So I found a little 'extra' in the check today and if you got it, you might as well spend it.

After reading this group for a while and hearing how comfortable hammock are I broke down and bought one, OK TWO. The only way I get a good sleep in the woods is to bring a 3+" self inflating mattress that takes up a lot of space.

Knowing there will be hell to pay I bought my stepdaughter a Byer of Maine hammock w/net, but I bought a Blackbird for myself. She's been wanting one for a while, but won't use it much. I not sure what we'll use for suspension yet. I bought the BB with a whoopie sling but will piece the rest together after I get it.

I have a tarp it's rectangular but it will work for now, she'll end up with a blue tarp for this year and we'll most likely sleep on pads.

Thank for all the help

Sweeper

Congratulations, Sweep. I'm betting that the stepdaughter commandeers the Blackbird before the second hang.

Congrats. The Blackbird is a fine choice.

Congrats. You will love the Blackbird.

Remember to either get a wide pad or lay one across under your shoulders. Being cold is almost as bad as hip pointers.