Claytor or DD?

[Cannibal]

I have a few hammocks from both of these companies. The feel of them is very similar. IMO DD Hammocks has better customer service and I usually get my DD Hammocks in about a 1/3rd of the time it takes to get a Claytor once ordered. I actually like my DD Frontline Hammock, even though that style of hammock isn't really my thing. I don't use the tarp, but the few times I have set it up, it looked fine.

But i want to see pics of a : terrible, terrible Parrot Bay Deluxe

Why would anybody want to do that to their gallery? Horrible, terrible, and miserable hammock it is. It's the only hammock I've ever bad-mouthed and I still stand by my statements all these months later. Even by "Big Lots" standards, that thing is junk IMO.

[canoebie]

I gotta put a plug in for the claytor. I am with cannibal though in that it takes a long time to get it. I have used for about 100+ nights a year, now in my third year with the stock diamond tarp. Been through 60 mph driving wind and rain, snow, the whole range of stuff with it and have been pleased. I did tweak the entire suspension and the tarp tie outs. Whoopie slings on the hammock and nines on the tarp. I have three of them and have been pleased overall. Soon I will be moving to the WBBB though. I am also going to make a knock off of the claytor this winter only wider. Similar to the switchback. Something to do when I am not xc skiing or ice fishing.

[Hamper]

I'm confused...The DDHammocks webpage says shipping is free. Is this not true?

[Cannibal]

I'm confused...The DDHammocks webpage says shipping is free. Is this not true?

Hadn't looked in a while, but it seems as though you are correct. I'll get in touch with Nick and see if we're reading it correctly.

[Hamper]

Something I hadn't thought about til now...what is the waterproof fabric like to sleep in? I have only ever slept in breathable hammocks, but I use a pad, so not sure if condensation would be a problem or not. I was choosing between the two because they offered the ground bivy option, but would I do better to just get the breathable Frontline or Expedition versions and take some Tyvek for a ground cloth in case I ever get the urge to sleep on rocks and roots again?

I would probably be purchasing a new suspension from Paul at AHE and he sells Tyvek by the foot. Any opinions?

[turnerminator]

Condensation can be an issue. I find its not a problem if there is plenty of airflow. I use a down bag in mine, and after a few days, the down is still not damp, so I guess this backs up my thoughts on this. I got inside it once and spent the night using it as a survival bag, and I wasn't exactly dry, but I was warm enough.

I wont use my hammock directly on the ground without a groundsheet, unless its soft grass, because I dont want to puncture it. If I was doing lots of dry, warm weather camping( a rarity in the UK) then personally, I'd go for a breathable hammock.

[BillyBob58]

Something I hadn't thought about til now...what is the waterproof fabric like to sleep in? I have only ever slept in breathable hammocks, but I use a pad, so not sure if condensation would be a problem or not. .......

Is the Claytor JH really waterproof? When I had one, I tested it by pouring a cup of water on it. I don't think it took it very long at all to go right through. Any one else tested theirs?

Plus, I think Just Jeff made a sil-nylon hammock, and has had no problems. I have often slept in a HHSS with a WP space blanket over the pad, under the hammock, with no problems. I think a pad is about as likely to cause you problems as a WP hammock. Then again, I have never treied to sleep in one, unless you count the Claytor JH.

[gila_dog]

Don't know about the DD, but I have both a Claytor Jungle Hammock and a Hennessey Ultra Light Expedition Asym. The Jungle Hammock is a much better (and much cheaper) hammock than the Hennessey. Very sturdy and comfy, and the double bottom is perfect for adding a blue foam pad. The only thing I don't like about it (and it's the same problem with the Hennessey) is that the tarp is too small. In serious rain the hammock stays dry, but there's only a tiny spot on the ground below the hammock that's dry. I don't see the advantage of the diagonal tarps anyway, except for being smaller and lighter than a rectangular tarp. The coverage is very minimal. I need space under the tarp for gear, clothes, a place to hang out and cook if the weather is crappy, etc. I am going to post a new thread on tarps, because I need some advice on a good big tarp.

[Hamper]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the small tarps. I like to hang my pack from the suspension lines and the diamond or asym tarps don't give much coverage for that. I also like to have a spot for my dogs to stay covered. I just purchased the Chinook 12' x 9'6" tarp and look forward to having the extra coverage.