View Full Version : Hammock advice...
Ok, so I have never slept in a hammock before while hiking. I have only ever slept in a tent or shelter. I have been looking at pictures of on here of some pretty cool hammock and tarp set-ups and it's making me want to give it a go. I have a couple questions first:
1) I am 6'-6" tall, I have never layed in a hammock for more than an hour before and even then it seemed to hurt my back. Does anyone have a sore back after a nights sleep in a hammock?
2) What company makes a decent hammock for a beginner? Also, do they have a combo hammock/tarp, sleeping bag combo system or something?
Any replies are greatly appreciated :)
Cannibal
12-26-2007, 11:43
1. My sore back is what made me switch to hammocks. The right hammock and the right sleeping position will lead you to bliss.
2. Really loaded question. Like everything else, it is a matter of personal preference. Speer, Hennessy, Clark, Claytor, ENO, Trek Light, etc. all make great products. You just need to try some out and make your own decision.
Just Jeff
12-26-2007, 11:44
If you've never laid in a camping hammock, and you're basing your experience on a normal backyard netted spreader-bar hammock, it's nothing like that. You end up laying diagonally in most hammocks, which lets you lay flat...so it doesn't hurt your back. For most folks, at least - a few have tried it and gone back to ground sleeping. But a lot of people, especially older folks, thought they'd have to give up camping b/c sleeping on the ground hurts so much - and now they discovered hammocks and can still go hiking.
Decent hammock - depends on how much you want to spend. At the lower end (but still a comfy hammock), check out the ENO or Travel Hammock for ~$20, then get a 9x9 Gear Guide tarp from Sportsman's Guide for about the same. Use a pad for bottom insulation, and your same sleeping bag can be thrown over you. That's a workable system for less than $50. You can go cheaper if you need to, especially if you can make one from $1/yd Walmart material.
Claytor Jungle Hammock is probably next up the chain.
For higher-end hammocks that are simple for a beginner to use, check out JRB, Speer, Clark and Hennessy. All have insulation systems to go along with them for when you move beyond the standard sleeping pad and are ready to spend the money.
Check here for some more info.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html
Cannibal
12-26-2007, 11:45
And yes, some do come with the 'complete package', like a tarp and bugnet.
4eyedbuzzard
12-26-2007, 11:47
Looks pretty comfortable to this critter::D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rxNJPR94u0
sasquatch2014
12-26-2007, 11:52
I think that you biggest issue (no pun intended) will be your height. I am just about 6 ft and fit well in my Clark. I did hear talk that thye are looking at making a new model for taller people possibly this year. Check out some of the links that are provided to get more info.
As a 2X back surgery person a night on the ground leaves me bent but a night in my hammock leaves me ready to go.
So it sounds like my height my be the only factor working against me in this...I will have to do some research on who makes a hammock big enough for me :-?
Just Jeff
12-26-2007, 12:05
Speer makes the 3.5C and Hennessy makes a huge hammock. Not sure about the others, but a custom one should be too difficult.
All I can say is I can't wait to try it, it looks very comfortable!
Cannibal
12-26-2007, 12:12
Have you discovered hammockforums.net (http://www.hammockforums.net) yet? It's a sister site of Whiteblaze. Lots and lots of hammock info and comparisons.
Have you discovered hammockforums.net (http://www.hammockforums.net) yet? It's a sister site of Whiteblaze. Lots and lots of hammock info and comparisons.Shameless advertisement, gotta love it. :D
Cannibal
12-26-2007, 12:17
Shameless advertisement, gotta love it. :D
Hey! I waited 10 posts. :D
Have you discovered hammockforums.net (http://www.hammockforums.net) yet? It's a sister site of Whiteblaze. Lots and lots of hammock info and comparisons.
No I haven't but thanks for the link!! :)
FanaticFringer
12-27-2007, 01:31
If I was your height, I'd really want a long hammock. Might consider making one yourself. Really easy and cheap. Only sewing you need to do is hem the edges. Might want one at least 10-11' between the whipping.
www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html