I know that there are a million opinions on suspension but I'm curious about advice specifically for the mid-west US.

I live in Ohio, and tree sizes and spacing are highly variable. I've set up in places where the trees are 6 inches across, and I've been in groves where the smallest trees were 2+ feet across, and my tree straps haven't given me enough length to wrap the tree and span the gap I had.

Right now I just have the daisy chain tree straps that came with my hammock and I'm looking to upgrade. I'm not an UL hiker by any stretch, so I'm not trying to shave grams, and I'm leaning away from whoopie slings because I've been out with friends who have trouble finding a good spot in areas where the trees are closer together because of the extra distance they needed from hammock to tree.

So with that variability, I'm leaning toward either just long webbing (12+ feet ?) with either a becket hitch or a dutch beetle buckle clip, but I don't know if 12 feet is too long, not long enough, etc., and I'd love some into from people who live or hang in areas like this.

What underquilt width do you consider appropriate and why? Are you happy with that size or would you recommend something else?

Currently I use an underquilt which is a rectangle 220cm long and 130cm wide (86 x 51 inches). I find it maybe a bit too long but I think the width is okay. I am 186cm (73'') tall and my weight is 76kg. It covers nicely my shoulders while laying.

I'm considering buying a new underquilt and as far as I made some research I see that the width differs, e.g. sometimes it's 110cm, sometimes it's 130cm (43 to 51'').

Would you choose 110cm(43'') for summer and 130cm(51'') for winter?

I almost bought this one but it can be customized and widened by 10cm to finally be 120cm(47'') wide at the shoulders and this is a tempting offer (base version is 110cm wide(43'')):

https://cumulus.equipment/intl_en/down-underqulit-for-hammock-selva-450.html

Hi, I have camped a decent amount and am looking to get back into it now I’m in uni. I was wondering if anyone could recommend any good hammocks and accessories I’d need. Will be in Scotland where midges are a big issue and rain too. Thanks!

I'm looking for a lightweight tent for my first backpacking trip. when I was looking I came acros the hybrid tent/hammock from CruaOutdoors.

It peaked my intrest because it combines the benefit of sleeping off the ground in a hammock and the option of using it as a tent when no good trees are around.

The only downside is that it is 3kg (6.6 lbs).

Is this too much for backpacking?

Do you know anymore tent/hammock hybrids?

What tent do you recommend for a first time backpacker?

So, I recently got excited to do hiking and camping again, after moving to The Netherlands, but considering how uncomfortable tents are, am adamant about sticking with my hammock. The issue I'm having is, well... Europe likes overdeveloped family campsites with no trees, and dispersed camping is generally illegal. I've found a couple ok hikes with campsites that have trees - Hautes-Fagnes Eifel in Belgium, and Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe in Germany, but they only allow 1 night at each campsite, and the hikes aren't impressive enough for me to want to repeat them much.

I've done Sweden once, which was glorious and I'd go back in a heartbeat, multiple times, but it's a bit of a trek for me - 12 hrs driving, or a plane flight. I'm hoping to find some more spots I can go that are not too far from NL, go for a nice 10-20 km hike each day, and hang my hammock somewhere at night. Any other European hammockers out there who have some hidden gem spots I haven't found yet?

Currently have an SLD Trail Lair and using an Alps Mountaineering 35 Degree TQ and an Geertop 40 Degree UQ. I'm in South Carolina and that setup is good for most of the year. However, in the colder months, I'm thinking I need to upgrade to a 20 degree setup.

What makes more of a difference, TQ or UQ and which one should I upgrade first.

Secondly, what is the best bang for your buck in both categories?

I have always used ropes to tie up the hammock, is there any real advantage to straps? Seems straps would provide more support but I never had that problem with ropes in the first place. Is there any other advantages? And do you need to find trees in close proximity for straps? For ropes I have a 12meter rope and can pretty much find a spot anywhere.

Edit

Not sure where all this ropes 'harms' trees stuff comes from. I use a thick climbing rope that distributes the pressure very evenly. But even if there was a thin inferior rope that could dig into and cause some damage to the bark, all one would have to do is put a stick or cloth for support where the pressure is most- and still enjoy the great stability and versatility knots give- instead of having to rely on a some mechanism for rigging a hammock strap

https://peregrineequipment.com/580501-20-degree-hammock-underquilt.html

99$, 1 lb, 14 oz, 500FP duck down.

I received it but haven't gotten to try it out yet. It seems like a solid budget underquilt. It came fast and is even baffled which wasn't in the description. The hanging suspension is all tethered in the middle too so you can adjust it easily while in the hammock. I just couldn't find anything about it online for reviews. Any thoughts? Mostly bikepacking so compression > weight.

I'm going to try it out in a few weeks and will post my thoughts once I do. Paired with 20F HangTight heatseeker TQ.

This weekend I did my first backpacking trip and slept in my hammock for the first time. It's an 11' Dream Hammock Wingspan that's really wide (like 70"; it was all they had available at the time). It has a ridgeline and an asymmetrical cut so it's easy to lay diagonally.

It rained and got cold, but I was warm, dry, and so comfortable...and I still slept like shit. Lol. I'm usually a tossing, turning side-sleeper at home, and I found it difficult and uncomfortable to sleep on my side in the hammock, so I mostly laid on my back.

Is it just a combination of being unused to the hammock and the sleeping position? Has anyone else had this problem when they were starting? Is it something you got used to/got over? Thanks.

Only issue I had was a hard line at my calf's. Still tweaking the setup.

Blackbird XLC with user and top quilt.

Was at a scout camp, severe weather incoming. Rules say we have to shelter under the pavilions in thunderstorms. Tensa 4 stand saved me. I got to sleep all night in comfort, while everyone else slept on, or under tables.

Let's talk pillows. Look, I usually sleep with 3 extra large pillows as a side sleeper with chronic pain (head, knees, side lay support). This thing is comfy when folded in half if I laid still and never moved. 😂 What are my options? Car camping I'll just bring my usual pillows, but I need a backpacking option for pack in/out single camp and canoe camping options. Thanks!

Hi—

I’m gearing up for a trip where I expect it to get down to just below 40*. My hammock is a Hennessy double layer jungle explorer. I don’t have an underquilt and cannot afford one and do not need to be sold on it.

Instead I have three options.

1. Reflectrix. This is the only one I’ve done before. I think this wld probably be warm enough, but I so hate how bulky it is.
2. Nemo tensor insulated. I tried this out in the park the other day and it seemed quite comfy, but def a bit more of a pain to keep in place, and I sort of worry about cold spots since compared to the ground i have to underinflate a little and it bends at my butt. This is def the most space efficient option, though.
3. Nemo switchback CCF pad. Very light and good to have around. Haven’t tried it yet even in the park.

I guess I’m wondering if I can trust the switchback below 40? Do the temp ratings of these ground pads change when using them in a hammock?

Would love to hear experiences using similar gear. Thank you!

Hey reddit I recently got into backpacking and I discovered hammocking. It seems like a lot of fun and takes up less room in a pack. Do any of you guys have any suggestions for a beginners first outdoor hammock to buy? I’m looking to spend no more than $180 for my first one.

Early bird pricing ends on Sunday night at 11:59pm! Then look for finalized meal assignments. http://bit.ly/baconfest2024

Early bird pricing on registration ends on Sunday @ 11:59pm. All info on website: http://bit.ly/baconfest2024

https://preview.redd.it/1z5r4qg3qgyc1.png?width=600&format=png&auto=webp&s=3b490a4df7645468f8985485d4645b8ec384a059

What's your favorite hammock luxury item? I've seen some nice tarp poles and ridgeline organizers. View from my property in my Superior Gear setup.

Hi y’all,

I’m a grad student from Utah heading to the Ozark, Arkansas area and wanted any feedback and insight about camping there. I’ve never been to the Ozark National Forest Area, how it is for hammock camping? What would you recommend I know before going out and for planning? I might also be heading up through the Mark Twain National Forest. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks & Cheers!

Edit: probably sometime in mid-June for reference!

I’ve had my rain fly for about two years now and anytime it rained I’d set it outside when I got home to dry.

Now I’m on my first rain trip of the year and the rain will come down and the rain fly will just absorb the water. The rain used to bead up and just run off the edge, but now it hasn’t been effective.

Is there anyway to make it truly waterproof again?

Does anybody have experience with the Maxim 1.8mm Maxim Ultra Cord?

https://www.rei.com/product/233154/maxim-ultra-cord-18-mm?sku=2331540001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890017586163&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=130790794221&CATCI=pla-1635339593460&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2331540001%7C92700069834225246%7CNB%7C71700000066691781&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwudexBhDKARIsAI-GWYUPGtng-iVLhHWrWP7jj_W-avGIuUaZMsft_WelWhmbtPnvhxdz1aAaArJWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.dsBasically I am trying to burn up my REI credit and was wanting to change my ridgeline to a continuous ridgeline. It is dyneema with a polyester sheath. But strength rating is only 225lb.

I’m hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai next month and the overwhelming sleep system advice is to ditch the tent and bring a hammock. My question is: Will a sleeping pad add enough comfort and stability to make a difference, or should I just leave it at home and sleep in the hammock by itself?

It’s Hawaii in June, so this isn’t a Sleeping Pad vs Underquilt question as warmth isn’t a concern at all.

Hello! I need to buy a new sleeping bag OR a topquilt. I read a lot about topquilts and still do not feel convinced in 100% about them. Probably I will go with a sleeping bag as a more versatile solution, because it can be both a topquilt when completely unzipped, or a cocoon with no drafts when its getting really cold. This is the way I use a synthetic sleeping bag right now.

Assumptions:

• 3-season camping, Europe, sometimes in the mountains up to 1500 meters,

• I don't plan to camp below 0 degrees, but lets say that with wind the temperature may drop to -3 Celsius.

• I already use a synthetic underquilt but it is a low quality product, I need to consider a replacement in the future,

• I am a cold sleeper, so T comfort is the main important point, preferably with an additional margin of safety.

Probably I'm overthinking the problem, and it feels that I need a few thoughts from more experienced folks.

So long story short: Which of the following options should I choose?

1. Cumulus X-Lite 400 (very lightweight, but also very narrow, theoretically less durable fabric and zipper)

https://cumulus.equipment/intl_en/down-sleeping-bag-x-lite-400.html

2. Cumulus Panyam 450 (seems like a compromise, still not very heavy but heavier than X-Lite 400, more robust and wider)

https://cumulus.equipment/intl_en/down-sleeping-bag-panyam-450.html

3. Taiga 360 topquilt + Selva 450 underquilt (yes, I am considering changing the entire set at once, this the lightest option and theoretically providing the best comfortable temperature and convenience of use. However, I am still concerned about the open back in the topquilt and lack of a zipper).

https://cumulus.equipment/intl_en/down-topqulit-for-hammock-taiga-360.html
https://cumulus.equipment/intl_en/down-underqulit-for-hammock-selva-450.html

Maybe the fact that the X-lite is quite narrow won't be a problem, because most of the time I'll probably use it unzipped, like a topquilt? And only on really cold nights and in strong winds I will use it as a cocoon.