New Old Guy From Kentucky

**kayakjax** · 01-09-2012, 10:34

Greetings from Western Kentucky!

I'm a 54 year old boilermaker who was an avid hiker in my youth (I read Colin Fletcher's "The Complete Walker" at about 14, and it changed my life), but life and all its responsibility have taken precedence for years.

I occasionally car camp or camp from my kayak, but haven't done anything serious for years.

I'm nearing retirement, which will open up the time for more hiking, but am dealing with an assortment of old-guy health issues.

I've decided to start hiking again. I'll be starting with shorter walks, and keep working up as my conditioning and gear improve.

I see the common sense in keeping gear as light as possible, and although I have never tried one, using a hammock makes a lot of sense to me.

Right now, I'm not even at the stage of asking DUMB questions, much less informed ones, so I'll probably just be lurking and learning at first, but I want to that you for providing a forum where a total beginner has the opportunity to learn.

Thanks for having me!

**ImSoConfused** · 01-09-2012, 10:53

Welcome, Kayakjax. I've got you by a couple of years and myself found the way to camping nirvana via the hammock. It's a good prescription for the aches and pains of us old guys. I did a lot of lurking, too, absorbing info and an appreciation for the camaraderie here.

Regards.

**DrPappy** · 01-09-2012, 11:43

Welcome! You are in the right place. Lots of very helpful and friendly people hanging' out here. If you want to learn a lot in a hurry, check out Derek's new book. (It would have saved me weeks if it had been available when I got the affliction).
http://theultimatehang.com/

**raiffnuke** · 01-09-2012, 11:44

Welcome to HF from Mass.

**MAD777** · 01-09-2012, 11:48

Welcome from an old guy in Florida. Hammocks are definitely the way to turn back the clock on age related sore bodies!

**Cali** · 01-09-2012, 11:52

Welcome from SC. Ask all the questions you need to before you buy anything. It will save you a lot, and get you the right gear. Remember, hang your own hammock (H.Y.O.H.) That means everyone is different and only you will know what is right for you. I recommend going to a hang and checking out everyones set-ups. That will help greatly, and most folks will let you try out their stuff. Good luck...

**DrPappy** · 01-09-2012, 12:03

Ditto! You don't have to spend a lot to get started, but it sure is easy to do. This site and the people on it are a great resource.

**dragon360** · 01-09-2012, 12:04

Good to have you here! Hello and Welcome to the Forums from Canada!

**kobold** · 01-09-2012, 13:09

welcome to hf kayakjax! have a look at the glossary and acronyms to get up to speed: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=36

**Old River Rat** · 01-09-2012, 13:19

welcome from louisiana. your story sounds very similar to mine. this forum was invaluable to me in selecting my gear. God only knows what i would have bought and how much i would have spent through trial and error coming up with what i have to date.