Hammock tent ideas

[D-Morg]

I’ve had cabin fever for the past month or so, and I’ve been looking at some of the camping gear on my wish list. One of the things on that list was a hammock tent. I’ve looked at a few of the products on the market and done a little research, but I’m still very up in the air on what to do.

The tent would be used for camping out of my Jeep, canoeing, and kayaking. Most of my camping would be in the spring and fall. My only concern before buying a hammock (besides the fact that I’ve never slept in one) would be the occasional cold weather outing and lack of space to secure any valuables I don’t want left outside or in the vehicle.

Please give me your two cents.

 

[ccarm]

Hammock Camping is a fantastic way to get out there with minimal initial cost. I have an ENO double nest, and it's already lasted almost 6 years. Spring and fall are perfect with a light sleeping bag, and in winter if you add a ground pad or some sort of foam insulator beneath you, you will be golden. I don't know about Iowa, but in OK and AR (where I do most of my camping) a bug net is a must. ENO has some pretty cool setups...Just some thoughts.

 

[mrlocksmith]

Check out the Hennessy Hammock

http://hennessyhammock.com/

I use one when I am bike-camping. Great for stealth camping too. I have not had a problem with the cold because I use a warmlite sleeping bag.

It is hard to get used to sleeping in a hammock for some folks. If you have an REI near you, they have a great return policy if you don't like it.

HTH

Mark

 

[Ruined Adventures]

Definitely go with a double sized or larger, even if you plan on being the only person inside of it...you'll thank us later.

To get used to a hammock, try laying in every position imaginable to see what's comfortable. Get in it, spread the hammock under you as much as possible, throw your legs around and see what works best. Everyone's different, but I've found laying perpendicular or kinda slanted ( / ) are the most comfortable ways to recline in mine.

Definitely get an hammock bug net...regular bug nets just don't work with a hammock, trust me :sombrero:

We bought our "family sized" hammock in the Yucatan. In smaller pueblas, where no one has AC you can see entire families of ancestral mayans sleeping in one family-sized hammock together. We've fit four people in ours at once.

 

[gasman]

hey.. i used to use a vietnam era jungle hammock, it was pretty cool, it had a built in bug screen and rain fly, the bug screen is a must where we camp,

the only thing i found was that i tend to toss and turn alot when i am sleeping, i ended upside down a couple of times, and then try to get out of it , it was fun

 

[D-Morg]

Has anyone had any luck with the Clark hammocks?

 

[earthmuffin]

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a Hennessy.

I like the idea of their assymetrical design....basically it provides a flatter sleeping surface. Reading the reviews, several people have said that they can easily sleep on their sides and a few people even said that they sleep on their stomachs.

Its gonna fit nicely in one of the pelican boxes on my bike thats for sure.

 

[D-Morg]

Unfortunately, I don’t have a REI store or anything comparable close to me. Here in the flatland portion of the states hammock camping is unheard of (I don’t plan on using it anywhere close to corn husks). I wish I could test a few models, but my current availability for test specimens are slim to none. This leaves me with internet reviews and website recommendations.

 

[frans]

http://www.newtribe.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=35_50


Never roll over and fall out with these

 

[D-Morg]

I think I've decided on the Warbonnet blackbird.

I still have some more research to do on some of the accessories. I had no idea how different hammock camping was compared to ground camping gear wise.

 

[DarthBeaver]

I look at these and the only thing that comes to mind is "bear pinata"!!!


Of course that is for where I camp. they look very comfy though....

 

[D-Morg]

I don't think my tent would fair much better against a bear! :wings:

 

[exploreFL]

I have the full Eagles Nest Outfitter hammock setup and I like it. We have used it on several occasions and enjoyed each time. I can't speak to the others mentioned, but if you aren't worried about bugs, the hammock, rain fly and slap strap pro will get the job done for sure!

 

[gjackson]

I think I've decided on the Warbonnet blackbird.

I still have some more research to do on some of the accessories. I had no idea how different hammock camping was compared to ground camping gear wise.

Use a Blackbird for jungle trips and I love it. You really can't go wrong with one.

I use the Whoopie slings for ease of adjustment. They are really cool and make set-up a breeze. Also suggest the double layer hammock as you can loose a lot of heat out of the bottom surface without a pad, and the double layer makes setting the pad much easier. I use a GossamerGear pad.

Here is mine set up on the beach in Costa Rica:

cheers

 

[MrKen]

I have a Hennesy Hammock and I love it. I then had 3 other guys buy them too, they liked the idea so much. Very comfortable, light weight. I have sent them up in a downpour using the snakeskins, no problem. Hung out at one spot where those in tents we all on a hill, not me. Wind came up, rain came down, had the fly set up so I cound see all around, and stayed total dry. Hennesy Hammocks are the best I think, but its the only one I have used. Enough room to put uour pack inside if you want, but sometime I just left it under the hammock. One time I attached one side to a rock and used my hiking stick for the other side. As you can tell, I like my hammock.