Which Hammock

G

g123

Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
329
I am thinking about getting a hammock for 3 season backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

What hammock that is reasonably priced would hold up and keep me warm? Are there any accessories I need to get?

Thanks,

Geoff
 
I second the Hammocks Forum suggestion. Way too many different kinds/types as well as set ups and suspesions and tarps to really just recommend. I will say, try a cheaper set up and see if you even like hanging before you drop a bunch of cash on a great setup.
 
Ok, I saw all of Shug's videos but have one question for you guys that know hammocks.

It seems that there has to be a better way to deal with the wind situation below the hammock that makes you cold. The insulated down bottom covers are expensive and too bulky for what I want to carry. Can you just wear your clothes layering system and a wool blanket?

How do you guys that use hammocks insulate the bottom for temperatures from 30 degrees and above?

Thanks,

Geoff
 
I tried HF but was intimidated by the depth of info there. I'm not interested in being a hammock expert, but just want some recommendations on a 4 season hammock. Any flat out ideas???
 
g123 said:
Ok, I saw all of Shug's videos but have one question for you guys that know hammocks.

It seems that there has to be a better way to deal with the wind situation below the hammock that makes you cold. The insulated down bottom covers are expensive and too bulky for what I want to carry. Can you just wear your clothes layering system and a wool blanket?

How do you guys that use hammocks insulate the bottom for temperatures from 30 degrees and above?

Thanks,

Geoff
Click to expand...

Well, earlier this spring, the temps in the moutains of NC dipped to below freezing which we didn't expect. I was using my Warbonnet Blackbird hammock. I would definatly look for a double-layer hammock...it helps to keep a sleeping mat secure and adds some insulation. Well, I had my Thermarest and a very lightweight (Snugpak) sleeping bag, plus my Kifaru Woobie. My butt was still pretty cold, so I put my Swaandri Ranger shirt under my bum and the rest of me was quite comfortable for 30 degree temps.

Comfort level is a very personal thing. I sleep hot, so it's less of an issue. If you don't have any wind breaks though, it's surprising how cool the bottom of the hammock can feel even in hot climates...which makes it more comfortable during those seasons.

I want to play around this winter and try to lower a hammock to the ground with a little insulation dirctly under (pine bows and leaves). Also, I want to try and build a little wind break and see if that helps. Once you start adding under-hammock quilts, I think you lose the advantages of the hammock which are light, compact and simple.

ROCK6
 
Id like to try out one of those Warbonnet Hammocks or the Clark Jungles sometime...

Me, I use a Hennesey Expedition Side zip. I love it. Well made, and I always didnt like the bottom opening on Henneseys so its perfect for me.

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/specs-expeditionasym_zip.html

Bensbackwoods has some cheaper hammocks that are nice. I started my leap into hammock camping with one of their skeeter beaters. Goinggear sells the ENOs I believe. Your not saving much coin though when you buy the fly and bug net seperate though. Adds up quick.\

Hammock camping isnt for everyone, so I reccomend you try it out before dropping a ton of dough on a super high end one.
 
g123 said:
Ok, I saw all of Shug's videos but have one question for you guys that know hammocks.

It seems that there has to be a better way to deal with the wind situation below the hammock that makes you cold. The insulated down bottom covers are expensive and too bulky for what I want to carry. Can you just wear your clothes layering system and a wool blanket?

How do you guys that use hammocks insulate the bottom for temperatures from 30 degrees and above?

Thanks,

Geoff
Click to expand...

I spent five nights in mine (ENO Doublenest) last week and my home made underquilt failed on me (my own fault). The night time temps were down to high 50s (first night) and 60s. I'd go to bed wearing long pants, socks and a t-shirt and have to don my fleece jacket some time in the night. Also used a fleece sleeping bag as a top quilt but not until much later.

I'm a warm sleeper so I was relatively comfortable, but it can be done without insulation underneath - just not as comfortably as with a good underquilt.

A better option (assuming no underquilt) would have been to use either a closed cell foam pad (cheap from Wally World) or a Thermarest (barely inflated) or something like that.
 
Last edited:
Iboschi said:
I tried HF but was intimidated by the depth of info there. I'm not interested in being a hammock expert, but just want some recommendations on a 4 season hammock. Any flat out ideas???
Click to expand...

It can be a pretty steep learning curve. If you really want four seasons in a hammock, you are going to need a bit of expertise to make that work. Things you need will include:

* a hammock - can be a DIY cheapie, WBBB (most popular at the moment) or any of a number of others that will work just fine. For four seasons, I'd be inclined to choose or make a double layer one but that's just me.

* good hammock suspension - what comes with your hammock may be fine or it may suck. Whoopie slings / tree huggers ( www.whoopieslings.com ) is an excellent option though there are others.

* a good tarp (or tarps). Bigger is better, all things considered but you may need to pack the thing. You may be able to get by all year long with something like a Speer Winter Tarp though there are other great choices.

* bottom insulation (probably 2-3 sets depending on temps and this is *not* cheap). Check Jacks R Better or Stormcrow's stuff ( http://hammockgear.com/ ), Warbonnet's stuff or many others.

* top insulation - same group of vendors

* bug protection - can be integrated in the hammock (like Warbonnet BlackBird, Hennesy, etc.) or add on (ENO sells a net as does Warbonnet or you can DIY).

Then there are all sorts of ancillary bits of gear you may want - peak bags, ridge lines, fans, lights, and a bijillion others I'm too lazy to try to think of naming.

Honestly, if you are going to try to hang in cold weather, you'd better do some research or have a backup plan. It can be done (comfortably) but there are dues to be paid.
 
I will be trying out a Hennessy Hammock for the first time tonight. I am taking my family and dogs up river on my airboat to find an island. They will stay in the family tent I will be trying out the Hennessy for the first time. I will let ya know
 
After meeting up with a bunch of bushcrafter guys from another forum on a weekend camping trip, I too intend on giving up the tent for a hammock.
My first night was restless in my 1 man bivy tent and my back was killing me.
At least 1/2 the guys there were sleeping in a hammock.

What a great group of guys too I must say, as they were all willing
to let me slide into their hammocks to see if I would even be interested in one.
You sleep in a hammock on a diagonal so that your back isn't cupped.
After I was told that, then I became VERY interested as I do have a tender back.

Anyway....I remember all the hammocks that I got to try and started to research them on the net. My biggest problem with most of the hammocks is my size. I'm 6'2" and 240 lbs. Most of the hammocks out there are only rated for 300 lbs. I know they have extra built into their ratings, but I run close to their recommended max weight.

I started to look around a bit more and found this site.
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/
After reading more about them, I'm convinced that they have the hammock that best fits my needs. My length is fine as is my weight in this hammock without spending extra for the "heavy duty" version.
 
I have the basic bottom opening Henessey. I like it quite a bit. The bottom entry isn't my favorite thing on earth but you get used to it. I've slept in just below freezing temperatures using a thermorest pad under me and a 30 degree rated bag without problem. Had my merino wool undies and a warm hat and that made it super comfy. Never really liked the small fly that came with it and prefer a 12' x 10' tarp. If I hang the hammock low, I can secure the tarp right to the ground for a full wind break. I usually don't do that and have the tarp edge about 1.5' off the ground or so. I like that the full tarp gives you a bit of privacy when in campgrounds to change and such. Also provides ample place to store gear. I was interested in the underquilts, but there is just no way I'm going to pay $200-$300 for a blanket that ties to the bottom of it. The thermarest pad seems to work good on its own and I'm sticking with that.

All in all, the Henessey is one of the bargains out there in terms of having the integrated mesh and tarp (which I think is too small to make it really versatile). Hennesey also has a great distribution network meaning you can find them at many retail stores. I think it is a good place to start. I might go to a Warbonnet if I get another one, but for now I'm satisfied with what I got.
 
markhait said:
After meeting up with a bunch of bushcrafter guys from another forum on a weekend camping trip, I too intend on giving up the tent for a hammock.
My first night was restless in my 1 man bivy tent and my back was killing me.
At least 1/2 the guys there were sleeping in a hammock.

What a great group of guys too I must say, as they were all willing
to let me slide into their hammocks to see if I would even be interested in one.
You sleep in a hammock on a diagonal so that your back isn't cupped.
After I was told that, then I became VERY interested as I do have a tender back.

Anyway....I remember all the hammocks that I got to try and started to research them on the net. My biggest problem with most of the hammocks is my size. I'm 6'2" and 240 lbs. Most of the hammocks out there are only rated for 300 lbs. I know they have extra built into their ratings, but I run close to their recommended max weight.

I started to look around a bit more and found this site.
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/
After reading more about them, I'm convinced that they have the hammock that best fits my needs. My length is fine as is my weight in this hammock without spending extra for the "heavy duty" version.
Click to expand...

I'm 6'4" ~ 250# and my ENO Doublenest fits just fine. You'd also be fine in a Warbonnet Blackbird, a Switchback and a number of other rigs.
 
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