IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT A HAMMOCK!

NOW IS THE TIME!
http://www.outdoordaily.com/

Ahem... hate to say this. I personally don't like the HH's. I know PM's wife has one and she loves it.. and she makes hammocks. Personally I like the ones that PM makes. That or the Hammock Bliss with bug net. PM's is about a third of that HH ( I think) and I know that the Hammock Bliss is about half. But I guess the main thing is "GET OFF THE GROUND". hahaha.

I've never "hung" in a HH before. I don't know what they are like. I have read some differing opinions on them though. I have a Travel Hammock and it was only $20. It may not last as long as an HH but it's something to get me started. So far, I've been pleased.

If you did buy one of those HH Expeditions, you'd have a "heavy" hammock and a small tarp with insufficient coverage. They are made in China to. I'm not sure what PM charges, but they are made in the good ole Natural State.

Right now I've got a Warbonnet Blackbird $170 and MacCat Ultra tarp $130. It's getting to be an expensive hobby, so stay on the ground and suffer...t's cheaper. You'll never miss what you never experienced.

Ok I guess I will dive into this subject! The wife and I both have HH's
We also have one MaCat Delux tarp with the guy and stake kit. The
weight of the hammock with snake skins is 1 lb 15 oz. (no fly). The
MaCat Delux is 1 lb 6 oz. with the stake and guy lines. I know I could
get by with less weight with other hammock systems but that aitn't bad
I do say. That is my shelter of choice for this time of the year. The
HH fly (new slightly larger size) is 12 oz. Any way this is some food
for thought. I would like some time to tryout precha's system.

I will say this I have had to reinforce the side tieouts on the HH the original ones were pretty thin. By the way you can go HERE for a site that does zipper mods on the HH bug screen.

OH

I have been hammock camping for a long time now. Amanda likes her HH, but she doesn't hike with it. I have 2 HH's, and I would rather sleep in my own that I made. I use to have a Claytor Jungle Hammock, I liked it, but it was too heavy, so I sold it. Hammocks and tarps do not have to be expensive, that is why we make all our own.

It sure is hard to type all this on a blackberry .

Preacha Man wrote:Hammocks and tarps do not have to be expensive...

Crap, I made my hammock for $3 with some fabric from Wal-Mart. Just folded the ends to give me the laying style that I wanted, and knotted each end. It isn't pretty, but it is comfortable. The only time I have problems is when I'm in there for hours. I haven't gotten a pattern yet that I can sleep a full night in yet, but I have back problems on the ground too. The reason I stay on the ground is two fold:

1.) Don't know enough about hammocks (but I'm trying stuff out in the back yard when I have time)
2.) In the colder months, it can be slightly heavier

All that being said, I do plan to hang a little bit this summer (no UQ needed).

All this being said... for anyone here thats thinking of going hammocks... its not for everyone. But when you do try it. Make sure you have a decent one an not one like you would hang in the backyard with. "ITS NOT THE SAME TYPE". PM you got any to sell? Also gang what ever you do, use a strap system to hang to the tree with. It not only is easier on the trees but using a polyester strap like a seat belt is made from, it wont streach while your in the thing. Talk to PM about straps if your needing any.

I have an old non-asym HH that I would sell for $75 shipped. I can always make hammocks!!!! It just might take me a while

Preacha Man wrote:I can always make hammocks!!!! It just might take me a while

PM,

I didn't know that Hennessey ever made a non-asym version of their hammock, will learn something new everyday! As far as hammocks go as some have mentioned they are great but they aren't for everybody. You really need to try before you buy! I know that HH aren't the only good hammocks out there. Try and if you like it buy it!

OH

The non-asym is neat because the side tieouts are even with each other, and therefore, you can put your head and feet on whichever side you want. It has a nice rain fly, but with most HH's, it is on the smallish side. It sleeps well too, just heavier than my current setup.

I can't decide wether I am going to by a hammock or a tent the next time I hike. Anybody have an opinion?

I have my opinion, and you already know what it is, but thats just me. I hate sleeping on the ground, and carrying a pad is out of the question.

Then there is the whole weight issue If I didn't mind sleeping on the ground so much, I would just stay with my tarp.

Ok here is my opinion. I love my hammock. BUT that being said it isn't for everyone.
It is great for warm weather (hot) but takes a learning curve to figure out how to
stay warm in the winter. I personaly believe it is worth the effort to figure it out.
I am not thru with experimenting yet. When you say hammock then you will also
get into specifics of the suspension system, tarps and as I said the insulation that
you use. Here is what I use:
Hammock-Hennessey Hammock (Expedition) not the lightest also
have the #2 zipper mod also have the velco entrance sewed shut.
Suspension system-whoopie slings
Winter insulation-still experimenting, should be from insultex

That being said I do have two of Preachamans precha made hammocks.
I just don't have bug nets for them yet. They are very comfortable.
I have strap and descender rings for suspension system on them.

I have a Clark North American and have snoozed away blissfully in all four seasons. From summer nights with lows in the 70's to mid-winter with lows hovering closer to 15. Hung in thunderstorms, snow, sleet, and skeeters and slept like a baby. Woke up dry, rested, and at the appropriate external temperature - then sat back and sipped coffee while my buddies huddled on cold soggy logs cursing their sore backs as they desperately coaxed warmth from their mugs.

I love my hammock.

Suspension system - straps.

Winter insulation - built-in on the N.A. model (pockets on sides), but I'll bring a 0-degree mummy bag to sleep in. If it is supposed to get really cold, I'll bring a fleece blanket to use as a liner.

By the way on my hammock suspension I said that I use whoopie slings
(7/64") but I still use tree huggers.

I was thinking about a hammock when that water came in my tent last week. Could have been high and dry!

RedBuffalo wrote:I was thinking about a hammock when that water came in my tent last week. Could have been high and dry!

Red, I thought about that also. The only thing that you have to worry about is water running down the suspension lines but that can be avoided also. You would have definitely been dryer that is for sure!

I have only had water run down my suspension one time, and that was 2 years ago on the OHT while it was raining an inch every 10 minutes !!!! It still was only a very little bit, and was not uncomfortable at all. I was very glad to be above the water, warm and dry under my tarp.