Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

That is suhweet.

 

I'm thinking I'm going to do this for just a lounging setup. Basic hammock with ratchet straps. See how I like it then upgrade to a more camping suitable setup

 

I like that canister.

 

6'4" Heavy set dude. What is the best bang for my buck hammock? What is the best length, and width? Sorry not trying to be cheap just trying to get into the hammock scene and dont want to break the bank (I have a small bank lol)

 

Do you want a camping hammock or just one to lay around in to see if you like it?

I'm probably going to get a dutchware hammock with ridgeline ($44) and use ratchet straps for the suspension since weight won't be an issue. He also makes bugnets for it and you can always add lighter suspension if you feel like backpacking with it.

His Hexon 2.4 is rated to 400lb and they are 11" hammocks so your size shouldn't be an issue.

 

Well looking into this hammock it looks perfect! Where do you see the weight rating? I saw a 500lb weight rating in its description but I assumed that is for the double layer. This would be my first hammock so it would be a lay around see if I like it, set it up when fishing, and try and see if I could sleep in a hammock overnight. We are getting out of the cold weather here in CA so I wont need to worry about insulation right away.

 

If you go to DIY heaven then fabrics he has all the ones there. Some have a weight rating, others dont. Hexon 1.6 is rated to 350lb, but 2.4 will be "firmer" or stretch less if that makes sense.

If you have broad shoulders and want to sleep at an angle (you lay flatter this way) you might want to look at Hexon 1.6W, it's an extra foot wider.

 

Just bought some new gear to hit the trails with. Picked up the new Deuter Futura Vario Pro 50 + 10 Pack on sale at the Mast General Store in Winston-Salem, NC. Bought it during their employee discount sale for only $165 plus tax. Haven't taken it out yet, but loaded up all my gear to see how everything fits. Can't say enough good things about this pack. Feels lighter than the new Osprey Atmos AG 65 and more comfortable. I especially like that the Deuter is a one-size pack that can be adjusted depending on the body size. It even includes a rain cover.

I also picked up two REI Cirrus sleeping pads for me and the wife. IMO, it is one of the best pads you can buy for the money. Insulated, 3" thick, and only ways about 1.5 lbs. Regular retail is $140 or so, but they are going for $90 on REI's outlet website. Worth a try if you are looking for a new pad that won't break the bank.

 

Always go with a wider hammock. The wider, the better. A dual hammock is ideal if you want to lay at a true offset angle that puts you nice and flat without your feet hanging off.

I'm happy with my Grand Trunk hammocks. I'm 6'1", 240# and they hold me without any issue. Just don't go with the ultralight models of any hammock, obviously.

 

FYI, technically that Deuter pack is 6oz heavier than the large size Atmos 65 AG and 11oz heavier than the small size. If it feels lighter on your back when loaded, that's what really matters though. Great price, too!! Webbed suspension looks very similar in design as well. Good find.

Watch the R value on that Cirrus pad for its weight. It's pretty low. You can get better R value ratings for that kind of weight and price.

 

What pad would you suggest? I tried the Klymit luxe pad which has a slightly higher R value and is around the same price, but it wasn't as comfy to me. Also tried the Nemo Astro and Cosmo, all Sea to Summit pads, and most all of the Expeds. They were okay, but were either pricier or less comfy than the Cirrus. I really liked some of the 2.5"-3.5" self inflating pads, however they were too bulky and weigh a lot more than the inflatables. I prob drove my wife crazy by having her travel around to all of the camping stores to try out the diff pads. Oh well, that's what she gets for marrying me, haha.

 

Therm-A-Rest Neoair Trekker/XLite/XTherm.

 

Could you tell me about those buildings in the back ground?

 

I agree, great combination of comfort with light weight. I spend several weeks each Summer on mine, and I'm getting old and picky about sleep comfort

 

Mariscal Quicksilver Mine in Big Bend NP.

Wiki.

I have photos in this album.

 

I just throw down a Z-Lite Sol because I don't like to have extra steps at camp, and I'm usually so tired when I backpack that I sleep like a rock anyways. It's not comfortable like an inflatable, but it's fast and it doubles as my camp seat. I also don't trust inflatables. I run warm, so the R value doesn't matter as much to me as a smaller person.

I used to carry a Klymit Static V2, and still have it and like it. I just hate extra steps when it's time to break camp and keep moving the next day, and deflating/rolling up a pad is a hassle to me. Taking down and stowing the tent, folding up the footprint, stuffing my sleeping bag into its compression sack, packing up my clothes, and then packing up my pack all while managing to get breakfast is a chore and I do everything I can to minimize those steps. My tent body now gets rolled up and attached to the back of my pack on the same 2 straps as the Z-Lite. Tent rainfly and tarp go with the wife.

 

My dual hammock is almost too big for me lol

 

Screwed up big time this week...
On vacay this week in Olympic NP, brought our tent for the few nights we'd be out because A. It was supposed to be damn cold at night. B. One of us doesn't own a UQ yet...

It's warmer than forecasted. And I hate sleeping on the fuckin ground!

 

It really is a big pan in the ass, but I am a side sleeper.

 

All the more reason to hammock!