Tell me about your Hammocks

[TxAg]

Primarily interested in mild/warm weather camping hammocks.

Quality? Price? Brands? Pictures? Advice? Appreciate it all...

[Jon Stewart]

My thoughts that they could be cold as the air flows under and around your body.  Sleeping on the ground would be warmer.  That's if you are concerned about cooler weather camping.

They would much lighter than a tent and sleeping pad combo.

Keep us posted.

[2nocks]

Bought 2nds in ripstop nylon and made my own. was pretty simple to do. Went with double layer so I could use a pad in between but planning on making an underquilt out of a poncho liner. Made the tree straps and bug net also. There's a lot of DIY info out there, I'm certainly no expert but pulled it off.  Making a crinkle taffeta tablecloth hammock is easier also, no sewing needed for those, made a double wide for my kids out of the tablecloths.

[Biathlonman]

I had a Hennessy expedition asym zip. Was a good comfortable set up but I prefer sleeping on the ground. Probably could be lighter in warmer weather but I found it much more bulky having to carry top and bottom insulation in the fall. If I took to camping in the hotter months I'd look hard at getting another.

[Mudd]

To my shame I have to admit I have owned a  Hennessy expedition asym for a few years and to be honest I've never used it...lol

I have intentions to someday but you know how that goes.... "The road to hell is paved with good intentions"....lol

God bless,Mudd

[mickeys4]

I have my backpacking hammock set up in my backyard and sleep in it every night in mild weather. Weight wise they are comparable to a good tent setup. The pros are mainly you don't need to setup on level ground you can setup on the side of a hill. you will stay dry no worry about water getting under your tent. No waking in the night with a root or pebble digging in your back. I know the great pads you can carry and even with a hammock you'll need to carry a pad to stay warm in even mildly cool weather. If there are no trees you can setup on the ground. Quicker setup except the first time where it will take like seems forever as there's more to it than hooking up to two trees. All in all both tents and hammocks have their pros and cons. I don't like sleeping in a bed since getting my hammock. This is the most comfortable sleep I've ever had. Some will say sleeping like a banana can't be comfortable but to properly use a hammock you adjust the sag then sleep on the diagonal,feet on one side head on the other allowing you to sleep flat. My son  wanted to get rid of his bed so as to have more room. I hung him a hammock and he takes it up each morning allowing him the extra room. He had to sleep downstairs when we went to Comptons to take care of our ailing dog. He complained when we got home because he missed the hammock. Enough said, hammocks are not for everyone. Here is a link to a site that can answer all your questions about hammock camping.

 https://hammockforums.net/forum/content.php

[TxAg]

I pocked up an ENO Doublenest from the local REI today at lunch. I just tried it in the backyard and it's nice.  For the price, I'm gona keep it and see how I like it.....lots of good reviews online.

[mickeys4]

I purchased my hammock from a cottage vendor,someone who works out of their home,Simply Light Designs. I basically bought a starter setup,double layer hammock,suspension system complete with whoopie slings and tarp.A double layer hammock has a slot in each end where you can insert a pad. My wife made me a bugnet from some curtain shears. The good thing about hammocks is you can make your own equipment if so inclined, plenty of online help. For those hanging a hammock for the first time here's a link to a helpful calculator.

 http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/  

Trust me this can help you hang your hammock correct height etc.

   

[Duncan]

I have the Eno single nest and love it.

[Gdpolk]

I use a camo Grand Trunk Ultralight. I am going to sew on a pair of full length zippers to add a noseeum bug net soon.

[Trux Turning]

I use an Eno double nest with a tarp for a rain fly and an under quilt.

[TxAg]

Do you guys sleep diagonally? Use a pillow or knee support?

[rraming]

Eno- whole family loves it and is never vacant. Really small and light weight.

[Jorge]

I use a DdHammock, living in Spain, is the best option as is a english brand. Hammock camping has a learning curve as you need to know how to setup, height, angles, the best and fast way to pitch. The use of "sleeves" is a must have.

Use the bigger tarp you can buy, silnylon, to protect the hammock of the wind.

Pros:light, no bulky and confortable. Perfect if you have flies, mosquitoes...

Cons:Cold, is cold, you need to dress or use underblanquets during the winter. With mild weather is a great system.

Check the links by Andrew Skurka

 http://andrewskurka.com/2012/hammocks-advantages-disadvantages/

[robin]

can some one share when you tie a hammock on a tree, how do you prevent the rain water from sliding down the tree, then sliding down the string and eventually wetting your hammock totally?

[PaulDeadringer29]

I just bought a Jungle Hammock from Fox Outdoors. It has a rain cover, bug mesh, and hammock all in one. I haven't used it, but it seems well made. I have done a lot of hammock camping and for me, I like sleeping with my head higher then my feet, right in the center of the hammock.

[Jorge]

Robin,

Use whoopie slings with a carabiner. Ask Google about hammock suspension systems, many options.

[mickeys4]

Robin,
Whichever way you connect to the tree use excess rope or whoopie sling to tie around the connecting suspension and create a drip string. Water running down your suspension when meeting the tie will seek it's lowest point and drip off the lower end. If you've never used whoopie slings buy a set. They don't cost much and although I like my sliced bread I'd have to say they rank right up there.Here's a link to a guy called Shug who has videos covering everything for noobs. Shug is a character but he will walk you through everything yo need to know about hammock camping and then some.

 

[Adam Keiper]

There are a ton of hammock options out there, from DIY to mass produced to a long list of cottage vendors.  One thing to keep in mind is that below roughly 70*, most people need some type of bottom insulation to keep warm.  This can be a pad or an under quilt (which suspends snugly against the bottom of the hammock).  Your bottom insulation is actually more important than your top insulation.  A sleeping bag can used as top insulation (often used more like a blanket) or you can use a top quilt, which is more comfortable and much easier to get in/out.  With a good under quilt and top quilt, you can stay perfectly warm way below freezing.

We have two Warbonnet Blackbirds and a Hennessy Scout.  In this pic, a 3/4 length under quilt is on the Blackbird (left) and a full length under quilt on the Hennessy.  IMO, hammocks are infinitely more comfortable than a pad on the ground.  We use ours regularly.

 

[tracker12]

EMO Double Nest for me.  I use it in warm weather