View Full Version : Testing a hammock
MuffinMan11
12-20-2009, 19:58
I really want to try a hammock out but dont want to spend the money just to try it out. Anyone have any suggestions for something either very cheap to try or make just to get the feel of the experience?
http://www.imrisk.com/testhammock/testhammock.htm
some walmarts have cheap hammocks, buy one for $15-$20 and try it a few times, if you don't like it, return it. If you like it then go buy a better quality hammock somewhere else.
What Brianle said. That's how I started.
And sleep in it for a few nights, not just one. It took me most of a week to sleep through the night. Once I got acclimated I loved it.
Good Luck
bronconite
12-20-2009, 21:37
I bought this for my nephew to get started, $24.99 and free shipping and an attached bug net. http://ewins.com/items/11203345/EWINS%252010432/Parrot_Bay_Key_Largo_Deluxe_Camping_Hammock_-_Blue I've been in it, but haven't slept in it. It has sewn channels with rope through them with a steel hook. Not the greatest, but can be upgraded later. To attach to trees you can just use ratchet straps. If you don't have any, here is a cheap source. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47708
If you don't like it, you should be able to get most of your money back out of it selling it in the classifieds here on Whiteblaze or on hammockforums.
Just Jeff
12-22-2009, 00:12
Making your own (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html) is pretty easy, or get a decent one like an Eagles Nest Outfitter (ENO). Walmart versions can tell you sorta what it's like, but it's just like how driving a Pinto won't show you what car driving is all about. I wouldn't base my decision on it.
There are also several group hangs a year at various locations...including Texas. Come to one and check out everyone's setups. You can probably borrow a loaner for a night.
MuffinMan11
12-22-2009, 00:38
Thanks for all the replys. I will probably try making my own to start. I browsed around the hammock forums today checking out group hangs and will watch for more coming up near me.
unclemjm
12-22-2009, 12:51
If you don't mind the drive there are a few of us that plan on a small group hang between Christmas and New Year's, (2-3 nights sometime Mon-Fri) in south central Texas. The actual dates and location will be finalized before Santa arrives.
MuffinMan11
12-22-2009, 13:22
If you don't mind the drive there are a few of us that plan on a small group hang between Christmas and New Year's, (2-3 nights sometime Mon-Fri) in south central Texas. The actual dates and location will be finalized before Santa arrives.
Well I have to be in San Antonio on the 4th, and I have off from Christmas until then. I would love to come and check it out. I was already planning a week long trip with my mom up to Ouchita Forest or a very fast walk of the Lone Star Trail if she couldnt make it. She is also wanting to try out a hammock so it would be great timing and we could mix it in to our planning. I will watch for dates to arrive. Thank you.
unclemjm
12-22-2009, 13:48
If you don't mind the drive there are a few of us that plan on a small group hang between Christmas and New Year's, (2-3 nights sometime Mon-Fri) in south central Texas. The actual dates and location will be finalized before Santa arrives.
Well I have to be in San Antonio on the 4th, and I have off from Christmas until then. I would love to come and check it out. I was already planning a week long trip with my mom up to Ouchita Forest or a very fast walk of the Lone Star Trail if she couldnt make it. She is also wanting to try out a hammock so it would be great timing and we could mix it in to our planning. I will watch for dates to arrive. Thank you.
I'll have the dates nailed down by tonight.
It looks like we will be car camping at Stepehn F Austin State Park, between San Antoinio and Houston just north of I-10.
There will be at least 5 hammock hangers there and we can bring some spares for you to try if we know you are coming.
unclemjm
12-22-2009, 22:30
It looks like the next Texas Hang, (the last possible one of 2009), will be at Stephen F Austin State Park (between Houston and San Antonio just north of I-10 at San Felipe) the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Several of us will be hanging out Tuesday Night - New Year's Day.
All are welcome - if you plan to come, respond to this thread and we will save you a pair of trees and have several styles of hammocks for show and tell.http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif
MuffinMan11
12-22-2009, 23:18
My mom and I will be joining you Tuesday after a trip around Lake Georgetown. Never been to a group hang or camp with another group. Anything special we need to bring?
unclemjm
12-22-2009, 23:29
Excellent. Glad to have you along.
So far it's me, my wife and son, a couple of the other Hammock Forum guys and one younger son.
This will be pretty casual so the best advice is to come self contained. We may plan on a group meal or two or just go with the flow. We'll be relatively close to town so groceries should be simple.
Here is a link (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?p=184804#post184804) to the thread on Hammock Forums where we are beginning to discuss the details. Feel free to chime in on the conversation.
unclemjm
02-15-2010, 11:00
My mom and I will be joining you Tuesday after a trip around Lake Georgetown. Never been to a group hang or camp with another group. Anything special we need to bring?
Hey Bobby8088e,
I was scrolling through some pictures still on the camera and was reminded of the New Year's Hang and realized I had not gotten back with you afterwards to see how the hammocks worked for you. Sorry about that. So, what did you think about the hammocks? Were you warm enough?
We enjoyed meeting you both and hanging out. Although the weather stunk and the location was about as rustic as a city park, it was a good trip. Thanks for contributing to the New Year's Eve dinner - that turned out to be quite a feast.
Bags4266
02-15-2010, 11:10
Hey Bobby, The Hammock Forum is great. I lurked there for awhile before I bought my hammock. I'm not a total convert however its just another weapon in the arsenal. I like the fact I could basically hike till dusk and have a spot to hang as opposed to looking 30 min to an hour for a suitable campsite at the end of my day. Only downside for me...weight of hammock vs tent I added near 2 lbs.
Turtle Feet
02-16-2010, 21:26
Hey Bobby, The Hammock Forum is great. I lurked there for awhile before I bought my hammock. I'm not a total convert however its just another weapon in the arsenal. I like the fact I could basically hike till dusk and have a spot to hang as opposed to looking 30 min to an hour for a suitable campsite at the end of my day. Only downside for me...weight of hammock vs tent I added near 2 lbs.
Don't mean to butt in, but I just got a hammock set-up for the first time too. Two different ones actually. What did you choose for a set up???? (if you don't mind sharing) :)
unclemjm
02-16-2010, 22:57
Don't mean to butt in, but I just got a hammock set-up for the first time too. Two different ones actually. What did you choose for a set up???? (if you don't mind sharing) :)
Not sure what you are asking when you say "set up". If you mean total package of gear, I have a collection now, but I started with a Hennessey Explorer Ultralight Hammock.
It comes stock with a tarp that is sufficient, however many folks upgrade to something larger. For a tarp now I use an Integral Designs 8x10 Sil Tarp.
Anytime I am out and the temp drops below 70, I bring some kind of bottom insulation. Typically I use Jacks R Better quilts for bottom and top insulation and sometimes I'll use an Exped 9 Deluxe DAM with either a JRB top quilt or a sleeping bag opened as a quilt.
I have had the HH modified so that it has zippers for top entry while still keeping the bottom entry option for buggy areas.
If "set up" refers to how you hang it, there are many options for suspension. The stock ropes and tree huggers that come with the Hennessey work fine but there are simpler ways to go. I have upgraded to webbing straps and descender ring buckles and more recently to whoopie slings.
In addition, I have a Warbonnet Blackbird with a Yeti underquilt, webbing and ring buckles.
I would strongly encourage you to check out hammockforums.net it's a spinnoff from this community and a great place to learn.
I'd also suggest going to one of the many area group hangs and see the different types of set ups. Everyone is different and there is no "best way to do it".
Feel free to ask anything anytime. The people here and on Hammockforums.net are glad to answer or at least offer an opinion.:)
Bags4266
02-16-2010, 23:27
Turtlefeet, My setup is just a Claytor Jungle, changed the suspension to ring buckles and amsteel blue rope. Very adjustable now. Still heavier than I would like.
Turtle Feet
02-17-2010, 10:46
Yeah, thanks guys. I'm just undecided as to TQ, UQ, and will possibly make my tarp, not sure on that either. Weight is a decision factor for me, but I really don't know how much tarp is going to be enough (we're talking for the thru-hike). I'm wondering if I might end up with two different tarps - a larger one that can be battened down in cold weather, vs a somewhat smaller, lighter one for the heat of summer.
I bought a Nano7 for the pre-bug season, but need to rig up a suspension for that (I got in on that last rope buy onHF), and then I bought a Warbonnet 1.1 (used) that came with webbing and clark(?)buckles. I love the Warbonnet- as a matter of fact, I have it hanging out right now, I just go lay and read from time to time. It does get cold though before too long (it's in the 20's here now).
I'm completely undesided as to UQ, just when I think I've made up my mind, I change it. I'm toying with the idea of making a TQ too (I'm a quilter). I have the time - not doing the thru hike until next season.
So, I just like to get as much imput as possible... Oh, and yes, I'm already on the HF, love that too, it's THE place to get anything and everything hammock!
Thanks!!!
My first hammock was a basic Byer - no bug net.
My second hammock was a Hennessy Ultralight A-sym.
I went back to the Byer after restringing it with 6mm climbing accessory cord.
The reason? I found out that I could pull a sleeping bag with a drawstring footbox right up over it, eliminating the need for under and over quilts. I bought an Eagle's Nest Outfitter net to go over it in the summer.
I like the way I can sit up in it with my legs over the side and not get eaten alive by mosquitoes - and, of course, it's easier getting into and out of than the Hennessy. The summer weight is about 1/2 lb. heavier than the HH, but the winter weight is much less.
Low tech and cheap. Good combination.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=38616&catid=member&imageuser=2502
Here's the cheap solution. There are other pictures of mine which show the bug net and tarp as well. I was using a poncho (hanging on hammock rope) here.
I assume the issue is that you don't have a lot to spend now? I understand, but it sounds to me like you could end up spending a fair amount of money in the long run on stopgap stuff just to see if you might like a hammock, with not much opportunity for resale on that stuff if you don't.
I'd save and get a Warbonnet Blackbird setup and try it. If you don't care for it, you're gonna get most of your money back in resale. Search history on the "selling gear" forums here and on HF, you'll find they go pretty fast.
Bags4266
02-17-2010, 11:58
Scope, she stated she has a WBBB allready!!
Scope, she stated she has a WBBB allready!!
my bad, was answering the original post about testing out a hammock, but I see its dated
Turtle Feet
02-17-2010, 17:10
my bad, was answering the original post about testing out a hammock, but I see its dated
's OK, I didn't know if you were responding to me or someone else.
Like I said, now it's more about getting imput from those that have a system they're using now - what pro's & con's you could throw out there.
I'm definitely going to whip up a whoopie system for the Nano. My thought is that with a mid-March start ('11) I won't need a bug net for at least a month, I can save a little weight with the Nano (off-set with my heavier clothing), then when I'm ready for the WB, I'll switch it out and maybe send a down jacket or something home.
Even with the little bit of time I've spent in the WB, I can see where under insulation 1) is a must, 2) can't be compressed, so...anyway, I didn't mean to hijack the thread just looking for more opinions :)