see what other suggestions folks come up with... I'll go anywhere y'all decide. As for dates, traditionally it has been held the first weekend of January (so in this case Jan 6-8), but that is not set in stone. It makes more sense to schedule it when most people can attend and/or to avoid an especially wet forecast. A big thank you to runners_low for getting the ball rolling!

-20

**Grammyof5** · 12-24-2022, 11:07

As a new hammock camper, I am wondering if this would be appropriate for a grandmother of 5. It was suggested to me that I would need a zero degree TQ & UQ so I just purchased those and hope they arrive in time. What else do I need to know? I value your advice.
Grammyof5

**runners_low** · 12-24-2022, 22:39

Gear will depend on temperature however, one helpful addition to a standard hammock cold weather setup is a wind sock to cover the entire hammock, top cover, and UQ. The primary benefit is a reduction of heat loss through the UQ from wind. If you do not have one you may be able to rig something similar with a large tarp. In Minnesota they have some made using canvas. Since we will only be hiking a short distance Saturday, and Friday will be camping at parking lot, the added weight will not be an issue. I used my wind sock in previous FBH events and it helped greatly.

Concerning your TQ and UQ, you can double up for the same reduced weight issue. I use a full size UQ and a 3/4 UQ layered. I may do the same with the TQ if it is in low 20s or below. I will do a gear test after the temperatures get above single digits. My UQs are rated at 20 and 40 and only have TQ rated at 20.

With a delay in the date you will have more time for your new gear to arrive.

Originally Posted by Grammyof5

As a new hammock camper, I am wondering if this would be appropriate for a grandmother of 5. It was suggested to me that I would need a zero degree TQ & UQ so I just purchased those and hope they arrive in time. What else do I need to know? I value your advice.
Grammyof5

**runners_low** · 12-09-2022, 20:00

Bell Mountain is indeed a great location for a hang for all the reasons mentioned. The traditional weekend would work fine for me. There have been some break ins at Bell some time ago. If somebody has trail cams it might be a good idea to put some out. I posted something a couple weeks ago on the OTSHAB group and will update it with the possibility of a Bell Mountain location. Twenty are you planning to message some of the regulars? Mo hunter it would be great to have you join in.

**twentybelow** · 12-10-2022, 14:44

Originally Posted by runners_low

Bell Mountain is indeed a great location for a hang for all the reasons mentioned. The traditional weekend would work fine for me. There have been some break ins at Bell some time ago. If somebody has trail cams it might be a good idea to put some out. I posted something a couple weeks ago on the OTSHAB group and will update it with the possibility of a Bell Mountain location. Twenty are you planning to message some of the regulars? Mo hunter it would be great to have you join in.

Hey Joe! Yes, I will reach out to prior year attendees who don't chime in here and give them a heads up. And yes, I have a game cam I can bring to monitor the parking lot as long as you promise to remind me to take it down Sunday before we all head home.

**mathineer** · 12-10-2022, 16:07

Originally Posted by twentybelow

Hey Joe! Yes, I will reach out to prior year attendees who don't chime in here and give them a heads up. And yes, I have a game cam I can bring to monitor the parking lot as long as you promise to remind me to take it down Sunday before we all head home.

I hope to be able to make it this year. I love Bell Mountain, so that would be fine with me, but I'll try to make it regardless of location.

mathineer