After hauling my 100lb canvas tent around for the last season, I’m ready to take the dive and get into hanging. I’m leaning heavily towards an Amok Draumr based solely on the recommendations of my favorite YouTube channel, but I know that the majority of you prefer a gathered end style. What are the pros and cons of each, and why did you choose gathered end over a flat lay?

Hello!

I've been wanting to get into hiking and decided to spend the last 2 days doing research on what gear to get, the only thing I didn't decide on was a backpack, mostly because I wasn't sure what size I would need. any recommendations for a good backpack (under $150)? changes to the list or ways to save money would be greatly appreciated as this is my first time putting together anything like this. Thank you all for any help!

List: https://lighterpack.com/r/z6pjo3

I’m born and raised in the valley. Lots of experience as a kid tent camping with family and a little doing it in my own as an adult. Just this past weekend, I decided I’m fed up with tent camping and want to make the switch. I camp with my truck and eventually want to go out on my motorcycle. Gear weight really isn’t a consideration for me but packing down small will be advantageous when I throw it on the bike.

I’m curious what gear you guys feel is essential and what you recommend? I could see using an underquilt in winter anywhere further north/east than Tonto NF, but it seems like it may be overkill the rest of the year. Do you winter camp without one in the desert? How much do I need to invest in a tarp given how little rain I’m likely to see compared to the rest of the country?

My favorite area as an adult had been the Mogollon Rim (camped below it for the first time this weekend!) but I’d like to see some new areas and be prepared when I go!

Just wondering if I would be able to cement 2 wooden 4x4s and hang a hammock from it to practice in my backyard before I'm able to go out. what would be the best way to attach it to the post?

I'm planning a winter road trip through Norway around februari next year. I purchased my first hammock this year: DD Hammocks Frontline and a DD Hammocks Underblanket which is rated down to -5°C (23°F) though it was pretty chilly around 0°C (32°F) whilst also using a summer sleeping bag as top quilt.

What should be my next purchase to be able to use my hammock in colder conditions?

Average temperatures: Coastal regions may experience temperatures from 0°C to 5°C ((32°F to 41°F) , while inland and northern areas see colder averages from -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) , sometimes dropping below -20°C (-4°F)

It doesn't have to work all the way down to -20 but around -10°C to -15°C would probably be nice.

I guess I can increase the temperature rating of the under quilt with an inflatable mat but what to do for the top side?

I know that in some of the areas I'll visit there won't be a place to hang up a hammock so would it make more sense to buy a more expensive winter sleeping bag so I can also use it in a tent? I know it's not as comfortable and easy to use for the hammock but I was fine with the summer sleeping bag on my last trip. It might also help to eliminate the last bit of windchill that I get even with the under quilt. I was looking at sleeping bags around 300-450 euro's. for example the Rab Ascent 900. Or is there a good top quilt around 200-300 euro's (available in the Netherlands/EU) that you can recommend? Or any other tips for cold weather hammocking?

My backyard napping pod.

Like title says. Other than the large pack size, this bag seems like it would work very well as a topquilt. When it's 40F+, can just unzip it completely and use as a blanket. When it's super cold though, can fully bundle up fully zipped. I like to sleep in fetal position so mummy bags probably wouldn't be comfortable for me. I've never tried a down top quilt, but I can't see how they would keep you warmer than an actual bag in the lower temps 20-30F. Maybe I'm wrong though. I mainly wanted this over a down top quilt because it's less than 1/2 the price so seems like the better value. $130 for this, vs $220 for HG 30F down quilt. This will be used for car camping. Thanks for the input!

I joined my kid's scout campout, and got to test out my new Hammock Gear 20° Hearth. Lowest night was 30°F. It performed perfectly, and we had a great time. A new top quilt is now on the list for next time.

Over half of the troop hammocks when possible, and the varied setups make for great gear conversations.

My gear was:

• HG CircadianPro with winter cover
• HG 20° Hearth
• OneWind tarp
• OneWind top quilt (this was at its limit at 30°F)

https://preview.redd.it/ffiii6if3pxd1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d22b47c3a5a70a8272505d4c96a6b28857b92cbb

The hike up and down was much more difficult than I expected. I should have checked on the AllTrails app. I’m ashamed I didn’t even look. I’m proud of my kids for taking on the challenge! My daughter is a tough young woman. My son is too skinny in the hips to carry much weight in his pack so I carried both of our packs. I really got a good work out that day.

Now for the hammocks; three nearly identical hammocks with the Onewind Outdoors Soltice underquilt, Onewind windsock and Eno gear hammock. We use a light down top quilt from Get Out Gear. I have a sub-7 ounce Eno hammock. The kids use some off-brand double hammock.

I cannot say enough good things about the tree straps and ridge lines from MeyersTechHammockLab. He sells on eBay and has a few videos on YouTube. He makes the best dyneema ridgelines and shackles. I like to set up quickly and the I way use his gear makes set up and tear down a breeze.

Cheers!

I've heard that if a bat gets into your house while you're sleeping, you're supposed to try to capture it and take it in to get a rabies test, otherwise get a preventative rabies shot yourself. I'm not sure if this is good guidance or something I've heard- but I have seen it from reputable sources.

How does this affect camping without a bug net or other covering, where you'd be sleeping in an environment that probably has bats (basically anywhere outside)? Is there a concern of one biting you while you sleep?

If so which brand is best? I’d rather save $ if possible as I have been told you should wash your hammock at least every few trips, however I have enough invested that if its necessary I’ll spend the money on grangers or whatever. Thanks!

Not for hammock camping, but if I’m gonna sleep on the ground. I usually sleep in a hammock but I want to try something different. I live in East PA, so it’s not that cold yet. I was thinking of laying down a poncho folded in half on the ground, a wool field blanket folded over it, and my sleeping bag on top of that. My issue with iso mats is how much space they take up, or if they’re inflatable they could get punctured.

Spent the weekend camping in north Missouri, slept warm and cozy with lows of 37

Backpacked and camped on the Centerpoint trail in Northwest Arkansas. It was a comfy sleep, just a lot of critters making noises. Will do it again!

Hanging between old farming equipment. Added two tarp poles/sticks.

I have a jungle link system. But I'm looking at another hammock system. I am 6' I weigh over 250 lbs. Any suggestions?

It all seems to be years ago. I intend to pull the trigger on one soon, but there isn’t a ton of recent info or reviews. Is it coming out as light as spec’d Thank you. Also Feel free to try to talk me in/out of it.

I've researched a lot of gear from Beetle Buckles to Cinch Buckles. I don't do a ton of hiking, just hammock camping. But, I think the updated suspension options offer more ways to adjust compared to the Daisy Chain. What is your preferred method and what am I missing with my daisy chain? Any info would be appreciated.

Hey everyone, this is just a discussion post.

I am curious as to what the distribution is on how people lay in their hammocks.

Do you lay head left with feet right? Or do you lay head right with feet left?