View Full Version : Hammock Questions?
I would really like to try out hammocking!
And Have found this hammock http://cgi.ebay.com/Grand-Trunk-Ultralight-Hammock_W0QQitemZ230430140824QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a6b4e998
and was wondering if it was any good.
But i was also wondering what size tarp to go with this?
go to www.hammockforums.com (http://www.hammockforums.com)
there are some folks who have the Grand Trunk hammock so they should be able to answer your question about this one.
As far as tarps there are quite a few companies that make good one.
I prefer a Speer tarp www.speerhammocks.com (http://www.speerhammocks.com)
warbonnet makes a good one www.warbonnetoutdoors.net (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net)
If it werent for Bugs I imagine you'd find a lot more of these on the trail. Simple. Light. Cheap. Put a tarp over it and a bugnet on your head and enjoy.
Buy one of these http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/travel_h.htm to put over it in the summer and you're good to go. Campmor sells Equinox tarps (other retailers do, too) if you want an inexpensive silnylon tarp. These have grommets, which are not as sturdy as good sewn in loops (webbing is better than "grosgrain", which basically means "large grain", or, "loosely woven" loops).
Shop around for tarps, there are some good buys available.
I had a Hennessy and sold it when I tried the bug net over standard hammock setup. Why carry netting in the winter when there are no bugs - and, if you have a sleeping bag, JRB Quilt, or Speer PeaPod, you won't need over and under quilts. Just wrap your hammock and body in downy warmth.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=38616&catid=member&imageuser=2502
This is what a person can do on the cheap (relatively) with the right sleeping bag and a cheap hammock.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=38616&catid=member&imageuser=2502
This is what a person can do on the cheap (relatively) with the right sleeping bag and a cheap hammock.
I wonder how badly that'd ruin my Montbell UL Hugger, it does have elastic baffling
restlesss
03-05-2010, 01:46
I too am intersted in the hammock camping... on Hammock Forum there are people who have plans for a DIY hammock... I made my own for about 10 bucks. I got most of the ingredients from the evil giant and made it in about 20 minutes. I am going to modify it to use on the trail such as adding netting to it and sewing a hem and adding tie outs etc. I say go for it. I camped in my backyard a few weeks ago and when it warms up again, I am hitting the trail. have fun!!!
climber2377
03-05-2010, 01:58
just google hammock camping and you will have tons of options.
Noah Genda
03-17-2010, 09:30
Hanging looks cool, but what hammocks are made for 6'2" frames and the associated 240 pounds of weight?
Because I typically sleep on my side in bed, I am curious how other "side-sleepers" fair in a hammock?
SGT Rock
03-17-2010, 09:45
Side sleeping is fine. Hennessy, Warbonnet, Speer, and many others make hammocks for all sorts of people, tall and short. And most folks can make a hammock with very little skills.
Old Grouse
03-17-2010, 10:23
Hanging looks cool, but what hammocks are made for 6'2" frames and the associated 240 pounds of weight?
Because I typically sleep on my side in bed, I am curious how other "side-sleepers" fair in a hammock?
The Jacks R Better Bear Mtn Bridge Hammock is tailor made for you.
Just Jeff
03-18-2010, 01:32
The JRB Bear Mountain Bridge hammock is the only true lay-flat hammock I've seen on the market. I'm pretty much completely flat in it...the problem I have is that when I'm on my side I pull my legs up to almost fetal. This works well in other hammocks but the BMBH is a bit too narrow for me to do that. So if your body is pretty straight when you're on your side, I'd definitely recommend trying it out. Or if you're a back sleeper.
Lots of folks have made their own bridge hammocks as well...doesn't appear to be too difficult, so one could probably make a bridge hammock wide enough to go fetal in as well.
Noah Genda
03-24-2010, 21:03
Just Jeff - many thanks for your input...side-sleeping is my thing with one leg hiked up, and you've helped me see that I'm probably better off on the ground for now.
Tentin' is just fine...
Best regards,
Noah Genda
I wonder how badly that'd ruin my Montbell UL Hugger, it does have elastic baffling
The down hugger concept would be perfect for a hammock bag. Unfortunately, no one makes one with a drawstring on each end.
Side sleeping is fine. Hennessy, Warbonnet, Speer, and many others make hammocks for all sorts of people, tall and short. And most folks can make a hammock with very little skills.
Right. It's pure bull to say you can't sleep on your side in a hammock. It won't be exactly like sleeping in your bed, but far superior to sleeping on the ground.
Just Jeff
03-25-2010, 02:08
Just Jeff - many thanks for your input...side-sleeping is my thing with one leg hiked up, and you've helped me see that I'm probably better off on the ground for now.
Tentin' is just fine...
Best regards,
Noah Genda
Well, if "just fine" is good enough for you, then run with it. Seriously...it's at least worth a try just to see how comfortable you can sleep in the woods. And if it's not for you, then like I said...run with what you've got and enjoy your time outdoors.
But I sleep on my side all the time in my hammocks. At least for the first couple nights...after that I find that I'm just as comfortable on my back. But then I always go back to side-sleeping in my bed when I get home.
Yeah, the first night I ever spent in a hammock in my entire life I was on my side most of the night, no problem.
white_russian
03-25-2010, 06:59
I am exclusively a side sleeper when on the ground or at home on my bed. I have always slept on my back in my hammock and get as good if not better sleep. Sleeping on the side when laying down doesn't correlate to the hammock so each person has to try it for themselves.
I am exclusively a side sleeper when on the ground or at home on my bed. I have always slept on my back in my hammock and get as good if not better sleep. Sleeping on the side when laying down doesn't correlate to the hammock so each person has to try it for themselves.
My experience as well. At home in a bed, I'm exclusively a side sleeper. In my hammock, I'm almost totally on my back...maybe a bit tilted but not much! Oh, and my hammock is a gathered-end hammock (not a bridge hammock).
spirit4earth
04-04-2010, 11:21
i have a treehugger hammock that wraps around me like a tortilla. what would be the best way to keep from doing that?
Just Jeff
04-04-2010, 12:42
You're probably pulling it tight when you hang it...you have to let the hammock sag, then lay on the diagonal. That means put your feet to the right of the centerline and your head to the left (or vice versa). The hammock will shape a bit, causing your head and feet to lower a bit, making your body flat.
There are a couple of pics here showing differences in sag:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockGlossary.html
One way to experiment with sag is to add a structural ridgeline...that's just a piece of cord tied between the hammock ropes that keeps the fabric consistent for each hang. Adding or subtracting even an inch from the length of the ridgeline can make a huge difference in how the hammock feels when you lay in it. Here's a quick write-up on adding a ridgeline to a gathered-end hammock like the treehugger.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock4.html
Hope these help.
safn1949
04-21-2010, 20:38
Ok so here is my dumb question,any time in the past I was in a hammock it put a lot of pressure on my knees.As in the feeling of being bent the wrong way.
That was years ago and I was just wondering how the modern designs overcome that?:D
Just Jeff
04-21-2010, 21:17
Bridge hammock are basically completely flat, so they don't put pressure on the knees.
Aside from that, you may have been laying in it wrong. Gathered end hammocks (i.e. hammocks without spreader bars at the top) are meant to be hung with a lot of sag (very loosely, not taut) and you lay in the diagonally. Then the hammock shapes to your body more, and it really reduces the banana shape and pressure from hyperextending the knees.
Also, some hammocks are designed to add extra slack into the sides to allow you to lay flatter. The Warbonnet Blackbird does this, and it gives a very flat lay that almost completely does away with the calf pressure that Hennessy Hammocks give, and also any feeling of hyperextending the knee.
Beyond that...do you ever use a pillow under your knees in your bed at home or on the ground? Or put one between your knees if you're sleeping on your side? I do...and so I'll just use a stuff sack if I get that feeling in a hammock.
For me, it's lightyears ahead of sleeping on the ground in terms of comfort. But not everyone feels that way...and as long as you have a system that gets you into the woods, it's all good. Pick the right tool that helps you enjoy the wilderness responsibly.
amclumberjack
04-26-2010, 21:43
Bridge hammock are basically completely flat, so they don't put pressure on the knees.
Aside from that, you may have been laying in it wrong. Gathered end hammocks (i.e. hammocks without spreader bars at the top) are meant to be hung with a lot of sag (very loosely, not taut) and you lay in the diagonally. Then the hammock shapes to your body more, and it really reduces the banana shape and pressure from hyperextending the knees.
Also, some hammocks are designed to add extra slack into the sides to allow you to lay flatter. The Warbonnet Blackbird does this, and it gives a very flat lay that almost completely does away with the calf pressure that Hennessy Hammocks give, and also any feeling of hyperextending the knee.
Beyond that...do you ever use a pillow under your knees in your bed at home or on the ground? Or put one between your knees if you're sleeping on your side? I do...and so I'll just use a stuff sack if I get that feeling in a hammock.
For me, it's lightyears ahead of sleeping on the ground in terms of comfort. But not everyone feels that way...and as long as you have a system that gets you into the woods, it's all good. Pick the right tool that helps you enjoy the wilderness responsibly.
i used your design to make my owen
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/amclumberjack/0426101942a.jpg%5B/IMG%5D
kayak karl
04-26-2010, 22:01
I would really like to try out hammocking!
And Have found this hammock http://cgi.ebay.com/Grand-Trunk-Ultralight-Hammock_W0QQitemZ230430140824QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a6b4e998
and was wondering if it was any good.
But i was also wondering what size tarp to go with this?
i ordered this hammock today to use in the winter to bring all my shelter gear for 0 degrees below 5 lb (hammock,tarp, suspension and quilts) it should do it and with a cuben tarp i should hit 4.5 lb
Just Jeff
04-26-2010, 22:18
i used your design to make my owen
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/amclumberjack/0426101942a.jpg%5B/IMG%5D
Your picture isn't showing up, but I'm glad I could help. How do you like the finished project?
wisenber
04-26-2010, 23:26
Just Jeff - many thanks for your input...side-sleeping is my thing with one leg hiked up, and you've helped me see that I'm probably better off on the ground for now.
Tentin' is just fine...
Best regards,
Noah Genda
If you sleep on your side and you're over 6', I'd just look for any gathered end hammock that is over 8.5' long and 60" wide. A 10' one gives you more options. I'm 6' and about 205 lbs. In my long gathered end hammocks, I can sleep comfortably in about any position but my stomach.
There's nothing wrong with a tent, but once you've had your first night off the ground with no pressure points, you'll know why we like hammocks so much.
amclumberjack
04-26-2010, 23:26
http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/amclumberjack/0426101942a.jpg
amclumberjack
04-26-2010, 23:29
i ment to put this in with the pic but i havent spent a night in it yet but it fits nice , i did it with 2 layers so i can slide a pad in them
Just Jeff
04-27-2010, 10:12
Looks great!
Rain Man
04-27-2010, 12:01
And most folks can make a hammock with very little skills.
But, but ... I want my hammock to have lots of skills!!! :D
I'm about to attempt to add a ridge-line to my wife's new ENO double, and I'm thinking I'm going to need lots of skills to figure out how long to make it.
Rain:sunMan
.
wisenber
04-27-2010, 13:32
But, but ... I want my hammock to have lots of skills!!! :D
I'm about to attempt to add a ridge-line to my wife's new ENO double, and I'm thinking I'm going to need lots of skills to figure out how long to make it.
Rain:sunMan
.
A pretty good starting point is with the ratio than Warbonnet uses. His 10' (120") hammocks use a 100" ridgeline. That gives you about a .833 ratio of ridgleline to hammock. The ENO is 9'10" (118"), so 118X .833= gives you about a 98" ridgleline for the same ratio. There's no "law" that says you have to stick with that, but it's a really good reference point.
MedicineMan
05-27-2010, 00:59
Just got back from CT/Mass and a little in Vermont. I left my WB Blackbird with a friend to use on a hike...couple days later I'm paddle camping in the Allegheny NF and only had a WB Traveler--no netting--with me thinking no bugs that far south. I was wrong but I had a hammock sock with me that saved the day. Added some warmth, kept the bugs away and helped snug up the MacIX to the bottom of the hammock.