Cheap Hammocks?

**schwieb** · 03-10-2010, 11:28

I am looking for some advice on a relatively cheap hammock setup for my 12 year old girls. I currently have a Hennessey hammock, but think buying two more might be a bit more than I can afford right now. They love backpacking with me but are currently using my tent, which is of course no fun!

I know I could 'make' my own but my sewing skills need practice. It's not that I would mind learning, it is that I would like to have something done in time for spring!

I have seen some low end hammocks that fit the pocket book, but I have no idea about the quality. For instance, Crazy Creek and Hammock Bliss both make sub $100 hammocks. I would think that this would work for a 12 year old, but am not sure.

I have seen this post: Newbie Hammock Setups

Your advice?

**AhNuts** · 03-10-2010, 11:38

Don't forget the Grand Trunk ultra light for around $20.

John

**KerMegan** · 03-10-2010, 11:46

or 3yds of sturdy dollar fabric and a pair of whoopie slings?

**sandykayak** · 03-10-2010, 11:54

Byer of Maine Moskito Traveler has incorporated mosquito netting 16 oz $40

I'm 5'0" and this works fine

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___42505

**Ramblinrev** · 03-10-2010, 11:58

Originally Posted by schwieb

I know I could 'make' my own but my sewing skills need practice. It's not that I would mind learning, it is that I would like to have something done in time for spring!

Ahem.... Not to blow my own horn, but one of my We Don't Sew... We Make Gear vids is about building a hammock, ready to hang if you have the suspension, in under 1 hour. I grant you it does not have a bug net but those can be purchased which you would have to do anyway if you are looking at the low end hammocks. They are very easy to make if you have the right material. Should be ready well before spring and you will get your DIY skills up to snuff as well.

**Knotty** · 03-10-2010, 12:17

Another horn blower here. Instructions for DIY Gathered End Hammock. I'm new to sewing and can make on in about and hour. Haven't tackled the netting issue yet.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

That said, the $40 Byer hammock recommend by Sandykayak would be a cheap solution if you don't go the DIY route.

PS - I used Ramblinrev's videos to learn how to sew...ahem...make gear.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-10-2010, 12:23

my vid shows a channel end, knotty shows a whipped end if I understand correctly. Both are good ways of doing it.

**opie984** · 03-10-2010, 12:42

There are several cheap options available to you. You could probably enlist someone on the forum to sew one up for you for a minimal fee.

You could also just use a sheet bend or overhand knot for a super easy but not so pretty hammock. Something like Risk talks about here http://www.imrisk.com/testhammock/testhammock.htm

I also found a rather decent off the shelf hammock out of parachute ripstop nylon at my local Academy for twenty dollars.

**schwieb** · 03-10-2010, 12:43

I figured I'd get a lot of ideas from here. (and I appreciate them)

I appreciate the suggestions about making my own gear, and perhaps I should consider it more seriously. I already DO make a lot of other gear for myself. I honestly cant stand going in and spending a small fortune on something that I can make myself.

That said, I have found a Parrot Bay Key Largo Deluxe for only $9.99 on Amazon.

That is tough to beat if the quality is decent enough. It would at least last them long enough to get them started with a hammock.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-10-2010, 12:49

Shipping cost is wicked high but still cheaper than a lot of alternatives. There have been discussions about that hammock before. It's not great... but it seems to be able to withstand scouts. at least for a while.