View Full Version : Hammocking on a budget?
I don't really want to spend too much on a hammock until I can get more committed to backpacking. I love backpacking but I'm 16 with parents that are terrified of me going anywhere to hike alone or with a few friends (even my 18 year old sister). The only way I can go is if I go with my dad, so I don't go too often, you get the picture.
So anyway, I really want to get into hammocking but don't have a lot of money to go out and buy a nice hammock. I also am not very crafty with my hands so I don't think I'd be able to make my own. Anyone know of an all-around good backpacking hammock for a cheap price?
Thanks,
Ebay if you know what you are looking for, www.hammockforums.net (http://www.hammockforums.net) has a pretty active gear for sale forum, I got a good deal on some stuff that way. At the end of the day remember two old tired but true cliche's "You get what you pay for" "Buy cheap buy twice"
cheap backpacking hammock: http://www.thetravelhammock.com/
FanaticFringer
08-01-2008, 21:49
If you want really cheap, see if anyone you know can sew you one. Really simple sewing. Just heming the edges. This site gives great instructions.
www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html
Be sure to check out the rest of the hammock camping info. The best place to learn the basics IMO.
There are a number of other fairly cheap options. http://trecklightonline.com
They sell a single or a roomier double hammock that work well.
FanaticFringer
08-01-2008, 21:51
http://www.treklightonline.com
is it important to have rain protection?
FanaticFringer
08-01-2008, 21:57
is it important to have rain protection?
Oh yea......a must
all of the cheap hammocks i have seen so far do not have it...
FanaticFringer
08-01-2008, 22:08
all of the cheap hammocks i have seen so far do not have it...
That's right. Complete hammock systems with tarp will cost more. Some people buy cheaper hammocks and buy the tarp separate.
The Claytor Jungle hammock is a complete system that is well priced and very popular over at hammock forums.
http://www.mosquitohammock.com
hmmm $150 bucks is a little steep for me but I suppose I could save.. thanks
btw if anyone has any other links or tips they can offer me please do.
FanaticFringer
08-01-2008, 22:28
Get your dad turned on to hammock camping and he can buy you some killer gear.:D
haha I wish. unfortunately im on my own there. I just got a job with starbucks though so in a few months I'll be able to afford a little more =]
papa john
08-01-2008, 22:34
Also, lot's of good info here: http://www.imrisk.com/
You can make a hammock for very little cash and use an inexpensive tarp for weather protection.
mister krabs
08-01-2008, 23:22
inexpensive tarp can be found at campmor.
i agree with russb, The Travel Hammock has some good, inexpensive hammocks w/ built-in netting. I went with a cheaper unit to start, to see if I even liked hammocking. I still want a HH with all the bells and whistles, but I'm happy with my first hammock.
papa john
08-02-2008, 07:12
thru-, I have a new, never used Byer Mosquito Hammock that you can have if you can cover the postage. You'd still need to get a tarp but at least you'd be hanging and get a start. Then you could move up from that to something else later downthe road when you have made your first million! Me, I am working on my second million having lost the first...LOL
If you want it let me know and I'll get you my address.
papa john
08-02-2008, 07:14
Let me make sure I still have that hammock...I'll have to dig through the gear closet!
papa john
08-02-2008, 07:29
OK, still have it. Weighs 1.5 pounds with hanging straps. Yours for the asking...plus postage.
FanaticFringer
08-02-2008, 16:10
OK, still have it. Weighs 1.5 pounds with hanging straps. Yours for the asking...plus postage.
Nicely done.:cool:
papa john
08-02-2008, 18:27
Nicely done.:cool:
Thanks, got to take care of our "yutes"!
Bulldawg
08-02-2008, 18:39
OK, still have it. Weighs 1.5 pounds with hanging straps. Yours for the asking...plus postage.
Nice guy!! Thanks, I hope he enjoys it.
Wise Old Owl
08-02-2008, 21:18
wow that was a good offer!
papa john
08-04-2008, 22:59
Haven't heard from our hammock newbie as yet. Send me an email or PM with your address and I'll send the hammock to you. If you don't like it, you can pass it on to someone else or I can have my son run by and pick it up. He lives in Reston.
tight-wad
08-04-2008, 23:46
Go to a new residential construction site and see if you can get someone to donate a piece of scrap Tyvek for a tarp. It will need to be a big piece, or you can buy Tyvek tape at Home Depot for ~$10 per roll to put together several scraps. No other tape works on Tyvek, and this stuff will hold Tyvek together better than Tyvek! You need at a minimum an 8' x 8' piece. Put a small rounded stone in the corners, put a slip knot on a line, loop the line around the fabric and stone, tie the line to trees or stakes.
Tyvek has lots of pros and a few cons, but it has kept the water off me and my hammock more than once!