Hello From Western NY

[LeckScuba]

Hello All-

New guy from Western NY checking in. I'm a total newbie in terms of hammocks, but I've got plenty of backpacking trips under my belt. I'm now looking to move from tents and lean-to's into a hammock. Lighter weight, off the (wet) ground, and some nagging back injuries are all factors that fueled the transition.
I'll spare you guys all of the classic new guy questions until I do some research of my own!

I'm in western NY where I can be below zero and close to 100 all in the same calendar year. My career is in the public safety world and I am also a scuba instructor.

Okay, okay..... Just one newbie question- I have the opportunity to buy a new Hennessy Expedition Classic Asym for $95. Should I pull the trigger on that or put my impulse buying habits on hold and do some more research first??

Thanks all!

[DuctTape]

Welcome to the addiction neighbor.

I have friends who love their hennessy. I have others who started with a hennessy and then switched to a different hammock. Others started with a different hammock and switched to a another different hammock. If you just want one to try, I would wait to pull the trigger. A lot of us in the WNY area would be willing to let you try one of ours to help you decide. As far as research, no amount of reading will really help IMO. One really needs to try the hammock setups themselves. There is a reason so many options exist, as there isn't one perfect one.

[walterharold]

Hello Neighbor !!

There are allot of hammock to choose from, and its very likely that you will eventually buy more than one. . .one for the backyard, one for the kids, one for a friend (you can justify buying another hammmock for camping so your previous one can become "one for a friend"). . .blink, blink, and just like that, you have a hammock collection.

And you'l probably alter your hammocks, trying a different tarp or a lighter suspension, adding buckles and "bling". If you think you would prefer a side-zip instead of a bottom entry, there are people that can make that modification for you ( http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/index.html ).

So since you are interested in hammock camping you can either look at everything, consider carefully what will meet you every anticipated need and expectation before you make a purchase, or. . .<dramatic pause> knowing that your needs and expectations are going to mature, jump in and buy a hammock that you can afford, modify it to suit your whims, and buy another hammock later on that meets your enlightened expatations You'll be able to offer your first hammock for your friends to use; let them try hanging in the trees instead of lying in the mud.

If you are looking for someone to talk you out if buying a hammock, you are in the wrong place.

[LeckScuba]

Hi Guys -
Thanks for the replies. Duct- I PM'd you re : offer to check out your rig.
In the meantime, I'm gonna keep looking around to see if any setups catch my eye

[Maverick Gear]

Giday Mate