Newbie looking for advice

[Mtn Scout]

i just got through with my first trip ever on the AT. we did the section from dicks creek to standing indian. my first time ever on a trail. i am addicted. i slept in a hammock this first trip and froze to death. what are some tips for hammock camping or should i switch to a tent???

[Pro Vagabond]

go to Hammockforums.net. All, and I mean all, your questions will get answered. I would start by reading the threads and searching. also, check out the youtube videos by a guy named "Shug". He'll crack you up and answer a lot of questions.

[Mtn Scout]

ok thanks for the reply

[Luddite]

Get an under quilt.

[Mtn Scout]

sorry to sound stupid but where can i look at an under quilt??

[Luddite]

Jacksrbetter.com

[Turtle Feet]

sorry to sound stupid but where can i look at an under quilt??

Got mine at www.hammockgear.com (I have no other affiliation with them). Love it, it's lightweight yet warm. Be forewarned, they have a more than 2 month wait-list at this point. If you want one for a spring thru-hike, best to order asap.

TF

[Serial 07]

hammocks are great for the summer, but i'd switch to a tent if you plan on doing more in the winter...that's just me though...

[JEBjr]

Shug has a great series of videos on YouTube. I personally think it would be better to experiment with a hammock initially in some warmer weather. But winter hammocking can be done successfully.

[couscous]

"i slept in a hammock this first trip and froze to death."
- Friends don't let friends use hammocks below 40°F without explaining the need for extra insulation underneath.

"what are some tips for hammock camping or should i switch to a tent???"
- It's simpler to stay warm in a tent, but with the right gear a hammock can be comfortable. As mentioned above, http://www.hammockforums.net is a great resource. I'd also suggest some back yard testing so you can learn how much insulation you need above and below at various temperatures to be comfortable.

[english]

Mtn Scout, I was out on the trail last weekend in my ENO Pronest Hammock, and also froze my ass off in 26F Saying that I didn't have my Thermorest under me (1st dumb mistake). The second night we camped at Annopolis Rocks, MD where they do not allow campfires (second dumb mistake). I'm going back out in a few weeks with my Thermorest Ridgerest ($18 & 8oz from REI) & ALPS Razor Sleeping Bag Cover ($36 from REI & 26oz). My L.L. Bean sleeping bag is 20 rated and I think thats pretty accurate. While there are plenty of hammock under quilts available, they come at a very, very high price and weight. Hope this helps

[QiWiz]

FYI - I have a Jacks R Better Nest underquilt with all the connectors in excellent like-new condition I would be willing to part with. $210 shipped priority mail.

[gunner76]

Hammock forums is the place to learn about hammocks.

Once the temps drop into the 60's you will need some form of insulation under you. A cheap WallyWorld blue pad ( I use the 25 inch wide waffle pattern) can work into at least the 40's. Weights about 15oz and cost about $10. I also have a thick self inflating air foam matters but as it weights 4+ pounds, I only use it for car camping. Under quilts are very nice but will set you back $200 and up.

There are a variety of other "tricks" to keep warm at night such as using a hot water bottle, wearing extra clothing ect ect.

Pictures are of the two different pads in two of my hammocks (Warbonnet Blackbirds double layer) from a camping trip in the NC mountains last month. the 3rd pic is the wife's hammock with her sleeping bag.

On that camping trip the wife and I had to spend one night in the tent as we could not find a spot to hang our hammocks and it was a very uncomfortable night even sleeping on 2 blue pads

[gunner76]

Also check Hammock Forums for "group hangs" (where a group of hammock hangers get to geather to show off their gear, swap lies and camp out). These are a great place to see different gear setups and get advice.

[bailcor]

4 Season Insulation Videos available on Hennessy Hammock

http://hennessyhammock.com/video_setup.html

[Spiffy]

Shug has a great series of videos on YouTube. I personally think it would be better to experiment with a hammock initially in some warmer weather. But winter hammocking can be done successfully.

Link to Shug's Video: Minus 26º Minnesota Backpack Hammock Quest

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ighlight=Minus

[daltontr]

Get an under quilt.

+1

An under quilt will make all the difference in the world. Check out Jacks-R-Better.

[Mtn Scout]

thanks for all the info. I was not planning on it getting that cold that night. we were expecting low 40 temps and i felt i had the right gear, but the temp dropped to about 30 and the wind was blowing like crazy/ so it was nothing like what the weather forecast had said. i did learn to be prepared and not put all the faith in the weather man!!!

[rip waverly]

i'm new to the hammock too, and the hammockforums.net really taught me a lot about hammocks and backpacking in general

[Buffalo Skipper]

Get an under quilt.

+2 on the Under Quilt (UQ)

These are popular sources for UQs.
http://www.hammockgear.com/
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index.htm
http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/a...ategory/270320
http://stores.tttrailgear.com/-strse...Categories.bok
http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/quilts.php

You can also convert an old sleeping bag to an UQ. As suggested go to http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/ for a truly amazing wealth of information on hammocking.