Hammocks?

K

k-spar

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Jun 8, 2007
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I'm looking for a decent hammock, but preferably one that won't break the bank.

I've looked at the ones from Bens Backwoods, but haven't heard anything about them. Does anyone know anything about these?
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=244

I've also heard good things about the GI jungle hammock:
http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/t...ery.ctx=hammock&backto=/agcatalog/results.tam

I've never used hammocks before, but would like to give them a try. Any other good (& cheap?) ones out there I should look at? Any other advice is welcome too.
 
Hammoks can get pretty cold even in the warmer months unless you're bundled up, as you are exposed to wind and air on all sides of your body, which promotes heat loss through convection..I unfortunatley learned this through experience, by spending a couple of very uncomfortable april nights a few years ago
 
I just decided on trying out a hammock myself. After a lot of research I decided on the Claytor Jungle Hammock. As mentioned above, those forums are a great resource. Cold can be an issue, but can be dealt with with the correct equipment; that being said, I see my hammocking as a 3 season thing.
 
I don't have any experience with the ones you mentioned but that Ben's backwoods one looks nice and only 43 bucks.

I have been hammock camping since I was 14. It's the only way I'm able to sleep outdoors. I just bought a Clark hammock and it's fantastic. It cost me about 400 bucks so I'm sure it's much more then you want to spend. It's very warm and wind resistant and very comfortable. In fact I don't want to get upin the mornings when I'm sleeping in it. :yawn::)

My Clark jungle hammock
obj1574geo1173pg69p9.jpg
 
for the cold, I use a thermarest pad in my hammock. I also use a vehicle windshield sun guard.

Alan
 
The one that Ben's Backwoods is selling looks pretty much identical to mine, which is made by Byer Of Maine:

http://www.byerofmaine.com/amazonas-traveller.htm

It's served me very well for several years (3 or 4, or has it been 5 already? I can't remember) and has been much more durable than I ever would have thought, especially since I am pretty close to the rated weight limit of 25o lbs. :o It has done duty as a backpacking shelter with a tarp over it, as a nice bug free lounging/napping/sleeping spot when car camping, and as a back yard/patio r&r pod. As has been mentioned, you'll need some kind of extra insulation under you to keep from freezing your keester off if it's even a little chilly out. I think mine may be nearing the end of it's useful life (I want to retire it before it fails and drops me on the ground, not after) and since my budget is a bit tight right now I'll probably buy another one just like it.

The Jungle hammock that you posted the link to can be a PITA to get set up as it has numerous extra lines to secure the attached rain fly, and I think it has a couple of lines to keep it from swinging as well. I've never slept in one but I watched a friend struggle with one on a camping trip a few years ago. He did say it was fairly comfortable once he got it set up.

If I had the money I think I'd try one of the Hennessey hammocks:

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

They seem to be a nice step up from what I have now, and they have several models that are still pretty affordable.

Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy your hammock, whichever one you choose.
 
Salamander42 said:
The one that Ben's Backwoods is selling looks pretty much identical to mine, which is made by Byer Of Maine:

http://www.byerofmaine.com/amazonas-traveller.htm

It's served me very well for several years (3 or 4, or has it been 5 already? I can't remember) and has been much more durable than I ever would have thought, especially since I am pretty close to the rated weight limit of 25o lbs. :o It has done duty as a backpacking shelter with a tarp over it, as a nice bug free lounging/napping/sleeping spot when car camping, and as a back yard/patio r&r pod. As has been mentioned, you'll need some kind of extra insulation under you to keep from freezing your keester off if it's even a little chilly out. I think mine may be nearing the end of it's useful life (I want to retire it before it fails and drops me on the ground, not after) and since my budget is a bit tight right now I'll probably buy another one just like it.

The Jungle hammock that you posted the link to can be a PITA to get set up as it has numerous extra lines to secure the attached rain fly, and I think it has a couple of lines to keep it from swinging as well. I've never slept in one but I watched a friend struggle with one on a camping trip a few years ago. He did say it was fairly comfortable once he got it set up.

If I had the money I think I'd try one of the Hennessey hammocks:

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

They seem to be a nice step up from what I have now, and they have several models that are still pretty affordable.

Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy your hammock, whichever one you choose.
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well that's good to know as i just bought the one from Ben's. Thanks for the input!
 
I got the traveller hammock from Bens backwoods - $20 one - and its great, durable and can hold pretty tall people. Its a nice green and the ropes seem adequate. Not top quality but will hold you and last a while.
First time i used it there was a LOT of creaking as the material stretched out a bit.
Now its great - as a matter of fact im typing this with my laptop while lying in it in my backyard.

If you want a look at it go to youtube and type in traveller hammock - the makers have their account and put up vids.

Another good choice if you want a mosquito net and great quality take a look at DD hammocks a guy on youtube (who also practices bushcraft -woodlife.co.uk) has an account on youtube and has several vids on them. Just search in youtube.com.
 
I have the same hammock as Noss and I love it.I spent a couple of nights in it already this year in our lovley canadian north and I have no complaints.
My first hammock was a Mosquito free Hammock Bliss.I got it for around 44.00$.Nice and comfortable but no rain fly.
 
Another choice is this:
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/
haved used this one for a few years think bathtub! almost impossible to flip with a double bottom 'Mozzies would have to work overtime to get through..no pay:jerkit: just another choice.
Is another option for you.
 
I started using an ENO hammock when camping last year. It's nice in that it takes up much less pack space/weight than a small tent, though the warning about it being cold is quite true. Be sure to have something under you that won't completely compress (like a sleeping pad) to cut down back-chill.

http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/
 
blazink said:
I like a hammock when alone, but they are not very snuggle friendly ;)
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I disagree. Hammocks can be very comfy for snuggling if you get the right one. However I can't sleep comfortably through the night in a hammock with my girlfriend. An hour or two is about my upper limit before I need to roll over onto my other side or otherwise shift around, and that can be kind of tricky in a hammock by yourself. With her in there with me I start to feel like I can't move freely and start feeling claustrophobic and end up just bailing out and either going to sleep on the ground or just getting up.
 
I thru-hiked the long trail in VT using an Asym ultralight Hennesy Hammock: http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

They are the best thing for ultralight camping if you fit the right body type. Some of the keys are learning to lie at an angle to remain straight.

As for cold weather camping, don't bother unless you are very tolerant or do a lot of work to sheild/insulate underneath you. A down bag offers almost zero warmpth when its compressed beneath you and air is whipping under the hammock. You will have cold spots and a miserable night.

My a-sym weighs less than 2 pounds...less than my sleeping bag...I camped in places no tent could go and theres nothing like hiking until it gets dark and setting up camp in less than 3 minutes.
 
Here's my Travel Hammock Ultra-Light in camo. It was $24.95 at Sportsman's Warehouse a few years ago, and it came with a hanging kit.
RI06009.jpg

Camp008.jpg

Hooch003.jpg

It works pretty well for me. for this year, I bought an Exed Multimat to use in the hammock in place of a sleeping pad. the Multimat is 39" wide, and will wrap up the insides of the hammock where a regular sleeping pad won't cover. I'm thinking that'll provide a little more warmth if/when needed.

My buddy has a Travel hammock Parachute nylon model it has a higher weight capacity (400 lbs) and still packs down pretty small.
 
I have both the Claytor Jungle Hammock, and the Clark North American Jungle Hammock. For very cold weather, the Clark is better, but for price and just cool weather, the Claytor is the way to go.
 
My wife bought me a Clark Hammock for Christmas, and I have been using it ever since, I love it. I only wish that I tried Hammocks earlier. :D
 
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