Newb hammock question

Hey guys (and gals) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
So here I am asking a beginner question becasue I have no experience with this. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Where I live theres either a pine tree or a sharp rock, or its too close to a lake for a tent. A hammock hanging above this stuff would be easier to pitch than a tent. I am used to carrying 3-4 pounds of tent, so a 4 pound hammock wold be ok. I need bug proof, and reasonable waterproofness.

I tried out Bigfoots hennesy hammock and I was not very impressed. I Have been looking at GI jungle tents, and modern knockoffs. I do not like the stretchy hanging in a plastic bag feel of the Hennesy. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I wonder if there are any "cots" that weigh in the right range. Maybe a cot with the legs removed and ropes added for a flat sleeping postion? Hmm I think an aluminum framed cot with no legs and 4 corner ropes - maybe 2 in the middle- that join over head and the whole thing is hung from a branch - like a climbers porta ledge? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Any reccommendations?
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Try a Claytor Jungle hammock:

http://www.mosquitohammock.com/

I use a Claytor No Net except during bug season with a MacCat Deluxe fly.

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccattarps.htm

I wonder if you gave the Hennessy a real trial? It doesn't feel like a stretchy plastic bag when it's hung right. Hanging is about 90% of the comfort of a hammock. You can get an ENO from REI for forty bucks but it's not an asym like a Hennessy; I like to lie flat and roll around in my sleep. Maybe a Bridge Hammock would suit you better - check out Jacks R Better.

I have been looking at throwing together a silk hammock for summer - something like this. The materials can be had for about fifty bucks depending on where you get the cord and silk. Joann's Fabrics is having a killer sale right now thru the 21st I was going to check out. You can get polyester cording from Lowes and Guttermann's thread at JoAnns as well. I followed the link to Thai fabrics from the url above and the silk for the hammock and bugnet would cost me about forty bucks.

food, lori
Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
food - that hammock may be good for the west side of the cascades where its really wet. I like the looks of the jungle hammock a lot, except for the sag. It also looks like a lot of stuff to carry and set up. The lighter weight one looks like a grocery bag.

lori,
Almost all of the reviewers I could find on this item agree that it takes some time to learn to "adjust" it. Meaning that it is easy for it to be out of adjustment. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Since I tried it for 3 minutes and Bigfoot set it up and it was the first time he ever set it up while BPing, and considering that his son lowered it to the ground and slept on the ground on a pad, probably means we didn't have it "properly adjusted".

I have a large credit at REI and I can pick up any of the three models of Hennesy Hammock. I'm not that hung up over a pound, so any of the three is ok weight wise. I understand the heavier one has a larger fly. Anybody have an opinion? The 2 pound one ($189 at REI) comes with the highest reviewer rating. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I did like the bottom entry and the way it naturally seals up, but I wonder about getting my pad or my Down Airmattress into it? I think if I can get my down airmattress into it I may even consider a quilt since I generally use my SB as a quilt anyway in warm weather and with a DAM under you, you don't need a SB. I may take my old TNF blue kazoo and cut a third of it off and sew up the wound. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think my concern is venting the heat while being held in a cocoon. I might need two thinner blankets - maybe some wool blankets huh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

LuxuryLite has a lightweight cot - you could take a look and see if it looks adaptable to hanging. Luxurylite ain't cheap, though.

I've been looking at cots, I'll check out luxery light.

I am getting very strong reviews of the Clark jungle hammocks as being the most comfortable and easyest to roll around in.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hey Jim. I have two different Claytor models and I like them both. I have the Expedition and the Jungle hammock. My son uses the Expedition and I use the Jungle. I prefer a top loader rather than the Hennesy. My son used the Hennesy 2-3 times and prefers the Expedition. The Claytors are both double layer hammocks which helps with bugs or lets you use a ccf pad during winter.
I also have a no-name single layer hammock that I really enjoy during the warmer months. I have a bug net that goes around the whole thing.
REI carries the ENO hammocks now and if you go with one of those, the double is recommend. It gives a little more room to lay on the diagonal.
If you want to try laying flat, Jacks-R-Better make what is called a Bridge hammock.
You can find it on their web site.
Check out HammockForums.net and you can learn a lot there.

Tango

The pad most often mentioned in use with a hammock seem to be the cheap CCF foam as from WalMart, or evazote, and Gossamer Gear actually carries a pad 41" wide to work with a hammock. I carry one or the other even if I don't think I'll use it in the hammock because if I go to ground I'll need it. Some use an air mattress; I think you have to partially deflate it for it to work. Since you're not using it for ground padding but for warmth you'll probably find it quite comfy even half inflated.

I'd get just a hammock and get a Mac Cat or other aftermarket tarp. Some like the Hennessy Hex tarp, which you can select instead of the stock tarp when you order (if you order a Hennessy, there are many other kinds of hammock to choose from <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ).

The trick in a Hennessy is to get the strap on the foot end higher than the webbing/strap on the head end of the hammock. Then you center the hammock between the trees. Poke feet out to the right and head to the left, and there you are, flat on your back.

Hammocks 101 - check out all the ways to keep warm, bug free and hanging happy.

I use a HH and am happy with it, but I sure do like the look of the JRB bridge. I've only seen it online, but it seems like a great design provided you're not a wide person.

check out hammockforums.net and of course jacksrbetter.com for more info.

Also http://www.tothewoods.net/

Jim, I've used Hennessey's since they first came out (have 2 of 'em), and 3 minutes isn't enough 'time in type' to render a fair judgement. That would be true of any piece of bp'ing shelter, for that matter.
I typically string mine at about knee high at the bottom. Usually I don't guy it out, and prefer a gentle swing. If it looks like rain, I'll attach the fly, and hang the hammock even lower to keep wind from whipping underneath. They shouldn't be strung "tight", which is most folks first mistake when hanging a hammock. Just enough tree tension to straighten the ridgeline is all that's needed.
I've gone to a cut down Ridgerest* pad for my back, which I find conforms to the hammock after a few minutes (more than 3 minutes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />)
You sleep/lay 'across' this type of hammock, not along it's rope axis. You'll be practically flat on your back and can even sleep on your side if you lay across it, as designed. Use your sleeping bag like a quilt....don't zip up in it. Better yet, use a quilt. In summer, I'll use a wool disaster blanket I picked up at Campmor as both back pad and cover. Give it some time and you'll find your "comfy spot" and will probably never go back to sleeping on the ground, as long as you have trees.

Hennessey doesn't have a lock on nice hammocks out there. They all have good points. Even the cheapo Walmart net hammocks I started out using is preferable to sleeping on the ground IMHO.

Another option for you....make your own hammock to expeirment with. Pick up 4 yards of non-coated ripstop from Walmart's $1 a yard section. Hem the ends with a 3" hem and run a 3/8" nylon braided rope through it. Hemming the edges is optional. Bar tack the end/rope hem near the hammock edges so the edges will draw tighter than the hammock middle...that's important and keeps your head from slipping out the sides. Draw it tight and tie a bowline to keep the ends together. Done. With full 61" width fabric, you'll have a hammock you can sleep flat across. Pick up a cot "mosquito bar" bug net and suspend it over the top on a second thin ridgeline. That's how I ended up with a Hennessey.
I camped in my homemade "loaner" hammock a couple years (still do sometimes) and liked Tom Hennessey's 'unitized' design.
Give it more than 3 minutes, Jim! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


*Slice the 2" wasted yet useless foam boarders off each end of a Ridgerest pad. It's now "cut down". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Dryer, so over in the hammock group everybody said to set them really tight using special buckles.

One of the comments was about it being impossible to change clothes in a hammock. I also need to get to my gear at night, I like to leave it laying around my tent where I can find it by feel.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hi Jim. A lot of the guys (and gals) are using buckles. It makes adjusting the hammock much easier.
Setting the sag (on the hammoc <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) takes some trial and error. If you set it loose, you can lay on the diagonal. Some like to set it tight and just lay flat along straight line.

Here are some pic's showing my set up. ( I still haven't figured out how to make the automatically appear - sorry ).

http://picasaweb.google.com/tim.owen61/HammockPicS?authkey=Zs6B-TvbzQU

I tried to put enough captions on things to help explain. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. I love talking hammocks.

Earthling uses a Clark and he loves it. Some love their Hennessy. I love my Claytor.
But I started out with my no name and I still like it best during the summer.

Tango

Reality sets in <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
These aren't cheap. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
I have a dividend and a credit at REI. I may get the HH backpacker simply because thats what I can get at REI. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> without shelling out any cash.

Like should I get an ENO at REI instead?
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I would go with the ENO. It gives you more options. Go with the double if you can get it.

Tango

Don't need no stinkin' buckles! You know yer knots!

What I do, usually in the late evening or dark ........
1. Find a couple trees 12-15 feet apart. or any suitable support including barn rafters and truck mirrors. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
2. Drop pack and remove hammock, draping the hammock over my shoulders to keep it off the ground. I'm holding my coin cell led light in my teeth.
3. Wrap hammock rope around tree trunk twice, loosely, and tie off with a loose clove hitch around the tree (temporary knot). I don't mess with "tree huggers" and such.
4. Do the same on second tree, keeping the hammock centered, and adjusting the clove hitches accordingly. The ridge line is straight, but not "tight".
5. Once the hammock is centered, pull tag end of rope from clove hitch and secure with two half hitches. None of this needs to be tight.
6. Sit in the hammock to stretch things out. You'll get it right the first time with a little practice.
7. If rain is expected, clip on the fly and guy it out, steep and taught.
8. Throw in pad and bag. I usually hang my compass, coin cell light, neck lanyard, and glasses on the ridge line.

Sit in the hammock. Shoes off just below the entry slit (in a Hennessey), next to my water platy bag. Pack is within easy reach under hammock (i can usually mess with the pack without leaving the hammock). Lay back, remove whatever clothing you want and hang over ridge line or stuff into the ends of the hammock. Yeah, clothing takes some "rodeo" practice but its no big deal. Situate pad and cuddle up under the bag/quilt. Sleep.
I can usually do all the above in under 5 minutes!

Tim's right, everybody has their own preferences. Never met a hammock I didn't like, though.

Regarding the expense of these hammock things.....make the one I described in an earlier post. Should cost under $20 and works just fine.


My Hennesey is on the right. My friends Walmart net hammock is on the left. Thats about as 'busy' as camp gets. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Jim, I built my hammock and fly and even added a bug net using hook and loop. But if I had my druthers, I would spring for the Clark with the Camo option. I put a CSF pad inside and use a rectangular 40 degree bag opened up as a quilt to either lay on or I can cover myself if I get a chill. When I first started setting up the hammock I would find myself sliding down all night. But after I learned to hang the foot higher than the head end, it worked out. Also, I find that I always have to retension the ropes once after the initional set up to account for stretch. I can lay kinda cross ways to be more flat but still have the sensation of being scrunched at the shoulders a bit. After sleeping in it for several nights though, I don't think I'll go back to a tent. Now, if there is nothing to hang from I can set the fly up as a tarp tent with a hiking staff in the front and a short stick at the foot. Using a ridge line I can put the hammock inside and still have the benifit of the bug net. If I could only test the hammock for a brief time, I probably would still be using a tent. but I committed to building and spending the time to tweek it. Now iit's in my opinion, better than sliced bread.

Thanks everybody <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I realized that I mainly needed the hammock due to no legal tent spots near Oregon high country 4wd in lakes. I would most likely have my canoe along, and I can remove the seat and stay from my canoe and sleep in it on an air mattress. All I need is a ridge line, bug net and rain cover. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I could even sleep at anchor (off shore) and not have to hang my food. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Jim - one other note on the hammocks: Hennessy makes a few different sizes in addition to the styles - the "Expedition" size might be a better fit for you.

I'm not a huge guy at 5'9" and 160, but I prefer the Expedition too.

(That said, I've decided I'm more of a bivy or tent guy...haven't used the hammocks for a couple of years.)

That's why I don't use a hennesey jim - I use a speer type - they're easy to make, because
you can sit inside them easily if you open the bug net - and change. I find the bottom entrance
of the hennesey interesting and cute, but not overly practical.

A hammock that you are comfortable in would fit your bill for camping in odd non-level places,
although bear in mind you need enough ground to get in and out of it - you can't hang one 10 feet in the air and expect to deal with it.

The other thing to remember is on lakeshores, etc. wind will be a factor to your bottom as well
as your top - you may need some kind of windblock if it's cool and windy.

Phat, brimsf

Thanks for you input guys. I'm a pretty hard core sleep on the ground kind of guy. If you can sit in a Speer type and change clothes, then thats what I need I guess, however I am seriously thinking about a "canoe tent" with a fly and bug net that velcro along the top of the gunwale. I haven't slept in a sailboat in years but I love it and maybe the canoe can be slept in at anchor.

I thought the Hennesy entrance was cute and sort of cool, but it forces some other gymnastics that I can't deal with. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />