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Old 06-11-2017, 05:41 PM   #1
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Hammocks PSA

I have in the past couple years became a bit of a "hammock nerd" through some new found live of backpacking and kayak camping

I also obviously use my AS and I see more and more use of hammocks among RV'ers

Often I see them in use and while they are always being enjoyed, I just cringe to see them not used to their fullest potential.

To that end I share the most boring video on the internet:

https://youtu.be/TFeKvHNRukg

Note critically at the end as he lays, he lays ON A DIAGONAL!!

You get a flat by allowing sag (somewhat counterintuitive to the newcomer) and then laying on a bit of a diagonal.

The line he has hung is called a "ridgeline" that really is just a useful guide to make sure you get the hang angle right. Without it you can more or less eyeball the job to good results.

Just please try NOT doing what is far too common:

1) stringing the hammock up super tight. Some do this to attempt to get what they imagine to be a flatter lay, but in my opinion this will be very uncomfortable.

2) lay straight and end up like a banana - don't be a banana - go for flat - go for comfort!

Also - if you hang it up super tight - the forces are incredible on the fabric and you can rip the fabric and then bust you butt or worse.

Also - please use "proper" tree straps - at least 1 inch webbing - NO ropes - it can kill the trees in many cases. Also note that various parks may either right out forbid use of hammocks - I've found asking and telling them I use proper tree protection no issues - I've heard take that some parks have said 2 inch straps are needed - point is ask before hand.

Happy Hanging.
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Old 06-11-2017, 06:15 PM   #2
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Thanks that was interesting. And I assure you NOT the most boring video on the internet.
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Old 06-11-2017, 06:16 PM   #3
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Oh so true. Especially laying diagonally! And don't get one of solid material, get a woven one.

I do love my hammocks.
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Old 06-11-2017, 07:45 PM   #4
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It sure what you mean by "solid" but one of the best materials for outdoor use - notably breathability and comfort is various types of nylon fabric offered...

ENO's use I believe a polyester like taffeta parachute fabric - which are fine but often in my view not "premium" fabric and they sew a few pieces together - which affects comfort slightly - and notably - many hammocks sold at brick and mortar stores are about 9.5 feet on length - for most people over like 5'9" -
I believe 10-11' is a better fit.

But whatever you use - lay right

Realize that all I am talking about are traditional Brazilian type "gathered end" hammocks

The common netted ones with like wooden spreader bars are not relevant Tommy discussion - I should say those are just vastly less comfortable than a standard gathered end hammock used properly

Some Brazilian netted hammocks may be super comfy - I have less experience with them but the solid bit of fabric produces a very nice comfort result

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Old 06-11-2017, 08:13 PM   #5
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I have a Blackbird XLC hammock and I love it. Depending on the weather and tree situation at my campsite, I'll sleep outside in the my hammock and leave the Airstream to my wife. I'm too old to backpack so all my hammock camping is "car camping". With a quality hammock and with proper set up, it is a fantastic way to sleep.
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Old 06-11-2017, 08:21 PM   #6
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Having spent over 100 nights in my Eno Jungle nest. This is great info for anyone starting out with hammocks.
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Old 06-11-2017, 09:00 PM   #7
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My nephew has an ENO and I love it

I have also an XLC and that is my go to camping hammock and love love it

I've gotten into making my gear (tarps, quilts, etc) this past year

Yeah

No matter what hammock these principles apply

Having said that - I've met folks that sleep like a baby in their (ex) ENO stringed quite tight - comfort is ultimately subjective....

But the more generally applicable is I believe as we are discussing

I also have an Amok Dramur hammock and for RVing I freaking love it - laying in it drinking coffee in the morning when it is chilly outside is heaven

I like sleeping in the AS too much to go hammock outside but quite honestly the stick AS mattress is pretty bad - I would likely sleep better in the hammock

A new mattress is on our short list
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Old 06-25-2017, 01:15 PM   #8
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For those who 'Summer Camp' in the Mohave Desert... a Hammock to sleep outside of your trailer would be a big... relief.

The trailer retains the heat inside and slowly cools down by 3AM. A Hammock for the evening, outside would be a pleasant option.

One problem... what to suspend the hammock to. Probably the back of the tow vehicle and the trailer's bumper(?)...
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Old 06-25-2017, 02:03 PM   #9
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Without trees - the cheapest effective means is the DIY "turtle dog stand" - cost is 30ish dollars - I made one and it works great - bulky item though

More compact options involving stakes get more complex and costly

There is a new stand that is cool that your vehicle tires roll onto and it is a solid stand (havenet tried it yet.

When I kayak camp and no trees on sand bars I have a clever solution made by this women in CA

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Old 06-25-2017, 03:00 PM   #10
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Got my Hennessey Ultralite when it was just my motorcycle, now it's always with me, in the car or packed in the trailer when on trips. Last year had the days of factory work done, found local campgrounds and hammock camped, still some of the best sleeping there is.

In challenged areas, I used the truck door with a wood block inside as one tree.

Do your math and know your stress load numbers before just attaching anywhere.
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Old 06-25-2017, 03:47 PM   #11
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Yeah - sadly with hammocks now so popular for just casual use - kids gifts etc - people had tragically been injured and even killed by hanging to improper things...particularly like brick columns or other sorts of structures not meant to handle that load in the lateral direction....
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Old 07-13-2017, 04:18 AM   #12
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An example from earlier this week.

http://www.masslive.com/news/boston/...ck_suffer.html
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Old 07-14-2017, 08:19 AM   #13
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Yep - such things are so sad

One thing about hammocks is, the force is impressive and so many structures are really not meat for that

The newest Trend now is a roof rack based hammock stand system

I'm so skeptical of that...someone's roof rack is gonna break lol
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Old 07-14-2017, 04:28 PM   #14
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Interesting thread. Sooooo....for a noob...what's a good hammock to consider for general campground relaxing useage, as well as non-trailer camping/backpacking?
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Old 07-15-2017, 08:46 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcskier View Post
Interesting thread. Sooooo....for a noob...what's a good hammock to consider for general campground relaxing useage, as well as non-trailer camping/backpacking?


There are so many good options at this point and the industry is growing.

First I'll say if you think you want to hammock for backpacking - see YouTube channel "shugemery" he has a 12 part noobie series and so much more

To your question, I will provide you with a non exhaustive list of what is out there. I believe when you get into prices, the American made cottage hammock industry folks are competitive and I personally like buying from them - great service and will answer questions and concerns rapidly.

Warbonnet, Dream Hammock, dutchware gear.

"Hennessy Hammock" was what stated off the newest hammock camping industry in the late 90's and they grew and some large portion of their hammocks are made in china and are pretty darn good quality from what I gather.

For budget entry level but real quality, what I recommend:

Dutchware gear 11 foot netless hammock with 6 foot tree huggers and simple cinch buckle suspension. I think when you order those options they offer the "complete cinch buckle suspension" that includes a "Dutch clip"

1.6 oz single layer is fine for most folks less than 220 ish lbs - more than that get 2.2 oz (oz per yard - heavier fabric and higher weight rating)

Get the "ridgelne" - it's a must in my book. Extra like 7 bucks.

I think this hammock setup costs about 75 bucks shipped from where they make them in PA.

Of course if you do backpacking you must have a tarp - and ways to insulate - more complex discussion that you can jump in watching "shug"

Good luck - pm me and I can talk via phone if you want as I am a hammock nerd and proud

I make my own gear now as well with my sewing machine - fun and fairly easy
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