A cheap REI hammock?

**The_stack** · 10-15-2011, 12:10

I'm a hammock newbie and I've been looking for a starter hammock. Originally I was looking at the war bonnet blackbird. When I showed a friend she asked "why not just buy this it is way cheaper and looks sturdy, and has good reviews" http://www.rei.com/product/754769/en...lenest-hammock. I honestly have no answer for her I don't really know if this rei hammock is any good. Is this a case of the war bonnet being the lexus and the rei hammock a dependable but clunky 4 cylinder? Or is the rei hammock a lemon. Has anyone had any experience with these cheaply hammock? Also any advice to offer a new guy looking to try hammock camping without breaking the bank?

Thanks in advance

**opie** · 10-15-2011, 12:13

ENO hammocks are a great investment. Their comfort to cost ratio is excellent.

**bhinson** · 10-15-2011, 12:17

I use an ENO SN and like it I may go to
The DN at some point but as a starter
It is a great Hammock

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 10-15-2011, 12:26

I have read a number of folks here recommend the DoubleNest above the SingleNest for overall comfort. That said the ENO seems to be no slouch as an less expensive choice. My two bits is you can't go far wrong with either though you are comparing apples to oranges with this no Skeeter net option. When I was looking for an open hammock and sorting through the different options I ended up getting the WB Traveler. Not trying to confuse but here was my decision chain;

Out of the box the Traveler comes with top end suspension (I chose the Adjustable Webbing) and a structural ridgeline (SRL) that so many others dont (including the ENO). So for a few bucks more (less compared with some others) I ended up with a hammock that was perfect to me as purchased. It is now my favorite hammock...even over my other two WBBBs.

**DivaB** · 10-15-2011, 12:27

I have an Eno double nest and love it. I personally am thankful that it is a double nest because I'm tall and broad and would not want to sacrifice the width. My husband has a double wide "off brand" from OverStock and I can not tell a difference in the lay between my eno and his and his was only like $39. We also laid them out on the floor next to each other and the measurements and everything are the same. It's just doesn't have the "Eno" name on it. A very nice hammock.

**DivaB** · 10-15-2011, 12:31

I'm still trying to find that link for you....having some problems locating. I found the receipt and it was definitely at overstock

**mbcruzin** · 10-15-2011, 12:38

The ENO is a great hammock starter or not. I would suggest a double nest over the single just for the extra room and comfort. Skip the slap straps and the slap strap pro as well (they stretch way to much).

**DivaB** · 10-15-2011, 12:51

They must be out, sorry. I agree with the other post on not getting the Eno straps and such though. I have them and don't use them at all....as a matter of fact I can't stand them. Go double wide parachute hammock though, rather than single.

**OutandBack** · 10-15-2011, 13:21

With REI's unconditional return policy I can't see them carrying a bad hammock. IMO, they sell two of the most popular brands on the market. I'll bet there are more HH and ENO hammocks sold than all the others combined.

I have an ENO double and love it. If you plan to backpack with it I'd change out the suspension to something lighter like whoopie slings and tree straps.

hth and happy hanging