hammocks

notajerryskid

notajerryskid

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Oct 14, 2013
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HI. I have seen a lot of people getting into hammocks. I was wondering what brands do you guys suggest?
 
I have a Hennessy and it's awesome. Downside is since I've been bringing my dog I have been packing a tent instead.
 
DIY. Forces one to learn about hammocks before trying to use one.

Most people who complain about hammocks bought the wrong one, didn't get the correct suspension, don't know how to set it up correctly, don't know how to lie in their hammock, and ultimately didn't get a good nights sleep. There are websites, forums, and books dedicated to hammocks.

A good nights sleep is important. Put some effort into it, and you will be rewarded.
 
Thank you all. I have been studying them for a bit. This is not just a sporadic thought to try one. I do appreciate the advise. I almost bought a ENO's. But thought that I would look around first.
 
ENO's are great backyard "Hey, I want to sit in a hammock for an hour once or twice a month" hammocks. I've used one for backpacking and, while it works, it's not that great.

I do love their suspension system though. Very easily adjustable and extremely low impact on whatever tree you hang it from.
 
It really depends, starting again, I'd go for Dutch's cheapest open topped hammock and a fronkey style bugnet, if you need any mesh at all, then start experimenting. Some find it just does not work for them, or its more suited to afternoon lounging than serious camping (there are some compromises you must make) But that will get you a cheap start. When you are starting, don't try to re-invent the wheel, almost everything has been tried, and so the methods used are the ones that work. get proper tree-straps to start, a big mistake is either using climbing gear (dynamic and not really suited to hammocking) or just rope, which is damaging to the trees.

Insulation is a matter of personal choice, but you can get by with what you have if you camp at all, and can upgrade over time, depending on your needs.

The main thing is that of the 100 possible setups, one will work for you, and your speed of travel. But its that conversion from ground to tree that takes some getting used to. Do you prefer a simple, easy setup, or do you need a wide range of adaptability? light-weight or durable, defense against bugs, wind, cold? wide temp swings, or predictable weather? mini tarp for the hammock and a campsite tarp, or a big overhead with a porch? are you a fire-cooker or stove? all things that need to get taken into account. So if you start with a system like Dutch's that lets you figure those things out 30-40$ at a time its easier than getting locked into one setup, and having more work and expense to change it up.
 
Hammock wise I've got a Hennessy Explorer Deluxe and its served me great for years but its heavy by todays standards, lots of good options out there dutchware makes a great option but without the knotty mod you're fighting your quilts or sleeping bag falling out. If I was going to do it again I'd get a little shop of hammocks warrior still with the heaviest of materials its still under 30oz and the bug net zips into the foot end if you don't want a net.

Insulation wise its sleeping bag or top quilt and a good r value pad or two quilts. I switched to quilts to save weight from my mss and pad setup, if it wasn't for the significant weight and space savings I'd still be using the mss with a pad, I was never cold with it and I've been cold several times with quilts until theyre dialed in but once they are its super easy and nice and comfortable. Laying on a pad with a sleeping bag is very difficult, pad in a bivy or top quilt much easier or get a double layer hammock with an opening for a pad
 
I would suggest just getting in touch with him and asking. stuff like height and weight make a difference, but he's gotten a lot of new fabrics which I'm not really familiar with. I've got some argon65 that I made a blanket out of, its really nice stuff, so he does know what he's doing.
 
I just bought an ENO "Double Nest" just to dip my toe in. I also bought a Hennessey Hex tarp (i am experienced with tarps...) which is a fantastic bit of gear.

I'm now looking to do a DIY under quilt. The limited experience i have w/hammock use did teach me that under insulation is equally important (if not *more* important) than what i put on top of me.

For my locale (Rocky Mountains), flat/level ground is not as easily encountered as where i grew up (Northern Michigan). Especially the level part - it seems i'm most usually found on a slope up a mountain and without snow to help me, a hammock (which is self-leveling) makes the most sense.

I've found hammockforums.net and 'theultimatehang' to be excellent resources. However, there are some very well-informed folks here as well.

Once i've learned a bit more about making hammock camping work for me i'll be shopping for a higher spec'ed unit myself. The dutchware 11-foot hammock offerings/options looks amazing as does the "Thunderbird" from dream-hammock.com.
 
I've dabbled and here are the take aways:

- Whichever hammock you decide, the real work is in tweaking your the suspension system since trees don't seem to be 9 feet apart... I ended up with spectrum lines from West Marine. I also remember cutting up an aluminum arrow from Walmart for some toggles.

- It gets cold when you are hanging out there. There are things that can substitute for an under quilt, but there is no substitute for an under quilt. If I could do it all again, I'd forgo weight until I figured out the hang, then go back and wring out the weight with down and all that. However, I'd start with a poly bag from the Goodwill or the closet or the Walmart clearance.

- Hammockforums is your friend. https://hammockforums.net/forum/forum.php? especially the technical sections.

Other than that, it's about even when you figure all your gear in, but if you can sleep comfortably in the hang, then there is no comparison.
 
I have been happy with my Eno single nest. Bought one years ago but my son claimed it and I finally caved and joined him hanging from the trees :) Been pretty compfy at night down into the 30s using a thermarest foam mat and a zero degree bag. One trick I like to do is have some sort of mat material to stand up on when getting in the sleeping bag and then get in the hammock. First time out I tried getting in the bag in the hammock. My son still laughs about my cussing and wild swinging :) For hanging, I use the Eno straps mostly. Used some cargo straps for a while but the Eno brand ones just work easier and pack easier. Never had an issue finding trees that would work with the straps but in a pinch I keep some strong cord available. We use just regular tarps for cover with ours. They are cheap and they cover a larger area for the possible sideways rain we get here in Oregon.
 
I've been using an eno double for years with no complaints; however, I only hammock camp spring, summer, and fall. I'm on the ground in the winter. If you settle on an eno, invest in some atlas straps.
 
fmajor007 said:
I'm now looking to do a DIY under quilt. The limited experience i have w/hammock use did teach me that under insulation is equally important (if not *more* important) than what i put on top of me.
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A basic foam pad works wonders to help keep you warm. Cut it to about 2/3 of your height, or enough to go from your neck to your thighs. It also helps keep the hammock open when you go to lie down in it. A 4 foot chunk of 1/4" closed cell foam adds just a few ounces of weight and can be tied/strapped practically anywhere on a pack. The leftover 2 feet makes a nice spot to foot your feet when you get out of the hammock in the morning :)

Tilley Knife said:
I've been using an eno double for years with no complaints; however, I only hammock camp spring, summer, and fall. I'm on the ground in the winter. If you settle on an eno, invest in some atlas straps.
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I'd also suggest making a ridgeline for it. Figure out how taught/droopy you like your hammock, then tie a piece of strong, inflexible cord from one end to the other so that you can pull the suspension straps tight without pulling your hammock out as straight as a board.
 
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You might also check out the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater Pro at the "Big River" site. It's going to be about the same price as the ENO(on their site) and it's a bit longer so that might be of interest. Just throwing another idea into the mix. :)
 
neeman said:
Reduced in REI about to pull the trigger
Tell me more please
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Hi Neeman -

Sorry i'm late in reply..... I like my ENO Double Nest, though it is pretty lightweight. That said, it seems strong and easy to set up (so far only in my back yard). I'm confident it will suffice for camping - though possibly less durable (speculation....).

I must admit the comments about using an under quilt are spot on. I noticed even in mild temperatures the significant convective cooling loss. You may have less use for one in your climate (though i suspect you encounter some cold temps), but here in Colorado i can tell an under quilt will be necessary. I am reviewing DIY solutions already.

I hope you were able to get one on sale, but if not there are other equally affordable hammocks available!
 
Grease said:
A basic foam pad works wonders to help keep you warm. Cut it to about 2/3 of your height, or enough to go from your neck to your thighs. It also helps keep the hammock open when you go to lie down in it. A 4 foot chunk of 1/4" closed cell foam adds just a few ounces of weight and can be tied/strapped practically anywhere on a pack. The leftover 2 feet makes a nice spot to foot your feet when you get out of the hammock in the morning :)
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Thanks Grease!

I have one already cut-to-length (works as a pad for the range...). That will be helpful in the event i don't have a quilt made before a friend comes out for a visit and overnighter in the mountains.
 
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