If you could only own one hammock what would it be and why?

[CamRuns]

I think the WBBB 1.7 looks like a dream. Can't decide on single or double layer though and don't have the money for it anyway!

[StumpJumper]

DangerBird 72.

[Elessar]

Forgive me for being a noob about all things relating to hammocks, but this thread caught my eye because of my inexperience. I was looking forward to the choices of more sage advisor/hangers as I wondered, "Why would you have more than one, anyway?"

I can understand if, like me, you bought the first budget hammock that came along, just to try out hanging around. Then, when I've decided that this method of camping/sleeping will work out for me, I'll upgrade to something much more serviceable. In addition to the different models and styles of hammocks that seem to have been created, I wondered, once you've found your best choice, why you would dump the rest?

I guess it's kinda like motorcycles, since I can only ride one at a time, my wife has pretty much rejected my idea that I need to have another...

[Full_timer]

I think it's very easy to understand why many of us own more than one hammock. Your analysis is quite close for me. I bought a big lots cheapo. Then an ENO DN which still gets used for lounging. Then a bridge because I thought I could only sleep on my stomach. With a little more experience I realized I could sleep on my side or back and then wanted more room and interior storage. Enter the blackbird, which I love.

Fortunately, with hammocks, owning more than one in not a heavy financial burden. Like say recumbents, motorcycles, and sailboats all of which I own more than one of. I have my spares to turn friends onto hanging. Because they are rather inexpensive even compared to tents I see no reason to sell my spares.

Asking people to share their experience and pick the one they would keep gives me ideas for other hammocks I might like to try.

When I was buying my first hammocks I looked at the signatures of posters and saw which hammocks were very popular but didn't understand why the user had evolved to that specific model. I asked why for that very reason. I am enjoying the new ideas and logic behind the choices I will probably be inspired to buy at least one more from the input...

Thanks to those who have contributed so far.

Andy

[Manchego]

What: Clark NX-200
Why: What I do is more paddle camping than backpacking, so the fact that it weighs a bit more isn't really a bother. Due to my need for weight capacity, need a bigger set up anyway. Bug proof bottom without having to resort to chemicals is nice, pockets giving me easy (mean, reach out into the bug infested darkness for a pee bottle, which isn't something I have to fight inside the hammock, etc) access to stuff as well as built in insulation is awesome. Removable bug net without having a ridgeline in the back of my head if I use it as a seat.

Edit: And the weather shield is nice, keeping things a bit warmer when needed, yet fully zips off when not.

[HighlandHorde]

So far for me it would be my DL WBBB inspired DIY. It was my 4th DIY. It's got a full zip in bug net with zippers down both sides so I can tie it up out of the way in the winter. It's a bit bigger than my others. I love the foot box and the double layer is awesome in the winter as I can slip a reflectix pad under my lower back on really cold nights and it doesnt move.
Saying all that I've only ever slept in one commercial hammock ( Hennessy expedition Asym zip).

[raiffnuke]

Why would you limit me to just one hammock?!

[Riverpirate]

My favorite and if only one Clark TX 250. Because it is the cadillac of hammocks. It has everything you could want and does everything you could want.

That being said, I have 11 different hammocks. Why? Because I read all the great reviews here and wanted to see for myself which one was the best. I ahve kept them all because I liked them all and use them all. They are all great hammocks, but If I had to get rid of all but one..........See first comments.

[Just Jeff]

If I had to pick right now, it would be the Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 single layer. Very comfortable, easy to set up, I like the shelf, and a great weight for the features. And also b/c it fits the Yetis well.

I have different hammocks b/c my trips have different requirements. In winter, I'll often take one without a bug net and save the weight. Or my insulated hammock to save the weight of an UQ suspension system and a fabric layer on the UQ. On other trips, weight is a big issue, so I take the lightest hammock to meet the job, like the Warbonnet El Dorado...no shelf, lighter than the WBBB, but still comfortable.

Other times, it's b/c I'm outfitting 4 people for the trip...summer or winter. Or at least that's the excuse I keep using to buy more gear!

[Ramblinrev]

Bottom entry HH cause I can't get out of a top or side loader. Mobility issues.