We're a comfortable and happy little group

**Miguel** · 04-29-2010, 00:29

Originally Posted by tgreening

Pulled the trigger on a new NX-250 last night. Now the waiting game.

Anyone in the market for a used North American?

Congratulations! You won't be sorry.

Miguel

**Kankujoe** · 05-01-2010, 23:40

I've been a "Happy" hammock "Camper" since I bought my NX-250. I still read the threads on modifying or adding to hammocks/tarps... but haven't really seen the need to do any substantial mods to my Clark. Haven't ordered their underquilt system yet but I'll do so before this coming fall (this winter I played with various pads, quilts, etc. to see what worked or didn't).

I agree that Clarks are rather expensive initially but when you factor in what others have added, modified, etc to their initial hammock the cost factor quickly becomes moot...

**sir_n0thing** · 05-02-2010, 10:14

I loved my NX-200... but it was a tad heavy and I needed some money, so I sold it and bought a hammock that cost roughly 1/3 the price, and weighed half as much.

Admittedly, I don't like my new hammock as much as I liked the Clark. Yes, I have seller's remorse.

**tgreening** · 05-02-2010, 11:39

Originally Posted by sir_n0thing

I loved my NX-200... but it was a tad heavy and I needed some money, so I sold it and bought a hammock that cost roughly 1/3 the price, and weighed half as much.

Admittedly, I don't like my new hammock as much as I liked the Clark. Yes, I have seller's remorse.

They are a bit on the heavy side, but probably not that much when you start considering the features. A built in bug screen. Built in storm shield which as far as I can tell is a BIG plus when it comes to heat retention. Built in gear loft (the outside pockets) though it is an external loft, and the tarp. I'm sure there are some weight savings to be had via suspension changes and what-not but probably not that much. You could probably gain some more by dropping the tarp option and buying after market but I don't know that the cost/weight savings ratio is worth it.

I'm all for weight reduction if you have to hump your stuff, but only to a point when it comes to comfort. I see it like this. If the load is a bit heavy I can always slow down or take a break. If I can't SLEEP, there is no slowing down, no break to take, no energy bar etc that is going to take the place of a nice solid X hours of good sleep.

It appears to me that all too often the ultra-light concept is more about bragging rights of the smallest pack weight than good sense.

**nogods** · 05-02-2010, 12:53

Originally Posted by tgreening

It appears to me that all too often the ultra-light concept is more about bragging rights of the smallest pack weight than good sense.

And sometimes is it just to facilitate bragging rights about how far and how fast one traversed a trail. I know some people who should carry extra weight just to force them to slow down and enjoy the trail rather than racing over it.

But that aside, the Clark would be much improved in my opinion if the bug net and weather shield were fully zippered and removal. Except for some chilly days in early summer, I never need both. In late summer and early fall I don't need either. It would be nice to have the option of leaving one or both at home.

**Lowend** · 05-04-2010, 19:52

I totally agree with the fact that a good night sleep outweighs the weight you may be carrying. I started my thru-hike march 18 and have been so happ to b carrying my Clark. I've had a handful of bad nights of sleep they were in shelters and hotels, I'm always more than ready and happy to hang my hammock. As for mods I've switched to straps and beaners and my tarp is a Speer winter tarp and the extra options have easily overridden any added weight. I'll agree that the cost seems high but I also concur that once you added the extra options such as a gear loft and weather shield and tarp which is not standard with every hammock, the expense is a wash for sure.
Happy hanging everyone!!

**TinaLouise** · 05-05-2010, 07:23

Originally Posted by nogods

But that aside, the Clark would be much improved in my opinion if the bug net and weather shield were fully zippered and removal. Except for some chilly days in early summer, I never need both. In late summer and early fall I don't need either. It would be nice to have the option of leaving one or both at home.

that probably depends on the area you're camping in. I'm camping year round on the North Carolina coast and I've run into quite a variety of different weather. Some on the same night!!! I go to sleep with things unzipped and wake up later needing to add my weathershield. So far I've never been able to have the netting unzipped!! To many different kinds of insects all through the year. I can unzip during the day but never at night. I flat out love my Tropical. I like that I can open the head end but still have netting. The rest of you guys with the other types of Clarks, can't do that. If I could have ordered with 2 less pockets I would have. I've got 4 pockets but I really don't use them much, 2 are enough. That's the only change I'd make to my hammock.

**Gnome77** · 05-06-2010, 15:47

Hello All. Weighing my options. Currently transitioning from Ground Tarp and Tent Backpacking to Hanging. Thought about DIY, but by the time I get the Sewing machine material, Suspension, bug net and run around fuel, time I'll be in the Hennesy cost range or higher. My Philosophy is if your going to spend the $$, get Quality, Dependability, Experience and American. So now I'm thinking Clark NA. Can any of you with Clarks let me know if I would need to be concerned about setting sag into the hang as to lay flat(diag)?

**NickJ** · 05-06-2010, 18:24

There is a definite sweet spot in terms of hanging position. I have an NX250 and find that position is when the foot (tree strap) is set about 5 inches higher than the head, and when the hammock is unnoccupied with the storm shelter shut, there is a very small amount of sag in it. That way I sleep almost flat but dont slip down at all.

I like to have a pillow and recently did a trip where I carried one which was quite bulky so have ordered a bear pillow from arrowhead with a strap to connect to the hand pull handle at the head end. I found it a pain when each time I sat up to make a brew etc, the pillow slipped down my back and needed re-positioning to lie down again.

**bigbamaguy** · 05-06-2010, 22:49

Gnome77:
If you would like to try a NX-200 and see what they hang like I wll be out on Mt. Cheaha outside of Oxford/Anniston AL. I will be there on Saturday afternoon with a buddy who wants to try a hammock, he is almost a convert.......just a little more persuasion. Send me a PM and I will let you know where we will be, it is just an overnighter to decompress from the work week.