Which Hammock should I choose??

**RossinFL** · 02-04-2008, 19:45

Hi all, I'm a new member to the forums. Thanks for having me.

I just recently decided to get a hammock. Up until not I've done all my hiking and camping with a tent. I just can't seem to get a good comfortable rest. I've got a decent sleeping bag, thermorest, etc. It seems that I'm tossing and turning all night and I normally don't move much (or at all) when sleeping.

So this leads me to my quest to find the right hammock. I'm 5'9" & 185 lbs. The vast majority of my camping is done in FL although I do plan to go up north at some time in the future so I'd like something that is adaptable to handle colder temps.

From what I gather hammocks utilize one of three methods of entry; back, side, and bottom. My first inclination is towards side entry although I've never been in a camping hammock of any type soo take that for what it's worth. My preference for side entry seems to lead me to the Clark Tropical/North American or the Claytor jungle hammock. Am I missing any? I'm not dead set of anything at this point (including side entry) should I be looking at another type/brand of hammock?

Thanks!

**Dutch** · 02-04-2008, 19:48

My only input is to make sure you have a bugnet since you are in Florida. happy hammocking.

**FanaticFringer** · 02-04-2008, 19:58

You'll get a recommendation for just about all the popular hammocks used around here. I've tried several and this one is by far my favorite. Would work well at your size. www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/BMBH.htm

**RossinFL** · 02-04-2008, 20:14

Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

You'll get a recommendation for just about all the popular hammocks used around here. I've tried several and this one is by far my favorite. Would work well at your size. www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/BMBH.htm

Thanks for the suggestion. Is this a bridge hammock? I've heard that term passed around. If so, what makes them so good. It does look like the hammock would give you more room widthwise. That is nice.

Update: I just went to the JRB portion of this site. There is a thread that does a pretty good job explaining the benefits of this particular hammock.

**FanaticFringer** · 02-04-2008, 20:51

Originally Posted by RossinFL

Thanks for the suggestion. Is this a bridge hammock? I've heard that term passed around. If so, what makes them so good. It does look like the hammock would give you more room widthwise. That is nice.

Update: I just went to the JRB portion of this site. There is a thread that does a pretty good job explaining the benefits of this particular hammock.

No more room widthwise just more comfortable than any hammock I've used.
The pad pocket is great cause it eliminates many of the hassles that a pad in a hammock can bring such as buckling. Feels just as good with or without pads. Underquilts also fit better than other hammocks due to the design. I'm not a back sleeper but have become one in this hammock. Super comfy on my back with my hands across my chest like in this picture. http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_fi...r%20Pocket.jpg

**Cannibal** · 02-05-2008, 09:05

Get one of each style!

Just kidding.....kind of. Based on what you said in your initial post, I'd lean towards recommending a Claytor for your first. The Clarks are pricey if you wind-up not liking them. The JRB Bridge is pretty neato, but again might not be the best first hammock. The good news is that whatever you decide to get, if you don't like it, I haven't seen anybody have problems selling one here.

Most importantly, I'm very happy to welcome another Florida hanger to the Forum!

**smithobx** · 02-05-2008, 13:54

After trying serveral hammocks, I settled on the claytor. I have seen no reason to change, but there are quality hammocks available from serveral makers and it is just a matter of deciding on which features are most important to you. Welcome to the forum!--John

**pisgahfan** · 02-05-2008, 16:53

I've had a Hennessey bottom entry hammock and now I use a side entry Clark. Between the two I've enjoyed the side entry much better than a bottom entry. With side entry you can cook, grab gear, etc. w/out leaving the hammock which is a plus. Between the two hammocks the Clark is my favorite. Welcome to the forum!

**Kanguru** · 02-05-2008, 18:44

If you are a DIY type you can build for next to nothing...especially Speer top loader style. That way you can try that one cheap. Check this...

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html

I did a double layer version zHammock style and really like the versatility. See here...

http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm

In any case, prepare for some of the most comfortable camp sleeping ever. Not to mention you will no longer have to crawl around on the ground!

Enjoy all the great information here...

**RossinFL** · 02-05-2008, 22:01

Originally Posted by rstms

If you are a DIY type you can build for next to nothing...especially Speer top loader style. That way you can try that one cheap. Check this...

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html

I did a double layer version zHammock style and really like the versatility. See here...

http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm

In any case, prepare for some of the most comfortable camp sleeping ever. Not to mention you will no longer have to crawl around on the ground!

Enjoy all the great information here...

rstms, that looks like a really nice hammock. I have no sewing equipment and have never sewn anything more than a button. Wow, I think it would take a sewing class and a sybstantial amount of money to buy the sewing machine!