Hammock camping

C

CaptInsano

Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
1,337
hey, guys. I knwo some of you use hammocks, and it seems like a great idea. Hennesey hammocks seem pretty popular, but they are a little pricey for me. I've used open hammocks before, but in Louisiana, I have got to keep the bugs away. I need some kind of netting. I'd like to spend less than $50 or $60, but that might not be possible. Honestly, I would spring for a nice Hennesey scout, but I weigh about 200-205 pounds. The extra money for the next strongest Hennessey is a deal breaker. Here are a few I've seen. I thought about an open setup with a sleep sack and netting on my head, but I think that's pretty dicey.


http://www.thetravelhammock.com/products/skeeter_ul.htm

http://www.ebags.com/the_travel_hammock/ultralight_hammock/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=106741

http://www.mosquitohammock.com/

http://www.hammockbliss.com/No_See_Um_No_More.html

http://www.campsmarter.com/mopf61660.html
 
I weigh about the same as you, I bought 2 cheaper hammocks before I settled on the Hennesy Expedition A-sym and I could not be happier, cold or hot rain or shine, it really is worth the cost.
 
I haven't kept up on hammock technology (if you can call it that) but making your own Speer hammock is cheap. I have a Speer I made about 5 years ago. It's really nice, though I still like my Hennessey (sorry man) better.
 
my henessey expedition was 139 CAD and worth every cent. it supports up to 250lbs, i weigh in at 150 so theres still plenty of lee way. i seriously suggest you try and pick one up, used even as long as its in good condition.

like others have stated, you may end up going through a few cheaper hammocks and by that time you'll have spent the money you could have on a henessey on stuff you wont use.
 
Brilliant thread! I was about to embark on one of these. Thanks for the links...
 
I've heard good things about Mosquito hammocks, but I have no first hand experience. I'm another Hennessy endorser. Hit Ebay as you can often find some good deals. My son (10 yrs old) has the Scout...you definately want the regular size! You could probably experiment with some inexpensive hammocks...buy a surplus mostquito bar net and suspend it over the hammock. I was very reluctant to try the hammock for backpacking, but the A-Sym Hennessy has made a believer out of me! My kids love theirs and my wife now wants her own to try for the next trip out.

ROCK6
 
Wait and save up the $$$$ for the hennessy, youll wish you did or do it anyway eventually, if you hammock camp alot.
 
i actually just emailed the ray mears woodlore site after seeing him use one in his amazon video. they dont have one for sale right now. i come on bf and bam here is this thread. great stuff
 
CaptInsano said:
I don't mind buying a nicer one later. I'm graduating in DECEMBER, so I should start making some money.
Click to expand...

Well congrats! The two-edged blade for the Hennessy is the bottom entrance. It's fast and convenient to get in and out of, but it sucks using a sleeping bad for colder temperatures and if you have to use it on the ground, it's a pain to get in and out of.

I'm going to pick up a Clark Jungle hammock after I return from Afghanistan later this fall and give my older Hennessy to my wife. I may even try a Mosquito Hammock for the few weeks I'll have this summer before deploying and let my wife use my Hennessy.

For summer use, I would like at the base model from Mosquito hammocks...even the non-netted hammock ($40) and pick up a mosquito bar net from a surplus place for $5-10 to drap over for bug protection.

ROCK6
 
I am very happy with my Skeeter Beater. It's a great hammock and you can get it for $40 or so.
 
Snow said:
I am very happy with my Skeeter Beater. It's a great hammock and you can get it for $40 or so.
Click to expand...

i am thinking of getting this hammock but in the pro ver. im a little heavier. but what kind of tarp would you guys recomend for it.
 
The one in the first link you posted is almost itentical to the one I have. Mine's made by Byer of Maine. It's held up much better than I would ever have expected. I've used it for about the last 4 or 5 years for occasional backpacking and a lot of car camping trips and it's still going strong.

If you search back through the old posts here, you'll find a lot of threads on hammock camping. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages and a few tips and tricks you may want to read up on.
 
I have and endorse the Clark jungle hammocks. I use the North American model and also have a tropical model. They work far better than the hennesey for folks my size and height. Plus they are made in the USA and are much more versatile. The construction is also far better. check em out at junglehammock,com.

Hammock camping is my favorite way to hang out in the woods. It makes it possible to leave the trail and set up camp most anywhere in five minutes or so. Aswell as leaving little or no trace you've been there. The clark's also keep the skeeters out.
 
I'm in the same weight range and have no problems with my cheapo hammock- $30 at a local army navy store. Can't even remember the brand, but it's forest and light green nylon paracloth and I spent a couple MONTHS in it on remote jobsite year before last. I bought 3.5 yards of 6 foot wide netting, some random other ropes and lines, and used a cheap brown polytarp for a rain cover.

Someday I'll make myself a better tarp.

I also have made a couple of hammocks that are workable. not hard- people make it a bit more complicated than it has to be. All you need to do is take a bit of appropriate sturdy cloth in standard width about 8 feet long (that varies, depending on people and styles) and sew end seams on like parentheses (==) with space to feed a rope through. If your stitching is good, you are golden.
 
The CLARK ones are very well built and If I had a pile of dosh then that would be the one I would get, however for a lot less you can get the mosquito Jungle hammock and its a way better hammock for bigger people, plus its very stong, not as many bells and whistles though.
 
If you want to go on the cheap, use your regular day hammock, get a 15.00 bug net from REI, and a cheap tarp to put on a ridgeline. A little engineering and you will be hammock camping in no time!!

Doc
 
iBlade said:
The CLARK ones are very well built and If I had a pile of dosh then that would be the one I would get, however for a lot less you can get the mosquito Jungle hammock and its a way better hammock for bigger people, plus its very stong, not as many bells and whistles though.
Click to expand...

I have both a Clark and a Tom Claytor's Mosquito Jungle Hammock. The Clark has more features and that is 'my' hammock when I'm with my son. That said, the Claytor is also great, and much less expensive. I changed both of the suspension systems to straps with cinch buckles, making it easier to both hang and adjust the hammocks.

The Hammock forums site is the BEST source of information you could ever ask for to learn about hammocks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top