I'm totally new to hanging and my HH Expedition Asym is supposed to be in the mail waiting for me today when I get home. I tried posting this on Hammockforums and didn't get much of a response, probably because it is an obviously question to those who are experienced with hammocks, but how long does your sleeping pad have to be? I'm using a CCF one but I don't want to carry the bulk and weight of it if I don't have to, I was thinking of maybe cutting it a little bit below the waist or something. Will this suffice, or do you really need the entire pad for insolation? I will only be going in the summer and I have a 30 degree synthetic bag. Thanks guys! :rolleyes:

I'm looking for a pad that would work for both ground use as well as in the hammock. I'm thinking of the Therm a Rest ProLite. Suggestions / comments please.

What's up with hammock camping in the Smokies? I've read the rules and regulations, and I will qualify for the thru-hiker permit. In the regulations, it says hammocking is allowed in designated campsites only. If I don't reserve a campsite, can I stay there? If a shelter is not full, am I required to stay in a shelter? I'm a little confused on the rules of section / thru hikers when it comes to SNP. Thanks, any advice would be great.

I'm looking at the ENO Profly and ENO Dryfly. Both are the same price (79 bucks) and same weight (22 oz). The only difference is the design. Does anyone have experience with these two designs? Is there any advantage to one over the other?

I only do relatively short hikes of a few days or so a few times a year so I can't justify the high prices super light tarps.

I'm in the market for a tarp to use along with my ENO hammock and stumbled across this one for about 65 bucks. Had anyone used this particular tarp? Is it a decent option or not? I usually do 2 or 3 day hikes and am tired if the whole shelter scene..

I am still anovice hiker, but an expert internet hiker wannabee.

Anyway I finally got out and tested my Blackbird 1.1 double layer hammock setup and it kicks total butt!

I have never slept so comfortable in the pouring rain. The temps dropped toabout 40 degrees pouring rain and I slept as good as if I were in my bed athome.

I bought everything from the infamous Brandon warbonnet guy. His products arepure craftsmanship. He knows what he is doing.

I have the mama Jamba tarp (13 oz. and huge, I mean huge, the ridgeline was at6 feet and both sides of the tarp were about 6-10 inches from the ground,that's a tremendous amount of coverage for the weight.

I bought his yeti under quilt (20 degree down) and that thing kept my back sowarm and toasty. I also purchased his mamba top quilt (20 degree down) and Inever got cold. I had a small piece of foam I put in the foot box per his recommendation.

I swear this set up is the best I have experienced. If you're looking atswitching from tent to hammock backpacking I would strongly consider this setup.

I am planning on doing a 60 mile section hike in a couple of weeks and willreport back if I find any flaws. So far there isn’t any.

I think this is the future of backpacking, or at least the fetish freaks knownas hammock guys will start to grow in popularity.

The reason I switched was last year I got soaked in my tent, I camped in adrainage area and didn’t realize it, I was so tired after hiking 14 miles, Iset up my tent went to bed woke up at 3am covered in water, sleeping bageverything, I was so mad. That opened my mind for another way of staying dry inthe rain when backpacking.

Also with the hammock I can sit up chill out cook my meals all under the tarp.I love it.

Total weight...78.6oz or 4.91lbs
Mama Jamba tarp 13.5 oz.
blackbird 1.1 double layer 28oz (heavy yes but worth it for me)
Mamba Top quilt (20 degree)- 19oz
Yeti Under quilt (20 degree)-12.5 oz.
8 titanium stakes-4 oz.
2 carabeaners-1.6 oz.

Hi I am doing a half thru on the AT next summer from Springer to HF. I just got a Warbonnet BlackBird double 1.1 for cheap off of craigslist. I still need to get a tarp and was thinking about the WB MambaJamba but it is kinda of expensive. Are there any cheaper options out there that would work well with the BB? Also are tree straps necessary? and if so what kind should I get.


I have an old eno hammock that I use for school to relax but wanted a nicer hammock to take on my half thru.

So I plan on doing mostly tent camping during my thru but plan to switch to my hammock during warm months for several reasons. Anyway, what do you guys use as a roof for your hammocks when its planned to rain? Looking for cheap and reliable!

Hey guys this is my first post here. I'm a new hammock camper. I have a grand trunk skeeter beeter and I have used it a few times. I really like it but it is to large for a thru hike I think. So I was wondering what other hammock you guys have used. Thanks

After struggling for months to find a hammock suspension system that was satisfactorily reliable and a simple I found the Tri-glide system from Jacks'R'Better which I LOVE and as a result this past weekend I decided to fully "test" the hammock and suspension at South Mountains State Park (NC) since I'd only setup in the yard a few times early this spring.

The weather called for 45* lows and mid-60* highs... unfortunately for me the temps PLUMMETED at dark. The recorded lows were somewhere near 35*-37* with a consistant 3-5mph breeze. I had on a wool toboggan and long thermal underwear, I was sleeping in my 40* bag which I quickly! realized was not sufficent.

This is my first trip using a hammock in early spring and it was an eye-opener to just how cold a hammock can be in sub-40* temps with or without a slight breeze... I have heard a bit about under/top quilts to keep warm (which I assumed were more sub-30* neccessities not sub-50*) but I am also interested in other methods and equipment you guys use to stay warm while keeping lightweight?

Thanks.

Hey all. I'm planning to start back my thru hike this weekend (april 19th) and need to know if my hammock setup can handle the elements near the smokies. I originally had a tent setup but saw just how nice and convenient hammocking would be. My biggest issue is I don't want to drop the cash (nor have the time to buy) an underquilt. It's too warm here in Alabama to test the gear properly - projected temps should be low to mid 30's and 40's at night.

Here's what I got:

Grand Trunk Nano 7 hammock
eno profly rainfly
MH Phantom 15 degree bag
cheap fleece sleeping bag liner
Thermarest x-therm sleeping pad

I always hear it's colder in a hammock and that's what has me worried. It's too late to switch out gear but I can always take the tent instead. Any advice appreciated!

Hey check out this small company with really cool ultralight solutions to bug problems. I personally hate the big bug free sack that goes around everything that ends up doubling my system weight. These guys have a bugnet that ways 4 ounces and a hammock built in system. Both patent pending

www.facebook.com/deepsouthmountaineering


http://www.deepsouthmountaineering.c.../peapod-bugnet

So I am nearing completion with my pack, I have not had a chance to get on a scale just yet but my calculations are pointing me to about 15lbs not including food weight at this point. Let me know if it looks like I have missed anything, or if I should simply not bring something else if you would be so kind...

Pack: North Face Terra 65L
Warbonnet Blackbird 1.1 DL
4x ultralight tent stakes
Thermarest Ridgerest Sleep Pad
Marmot 40* trailblazer sleep sack
MSR Pocket Rocket
2x small fuel canisters
3L Bladder w/hose and valve
Sawyer Squeeze filtration system
Koppen Haltbar Trekking poles (collapsible)
1 pair of gloves (standard cushion-palm breathable leather work gloves)
Titanium 2 qt cook pot with frying pan-style/lid
Pot Cozy (covers completely for re-hydrating with less fuel)
Garcia backpacker Bear Canister
Columbia lightweight hiking rain jacket and pants
1 pair of Gaiters
Oboes Hiking Boots
Clogs for camp
Osprey Pack Cover
4x Merino wool briefs
4x Merino wool Darn Tough Socks
1x lightweight cargo hiking shorts
1x North Face convertible hiking pants
1x fleece camp shorts
1x camp black long sleeve T
1x moisture wicking hiking T
1x other black long sleeve T
1x Black T
1x workout outfit for swimming/wearing while doing laundry
3x Bandanas
1x Booney Hat
1x Insect Headnet
Toothbrush
small tube toothpaste
small floss
8oz camp soap biodegradable concentrated soap
8oz camp wash biodegradable concentrated laundry detergent
Paktowel anti-bacterial towel
SOL Emergency Thermal Blanket/shelter
privy hole digger with emergency matches in handle (I chose to carry despite the critics on this)
Survival knife with compass and emergency kit/surgical tools in handle
Waterproof 80 Lumens Headlamp (+1 set spare batteries)
waterproof aluminum LED pocket light (takes same batteries, only carrying 1 set of spares)
50ft parachord
ultralight eating utensil
2 rolls biodegradable TP

I think that covers it. I am not looking so much for opinions on brands or qualitys and whatnot, as it won't be much help since the purchases have been made. Just want some experienced hammockers' input on the totality of my setup. I am not keen on carrying the freaking 2lb bear canister; but I have been through that argument with myself and inputs on the forum and that's just going to have to stay. I may ditch it and send it home after the smokies but we'll see.

I am planning to start May 4th from the southern terminus, not really sure how long I am going for, could be a thru if I make good enough time this summer and have the cash to spare on some warmer winter gear. I am not all that concerned with weight so far, I have been hiking with my pack plus some extra and seems to be okay at this point. What did I miss? What am I taking that I don't need? Thank you in advance for the kind assistance!