View Full Version : No tent for me
I had the opportunity to try out a hammock while hiking last week. First two nights were in a hammock, slept like a baby, almost as good as being at home. The last night was in my tent and I was miserable, my back hurt and I couldn't sleep.
I was very skeptical about it, but after the sleep test I hope I never have to sleep in a tent again.
I'm going to buy one for me and my son and its a toss up between Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater Pro and Eno. I like the attached bug net on the GT and the lay seemed to be better as well. I'm going to make my decision next week after I do more research.
kayak karl
07-11-2012, 20:05
a lot of research can be done here. http://www.hammockforums.net/?
Wise Old Owl
07-11-2012, 20:11
Welcome to the "exclusive" gee wow group....:cool:
JaxHiker
07-11-2012, 22:43
I like the attached bug net on the GT
First off, welcome to the club.
While the quoted part seems good at the start it can be a double-edged sword. Living in FL I'm grateful to be able to remove the netting. Sometimes it's just too darned hot with it in place. Granted most of the time you'll need it around here but having the ability to remove it (whether partially or completely) is a big plus imho. Just food for thought. ;)
I highly recommend checking out hammockforums. Also consider making your own hammock, and finally try it out in cooler weather before heading out into the backcountry. Some different insulating strategies are required.
Also checkout videos by a guy named Shug on YouTube. Tons of good and entertaining info
--Matt
theinfamousj
07-12-2012, 20:48
I have two hammocks by Amazonias: one without a bug net and one with. If I had to do it all again, I'd make myself a bug net out of Tulle fabric and my sewing machine, because having separate bug netting means easier repair and replacement when the inevitable happens and the bug net tears through.
That said, if you get a hammock with built in bug netting, you can just take down the ridge line and flip it upside down and presto you now have a hammock without bug netting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxevtxnkmkk just saying :welcome and be sure to watch Shugs videos on hammock camping
you will save a lot of time and money http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxevtxnkmkk
maybe I got it right this time
Ive watched Shug, he's very entertaining to say the least. Im still confused, but I guess I'll figure out all the straps, knots and ridge lines when I get mine. I may go with the suspension that comes with mine for the time being, not planning an overnight until August anyway.
gunner76
07-16-2012, 20:01
Get a BB hammock
Welcome to the club. I highly recommend a Warbonnet BlackBird hammock, aka WBB, as seen on some of Shug's videos.
Clark UL, is on its way. A good place to start I think.
First off, welcome to the club.
While the quoted part seems good at the start it can be a double-edged sword. Living in FL I'm grateful to be able to remove the netting. Sometimes it's just too darned hot with it in place. Granted most of the time you'll need it around here but having the ability to remove it (whether partially or completely) is a big plus imho. Just food for thought. ;)
I sold my Hennessey Hammock and bought a simple gathered end hammock because it works better with my overbag.
I've noticed that having the separate netting also allows for more air movement in really hot weather as the wind pushes on the mosquito netting which moves the air inside the netting a bit. I also don't feel wrapped up in barely breathable nylon as much as I did in the Hennessey. In the fall and winter I leave the netting home and save weight (here I have to admit that the summer setup is heavier than the HH by at least 1/2 lb.).
Wise Old Owl
07-16-2012, 22:40
thanks for the opportunity of starting a serious good conversation.....Edie!
Tim Causa
07-18-2012, 10:01
I've been very happy in my Hennessy Hammock. I have the hyperlite and I'll say the bottom material feels clammy at first, but once it starts to breath after about a minute, it keeps me extremely cool in the summertime - which is the main reason I went with a hammock as I'm a very hot sleeper.
thanks for the opportunity of starting a serious good conversation.....Edie!
Thank you Wise one.
Next is an UQ and TQ, a lighter stove and some better quality clothes. Funny thing I don't particularly like the things I bought for backpacking. My pack was uncomfortable (maybe due to being too heavy), stove was ok and used mostly for morning coffee. Filter was hard to use with all the dangly pipes and pumping. I'm gathering a list of things I will be buying in future, UL of course.
After trying a hammock, I'm off the ground now, too. Weight is comparable to the tent; can't play a decent game of cards in one, but they are more comfortable and campsite options are increased - plus, they make a great swinging camp chair.
treesloth
07-19-2012, 12:56
Gathered end hammocks are not for me, as I am a side/stomach sleeper... but for those of you who do hammock it, this is an interesting (and probably in the end, lighter) innovation in place of top/underquilts:
http://store.grandtrunkgoods.com/hammocks/sleeping-bag
So cool.. rated to 32 and just over 2#.
Gathered end hammocks are not for me, as I am a side/stomach sleeper... but for those of you who do hammock it, this is an interesting (and probably in the end, lighter) innovation in place of top/underquilts:
http://store.grandtrunkgoods.com/hammocks/sleeping-bag
So cool.. rated to 32 and just over 2#.
NOPE---Can't get a diagonal lay. Wouldn't be worth the money.
treesloth
07-19-2012, 13:42
NOPE---Can't get a diagonal lay. Wouldn't be worth the money.
That's fine dude. When I said it wasn't for me, I certainly wasn't making the inference that it would be good for every other human out there.
redfox1939
07-30-2012, 10:39
Visit the Hammocks forum for more helpful tips and some good points you can make when dealing with hiking problems.
________________________
West Fork Trail (http://thehikehouse.com/trails/west-fork-trail)
bear bag hanger
07-31-2012, 06:56
I think the ENO hammocks are more comfortable than the GT hammocks. You'll need a bugnet, get the one from Warbonnet Outdoors for their traveler hammock. It's half the weight and about the same price as the ENO bugnet.
gunner76
07-31-2012, 20:53
Gathered end hammocks are not for me, as I am a side/stomach sleeper
I have no problem sleeping on my side in mine.