Gearing up question

**Turtle Creek** · 01-06-2012, 16:05

I have been watching videos, reading threads, and visiting gear provider websites. I may have information overload!

I am trying to approach this somewhat sensibly. Since I cannot buy all my gear at once (without getting a divorce) I'll get the bigger items one at a time - when I can. Here is what I am struggling with:

I am comfortable with my hammock and suspension. I am not 100% happy using my self inflating 1.5" REI pad & being in the 25* REI synthetic mummy bag.

Would you recommend getting a decent tarp first and hone my skills in hanging the tarp while I use my not so comfortable insulation setup as motivation to keep saving for an UQ?

Or ...

Would you suggest that learning to hang a Tarp isn't that big of a deal ... I should use my Big Blue Home Depot Special, and get my butt into a good UQ and be more comfortable sleeping from the start?

Am I on the right track in struggling between these two issues, or am I missing something else? Just a side note: I do not have any trips planned until mid April or early May. Lugging 'Big Blue' around locally wouldn't be to much of a hassle. - Thanks

**beep** · 01-06-2012, 16:08

If it were my choice, I'd go for the UQ first. YMMV.

**packeagle** · 01-06-2012, 16:10

I'd go UQ first. I went tarp first and let comfort suffer, and wouldn't do it again. IMHO, blue tarp is just as functional (although heavier) then a fancy sil/cuben, where a under quilt is much better than pads.

**Beast 71** · 01-06-2012, 16:11

If your pad and sleeping bag are at all usable I'd go with a tarp, but I don't think that there's a right or wrong answer here, just preference. You may also have better luck deflating your pad so it conforms to you better in the hammock.

**Stormstaff** · 01-06-2012, 16:24

What's going to let you be comfortable while saving for other items?

Sounds to me that you're ok with Big Blue for now so I'd go UQ first.

HYOH

**Tendertoe** · 01-06-2012, 16:30

It depends on the type of hanging you are looking to do.

If you do more car camping/short hikes, the blue boy may be fine and a UQ may be a better first purchase.

If you do more backpacking, a nice lightweight tarp may be the way to go.

IMHO, I'd go with a UQ first as packeagle said - A blue tarp is just as functional as a more expensive tarp (although heavier and more bulky). A UQ is exponentially more comfortable than a pad.

**Detail Man** · 01-06-2012, 16:50

UQ first, then tarp, then TQ. You can use the mummy bag unzipped as a TQ. There's absolutely nothing wrong with scratching by with what you can cobble together. As long as you get to hang comfortably, use it.

If you have a sewing machine (thread injector) and are willing, you can make most all of your gear. Lots of info here on how to do it. You won't save any time, but it can minimize actual expenses. Also, keep an eye on the For Sale forum for good deals.

**guySmiley** · 01-06-2012, 17:23

If like a light pack, replace the blue tarp first. If weight doesn't matter to you, definitely go with the underquilt.

**Turtle Creek** · 01-06-2012, 19:21

These are all great points. I'll need to have my 9 year old teach me a thing or two on her new Martha Stewart sewing machine.

My first hanging trip will be a kayak float down the Shenadoah River so weight wont be such an issue. I'll keep all this in my head as I continue to learn and test the equipment I do have.