Decent, cheap hammock

[EJC]

I love my tarptent but was thinking about giving the whole hammock thing a try. I'm looking for decent, cheap hammock setups. Any suggestions? The lighter the better :)

[lilricky]

Go to your local fabric store, get some 1.1oz ripstop nylon, and then go here: http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-camping-hammock/ Or if you want something already made for you, you might want to try out an ENO hammock, not alot of features, but its cheap.

[lilricky]

And of course, check out www.hammockforums.net (http://www.hammockforums.net)

[stars in her eyes]

Byer brand, ENO brand, or DYI ;)

[stars in her eyes]

of course I would fudge that up. DIY*

[Bags4266]

Grand trunk ultralight, around 20 bucks. I used one in the start and it has a good following.

[off-pher]

Go with the GT UL you can buy one cheaper than you could make one.

[wisenber]

Grand trunk ultralight, around 20 bucks. I used one in the start and it has a good following.
+1 on the GT UL. It's a great starter and comes with a suspension. Weighs about 10-12 ounces.

[topshelf]

Try trek light, maybe a little pricier than what you're thinking, but super hammock. All are pretty much made out of the same material, just a preference as to which company you want to go with. Should be able to get one cheap if you check hammock forums as others have suggested.

[BigHodag]

I've used a $17 Grand Trunk light travel hammock (http://at-trail.blogspot.com/2010/03/hammock-camping-along-appalachian-trail.html) the past two years on my AT section hikes.

You'll also need:

Tree Straps - The GT comes complete with two rope style tree straps, but I sprung for SlapStrap Micros @ $29

8 X 10 Tarp - Bought mine at Harbor Freight @ $8. Heavy, but "bomb proof".

Tarp ridgeline - 50 feet 550 para-cord @ $5

Tarp tie downs - 50 feet 550 para-cord @ $4

Stakes - set of 4 @ $5

Head net - Found at Walmart @ $2 (store in hammock pocket)

Stuff sack - $4

Pad - solid blue closed cell foam pad @ $7

[EJC]

Wow, I didn't realize you needed so much stuff! Is all of that going to be any lighter than a tent or about the same weight?

[gunner76]

hammock = tent

tarp = rain fly

Under Quilt (UQ) or pad = pad

Top Quilt (TQ) = sleeping bag

Are you going to save any weight over a tent ? How much does your tent/rainfly, ground cloth ect weight ? Weight wise you will probably be about the same. I sleep alot better in my hammock.

Like any thing else your budget will have alot to do with the the type of gear you can buy. Also what fits and works for me at 6ft 2 and 285 lbs may not work for you.

[Country Roads]

Also with a hammock your campsite options are a lot wider. some "low-impact" campsites on the AT can be small ponds in hard rains; A carefully set up hammock will be way drier than a tent/tarp ground set up.
My hammock is so comfy, I just set one up in the house to sleep in. If you select your gear carefully (spend money when it counts and go cheaper or homemade when you can), you should be between 10 pound baseweight (summer time) and 14 pounds baseweight (cold weather). All in all about the same as a ground set up.

[EJC]

My tarptent is 24.5 oz. and will be a little heavier with the seam sealing. I'm not too worried about an extra pound or few, but wasn't sure how much more it would be. Are those blue pads comfy in a hammock? Do you even need them in summer? I've tried them on the ground with horrible results so I ended up with a full length thermarest.

[rjjones]

When i was comparing tent weights and hammock weights it seemed they were very close,with the tents and hammocks i looked at.I ended up with a hammock{bad back,hammock made more sence},that was a little lighter.I had a therma rest inflatable,but got a foem that feels and works better for me.I am now looking at top quilts and bottom quillts that will save me more weight,and i beileve will make my hammock even more comfy and versitile.Like with all things there ai alot out there,and then your set up will evolve with time.Good luck

[gunner76]

Are those blue pads comfy in a hammock?


I use a 24" wide Wallyworld waffle pattern blue pad. Weighs 15oz. The smooth version is 20" wide which I find too narrow for me. Yes, pads can be very comfortable in a hammock and many hangers use them. Note.. pads work best in a double layer hammock as the double layers help to keep the pad sliding to a minimum


Do you even need them in summer

If the temps drop below the 70's you will need some type of insulation under you or you will suffer from CBS (Cold Butt Symdrome)

[Nightwalker]

Byer brand, ENO brand, or DYI ;)I second the Byer. Been using a MMoskito for about a year. Just remember to use a 9' ridgeline.