New Guy Hangin in Northern IL

[BananaHammock]

Hello! I've been on this site for 6 months but just put my first comment on today. I have been using a hammock for the last year and have loved every second of it (what's not to love?). I live just north of Chicago in Highland Park and am hoping to meet up with some like-minded people that just enjoy the outdoors. I find myself to be more of an extreme camper than an extreme hiker but am willing to do up to 10 miles of hiking to get to my destination. I started to "hang" when I made an attempt at lightening my load. My first hammock cost me a whopping $20 (Malibu nylon hammock). It only took about 20 seconds in this cheap hammock to realize that I've wasted years in a tent. I am now a proud owner of a Warbonnet Blackbird 1.1 2-layer. My wife is not much of an outdoor enthusiast, but she does join me camping from time to time. I've looked into the Clark Vertex for us but it is a little pricey. We currently car camp. I own 2 kayaks (solo and tandem) and would love to do a multi-day expedition down the WI river. So if you would like to meet up or hang sometime, Let me know!

Garrett

[hanggirl]

Welcome to the HF. Sounds like you already picked up a lot of info if you have a BB 1.1 2 layer. Sure wish I had one too. lol

[BananaHammock]

Thanks hanggirl for the welcoming welcome

[fishaholic]

welcome. im a couple hrs west of Chicago. I love to do river trips, I have 3 kayaks and a canoe.

[paper]

And I'm north of Rockford and have a kayak and a canoe (neither have been used this year). Most of my camping is on motorcycle, but it'd be fun to get together with others for a float/camp trip.

Welcome!! Lots of great info here, and the folks are pretty patient, too..

[MagicPaddler]

BananaHammock
Welcomes! Several time a year a couple of guys meet at a primitive camp between the I&M canal and the Illinois River. Usually they start in the state park in Channahon then they either hike or bike or paddle down to the camp sight. The camp site has a outhouse fire ring and a picnic table. I have joined then a couple of times it is a easy one night trip. Watch the thread “IL>hangin in Illinois before the hot muggy weather sets in”.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...hp?114-Midwest
There will most likely be a meet in Rockford this fall where you could meet many hangers.

[paper]

There will most likely be a meet in Rockford this fall where you could meet many hangers.

Been subscribed and I'm looking forward to meeting some locals, and some not so locals, too..

[BananaHammock]

Thanks guys for the excellent tips and I'd love to head down a river with ya sometime. I'm a teacher so I work typical school hours. Weekends and holidays are available.

[Trailz]

Hey Garrett,
I'm up here in Lake Bluff (former Highland Park resident).
I've not yet purchased a WBBB (on my list!). Just curious if you've found places, in the area, to hang.

Thanks

[BananaHammock]

Hey Garrett,
I'm up here in Lake Bluff (former Highland Park resident).
I've not yet purchased a WBBB (on my list!). Just curious if you've found places, in the area, to hang.

Thanks

I&M canal trail in channahon, IL. Also kettle moraine southern unit.