Grand Trunks Ultralight

[dale1627]

I have had a Grand Trunk ultra light hammock for less than a year and have only slept in it once. I decided to take advantage of the beautiful East Tennessee weather tonight and test out a new tarp that's made from a tent rain fly. So I wander out into my woods and hang the hammock. Decided to lay in it for a minute or two before I hang the tarp. About the time I heard "rrriiiiiiip" I said a few choice words and landed on the ground. The sad thing is that I had looked it over earlier in the day and had seen no damage. I know that the hammock is inexpensive at $20 but I was madder about not getting to sleep outside..... So now I need to look at buying a new hammock before next month when I hike from Watauga to Damascus. What do you recommend as a lower cost no frills hammock? Thanks.

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[Wags]

did you cause the rip or what? if not, i'd think about sending an email to GT and asking them what they'd do about it...

[kayak karl]

that is a cheap hammock, but even my grandkids didn't rip mine yet.
i had a no-sew 12' by 54" 1.7 coated nylon hammock for $23.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLt7W...9&feature=plpp

[kayak karl]

forgot, i would call company also and i made that hammock in 30 minutes.

[dale1627]

I can't see any reason that I could have caused it to rip. It tore almost the entire width right at the stuff sack. I weigh approximately 170 lbs so it wasn't overloaded and there wasn't anything sharp in my pockets. I originally went to the local outfitters to pick up an ENO single nest but opted for the GT Ultralight because I wasn't sure that I wanted to go the hammock route versus tenting. I kind of considered it a cheap trial. One overnight trip settled it for me and had actually planned to pass this hammock to my 12 year old son and pick up an ENO. Oh well. I'll email GT and see what transpires. I've found that most manufacturers are reasonable and I still have the receipt as well. Kayak Karl, I may very well make my own if I can find the materials locally.

[msupple]

Check your clothing. I ripped one once (We're still talkin' hammocks here btw) and the culprit was a zipper on the back pocket of my pants. Also....I've heard more "ripped" stories coming from that particular hammock than any other brand.

There are many high quality hammocks out there. One that is built like a tank (read...on the heavy side) but very reasonably priced is the Claytor Jungle hammock. It's about $120 as opposed to $20....including a tarp.

This could be a "get what you pay" for experience.

Miguel

[dale1627]

Miguel, that was my first thought. I normally have a CRKT Minimalist knife on my belt and thought that the handle poked through. Then I remembered that I was wearing shorts with no belt or knife (unusual for me). Not even a button on the shorts. It bugs me because I checked the hammock thoroughly before hand and can find nothing that could have torn it. It never even touched the ground while hanging.

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[BigHodag]

Sounds like a faulty hammock. I use a GT Ultralight for my AT sections hikes and have used mine under all types of conditions.

GT makes a heavier hammock for about the same price as a basic ENO.

Your story does point a good lesson for hammocking: always be ready and able to "go to ground". Had this accident happened on the trail, what would be your options?

Mine is to fold my 8X10 poly tarp for use as a ground cloth and "tube" tent and go to ground. Another option is to hike to shelters.

[takethisbread]

those Hammocks arent for heavy duty hiking. i own a couple of those to use in a pinch, but if im on a big trip i just use my Hennessy Double. its heavier, but worth it.

[kayak karl]

those Hammocks arent for heavy duty hiking. i own a couple of those to use in a pinch, but if im on a big trip i just use my Hennessy Double. its heavier, but worth it.

"Hennessy Double". which one is that?

[dale1627]

I always have a cheap 10 x 10 ft "drop cloth" in case I need additional shelter. I even carry it on short day hikes just in case. The weight is negligible and it takes very little room in the pack. I've sent an email to GT about the tear. Just hope that they don't try to claim "improper use" or abuse. Not sure how I could have been any more careful with it. Still thinking about upgrading however. I'm just not prepared to spend $200 on one. I'll also look online for one made in the US by a smaller company.

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[kayak karl]

there is always Warbonnet

[gunner76]

Go with a Blackbird Warbonnet. Built in bug net makes is very nice hammock. Have used my 1.7 double fror several years now without any problems except I don't want to get up in the morning.

[kayak karl]

i suggested the traveler for price and resale for him. personally i have owned their hammocks and sold them all. do not like them, but to each his own.

[dale1627]

I've actually been looking at the traveler. May get the double layer one. I take it that a pad can be inserted between the layers? I didn't see it mentioned but may have missed it. I need to sit down at the PC for a better look than what I get on my phone.

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[gunner76]

I take it that a pad can be inserted between the layers?

Yes, you can insert a pad. I use a wallyworld blue foam pad, waffle patterend. Weights 15 oz, is 24"+ wide and cost about $13

[takethisbread]

"Hennessy Double". which one is that?

The Explorer Deluxe.

[Wags]

the traveler is very comfy except for on occasion my feet slip out of the feet part of the hammock trying out a snipe from wildernesslogics to see if it will resolve that issue...

[1azarus]

i'd like to hear from others who have had hammock failures that would keep them from being able to use their hammock. i'm hoping (and thinking) that the number may be very very very small -- with any manufacturer. i've used the nano, which is even "flimsier", for quite a while and don't want to start worrying about that now. hey, i've got ticks to worry about, already, so my worry card is full ;<)

[dale1627]

Follow up: I sent GT an email yesterday about the hammock tearing, and really did not expect a reply. I received an email from them an hour or so ago with an apology for the issue. They also asked for a picture of the tear and a mailing address for a replacement to be sent. Great customer service in my opinion.

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