View Full Version : What to get?!
EastCoastFeastCoast
03-15-2011, 08:16
Hey guys, thanks in advance for the advice. So as the summer approaches, I want to get up off the ground and into a hammock. My old pos hammock from years and years ago is starting to fall apart, so it's time for a new one. I don't want anything fancy, just something easy to set up (they pretty much all are), reliable, fairly comfy (again they all pretty much are I assume), and light weight. All of this without busting the budget, of course. Any suggestions?
I don't care what color it is or what it looks like, and I don't need a bug net or tarp attachment.
Two Tents
03-15-2011, 08:34
They are pretty easy to make go over to Hammock forums and you can search for DIY, get some material at Wally world--pretty sweet!
couscous
03-15-2011, 08:36
Based on the criteria - you might want to start by looking at the hammocks on Campmor (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/CAMOmnifindQueryCmd?storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1&searchKeywords=hammock&searchCategory=search&ip_state=&ip_constrain=&ip_navtype=search&pageSize=59¤tPage=0&ip_sortBy=nameAsc&priceFilter=&catFilter=&manNameFilter=&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&filters=).
johnnyblisters
03-15-2011, 09:20
Hey guys, thanks in advance for the advice. So as the summer approaches, I want to get up off the ground and into a hammock. My old pos hammock from years and years ago is starting to fall apart, so it's time for a new one. I don't want anything fancy, just something easy to set up (they pretty much all are), reliable, fairly comfy (again they all pretty much are I assume), and light weight. All of this without busting the budget, of course. Any suggestions?
I don't care what color it is or what it looks like, and I don't need a bug net or tarp attachment.
I suggest you get a tent.
And bug netting, and a tarp.
Hammocking has turned into one of the most complicated forms of camping IMO. Too much junk/fuss.
Every once and a while I break out the ham hawk and go swing around in the woods. I built my simple hammock like this one http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultraquarterweight.htm (http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultraquarterweight.htm)
Maybe $25 and a little time, worth it to me.
EastCoastFeastCoast
03-15-2011, 13:13
I boycott Wally World (I won't begin to tell you why... that would take a while) and I'm also not the "best" when it comes to making reliable equipment. Therefore I would prefer to buy one. I use a tent (MHW Twin Arch2) during most of the year and I love it, however when the summer really hits we like to use hammocks (we have a big ole tarp to cover several hammocks) so I don't need one with a tarp attachment or anything, just something simple really. I have looked around and there are some nice ones, I guess I was looking for suggestions on specific hammocks to look at (easy way out).
mlkelley
03-15-2011, 15:59
Maybe an ENO single nest. It's what I started hammocking in.
Something like this?
http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/travelers.php
I've been using a basic Byer Hammock which I modified by taking the parachute cord off of the ends and running 6mm climber's accessory cord through the end. This makes for a fairly short hammock, just big enough for me at 5'10-1/2". I purchased a "Tree sling" hammock from REI 2 years ago for $19.97 on closeout. They may have something else similar now.
I've given up on the hammocks with sewn-in bug netting because I ripped the netting from the hammock on the first set-up twice. I now use an ENO bug net over whichever hammock I choose to take.
Buffalo Skipper
03-15-2011, 17:16
JohnnyBlisters is right that hammocking can involve some fitzing and futzing. If you like that (as I do) then it can add to the experience. Otherwise, find you gear and stick to it.
I have a GT Skeeter Beeter pro. It is one of the longest hammocks made, and very comfortable. I made my own straps and whoopie slings. I also have a Kelty Noah tarp. I am slowly eventually replacing this with lighter gear, but it works for now (new tarp later this month, upgrading to a Warbonnet Blackbird by May...)
If you want the SB Pro, you best price will be at www.manventureoutpost.com (http://www.manventureoutpost.com). You will have to contact them to get a quote, but it will be 40+% less than any other site.
Good luck.
Here's a good deal I just stumbled into:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1811R_ENO-RestNest-Hammock.html
EastCoastFeastCoast
03-16-2011, 01:02
I'm a solid 5'11 / 200lb so I kinda like having a good size hammock. As far as fuss goes, I don't like fuss, that's just not cool imo, but hammocks don't "have" to be fussy. I'm pretty happy with my general gear setup, we just use hammocks in the late summer when it's 5billion degrees outside (celsius). That Eno RestNest sounds PERFECT, but it's sold out :(. I'll keep checking, thanks guys!
You need to look at Trek Light. This sucker holds 400Lb and is light and well built.
http://bit.ly/g1hbBl
I've yet to hear anyone say a bad thing about TLG. :)
Raul Perez
03-16-2011, 15:28
I suggest you get a tent.
Hammocking has turned into one of the most complicated forms of camping IMO. Too much junk/fuss.
Care to elaborate? I can set up my hammock in 5 minutes and have no complicated parts with a summer base weight of 8.9lbs, Spring/Fall 10.5lbs, winter 15lbs
To the OP.... I would probably go Hennessey Hammock which is a great starter hammock which comes with a tarp (less shopping around) and you can probably upgrade to a Hex tarp from HH which provides better coverage.
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/travelers.php (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/travelers.php)
+1 on Traveler great guy to deal with.
EastCoastFeastCoast
03-16-2011, 16:56
What do you guys think of this? Seems long enough / big enough weight rating. 12oz seems light.
http://www.grandtrunkgoods.com/ProdDetails.aspx?prodId=64
EastCoastFeastCoast
03-16-2011, 16:58
Oh... and it's 20 bucks :)
(Found for cheaper on Amazon-17bucks and free shipping)
GvilleDave
03-18-2011, 16:07
+2 on the Warbonnet Traveler. You said you did not need a bugnet (but you live in Knoxville - you must lknow something I don't...) and you already have a tarp. For $75 you get a great hammock available w/ a double layer bottom. The double layer bottom will make sleeping with a pad easy and comfortable.
With the ENO & Grand Trunk hammocks you'll save a few dollars but you'll have to buy tree straps and will probably want to modify or change the suspension. Also they are single layer so the pads will be more troublesome. With the WB Traveler you have everything ready straight from the get go. To boot Brandon runs a nice little american made cottage industry and you would be supporting a great guy that is super helpful.
Hammocks can be very simple, the fiddle factor and tweaking is just a hobby for some. Enjoy.
I love when people who don't use hammocks are experts. I've got tents and hammocks, and hike with folks who use both, and the hammockers can set up a weather proof shelter where a lot of the tent users just sort of set up a tent and on the occasion that it does rain, they get condensation, leaks, etc. One tenter went on at length how he needed a "bug proof tent" and within hours was trying to get ants out of his tent. All shelters take a certain level of skill to use properly. Even those "straightforward" tents. Can't count the times I have had to help someone figure out those crazy hubbed pole systems they are making now! It shouldn't take two people to set up a solo tent. Once you get used to the setup of whatever it is you have, it takes you less time to set up - whether it's a Big Agnes tent with hubs and poles and a million guyout points or a hammock and a cat cut tarp - that's just common sense. Same with driving a car, using a stove, using a microwave, using any gadget or appliance in the world - there's always a learning curve.
Simplest shelter in the world - a tarp strung between two trees. Add a couple of straps with a hammock between them, takes a few more minutes, no big deal. Get in the hammock and get on the diagonal (if it's gathered end).
Insulation? same thing as you used in the tent, or simpler, an underquilt with shock corded end loops, attached to the hammock or its suspension per instructions. Some very good options these days - not without cost, but nothing is.
You can make anything simple or complex. I've had the same hammock and tarp for going on five years, have been very happy with what I have, changed very little other than to swap out the suspension to take better advantage of massive pine trees. My setup time is next to nothing and sleeping the night through in rain without being on the ground is more than worth all the jeering and snide remarks of people who don't know how to use them. Not even talking about people on forums, most people here don't have a clue about camping hammocks and think I'm nuts. Crazy like a fox. Still waiting for all the cold and motion sickness people keep telling me I'll suffer.
EastCoastFeastCoast
03-18-2011, 18:38
The Warbonnet does seem pretty cool and easy to use, however I already have Deet bug repellent and the smoke from the fire also helps... the bugs just don't really seem to bother me. Also I find hammocking incredibly comfortable, much more so than a tent with a sleeping pad and all that jazz... I usually just use a fleece blanket or summer sleeping bag and no pad of any kind. I already have some GT straps from a few years back, so no need for anything other than the hammock itself. I do appreciate all your guys advice, but I'm leaning towards the GT UL hammock, seems pretty well constructed for light use, affordable, lightweight, etc, etc, etc. Thanks again guys!