Hammocks

M

Merost

Joined
May 16, 2009
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I'm noticing the trend towards hammocks, and I will admit I'm intrigued by the concept. I have a limited amout of experience with hammocks so I'm not sure how much I would like to sleep in one, especially since I generally prefer to lay flat.

There are quite a few different manufactures out there making high quality hammocks for backpacking application. How comfortable are they? You're not sleeping on the hard ground, which is nice, but it seems a little uncomfortable to sleep in less than a flat position for a whole night. Not to mention the inability to move around and sleep on your stomach if you want.

I wonder if you make the hammock really taut, if it would be more comfortable because you would be laying flatter?

Before I drop a lot of coin on a nice hammock, I would like to have these answers to these questions.
 
It's called an asymmetrical ha,mock...the kind that you lay diagonal ,which in essence is flat...also I sleep in my hammock on my stomach.
 
I bought a Hennessey Hammock earlier this year and have so far used it on one trip. I did a pretty terrible job pitching it, but still had great sleep. I found that I was fairly level, and I think that will improve with experience setting it up. I was able to roll to my side and stomach without contorting or feeling awkward.

I believe the increase in popularity is very logical and justified. My hammock weighs about 3 pounds, and replaces both my 2lb sleeping pad and a 7lb tent (2man). It takes up much less pack space, and is equally or more comfortable. I haven't yet figured out what the ideal cold weather setup is, and there is certainly some limit to where you can use the hammock. So far though, I really like it.
 
I'm looking hard at Clark's jungle hammocks. I'll probably end up picking the North American with the XL Fly up in the next month or two.

I only have two concerns about hammocks. The first is that they do sleep colder than a tent, so if you're into cold weather camping you'll want to experiment with them in cold weather first before committing to a situation that you can't back out of easily. Try car camping a few times and have a backup tent or something until you know what you're doing. Read up on how to effectively insulate a hammock. There are strategies for dealing with the cold but IMO it takes doing some research and experimentation.

My second concern is what happens if there are no trees. Get out on the coast or into the desert or above the treeline and this can happen. Fortunately, most of the camping hammocks look like they can be pitched as a bivvy if necessary but, again, it's worth spending some time in your backyard or in a car camping area playing around with the hammock in this configuration before putting yourself into a "gotta do it" situation.
 
Merost said:
So is an Hennessey Hammock asymmetrical? No, I'm really intrigued.
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Of the most popular hammocks, the only one that is not asymmetrical is the Clark. Apparently Clark uses a different geometry that doesn't require asymmetrical sleeping but still allows the hammock to not roll on you.
 
I have 3 different ones I use. An ultralight mesh model (comfy, but not that comfy) and 2 that I got from Brazil. The ones that I got from Brazil, I use alot, in and out of the woods. I actually put eyebolts in my house so I can sit or nap in it at home. My wife and kids love them too. My friend who visits Brazil annually, always brings me one back. He was telling me that when he is down there, everyone carries a hammock with them when they are visiting friends and family, because everyone has clip in spots in the houses so as not to wait space with furniture. I have never been to Brazil, so if I am wrong, please correct me. I love my hammocks. Love'em. Moose
 
I have a cheap web one that's bright blue and came in a plastic tube. Probably from WalMart, it was a gift. :eek:
It's still crazy comfortable and I bring it on every major camping trip. One year, I accidentally drank a 12 pack of Magic Hat and slept 10 hours in that hammock. In the morning, I had not a single ache or pain anywhere other than my head. Since that trip, I've named it Hammockavula (serious points for getting the reference). Someday I'd like to buy a Hennessy but stringing my GI poncho over my cheap hammock has served me well so far. I think just having the bug netting on some of the nicer hammocks would be worth it.
Also, although tricky, a sleeping bag in a hammock can be pretty darn comfy.
 
I have used the Hennessey hammock a few times and it is a great set up for my needs. I had a bit of trouble setting it up at the right height the first time because of where I choose to set it up, but other then that I slept like a baby. Had a major down pour on the second night and slept through it dry and toasty warm:thumbup:
 
Merost said:
Before I drop a lot of coin on a nice hammock, I would like to have these answers to these questions.
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Before you drop a lot of coin on a nice hammock, why don't you try dropping a little coin on something just to try out the concept? I, too, was intrigued with the hammock camping idea, but wasn't sure I would be comfortable. My first camping hammock was a Travel Hammock (now Grand Trunk) Camo Ultralight that ran me $25 (cordage tree slings were included in that price, too). It isn't a big hammock, and I can't really lay diagonally in it, but after my first weekend camping with it, I was 100% sold on the concept.

I am most comfortable when I pull the hammock really tight, and then lay straight along the axis. I tend to roll and shift around onto my sides, too, and I've never been uncomfortable. My buddy has a Travel Hammock Parachute Hammock (~$35, IIRC). He sleeps straight in his, too, but he likes his to have a little slack, and not be strung up super tight. He says the hammock has been great for his back.

Old pics:
Camp008.jpg

RI06009.jpg


Last summer I purchased a Grand Trunk All Terrain Hybrid Hammock (GTATHH). I found it on sale for $49 and it seemed like a neat idea, so I picked it up. I've used it in the back yard, but haven't been able to properly 'field test' it yet. Maybe next year. The GTATHH is larger than my Ultralight, and it is made of heavier coated ripstop nylon. The idea behind the GTATHH is that you can remove the cordage hangers and then use it as a tarp. The 10' x 6' size can make for a usable tarp shelter. The generous width is enough to comfortably hold me as well as completely cover me.
ATHH03.jpg

ATHH02.jpg

ATHH01.jpg

or:
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I'll also point you to hammockforums.net if you're interested in exploring hammock camping in depth. But be warned - some of the folks over there are crazy-insane about hammocks.
 
I have several hammocks and prefer those that have the asym design as they do let you lay on your side, lay flat and even on your stomach (at least partially).

I've done some cool-weather camping and planning another outing to NC at the end of OCT. I'll still bring a tent, but I'm trying some different techniques to use during colder temperatures.

They do sleep cooler, mostly due to the air/wind beneath and your bum (if sleeping on your back) can get pretty cold when the temps dip...for me, that's in the upper 40's.

This last spring, the temperatures dropped to freezing (right around 32-33 degrees) over night. I was using a sleeping pad (good resason to have a two-layer bottom hammock), a Snugpak 40 degree bag and I had my Kifaru Woobie. I did wear socks, wool long-sleeve shirt (Smartwool) and a fleece watch cap and put my Swanndri wool Ranger shirt under my bum which was the most uncomfortable. With all that, I was actually quite comfortable and warm. What I want to try this fall is using a poncho-liner as an under quilt to provide more air-space insulation. I've also heard you if you could block the air flow and even put bows/leaves under and place your hammock lower to the ground, you can really help keep the comfort levels up.

I love hammocks and won't backpack with anything else unless the wife insists on a tent (she has her own hammock as well:D).

ROCK6
 
GingivitisKahn said:
+1 Shug will teach you what you need to know.
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Actually I watched most of his videos on hammocks as soon as someone suggested them after I first posted this thread. Pretty interesting and got me really interested.

I recognized him from another youtube video I saw that I couldn't stomach to watch past the first 30 seconds because he was imitating sling blade. These videos were a lot better.
 
I love my hammock for summer, built in bug net (HH Expedition). But for winter camping you have to bring too much stuff/weight to keep warm, at least in my opinion.
 
Merost said:
Actually I watched most of his videos on hammocks as soon as someone suggested them after I first posted this thread. Pretty interesting and got me really interested.

I recognized him from another youtube video I saw that I couldn't stomach to watch past the first 30 seconds because he was imitating sling blade. These videos were a lot better.
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He does lots of goofy impersonations and the slingblade thing gets better as you get used to it. Heh. He's a good dude and very talented and he's got some good stuff to say about hammocks.

Here's another site to have a look at...

http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html
 
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