any ideas on how to get started?...

[4shot]

I must admit, I am tempted to sample the "dark side" (I carry a tarptent) just to see how it works out. I really don't know anyone who hangs and who might loan me one for a test drive and don't have an outfitter close by. I do know that I have seen a lot of hangers out there and they all seem very satisfied.

I am too frugal to invest a bunch of $$ in something like this in the offhand chance I prefer to remain with my tent. I also know it doesn't pay to invest in a cheap gear as you end up replacing it anyways.I suppose I could look for used gear here and on ebay.

so how did you get started? did you try before you bought or did you just jump in? I appreciate any tips/ideas/suggestions.

[Monkeywrench]

I must admit, I am tempted to sample the "dark side" (I carry a tarptent) just to see how it works out. I really don't know anyone who hangs and who might loan me one for a test drive and don't have an outfitter close by. I do know that I have seen a lot of hangers out there and they all seem very satisfied.

I am too frugal to invest a bunch of $$ in something like this in the offhand chance I prefer to remain with my tent. I also know it doesn't pay to invest in a cheap gear as you end up replacing it anyways.I suppose I could look for used gear here and on ebay.

so how did you get started? did you try before you bought or did you just jump in? I appreciate any tips/ideas/suggestions.

I just jumped in with both feet. I've backpacked all of my life but had always used tents. I decided to change to a hammock and had only spent a single night sleeping in mine before I started my thru-hike in '09.

That said, giving it a try out before committing time and money makes perfect sense. I would suggest registering at www.hammockforums.net and posting an inquiry for hammock hangers in your area that would be willing to show you the ropes and let you try their hammocks.

[bigcranky]

I met a thru-hiker in 2002 who was using a Hennessy Hammock. I'd never seen one before. He let me climb inside, and I ordered one as soon as I got home. Bought the longer model the following year, and have used it for warm-weather solo hiking ever since.

You can buy an inexpensive hammock from BIAS with the suspension kit for about $65 (http://www.buttinasling.com/wewehakit.html). Try it sleeping in the yard in good weather. Use a thin closed cell foam pad for bottom insulation. If you like sleeping in it, you'll probably want a bug net and you definitely want a tarp to keep the rain off. I like the Maccat Deluxe, which is a deal at $115 (http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccat_tarps.php), but you can rig a $10 blue poly tarp from WalMart if you like, it just weighs more.

Just got back from a week on the trail and slept in my hammock every night. The most comfortable night's sleep in the backcountry ever. For me, anyway. I still take a tent for cold weather or when hiking with my wife, but the hammock is just so much more comfortable and easy to hang and use.

[max patch]

I have no interest in hanging, and I don't know Sgt Rock, but he is supposed to be having some kind of meet and greet for hangers on the BMT in a week or so that sounds exactly what you are looking for. At least thats what someone told me. Perhaps someone who actually knows something about this will chime in.

[Rain Man]

4shot, you might want to check out www.hammockforums.net, but watch out, it's addictive. I'd be happy to loan you a hammock, if you want to try it some weekend in your yard or on a hike. We have both tents and hammocks, but my wife has asked for the hammock the last couple of times she's gone with me. It is comfortable!

Neo is hosting a hammock hang on Bear Island in Percy Priest Lake this very weekend. Care to come out and see the various set-ups that people have?

Rain:sunMan

.

[kayak karl]

this is rock's hang (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=52524). hes concentrating on the ultra-lite stuff, but all will be there. you will get to see a lot of DIY stuff

[4shot]

thanks to all. I will look at coming to either Percy Priest or the event over on the BMT (or both). Rain Man, may take you up on the offer - I'll send a pm if I can get over on Saturday.