OK..need HELP badly - UL set up

**The_Saint** · 04-13-2010, 16:43

You can't beat the HH's for price, weight and features. That being said, there are better tarps and hammocks out there, but they cost more and generally are a heavier setup. I used a HH Hyperlite(5"11 200lb) in 2009 on the AT and loved it. No problems whatsoever, but the tarp was too small.

**Shug** · 04-13-2010, 16:45

Warbonnet BlackBird is comfy and roomy and what I like is the integrated bug-net is well off your face. Be comfortable or your hiking will for sure suffer. So will your mental game.........
My 1¢ on that.
Shug

**pgibson** · 04-13-2010, 16:51

I think that there are a number of factors that play into the BB's popularity. It is very comfortable. I had a HH ULBA for a few months when I started out, and could not figure out what all of these guys here were talking about comfort, It was terrible (for me) I am 5'7" around 160 so well in the green range on the HH's recommended. But I was sore, stiff and felt pinched all over when in it. When I returned it and got a BB it was like moving into a condo on the east side. Moven on up! There is loads of space, the shelf is a nice add on for gear storage, but the comfort was an instant difference. I have since had the chance to try a few others and the BB still wins out hands down as a more comfortable hammock. Brandon has some sort of magic fabric that just feels good to lay down on and hang. And heck it looks cool to.

Planning on dropping the $$$ on one for the wife before to long.

***HangMan*** · 04-13-2010, 16:55

Originally Posted by The_Saint

You can't beat the HH's for price, weight and features. That being said, there are better tarps and hammocks out there, but they cost more and generally are a heavier setup. I used a HH Hyperlite(5"11 200lb) in 2009 on the AT and loved it. No problems whatsoever, but the tarp was too small.

As you can see I sold the Moment

I'm about a cheeseburger away from going over 200lbs

I wonder what truly is the weight limit for the hyperlite. I know HH has to post a safe limit for liability reasons. But how much is too much?

Here is the material spec:

Hammock fabric: 30D high tenacity, high thread count nylon taffeta with heavy duty ripstop (wt., 394 g., 13 7/8 oz)

**pgibson** · 04-13-2010, 16:58

To much and uncomfortable are a ways apart when talking about fabrics--streeeeeetttttch. You will hit the "ugg, this sucks" point long before you hit the "Riiiiiiiip, boom, ow that hurt" point.

***HangMan*** · 04-13-2010, 16:59

Originally Posted by Shug

Be comfortable or your hiking will for sure suffer. So will your mental game.........
My 1¢ on that.
Shug

I agree 100% and thats the last thing I need right now, with the where I am at physically/mentally.

Originally Posted by pgibson

To much and uncomfortable are a ways apart when talking about fabrics--streeeeeetttttch. You will hit the "ugg, this sucks" point long before you hit the "Riiiiiiiip, boom, ow that hurt" point.

I would be just a dull thud and gasp LOL

**hiker_DC** · 04-13-2010, 18:42

I am going to address the other aspect of your hiking comfort dilemma . . . your back and your knee. I cannot tell you how many people have bad joints because of their feet. I am a chiropractor and have had numerous people get relief from chronic back (and to a lesser extent: knee pain) pain from proper arch support.

Here is a test if it will work for you. Do a web search for "low-dye taping", or go here (click the link for diagrams). I use a modified low-dye, but this should work too. It is used for treating plantar fasciitis. This will work for us, even if you don't have foot pain, because the low-dye helps to support the arches. This in turn gives us more shock absorption and puts less stress on the joints above the feet i.e. knees, hips and spine. Cool huh? Use good athletic tape like Johnson and Johnson's then leave it on for a few days. If your knee and back feel better, then you are a candidate for orthotics.

My recommendation would be to find a chiropractor that provides Footlevelers and have them evaluate your feet. If you decide to go this route, the turn around time is about a week to the west coast (faster if you live in the east). Oh, and spend the extra $20-$40 for the Elite: very supportive but soft and comfy.

Doc

***HangMan*** · 04-13-2010, 19:28

I appreciate the input on this and rather interesting truthfully.
My back pain is from 2 bulging disks that no matter how much PT I do, I always have issues.Compared to others here on HF like Tback its nothing, but when I wake up from the ground and my nerves make my legs give out no matter how many cat stretches etc I do...I'm in severe pain.
As far as the knee... I was new to the AT 4 years ago on my first section, well me trying to play Billy Bad A$$ told my bud hey I'll meet you at the bottom, he was the one that had sense enough to go slow on the downhill. Well I tore the medial and lateral meniscus and I had to hike 2 days more to get to a shuttle to get to our hostle. I literally used my good leg and trekking poles like a tripod and drug my my bad leg across every log I had to step over etc. shin was a mess...(having flashbacks lol) anyways. I'm still in the game. But alot of weight on the knee swells it up bad and flat ground kills the back even with 2.5" neo air under me.... I digress. This is my last attempt.
I really appreciate everyones input/kindness.

Originally Posted by hiker_DC

I am going to address the other aspect of your hiking comfort dilemma . . . your back and your knee. I cannot tell you how many people have bad joints because of their feet. I am a chiropractor and have had numerous people get relief from chronic back (and to a lesser extent: knee pain) pain from proper arch support.

Here is a test if it will work for you. Do a web search for "low-dye taping", or go here (click the link for diagrams). I use a modified low-dye, but this should work too. It is used for treating plantar fasciitis. This will work for us, even if you don't have foot pain, because the low-dye helps to support the arches. This in turn gives us more shock absorption and puts less stress on the joints above the feet i.e. knees, hips and spine. Cool huh? Use good athletic tape like Johnson and Johnson's then leave it on for a few days. If your knee and back feel better, then you are a candidate for orthotics.

My recommendation would be to find a chiropractor that provides Footlevelers and have them evaluate your feet. If you decide to go this route, the turn around time is about a week to the west coast (faster if you live in the east). Oh, and spend the extra $20-$40 for the Elite: very supportive but soft and comfy.

Doc