First Hammock Help. Want a strong one!

[Saga]

I am leaving to live in the Amazon rainforest soon. I have done much research on the name brand hammocks but still don't know which I should choose.

I want a hammock...

...that is strong and has thick material that will last years if I treat it with care.

...with a basic tarp, to keep rain out.

...big enough to let me sleep comfortably. and close to flat.

...with a long, strong suspension (to wrap around a good sized tree need be).

...that packs well, so I can put it in a backpack with ease.

...$300 or less.

I was thinking the HH explorer deluxe, or maybe a WBBB, or a clark (one of the cheaper models).

What do you think? What would you choose?

[TATO]

I use the Explorer Deluxe and really like it. I always get a good nights sleep. I however have heard really good things about the WBBB and plan on that being my next hammock to add to my arsenal.

[Boomer]

Well, I don't know about lasting years - that depends on how you treat it. I'd definitely want the bug net built in. If you're expecting a lot of rain, then a bigger tarp is better.

The HH would be fine, especially if you got it with the side zipper.

The WBBB 1.1 d would be double on bottom, so less chance of bug bite thru's on the bottom. I thing the WBBB is a little larger than a HH. The regular strap set up with the WBBB's is great.

Depending on your time frame, another good choice would be a DangerBird 60, which has both a bug net and an overcover.

[Gary_R]

Well, I don't know about lasting years - that depends on how you treat it. I'd definitely want the bug net built in. If you're expecting a lot of rain, then a bigger tarp is better.

The HH would be fine, especially if you got it with the side zipper.

The WBBB 1.1 d would be double on bottom, so less chance of bug bite thru's on the bottom. I thing the WBBB is a little larger than a HH. The regular strap set up with the WBBB's is great.

Depending on your time frame, another good choice would be a DangerBird 60, which has both a bug net and an overcover.

The HH Explorer is larger than the WBBB.. But I love the WBBB suspension hence why all my HH have it now

[ol' daddy]

Ultimately it's your choice based on your own priorities. You have a large variety of options available to you for under $300.

You can get an all-in-one integrated system, mix and match components from various vendors, or even make your own.

In my case, cost was even more of a factor, with weight and bulk less so, since I was just sticking my toe in the water, so to speak. A year ago, my initial set-up came in under $100, and included a Hammock Bliss Double and a generic blue tarp from Lowes. I modified the suspension at incremental cost, to complete my starter system.

As I gained experience and confidence, I upgraded various individual components during the year, and now have ~$250 invested in my current set-up. I've increased functionality, durability, and lost bulk and weight in the process.

It also looks slightly less kludgy.

[AaronAlso]

I wouldn't count on a dual layer 1.1 hammock to stop jungle bugs from biting you through the hammock; especially bullet ants.

I wouldn't be fooled by the name brand hammocks, it's just a piece of fabric gathered at the ends. Granted the WBBB is more than that, and I certainly love the luxury of it, but it's not necessary.

I would seriously consider a full detached bugnet if planning to live in the jungle/rain forest.

I would look to the heaviest most durable fabric I could find if it was going to be my bed for an extended period of time.

I've never handled it but the 2.8oz foliage grey material from DIYgearsupply looks like a winner to me. With a full bugnet I can't imagine that you will need a dual layer.

As for tarp...

There are lots of great options from the cottage industries. If you're gonna be under the canopy most of the time something smallish would probably be sufficient; cause the rain is gonna be coming straight down.

[Texas longhorns]

I have WBBB d1.1 and is great