Two Problems...

[Texas-grrl]

Hey gang!

During my camping trip this weekend, I took one of my hammocks (Byer of Maine Traveler Lite) just to use for daytime lounging. I have recently started to explore the concept of hammock camping but I am not yet prepared to pull the proverbial trigger and sleep at night in one.

But taking one for daytime lounging was perfect. It gave me a place to sit (READ: semi-nap) and I only encountered two problems.

1. The crowds who say that the ENO Slap Straps will stretch are correct. I gave a whole new definition to the term "hanging low" after the weekend of lounging. It's now time to upgrade to polyester straps.

2. The real problem....My small dog's claws punctured the fabric. A real bummer, indeed. Is this issue going to be a problem in any hammock that my dog is in? Or is it just a problem in cheap hammocks like the Byer of Maine Traveler Lite?

[The Rambler]

Well how big is your dog is the first question. Big difference between a 5-10lbs dog and a 80-90lbs dog. You need to make sure your dogs nails are trimmed and filed down as appropiate. If you don't do your dogs nails and they are in your hammock, well you are just waiting for it to happen at any moment.

Me personally, my dog comes with me on all of my trips, but has never and will never see the inside of my hammock. She is 45lbs.

[Texas-grrl]

My dog is a ten pounder.

[TwoShoes]

If you're car camping or willing to sacrifice hiking with more weight. You can always use a heavier fabric beyond ripstop nylon. Hammocks are easy to DIY.

[gmcttr]

...2. The real problem....My small dog's claws punctured the fabric...Is this issue going to be a problem in any hammock that my dog is in? Or is it just a problem in cheap hammocks like the Byer of Maine Traveler Lite?

Most of the camping hammocks are made of 1.1 or 1.9 oz ripstop nylon or a light weight polyester. If your dogs claws are sharp enough to puncture the Byer, they will probably damage most camping hammocks. In other words...it's not just the "cheap" Byer hammock.

[default]

yeah, id have to say a mani/pedi for the pooch is in order. but since you have an overgrown rat, the nails will still be kinda sharp.

that said, i doubt youd be sleeping in it with the dog, so maybe have one good one for camping and that one for lazy days. it can still be an inexpensive hobby with 2 hammocks.

[RedBeardHanger]

I’ve had my 25lb Schipperke in the DN many times! No such troubles with tearing. I’m usually low enough to have him jump right in with out too much clawing. The first time I wasn’t thinking he could get in the hammock. He just hopped right up and got cozy Maybe you could line the hammock with one of his(?) favorite blankets to help… I haven’t done an over night with Gunner yet but I have a small light weight blanket he likes to sleep with/on to bring with us, either for his comfort or protection.
Let us know how you resolve this!

[SilvrSurfr]

My beagle Peanut is 16 to 20 lbs, and he sleeps in my Byer Moskito Hammock and also my Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip. He's never done the slightest bit of damage to the hammock. However, Peanut doesn't struggle or scratch or thrash around once he's in the hammock - he's resigned to his fate that he's stuck in there for the night. Still, I can see where some dogs might scratch at their bedding (as Peanut does on the ground).

Peanut does occasionally reposition himself to regulate his body temperature. Sometimes I wake up to find him sleeping up over (on top of) my head where there is no insulation. Doesn't bother me - a dog hat is pretty warm.

Have you considered getting him some hammock booties? That might solve the problem.

[USMCStang]

I'd have to agree with what others have said. Make sure the nails are trimmed. Alternativley, you could always put dog booties on them. If they're hiking with you, and they don't mind wearing them, it may be good insurance against paw injuries anyway.

Maybe WV can chime in on this. His buddy, Bonaparte sleeps in his own hammock, and he's definitely NOT a ten-pounder.

[SilvrSurfr]

Kayak Karl's dog Kaia is like a small horse and sleeps in the hammock.