View Full Version : I’ll get you my pretties!
And your little hammocks too!
To all you hammock hangers: looks as if I will some day be a convert. The other night I dreamed that I too was a “Hanger” I was camped quite comfortably on a hillside overlooking a “Normal type “ campsite by a stream. 2 new hikers were desperately trying to set up their tent (non descript tent, my imagination didn’t put any energy into their tent) It was very rocky terrain in the spot they were trying to set up, but the alternative sites were 5“ deep mud. All I could do was laugh. I woke up then with a start.
I do not have a camping hammock; I have only laid in one HH for about 20 seconds (Thanks Nate.) & a net one a few dozen times. But this was so very real. :confused:
I blame all of you for this! :p
Now I have to go buy a hammock & all its accoutrements, sheeesh. :datz
Thanks a lot. :bse
Doctari.
hammock engineer
03-20-2006, 12:58
And your little dog too.
Glad I can help convert someone over to the hanging crowd.
welcome...
(and remember, it's not for the weight... it's for the comfort).
Hana_Hanger
03-20-2006, 14:18
LOL totally enjoyed this thread :P
Someone once stated in the WB they felt hammock camping was just a fad....well maybe for some it will be; but for thousands of others around the world who sleep in hammocks nightly it is a way of life.
Welcome to the world of comfort and hanging!
Just Jeff
03-20-2006, 14:40
MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!
(We will overcome...)
resistance is futile... all will be assimilated...
Luuuke, I am your father. Come to the darkside hammockness.
And your little hammocks too!
To all you hammock hangers: looks as if I will some day be a convert. The other night I dreamed that I too was a “Hanger” I was camped quite comfortably on a hillside overlooking a “Normal type “ campsite by a stream. 2 new hikers were desperately trying to set up their tent (non descript tent, my imagination didn’t put any energy into their tent) It was very rocky terrain in the spot they were trying to set up, but the alternative sites were 5“ deep mud. All I could do was laugh. I woke up then with a start.
I do not have a camping hammock; I have only laid in one HH for about 20 seconds (Thanks Nate.) & a net one a few dozen times. But this was so very real.
I blame all of you for this!
Now I have to go buy a hammock & all its accoutrements, sheeesh.
Thanks a lot.
Doctari.
go for it man,i am glad we have been a bad influence on ya man,once a hammock hanger always a hammock hanger neo
your in the best of company,i like risk site,jeff,s site has a lot of great stuff and links to all good hammockstuff ,congrats,you saw da light man:cool: neo
peter_pan
03-20-2006, 21:18
Welcome to the "Hanging Crowd"....Above the rest....
Sweet dreams!!!
Pan
I hammocked last weekend. Went to sleep at 11:00 or so. Woke up at 6:00 or so in the same position I went to sleep in! Talk about restful! I never had this experience on the ground.....:) Welcome to the restful sleeping club!!!
littlelaurel59
03-20-2006, 23:52
I was leading a scout trip last weekend in the NC mountains. 28* on Saturday AM. I hammocked in a Byer with a blue pad under me, and in a 30* bag with a polyester liner. The other leaders were amazed I didn't freeze, but I was warm as toast!
Rocks, roots and logs lie on the ground. I lie in a hammock.:D
The lengths hangers go to in order to deal with the cold does seem a little...esoteric to the observer, but the evangelical zeal with which they promote their peculiar habit reeks of nothing short of derangement :)
In the tropics hammocks make a lot of sense once you deal with the insect and weight problem, but it's still a little odd that even a basic hammock with bug mesh and tarp weighs more than a good one person tarptent. I'm discounting the Hennessy 'adventure racing' hammocks because they're not built to last.
When someone comes up with a durable hammock that has a built in tarp 'roof' with bug mesh on the sides only (just like a tarptent), can be flipped over and used 'open' during the day, and weighs under 700 grams in the stuffsack then more ultralighters will take a look.
Here in the tropics, bug netting is not an afterthought for some places and seasons - it's a necessity everywhere and every night of the year. With dengue and Ross River fever, eight of the world's ten most venomous snakes, crocodiles (both salt and freshwater), and lots of big-arse spiders (google the Bird Eating Spider), you do not want those little buggers in your bed.
Just Jeff
03-21-2006, 04:04
Henry Shires tarptent Virga 2 with floor - 30 oz
http://www.tarptent.com/products.html
HH Ultralight Backpacker - 31 oz
http://www.hennessyhammocks.com/catalogue-hammocks.htm
One ounce difference for lots of added comfort.
Although some folks have used the Adventure Racer beyond its one year guarantee with no problems. So that's 15 oz with no need for a groundcloth.
How many tarptents offer 360* protection for 15 oz?
Hammocks aren't for everybody, and that's fine. But if you compare feature for feature, they're not so bad. Even so, I use them for the comfort rather than the weight.
The thing I don't like about the hennessys is that they're very specialised. You can't just hang one up at the beach for a couple of people to lounge around in like a normal hammock. Perhaps if the ridge line had a clip in it then you might be able to flip it over, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
Removable bugnets tend to be heavy and awkward, and the velcro or zip deters from the bare hammock's simplicity and utility. The nets that just hang down or have drawcords at the bottom just aren't up to the job in the tropics.
However you compare tarptents to hammocks it's still apples and oranges. It's like comparing a sofa with a bed. You can sleep in both, but a bed is solely for sleeping while a sofa is multi purpose. A specialised ultralight camping hammock is good for sleeping in, but that's all. An ordinary hammock is a great lounger for one or two in good weather, and a tarptent is a shelter for one or two in all weathers.
The problem arises in the Highlanderish limitation in that 'there can only be one'. Weight and space precludes taking both a hammock and a tent, so we have to choose. I haven't seen a hammock arrangement yet that is both a comfortable lounger for two and an effective, ultralight all-weather shelter.
If anyone can show me a photo of a hennessy adventure racer with the ridgeline disconnected and two people lounging in it then I'll be sold on the principle - even though nylon is just not a suitable material for tropical use, and having to get out and flip the hammock over is a compromise at best. Around here I sleep buck naked under a ceiling fan for six months of the year and turn the fan off for the other six. Sometimes it gets so cold that I have to pull a corner of a sheet over my torso.
The page at http://www.garlington.biz/Ray/SilkHammock/ got me thinling about using silk. If I could come up with a zipless, velcroless method of entry and exit that allows the hammock to be used as an open lounger as well then I might give it a try. The problem with just having a Hennessy bottom entry seems to be that if the mesh is big enough to sit under the hammock when inverted, then it sags all over the place when attached to a ridge line.
My perfect hammock would be:
Silk for comfort in 30-40 degrees C and 90-100% humidity.
Big enough for two to lounge in out of the sun and wind during the day, like a Travel Hammock or Bliss Double with a fly.
A completely sealable weather and bug-proof cocoon for sleeping in - two at a pinch.
Able to switch between the two without getting out.
Weighing less than a kilo.
Anyone have any ideas?
sdoownek
03-21-2006, 06:03
Not to be a naysayer, but what about the people who sleep on their stomachs? How do you sleep in a hammock if you're on your stomach?
Just Jeff
03-21-2006, 06:13
I usually spend a few minutes on my stomach before I get up. It's not really like sleeping on my stomach in a bed, though.
I don't think the Adventure Racer would hold the weight, Aramis. You might look at the Speer 8.5C, but it has velcro for the bugnet. You could go from bugnet to no bugnet without getting out, though.
But you're right - the HH is specialized and it doesn't make a very comfortable lounger for one, let alone two! I think the Speer-types make better loungers. And more comfortable to sleep in, for that matter. I like the HH for buggy weather, though.
peter_pan
03-21-2006, 10:01
Just a point or two.
The HH Extreme Light Racer is 20 oz complete....mine has about 60 nights in it with no signs of wear...beats your 700 gram requirement by 18 percent or so...Actually, I substitute a JRB Tarp for a big increase of coverage... complete rig then goes to 23 oz, which still beats your 700 gram standard.
The Mosquito hammock is 26 oz , can be flipped over for top loading lounging has a great capacity at 250...has a double bottom to foil the BIG sheeters or hold pads...no Tarp, so add your own...if you use the extended length poncho approach it will weigh 10 oz but if that is also your rain gear ( fine choice in the tropics because of the ventilation) then there is no extra weight...Very reasonable in the $60 buck range.
Pan
Not to be a naysayer, but what about the people who sleep on their stomachs? How do you sleep in a hammock if you're on your stomach?
I sleep very well, I like a very thick pillow when I'm sleeping but don't need to take it when I hammock. the curvature of the hammock is good enough. I have the Coccoon which is curved more than the Asyms so If you have the Asym you should have it even flatter.
I have decided to go with the Byer Mosquito Traveler and my homemade tarp, with plans to get a sylnylon tarp sometime in the future.
I would love a Hennessy, but due to cost, that ain't gonna happen in the forseeable future. The Byer is under $40.00 at Campmor, & I already have a tarp that I love. For tree huggers, I have seatbelts from my now dead truck that should fit the bill with a bit of sewing.
I will let you all know how that all goes.
Doctari.
hammock engineer
03-21-2006, 14:57
For me it is not a weight issue but a comfort issue. My whole setup weighs about 6 pounds. If I went to a tarp tent, pad, sleeping bag, I may save a little but not enough to make it worth it.
Funny how everytime there is a hammock discussion someone always starts an argument against them. I agree with something Jeff said, that we need to start an anti-something mafia. Whenever someone starts a thread on it, chime in and turn it into an argument about how bad they are. I would do the alocohol stove mafia, but I converted to them. Maybe an anti-sleeping bag pro quilt movement
littlelaurel59
03-21-2006, 15:22
For me it is not a weight issue but a comfort issue.
Amen and Amen!!! I sleep much better in a hammock than on the ground, even when using a 2" Thermarest pad. Others sleep better on the ground. Live and let live.
I'm surprised that no one has come up with a hammock in a tarptent :)
How about a Bliss Double with a tarp that has mesh right to the ground?
Now if I could just find a nice strong lass to carry my gear - I'd be able to take the regimental silverware.
Just Jeff
03-21-2006, 17:45
Youngblood has a tarp that goes all the way to the ground that he made for cold weather. Pics of it here: http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html
I guess you could do the same thing with bugnet.
Cool. I'll have to ponder that one.
Hammockers are so relaxed too. I am a complete buffoon at navigating this site and yet no one has complained. It is quite joyful to lay in the breeze over rocks while your friends are excavating a site.. they do get cranky with us. Poor things.
Hammockers are so relaxed too. I am a complete buffoon at navigating this site and yet no one has complained. It is quite joyful to lay in the breeze over rocks while your friends are excavating a site.. they do get cranky with us. Poor things.
:D yes indeed,i dont feel sorry for them one bit lol:cool: neo
I just found this jungle hammock - supposedly 600 grams (21 oz) but with a canvas bottom I find that hard to believe. I suppose it would work if the rain had the good manners not to go sideways. Check it out at http://www.kitbag.com.au/prod435.htm
Hana_Hanger
03-21-2006, 23:08
Hi,
I just wanted to add a few facts about that type of Jungle hammock and they are....it is soooo uncomfortable...you cannot lay sideways at all; and it is only 28" wide (even tho it says 30")..it is tiny.
My son had one...not only small, but the canvas rotted in no time.
Truly the Byer or Bliss for the price of $39 to $49 is a better choice in the long run. Plus most places have that hammock for only $39 all the time, including eBay.
JMHO though...go with what you think is best.
...most places have that hammock for only $39 all the time, including eBay.
JMHO though...go with what you think is best.
Yeah - in the US. Triple it for AUD. I just bought a Snow Peak titanium cup. The US price is $19.95 ($28AUD) but here it's $67AUD ($48USD).
I have no idea why things cost so much here. I put it down to greed. I can usually import something from the US or Europe, pay import duty and still only pay half what the same item costs here.
I was thinking of getting something like the ones attached but in camo so I can camp where I shouldn't. Left to right - Travel Hammock Ultralight (300g), Ticket to the Moon (500g) and a local one (400g) that has a double bottom with slits down the side.
Hana_Hanger
03-22-2006, 04:55
OH MY WORD...and I thought Hawaii was bad.
The shipping is what kills us also.
Great Pictures :)
Hana_Hanger
03-22-2006, 05:05
oh I forgot to say the double layer one looks great for putting in a sleeping pad or storing extra clothes etc...
I do have a Ticket to the Moon hammock single size 16 oz
its large and comfortable...but I do not use it for camping...just lounging in. It's well made to and one could of course use it for sleeping.
Tom from the here:
http://www.mosquitohammock.com (Neo listed it on his thread)
ships FREE World Wide and his hammock is only $60 USA
very well made!
When my other three camping hammocks wear out I am getting his on the next go around. I think dear sweet hubby would not understand me buying anymore hammocks at the moment. :P
That does look good. Looks well arranged too. Shame about the light coloured mesh though - I would probably wake up a cold sweat from wedding nightmares :)
The Jungle Hammock on the same site looks nice, and you could probably shave off a couple of hundred grams by replacing the lines and stuff sacks. Still fairly heavy, but probably no moreso than Neo's Hennessy with the big camo tarp. The free shipping would mean it's around half the price of a Hennessy here in AU.
Hana_Hanger
03-22-2006, 23:11
The one I like the best is with the dark netting it is the Expedition...and a update here on the WB is JRB's are now selling Tom's Hammocks...but again the one with only the light netting. I perfer the dark one or the camo if needing to hide...and at times I do need to hide :P
It's just a whole lot more in price but with free shipping, that is like a $25 dollar savings for me...and I am sure much more for you.
Darn Flash flood warnings so my trip is delayed...hoping to head out again tomorrow. Trying the new tarp out...I did get one like Neo's also. Yet only have used it in the back yard so far.
I wish I could like camo ...it must be a guy thing :) but when I (sigh) sometimes camp illegally on beaches and private property one must hide.
Yeah, I'm somewhat ambivalent about camo. I don't like the look of it at all, but there's no doubt that it blends in to the bush better than anything else. If I was just camping alone in the bush then it would be camo for sure, but living in an army town as I do, people go to great lengths to avoid anything that looks even slightly military (the military are not well liked even in their own country). I sometimes stay at backpacker hostels on the islands, and putting up a camo hammock by the pool or under some coconut palms on the beach would be really embarrassing.
When travelling overseas it's even worse. In much of the world the military are percieved rather negatively, so wearing or using anything even vaguely military in appearence is generally considered to be a really bad idea.
Then there's the bright, sunny 'resort wear' colours, but I'm not sure what's worse - looking like a soldier or a tourist.
Black or very dark colours seem to be fairly hard to spot at night and anywhere that there are shadows, and while it would probably work well for the hammock body and netting, a really dark tarp would be a bit much.
I quite like a kind of pale sandy brown for tarps, and it seems to blend in reasonably well in most places without looking too obviously military.
At least you guys don't have AUSCAM - that has to be the ugliest camo pattern available :)
If Jackson Pollack was still alive I bet he could do a really cool camo pattern.
Hammocks: perfect targets for the flying monkeys.
Well, it took a while: finances, med bills, etc. but I finally ordered the byer mosquito hammock AM today. Got it from C & C outdoors for a mere 28.90 including shippin & handlin.
I already have a tarp, someday I'll get a new syl nylon one. Hope to get it by next Wed, & test Friday & Sat.
Doctari.
Just Jeff
04-24-2006, 20:18
Ok, boys, we got 'im where we want 'im. Just a little longer, then we'll close the deal...
wentworth
04-25-2006, 22:13
Youngblood has a tarp that goes all the way to the ground that he made for cold weather. Pics of it here: http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html
I guess you could do the same thing with bugnet.
Like this?
http://www.pyramidbodyguards.co.uk/raymears/eco2.asp
A lot of us at the bushcraftuk form did a group buy and got the nets pretty cheaply (AU$50 including postage).
Just Jeff
04-25-2006, 23:25
Yep - I like it. Thanks for the link.
Ramble~On
04-25-2006, 23:26
[quote=Doctari]Well, it took a while: finances, med bills, etc. but I finally ordered the byer mosquito hammock AM today. Got it from C & C outdoors for a mere 28.90 including shippin & handlin.
I already have a tarp, someday I'll get a new syl nylon one. Hope to get it by next Wed, & test Friday & Sat.
Good Choice. I got a Byer Moskito not long ago and tried it out for the first time last weekend....I posted a few pictures. Since silnylon came along I bought a 10'x12' Equinox tarp. I think it's something like a pound and a half with the guylines...I love the size of this tarp as I can set it high and be able to walk around under it even in pouring rain..
The hammock weighs exactly 15 1/2 ounces. So call if 3 pounds total for the hammock and huge tarp with plenty of guy line. What I really like is that the hammock compacts to the size of a softball. This is by far the lightest, largest hammock I've tried yet. I still can not get over the size for the weight. The hammock is 100% uncoated nylon rated to 250 #
The zipper will obviously need TLC but for the weight and price I can could easily justify replacing this hammock with a new one if it falls apart after 20 uses.
I have laid in one for about a minute. It seems unnatural to have your back all curved in a banana shape. (basing this off pictures I have seen). Plus with all the stuff you have to have with it I think a tent,bag and pad is lighter.
hammock engineer
05-05-2006, 11:40
I have laid in one for about a minute. It seems unnatural to have your back all curved in a banana shape. (basing this off pictures I have seen). Plus with all the stuff you have to have with it I think a tent,bag and pad is lighter.
In my HH I can lay almost flat on the diagonal. What type of hammock did you try? The way that it is hung also has a lot to do with the comfort.
Weight wise, my hammock and tarp weigh around 3 lbs, 2.5 stock but I haven't weight it with my new tarp yet. Most of the time I carry an underquilt instead of a pad that would be needed with a tent. I use the same sleeping bag and clothes either way. All in all about the same weight as a lighter tent. A tarp and bag alone is the only way I can find to get a lot lighter.
Jeff has a couple of old posts that are really good for compairing weights if you do a search.
Well, it took a while: finances, med bills, etc. but I finally ordered the byer mosquito hammock AM today. Got it from C & C outdoors for a mere 28.90 including shippin & handlin.
Doctari.
WOW, the USPS has never been this slow. Sent the order AM Monday 04/24/06, C & C didn't get it till PM Tuesday 05/02/06. Therefore, I am hammockless, still.
I can't stand it.
AAARRRGGGGH!!
Doctari.
I've been thinking of making the switch. Is there a hammock that sleeps two and/or one for my dog(s) and I/us. Can you cook in a hammock? What happens if you are above treeline?:confused:
Just Jeff
05-07-2006, 20:48
If you're above treeline you just use the tarp. I can cook in my Speer-types, but you can't cook in a Hennessy.
Hammocks are really solo shelters, but you can often hang two hammocks from the same two trees. Very few people are comfortable with two adults in the same hammock (even the "two-person" hammocks). I've slept with my son in there and it's not so bad, but now he has his own hammock.
I've heard a handful of people say they sleep with their dogs - I guess it depends on how big they are. And be sure to keep their nails trimmed. But a dog can also sleep on the ground under you - pitch your tarp low and he'll stay dry unless it's very windy.
I've been thinking of making the switch. Is there a hammock that sleeps two and/or one for my dog(s) and I/us. Can you cook in a hammock? What happens if you are above treeline?:confused:
On my last trip (Local, overnight, 3 weeks ago.) I found what I thought may be the "perfect" hammock campsite.
On a fairly steep hill, overlooking the lake. If the hammock is set up as I understand it, about chair height or so, from the down hill side: ease of entry, on the up hill side: easy to reach stove. as there were large flat rocks nearby, easy to make a flat spot for stable cooking. AND: 2 trees, perfect size, properly spaced, tie them together with a hammock & it would be paralell to the hill. Wish I had a hammock then. Next time!
Doctari.