Hammock or not

[W6FO]

Ok, so I am a bit fascinated with Hammock sleeping but how can I tell if it will work for me before I go out and buy, or make, a hammock only to find it isn't for me? I think I may like it because of how I sleep, on my side, but it sometimes takes a bit of tossing and turning before I do fall asleep. Once asleep, I don't move much throughout the night.

- JT

[hammock engineer]

I toss and turn a lot when I sleep and just getting to sleep. I am able to move around a lot in a hammock without too many problems. Check out Risk's site. He gives really good directions on making a simple hammock out of $1 a yard walmart fabric. For about $10 you can make a test one and see if it works for you.

http://www.imrisk.com/testhammock/testhammock.htm

I am in the process of making a homemade speer style hammock. It is really easy. One thing in hanging the hammock, do not tie it tight between 2 trees. Leave a lot of sag in it. It will make sense once you try it.

[SGT Rock]

That is a good question. I started with cheap net hammocks. They are no where near as easy or comfortable as a good hammock. But they convinced me.

[peter_pan]

Try borrowing one from a nearby hammocker.... Or purchase from REI since they have a liberal return policy....Come to a SEHHA hang out... most of those attending have extra hammocks and would be glad to bring one for you to test.

Pan

[neo]

Ok, so I am a bit fascinated with Hammock sleeping but how can I tell if it will work for me before I go out and buy, or make, a hammock only to find it isn't for me? I think I may like it because of how I sleep, on my side, but it sometimes takes a bit of tossing and turning before I do fall asleep. Once asleep, I don't move much throughout the night.

- JT
:D try it you will love it:cool: neo

[chemist]

I'd definately recommend trying it out. I know loads of people love them - but it just wasn't my thing. All of the above are great suggestions.

[Touch of Grey]

Next Hammock Hanging event near you there in GA is Dec 31-Jan 1, 2006-2007 16th SEHHA Campout, New Year's Eve on Springer Mtn, GA. For more info go to the Hammockcamping.com (http://www.hammockcamping.com) website.

TOG

[MOWGLI]

I tried it a couple of times, and would try it again, but I'm a ground sleeper. Always will be. Everyone is different though, as evidenced by this thread.

[Just Jeff]

All great suggestions. The TestHammock is probably the best "cheap hammock" just to see if you like it. Some of the other cheap hammocks aren't as comfortable as the more expensive models (IMO), but a homemade Speer-type like the TestHammock can be just as comfortable once you get the sag right.

Lots of gear stores have "no questions asked" return policies - REI, EMS, and I think Campmor. Order from them and you can take it back just because you don't like it. Better yet, if they have a store you can do it quicker and w/o the shipping worries. Those policies are designed to encourage folks to purchase big-ticket items that they're not quite sure of...exactly what you're doing. So you're not abusing the policy unless you do it again and again.

But there are several hammockers in an around your area. I'm sure someone would be willing to show off their gear.

[generoll]

i have a HH asym explorer that i'm willing to lend to you for the cost of the shipping. i haven't completely given up on the idea of hammocks, i just haven't conquered the problem of a cold back in the early am. if you want to pm me with your shipping details i'll send you my hammock on loan and you can try it out. i do ask that you reimburse me the cost of the shipping, but that should give you an idea of whether or not hammocks are for you.

[Doctari]

C & C outdoors has a decent practice hammock for under $30.00. I love my Byer, was planning on using it for all my hiking, unfortunatly I almost totally trashed it so am going to get a hammock without the strings.

http://www.ccoutdoorstore.com/


Doctari.

[FanaticFringer]

Got back from testing out my Byer Mosquito last nite. I've tested it at home and it was o.k. My butt sank to near bottom the next morning as I almost got my Nest dirty.www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/Products%20List_files/Under%20Quilt.htm
I also could not sleep on the diagonal.
I definetely suggest testing out a quality hammock before you decide if it is for you. Wether that be a homemade job or not.

[Aramis]

You can get the 'travel hammock' style for around $20, and it's the sort of thing that's handy to have around at home anyway. Kids seem to love playing in them, and even if you don't like sleeping in a hammock it can still be great for lounging in the back yard.

[Footslogger]

Ok, so I am a bit fascinated with Hammock sleeping but how can I tell if it will work for me before I go out and buy, or make, a hammock only to find it isn't for me? I think I may like it because of how I sleep, on my side, but it sometimes takes a bit of tossing and turning before I do fall asleep. Once asleep, I don't move much throughout the night.

- JT
=======================================

I would tell you that a hammock is worth the investment, even if only as a trial run. I say that fully acknowledging the fact that I a fair weather tree dweller.

I bought my hammock (Hennessey Ultralight Backpacker) back in the late 90's. Like you, I was fascinated at the prospect of sleeping off the ground and do often sleep on my side.

I ended up trying several of the currently available adaptations for making the hammock a comfortable shelter in the colder weather. I concluded that for me those extra accessories were more than I was willing to pack and carry. So ...I own and use both a tent and a hammock depending on the length of my hike and the season.

'Slogger

[Johnny Swank]

I have a Byer Traveler I'll sell for $10+shipping if you want something to try out.

[W6FO]

Thanks for all the feedback. generoll, I may take you up on your offer as, the big guy that I am, the explorer is the model I am looking at if I buy one.

- JT

[joec]

I did my first hammock trip late this past summer. I, too, toss and turn alot before going to sleep. I got in my hammock and stayed perfectly still and comfortable. No tossing and turning. I think due to the fact you are supported uniformly, that the tossing to find a comfortable spot is no longer as much a factor. Also the fact I was bone tired helped some to. I think it was the first time in my life, that I have any memory of, that I slept without the need to toss around. No more ground sleeping for me.

[fiddleburn]

My Hennesy is a great, light, bug proof shelter. In colder seasons, as bugs are not a problem, I find a tarp and pad, a better solution. I sleep well either way. Odds are your tossing a bit before getting to sleep may be reduced in a hammock. You are wise to try one. It will allow you to camp in many more places than a tent or tarp will. The geatest benefit to me is the freedom to avoid shelters and crowds entirely. Some, like me, hike partly to get away from lots of people, while others prefer a lot of company. Either way, a hammock provides greater flexibility, greater comfort, and a true ultralight solution in season. Most who try one seem to benefit.

[domromer]

Does anybody use the risk hammock for camping as thier main hammock?

[Just Jeff]

Put a hem around the edges and yes.