Who can school me on hammocks?

[Guyon]

I see where Hennessy has a deal going where, if I buy an Expedition, I would qualify for a free Scout Classic hammock. Here's my question. I see where the Scout Classic is not asymmetrical. I wonder if that matters as much for smaller kids. I have a six year old who might accompany me on some trips next summer, and I wonder if that Scout Classic would work okay for him.

ETA: Looks like the Expedition would be a little tight for me. I might have to bump it up to the Explorer Series if I go this route.

 

[ROCK6]

I see where Hennessy has a deal going where, if I buy an Expedition, I would qualify for a free Scout Classic hammock. Here's my question. I see where the Scout Classic is not asymmetrical. I wonder if that matters as much for smaller kids. I have a six year old who might accompany me on some trips next summer, and I wonder if that Scout Classic would work okay for him.

Absolutely, my son is 11 years old and has had his Scout for a couple of years and several outings. He loves it...not issue with sleeping in it, but I have a heck of time trying to wake him up in the morning

ROCK6

 

[chuck buck]

the vast majority of hammocks i understand, are not actually cut in a asym shape. they tend to have more fabric in general which provides a diagonal lay. the thing is more farbic- more comfortable- uh oh more weight. it seems a lot of folks get into it just for weight reasons. mine is comfort. so depending on your kids size it may or may not be comfy also he will eventually outgrow. this is where home made diy stuff wins for me.

but back to it. most i hear the hammock laying section is not cut asym. however, the attatched bug nets (such as HH and Warbonnet) are cut in a asym pattern which in effect holds the hammock into that shape. i dont own a HH or warbonnet but i own an ENO singlenest and my large DIY hammock. this is just what i have read from reading lots and lots and lots of hammockforums.net.

 

[PeterPHWS]

I would check out the DD Travel Hammock at www.ddhammocks.co.uk .... if for no other reason than the information on the site .... but I really rate mine .... no ASM hook up points but lying diagonally works just the same .... and better features than the Hennessey's. The weight bearing is 320 Ibs and the base is waterproof to enable the hammock to be used as a bivi bag with a tarp for the roof .... so works just like a "basher" on the ground if need be. There are methods of entry using the netting and zips which technique wise minimise mossy's getting in .... you don't need a slit in the hammock to enter by to prevent this .... and the photo's on their site and video's are a good grounding in basic uses .... as do the videos.

If you have the need of a two side exit option they will do this on the Travel Hammock as a special order .... more a military thing though than a civilian one .... but a number of us got a run made when they came out with this model .... prior to that we used the forces ( frontline ) model but the waterproof base is'nt on that version and it is actually very useful .... really they ought to change the names around as nearly everyone in my unit has changed over to the travel version for this benefit.

If you use a therma-rest and heat shield reflector as suggested and an underblanket such as those done by Snug Pack you can use these in the height of winter no problem.

A sleeping bag with a central zip helps for comfortable access and egress as well ... their site has a lot of good information on it .... particularly helpful suggestions on the use of Carabiners to prevent water seepage along the webbing lines .... basically showing you the diagrams how to set up a drip trap to prevent this.

The photo's are good to .... plenty of examples of how to make the versatile nature of the hammock work in different settings .... they ship to the US no problem .... they are very popular with a lot of your S/F guys too :thumbup:

 

[chopchop]

There is already a lot of good info here already, so I'll try and add a few things without going on too much...


-- I have a Hennessy Expedition asym. There are tons of mod's and DIY projects for hammock camping, but I've used the stock suspension with zero issues.

-- I use a larger tarp (10x12) that I pitch on a separate ridgeline. I like a lot of covered space and find a separate tarp ridge preferable because I can put it up first and take it down last to keep everything dry, and because it is more versatile in terms of pitch, air flow, view/privacy, covered "vestibule" area, etc. I do still keep the hammock in snakeskins for convenience and pack the tarp separate.

-- I found that I don't actually sleep any better, nor do I save much weight over a small tent (maybe 12oz or so).

-- If you ever camp with anyone else and only have a single hammock, they'll have to fend for themselves. For example, my wife gets motion sick and doesn't like to sleep by herself. When she goes, we take a tent.

-- The swinging of the hammock takes a little getting used to, but is generally a pleasant feeling if you're not prone to motion sickness. Also, you can dampen the swinging with shock cord tie downs if you want.

-- I personally have a hard time getting situated with the sleeping pad. Once I'm set, it's all good, but it usually takes me 5 or 10 minutes to get everything adjusted perfectly. Same goes for when I get up in the middle of the night and have to get back in. I thought I would get better at it over time, but I just haven't.

-- I think hammocks are great for late spring/summer/early fall, but once the nights start getting cold, I'd rather take a tent. I don't like to fuss with the underquilt and all that.

-- Hennessey is a quality product and the customer service was outstanding.


Overall, I'm glad I have it. I use it mostly for summer camping when my wife doesn't want to go.

 

[IlikeSA]

I carry and use a net hammock...depending on how I feel, either a two man or a one man. I have used ones with spreader bars and without. I recommend spreader bars for the one man. I bought these hammocks from Wal-Mart or K-Mart for 15-30 dollars.

In terms of carrying it, they do fold down small and are light. My hammocks actually travel everywhere with me, whether it is in the city or on the trail, it is quick to put up and pull down, leaving very little sign that I was there. It is great for those afternoon naps at the park, with a book and a bottle of lemonade.

Some tips and tricks:

1: ALWAYS make sure the tree is alive. I learned this from first hand experience, when the tree fell, almost crushing me.

2: I use a painters drop sheet as a tent, carrying some 550 cord to put over the top. In the summer, you can open up the sides to let a breeze in, and in cooler weather, you can drop it for a greenhouse effect. It works great for blocking the wind as well. Use rocks or dirt on one side to keep out any rain on the uphill side, to prevent rain from flowing under you. It stays nice and toasty.

3: If you do use a painters drop sheet or a tarp, make sure you don't place it above a hornets nest. I did, and it wasn't fun. I didn't get stung since I was above the nest, but it was an eye opener seeing them flying around my hammock the next morning. Fortunately I was able to move the drop sheet and free them without them getting upset with me.

4: You will stay cool in a hammock. If coolness is a concern for you, move the hammock low to the ground and pack clean leaves and other detritus around. It will keep you insulated quite well.

5: If you aren't in bear country, you can hang your bag on the 550 cord under the painters tarp. It is convenient to retrieve things without leaving the warmth and shelter of your tarp.

6: I use carabiners to suspend possibles above my hammock on the 550 cord. Possibles include a flashlight, and sheathed fixed blade knife, and a water bottle. These hang above my head and chest, for easy finding. Quite convenient, if you ask me.

7: If it rains, you want to keep the rain from entering via the ropes suspending your hammock and tarp. Tie a small knot and it will trap the water trying to drip in and redirect it to the ground.