View Full Version : Hammock Questions
Bags4266
01-04-2010, 18:14
I am researching hammocking and have two questions.
1) Do I need a bottom pad in the summer to prevent Mosiquto bites?
2) I weigh 185-190, 5' 10" , could I get away w/ the hammocks rated to 200lbs or should I get the 250 lbs model.
1. Possibly. I treat my hammock with permethrin. You will more likely need a pad or underquilt for when the temps drop below 70*. A poncho hung below the hammock adds considerable warmth as it reduces the convective heat loss.
2. Probably be ok. Most hammock manufacturers will gladly answer questions about their hammocks. Asking them how conservative those weight limits would give you a better idea.
I am researching hammocking and have two questions.
1) Do I need a bottom pad in the summer to prevent Mosiquto bites?
2) I weigh 185-190, 5' 10" , could I get away w/ the hammocks rated to 200lbs or should I get the 250 lbs model.
1) Not necessarily. You can treat with permethrin, as previously stated or use a double layer hammock, as I do. There are other ways to prevent mosquito bits, plenty of them are discussed over at Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net).
2) You'll probably be just fine.
What hammocks are you looking at?
A poncho hung below the hammock adds considerable warmth as it reduces the convective heat loss.Do bear in mind, however, that most ponchos are vapor barriers and allow zero air flow. This can be a recipe to wake up with a bottow wet with condensation. Not saying it isn't do-able, but you do have to know what you're doing in order for this not to happen.
Bags4266
01-04-2010, 22:19
1) Not necessarily. You can treat with permethrin, as previously stated or use a double layer hammock, as I do. There are other ways to prevent mosquito bits, plenty of them are discussed over at Hammock Forums (http://www.hammockforums.net).
2) You'll probably be just fine.
What hammocks are you looking at?
Do bear in mind, however, that most ponchos are vapor barriers and allow zero air flow. This can be a recipe to wake up with a bottow wet with condensation. Not saying it isn't do-able, but you do have to know what you're doing in order for this not to happen.
Thanks all. I have been reading the Hammock forum. The one I was interested in was the Ultralite Asym
I had an Ultraliht A-sym and never got bitten through the bottom of it (though I did get stung through the bottom once (this can't happen with the hammock I use now because the bug netting encircles the entire hammock).
I weigh 210 lbs. and have been as heavy as 220 lbs. and slept in the UL A-sym just fine. I did ruin the nylon outer sheath of the spectra ropes, though. I just cut the ropes short, tied a loop in each, and used nylon climbing accessory cord instead.
sasquatch2014
01-07-2010, 08:26
My friend recommended a Hammocks shop .
I checked most of the Hammocks (http://www.uxsight.com/category/159030/hammocks.html) and found it can only Load weight about 130lbs approx. Didn't find any Hammock which can load 200lbs.
I use a Clark North American because I do a lot of 4 Season camping. Mine hold well over 200 lbs.
white_russian
01-07-2010, 09:41
I had Hennessey put 250 lbs rated ropes on my Ultalight Asym. I guess it weighs a couple of ounces more. I had them do this when I bought it and it was free, but I guess they probably don't charge much to retrofit an old one. The only differance is the ropes though, the hammock body can handle the weight. If you are worried about it, go this route and you won't have to worry.
Brian, aka Tback on hammock forums, who hangs in the florida swamps, told me he had to go to a two layer hammock because the mosquitos were biting him through the hammock bottom.
Remember that florida swamp mosquitos are the real deal!!
If your sleeping in the hammock you'll need some type of under insulation if it is going to be under 65-70. That should keep the mosquitoes at bay. I have had a few horrendous mosquito nights in the hammock and when I cinched my underquilt up and made sure my sleeping bag was keeping any skin from touching the outside of the hammock I slept OK.
What drove me nuts was the constant "bzzzzzzzzzzz" around my freakin ears all night. Enough to drive someone mad, even if your not getting bit. Of all my nights on the thru, there were only 2 nights I wish I had a tent and it was to stop that buzz.
Bags4266
01-07-2010, 20:11
Thanks to all the replys. I am lurking over on the hammock forum. There's alot to learn yet before I make a decision. Buy nice or pay twice!
Not much if any avantage to weight reduction, but the campsites will be endless!
Thanks to all the replys. I am lurking over on the hammock forum. There's alot to learn yet before I make a decision. Buy nice or pay twice!
Not much if any avantage to weight reduction, but the campsites will be endless!
I'm sure you've already heard this over on HF, but it bears repeating. If you spend much time in a hammock, start with a Warbonnet Blackbird (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/), because you're going to end up in one any way. The 1.1 ounce double layer will hold your weight with no problem, the double layers will thwart biters, and the hammock is a solid level of comfort, ease of setup, and entry ahead of the Hennessy line.
warraghiyagey
01-07-2010, 20:57
Hammocks are dumb...
Hammocks are dumb...
YOU SHUT UP!! Hater... :welcome
I'm sure you've already heard this over on HF, but it bears repeating. If you spend much time in a hammock, start with a Warbonnet Blackbird (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/), because you're going to end up in one any way. The 1.1 ounce double layer will hold your weight with no problem, the double layers will thwart biters, and the hammock is a solid level of comfort, ease of setup, and entry ahead of the Hennessy line.Agreed. I looooove my BlackBird!
Hammocks are dumb...
http://www.holamun2.com/files/images/mun2-images/freejoles/stop-sippin-haterade.gif
warraghiyagey
01-07-2010, 21:02
Hooch is dumb. . .
Hooch is dumb. . .
http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mfl/lowres/mfln130l.jpg
warraghiyagey
01-07-2010, 21:04
Bearpaw is dumb. . .
Bags4266
01-07-2010, 21:05
Thanks Bearpaw, that is one in the running. Which tarp will be a good fit for that? (one less item I need to research).
Also, I am not giving up on tenting. I like the extra room and less weight. But I do plan on doing the long trail and I think hanging for that trip is adviseable.
Thanks Bearpaw, that is one in the running. Which tarp will be a good fit for that? (one less item I need to research).
Also, I am not giving up on tenting. I like the extra room and less weight. But I do plan on doing the long trail and I think hanging for that trip is adviseable.You may want to look at the OES MacCat Deluxe, the Speer Winter Tarp or the JRB 10x11 tarp. OF course, don't leave out the Warbonnet Big MamaJamba or SuperFly.
warraghiyagey
01-07-2010, 21:27
You may want to look at the OES MacCat Deluxe, the Speer Winter Tarp or the JRB 10x11 tarp. OF course, don't leave out the Warbonnet Big MamaJamba or SuperFly.
Thread drift. . . :mad:
Thanks Bearpaw, that is one in the running. Which tarp will be a good fit for that? (one less item I need to research).
Also, I am not giving up on tenting. I like the extra room and less weight. But I do plan on doing the long trail and I think hanging for that trip is adviseable.
As Hooch mentioned, the Outdoor Equipment Supplier MacCat Tarps and Speer Winter Tarps are both excellent. In 3-season weather I use the MacCat Deluxe.
I often set it up with a "front porch" with my trekking poles for support. Good view with solid protection.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Mammoth%20Cave%20Day%20Hikes/019a.jpg
In rainier conditions, I batten it down closer.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Blue%20Blaze%2009%20VA/123.jpg
It is very easy and quick to set up, and weighs under a pound with all lines.
In cooler weather, the Speer Winter Tarp offers some superb weather protection options.
In "Front porch" mode:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Pinhoti%20Trail%20Oct%2009/013a.jpg
But the real glory is the end flaps. In cold windy weather, you can button it down about as well as a tent around your hammock.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Pinhoti%20Nov%2009/032a.jpg
If you're going to hammock year-round and have only one tarp, the Speer Winter Tarp is the way to go. If you're only camping three-season in a hammock, the easy set-up and lighter weight of the OES MacCat series is worth the look.
Bags4266
01-07-2010, 22:55
Bearpaw, thanks for all your input. Your comments and others will put things in a better perspective. AAAA Warraghiyagey thanks for being the hall monitor...I won't drift anymore!
Bearpaw, thanks for all your input. Your comments and others will put things in a better perspective.
You're welcome. Be sure to spend plenty of time on HammockForums. I've a relative lightweight in the hammock world. I only started about 4 1/2 years ago and only went year-round a year and a half ago. There are some true hammock geeks (meant in a good way) over there.
Warraghiyagey thanks for being the hall monitor...I won't drift anymore!
No, no. Warghy is the thread drift monitor all right. But he calls you out if you're NOT thread-drifting. ;)
Bearpaw, thanks for all your input........
You may want to look at the OES MacCat Deluxe, the Speer Winter Tarp or the JRB 10x11 tarp. OF course, don't leave out the Warbonnet Big MamaJamba or SuperFly.
Ahem. :rolleyes::D
Cannibal
01-10-2010, 00:56
My friend recommended a Hammocks shop .
I checked most of the Hammocks (http://www.uxsight.com/category/159030/hammocks.html) and found it can only Load weight about 130lbs approx. Didn't find any Hammock which can load 200lbs.
I know the OP's questions have been well answered, but I just gotta say something about this link; THOSE ARE NOT GOOD HAMMOCKS! Oh my. Please, please, please don't think that those are representative of camping hammocks. More like what they forced people to sleep in during the Inquisition. Make you convert real quick, if not, death may still be a better option! :eek:
Warbonnet Outdoors (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/) (the best IMO)
Speer Hammocks (http://www.speerhammocks.com/)
Jacks R Better (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/BMBH.htm)
Hennessy Hammocks (http://hennessyhammock.com/)
ENO (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/)
Clark (http://www.junglehammock.com/)
Claytor (http://www.mosquitohammock.com/)
Trek Light (http://www.treklightgear.com/Catalog/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=5)
Grand Trunk (http://www.thetravelhammock.com/Products.aspx?cat=5)
Byer of Maine (http://www.byerofmaine.com/amazonas.htm)
DD Hammocks (http://www.ddhammocks.com/)
I can keep going, but these are real camping hammocks.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/browseimages.php?do=member&catid=member&imageuser=2502
There are a few picture of my hammock setups here. In buggy weather I currently use an ENO bug net over a cheap hammock. There's no way bugs can bite through the bottom of the hammock because they can't get within a foot of your butt because of the netting. I also don't have to worry about being stung when I'm inside the bug enclosure (which happened through the bottom of my Hennessy).
take-a-knee
01-10-2010, 09:43
I gave my Hennessy a good permethrin treatment and had no problem in the Okeefenokee swamp a few years ago. I hadn't seen that many mosquitoes since I left Alaska.
Bags4266
01-10-2010, 10:16
[QUOTE=Cannibal;948372]I know the OP's questions have been well answered, but I just gotta say something about this link; THOSE ARE NOT GOOD HAMMOCKS! Oh my. Please, please, please don't think that those are representative of camping hammocks. More like what they forced people to sleep in during the Inquisition. Make you convert real quick, if not, death may still be a better option! :eek:
I wouldn't consider those. My setup is most likely going to be the WBBB and the Speer Cat 8 x 10 tarp.
I have a JRB 10x11 tarp and an OES Deluxe (spinn). Both are fantastic. I rig the jrb in winter for full enclosure (different than the photos show).
climber2377
01-19-2010, 20:14
was just researching myself. ended my search at the hennessy shop. picked up an ultralight backpacker and a 4 season insulation system for 320, they throw a free scout and a set of snakeskins. i was intrigued by the new jungle model they have, but for the money i think i did well.
1forcamping
02-03-2010, 20:45
If you're looking for something light but strong...
http://grandtrunkgoods.com/ProdDetails.aspx?prodId=34
If you're more worried about the bugs, would like some versatility, and are willing to get creative with your ventilation...
http://grandtrunkgoods.com/ProdDetails.aspx?prodId=71
I'm personaly looking into getting the latter. The idea of having a hammock and tarp shelter in one item that weighs 1.25lbs seems pretty cool to me.
1) No. As long as the weave of the fabric is tight enough. I was never bitten through the bottom of my HH Ultralight A-sym.
2) Probably. I used the above hammock for two years before the sheathing of the spectra cord frayed (I weigh between 210 and 220) and I had to cut it and tie a loop in each end and use standard climbing accessory cord (6mm).
Just Jeff
02-03-2010, 21:31
1forcamping - that second hammock you linked to is a multipurpose item, but it can't be used as a tarp and hammock at the same time...unless you buy two of them.
1forcamping
02-03-2010, 23:08
In one of the pictures it looks like you might be able to wrap up burrito style.
I used to do this with my ENO to keep th bugs off.
I'm thinking you could either stake out the overlapping side. Or put a weight in the pocket and toss it over the top.
Just Jeff
02-05-2010, 01:29
You could try it, but I think you'll get some rain coming in at least at the ends. Definitely let us know if it works for you in a rainstorm, though...that would be valuable info. Might be useful for light and fast trips. Other trips I'd want a place to cook, change clothes, etc.
1forcamping
02-09-2010, 16:45
You could try it, but I think you'll get some rain coming in at least at the ends. Definitely let us know if it works for you in a rainstorm, though...that would be valuable info. Might be useful for light and fast trips. Other trips I'd want a place to cook, change clothes, etc.
Good point with the cooking area. Maybe the Nano 7 and a good fly then.