As a proponent of simple gathered-end hammocks and independent bugnets, I've long felt in the minority. It seems like 75% of all HF members favor the integrated bugnet/Swiss Army-knife style hammocks.
However, there have been several events over the last couple of years that I believe have shifted the balance to some extent (albeit unmeasurable) to a higher percentage of simple, gathered-end hammocks. First was the tablecloth hammock - if you have any DIY skills you have a functional extremely affordable hammock. Then there was Buttinasling, specializing solely in simple, gathered-end hammocks and Fronkey-style bugnets. Next was the recent explosion of different fabric types - HyperD, PolyD, Argon. Then Dutch started offering hammock blanks and Fronkey-style bugnets.
I think the balance may have shifted to 70-30 or maybe even 65-35 lately! From a personal perspective, I think it's great to be able to try new fabrics affordably. If I was hung up on integrated bugnets and hammock tie-outs and zippers and topcovers and all that, I'd be missing out on one of the most exciting times in hammock development - because I couldn't afford to try all the new fabrics if I was insistent on having those features in my hammock.
Thirty bucks max and I get to try a new hammock fabric - priceless.
Bookmarks