Yeah the straps are $25. Where would I get the cord from and how much of it do I get? I am not quite sure how I should tie them. Do you have any pics or a website I can get this from?

4/15/2012 5:10:17 PM

you can get paracord at rei, gop, etc. a million different websites sell it as well as military surplus stores.

4/15/2012 10:20:25 PM

Quote :

"Anyone hammock camp? I stop by the section at REI every time I go and am tempted every time. "

I have a Hennessy Hammock that I really like. I don't sleep well in hammocks by themselves, but with a sleeping pad it works great. I just can't fall asleep on a surface that curves beneath me as a hammock does. I found that if I put my Big Agnes inflatable sleeping pad in there it firms up and flattens out the sleeping surface so it sleeps like a dream. Plenty of people do fine with just the hammock by itself though.

[Edited on April 16, 2012 at 1:29 AM. Reason : s]

4/16/2012 1:26:22 AM

I also have a Hennessy Hammock. I've only used it about 3 times so far, but I'm a side sleeper and I've yet to sleep very well in it. I plan on giving it a few more chances, and if it doesn't work out I'll go with an ultralight solo tent. I want it to work out, though, since it's so light and convenient. I don't have to hunt for a place to set up a tent.

4/16/2012 8:43:12 AM

i have the grand trunk double sleeper that i got on sale for something like $18 from REI a year or two ago...like the pic below, but dark blue...i'm a bigger guy (weighing in at 215lbs right now) and so the double size (supposedly holds 400lbs) seemed like a good idea, but it still seems to stretch (and make stitch noises that make me nervous) more than i'd like

but, knock on wood, it's done well the times i've used it and i haven't noticed any rips in the fabric or stitching

4/16/2012 10:04:45 AM

About cordage...
It'd be better to get thicker cord like 8mm because it won't stretch much and it's easier to tie. You can use friction knots for adjustments. You can get two long cords to go around the trees then two short cords attached at each end of the hammock. Use the short cord to tie a friction knot onto the longer ones and you don't have to deal with a bunch of other knots and stuff.

Attach the long cords to the trees using a timber hitch:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_hitch

I like the blake's hitch for a friction hitch:
http://www.animatedknots.com/blakes/index.php?Categ=climbing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

4/16/2012 3:26:04 PM

looking for a ~70L bag for cheap

5/6/2012 1:17:45 AM

So what are people's thoughts on Memorial Day? I keep debating with myself on where I can go and it not be crowded as shit, and I'm sorta coming to the conclusion that pretty much everywhere is gonna be crazy

5/6/2012 9:51:36 AM

I went to Shenandoah on Memorial...worst...trip....ever

5/6/2012 8:06:50 PM

Im thinking that anywhere I WANT to camp in the mountains is going to be crowded - shining rock/wilson creek/linville/Smokeys. I too have had trips "ruined" by having too many neighbors during big weekends.

but if I go to the coast I'm thinking that Shackleford and hammock's beach/bear Island (my favorite spots on the coast) will also be crazy.





I'm really only holding out hope on Croatan NP (never been, wondering if its worth it) or catching a ferry to cape Lookout and walking as far north on the island as I can. I've only camped on lookout once, in late summer, when I think most are smart enough to stay away. It could be really pleasant out there on memorial day (or hot as shit, who knows) but I'm wondering how many other people have the same idea - which could ruin the experience.


The only thing thats complicating it all is memorial day might be the one holiday this summer where I'm guaranteed time off from work and I have the itch to get the hell out of town like crazy - making me think I would brave any crowd.


choices choices choices

[Edited on May 6, 2012 at 8:50 PM. Reason : ^Yes, I've been there - trying to avoid at all costs]

5/6/2012 8:49:58 PM

better decide soon! inquiring minds need to know

5/6/2012 8:51:30 PM

You know me - I'll decide the Wednesday/Thurday before memorial Day





on the real though, I feel like this is an important topic, someone spill their secret spot ASAP

OR ELSE!!!!!

[Edited on May 6, 2012 at 9:08 PM. Reason : walking as far west on Shack also still an option]

5/6/2012 8:55:58 PM

Roan Mountain TN...still and always will be my absolute favorite spot on the AT

Less you want to do some black balsam/shining rock wilderness outside brevard.

Those are my 2 favorites. I MAKE time to go to these 2 every year.

5/7/2012 2:53:24 PM

The chica and I did Grandfather Mtn last Memorial Day and it was fine. If you camp anywhere around there, they require you to book for the three days being that it is a holiday.

5/7/2012 3:23:08 PM

Has anyone camped the north end of Carolina Beach? I heard you could order pizza delivery out there. Truth?

5/16/2012 8:52:46 AM

^Truth... Dominos delivers

And I had no idea this thread existed... I love backpacking!

[Edited on May 16, 2012 at 4:37 PM. Reason : derp]

5/16/2012 4:24:50 PM

Why would you order pizza while you were camping?

5/16/2012 4:54:42 PM

cause you're getting shit faced on the North End. Thats pretty much what I did when I was out there.


We ate sandy, lukewarm hot dogs though

5/16/2012 6:36:31 PM

Wtf

Log out of my name dude

[Edited on May 16, 2012 at 7:02 PM. Reason : Also, when are we going on this camping trip you keep talking about??]

5/16/2012 6:46:17 PM

Trail Days this weekend. Anyone else going to be there?

5/17/2012 3:17:21 PM

In Damascus correct? Wish I could make it.

Speaking of that area who's hiked Grayson Highlands/ Mt Rogers? One of my favorite places to get away for a few nights. Me and a buddy hiked it last October and it snowed on us. Got some awesome pictures on that trip.

5/17/2012 3:57:57 PM

Yes, in Damascus.

My sister and I will be venturing to both of those this summer.

5/17/2012 4:32:58 PM

Doing the 3 days on the Art Loeb and doing 4 on the AT next week. SOO excited!!

5/18/2012 9:29:26 AM

Living in Carrboro and want to do some car camping without driving more than maybe 100 miles in a couple of weekend. I am thinking Hanging Rock, but I have never been there. Any thoughts on staying there or any other suggestions for places to check out?

6/14/2012 9:22:31 AM

I've always like Hanging Rock for what it is, but check out Morrow Mountain State Park too because I think that also fits your description

6/14/2012 9:51:59 AM

Planning a trip in the new month or so. Last few trips have been pretty rough and we're bringing more people this time so this should be more of a relaxing hike in, swim, and hangout trip. We were thinking hiking around Wilson's creek for some great falls/swimming holes.

Any other suggestions for good weekend hikes with lots of falls/swimming holes around NC?

6/14/2012 9:57:42 AM

^^Yea I am putting Morrow Mountain on the list too. I think we will do Hanging Rock and drive over to Pilot Mountain to hike one day as well, but I had no clue about Morrow Mountain either. A coworker of mine who lives in Asheboro strongly recommended Morrow Mountain to me too.

6/14/2012 12:06:23 PM

going camping at ocracoke this weekend!

6/14/2012 12:18:43 PM

Mt. Mitchell this weekend for me

6/14/2012 12:36:11 PM

When's the best time of year to get a deal on a three season sleeping bag?

6/14/2012 1:18:12 PM

Seems to be early spring, for obvious reasons. I got my Marmot Never Summer for like 30% off in March or April.

6/14/2012 2:17:23 PM

Poo, I was hoping to get one in the next couple of months. I had a lafuma picked out at rei outlet, then realized it was a long and not labeled as such.

6/14/2012 2:21:35 PM

Doing Black Balsam to Cold Mountain in Shining Rock Wilderness next weekend. Looking forward to getting to the mountains for the first time this year.

6/17/2012 4:04:35 PM

Doing Kent, CT to Great Barrington, MA on the AT in 5 days! WHOOO MOSQUITOES!

7/24/2012 9:08:31 AM

interesting post on a blog I follow:

The total number of nights "in the backcountry" seems to be declining (I'm guessing the decline is especially more prevelant when its adjusted for population)

http://earlywarn.blogspot.com/2012/07/decline-of-backpacking.html#more


could be a bad or good trend depending on your viewpoint

but probably a good reminder to take someone less experienced than yourself out for a jaunt every now and then

7/30/2012 9:34:21 PM

anyone ever kayak camped at the coast (in VA/NC/SC)? looking to go on a 1-nighter, renting kayaks and camping overnight somewhere...within 4-5 hours of raleigh...bonus points if we can (legally) bring beer

8/3/2012 10:30:17 AM

thinking of kayaking/canoeing to capers island (south carolina) and camping a night or two

8/3/2012 11:35:40 AM

Wilson Creek tomorrow! Day hiking/swimming trip.

8/3/2012 11:59:18 AM

~12 mile Wilson Creek loop we did today. Clockwise is the best. End up at Harper Creek Falls.

8/4/2012 7:54:02 PM

I want a good quality 4 person tent for the rare camping trip rain or shine (maybe once or twice a year). Rain fly is a must, aluminum poles are desired, and a footprint is a plus. 3 season only. Looking to spend <$30, though I'll go up to $40. I'm scanning craigslist but have yet to find anything that screams "buy me." What should I be looking at? Coleman tents? Are they still a good bargain they once were? (family had a Coleman tent back in the 90s and that thing was beast).

I'd like to be able carry the tent on the back of a motorcycle, so packed size should be a consideration, though I'm sure most 4P tents will all be within reason.

8/4/2012 8:02:42 PM

Quote :

"I want a good quality 4 person tent"

and

Quote :

"Looking to spend <$30, though I'll go up to $40."

Don't exactly go well together. You may have some luck with CL. Just make sure to do some sealing if you get a used one.

8/4/2012 8:04:33 PM

It doesn't have to be fancy. I just need walls to keep out bugs and the rain I say good quality only in the fact I don't want something disposable; 2 camping trips and then it's trash

8/4/2012 8:21:52 PM

$50-60 is about as low as you're going to get for a halfway decent tent:

http://www.target.com/p/coleman-rosewood-4-person-tent/-/A-12034410

I'd look on CL if you want to go cheaper.

8/4/2012 8:31:19 PM

you might have a really hard time finding one with non-fiberglass poles at that price also

8/5/2012 8:30:14 AM

and let me tell you, fiberglass poles are the devil

8/5/2012 8:17:54 PM

they are. and they will break at the worst possible time. and you will get fiberglass all in your hands trying to rig something up to temporarily fix it.

8/5/2012 8:20:26 PM

Hey neodata686, a friend and I were planning on hiking there to scout out climbing potential. Did you see any clifflines (other than Little Wilson)?

[Edited on August 5, 2012 at 8:56 PM. Reason : .]

8/5/2012 8:55:36 PM

Hey - missed this.

Didn't see too many clifflines. Possibly around South Harper Creek Falls (western most point waterfall on my route).

There may be some areas around Big Lost Cove Cliffs but I haven't explored that area yet.

http://www.hikewnc.info/gallery/wilson-creek-area-hiking/

8/7/2012 9:17:30 AM

Who lives in Denver again? Will be in Denver next week for work. Wouldn't mind an afternoon hike. Don't know how much time I'll have though. Next time I'm going to stay a weekend.

8/8/2012 4:42:16 PM

I live in Denver.

Not too many day hikes in Denver (it's not in the mountains), but I'd suggest something like Echo Lake / Chicago Lakes near Mt. Evans, probably closer to 1 hour from Denver

http://www.mountevans.com/MountEvansCom/Mount-Evans-Things-HikingWilderness.HTML

You can check though the ones closest to Denver here... I'd probably suggest Golden or Evergreen for something close.
http://www.dayhikesneardenver.com/

[Edited on August 8, 2012 at 5:19 PM. Reason : .]

8/8/2012 5:15:49 PM