Need Hammock Advice

[ScooterB]

After watching a couple hours of Shug's hammock videos and adventures (thanks Shug for the great videos), I'm sold on giving this a try. I have spent a lot of money on better/lighter gear the last 2 years to lighten my backpack load. Went from regularly carrying 55lbs fully loaded to under 40lbs on my last trip to the Wallowa's a couple weeks ago. We are usually out for 6 days & 5 nights.

I'm interested in ditching my 8 lbs Nemo Losi 3p tent and moving to the trees but most of the recommended hammocks I see mentioned over and over again are only rated at 250lbs max weight. I'm 6'3" and average 265lbs fully dressed. In order to get a hammock to carry that weight, it increases the price and the weight of the hammock itself.

I found an affordable option from Hammock Bliss and was curious if anyone had any experience with that brand as I haven't seen it mentioned much and very few youtube videos on it. I'm looking at the mosquito free version which is only $76 and can handle up to 350lbs.

I'd be most grateful for any insight / thoughts / opinions you have. Thanks.

[swankfly]

Yep, check out BIAS Hammocks, they have their own sub-forum on here or go to the website.

http://www.buttinasling.com/

Check out their double layer hammocks and the Camper model, should take care of you. Great service and good guys.

[Shug]

Glad your excited!
It is like buying a new car...or horse. You gotta look at a bunch and eventually decide which one calls to you...
I made my first one and it is still my favorite. Sentimental I am.
Be patient as you'll get a lot of advice and opinions on here.
Carry Forth,
Shug

[Bubba]

A double layer 1.7 Warbonnet Blackbird is rated for 400 lbs and the double layer 1.1 is rated for 275lbs. It's a very popular hammock here.

[NarlocB]

Welcome to the madness. Shug has convinced many of us to try out hammocks....and while i'm still waiting on my first hang, I am simply convinced I will make it work. I hear you about the tent, family of 5 here and they don't make a 5-person tent .....its always 1-2-3-4-6-8-10, etc etc.

I am following the suggestion of many on here. I am building a DIY hammock, i bought a cheapo and a couple more expensive models to give a whirl. I will sleep in them all till I find the one that 'fits'. The ones I do not like will eventually work their way down to the wife and kids or to some lucky person on the forum for a cheap price.

Once i have found the right 'hang' I will begin collecting all the other things like UQ and TQ or I will try vainly to make them too.

-Narloc
When the wife asks, I simply reply "Shug made me do it."

[louisfb]

I have the WBBB 1.1 DL and really like it. It is rated to 275 lbs. I have lightened it by going to Whoopie slings in place of the stock webbing which dropped 12 ounces from the over all weight. That puts me at 14 lbs base weight with a full length UQ and a silnylon tarp. One thing I really like about the WBBB is the integrated bug net which is really needed here in LA*.

--louis

*Lower Alabama

[Walker1207]

Hey just throwing my two cents worth for what its worth. Own a hennessy hammock and am thrilled with it. It was probably in all honesty the best piece of gear i bought so far. It's an investment just like every hobby. Hiking and camping is just a little more pricey...and the thing is...with hiking gear it definitely is 'you get what you pay for'. There is a whole lot of hammock options out there. Best advice...research and research some more. Everyone's tastes is different but that's what makes hammocking so much fun. Hennessy's a warbonnets have very high weight ratings and height ratings and they come lock, stock, and barrel, integrated bug netting, trees huggers, guy lines. the works.
Check them out. Either company you won't go wrong with.
Walker

[gunner76]

Ditto on the Black Bird

[Kodaking]

Hammock bliss is poop. I have one and it is nothing special(unless you want that) but Hennessy, Warbonnet, Dangerbird....all have their own unique features. I started off with a hammock bliss so if you want a simple hammock then I would recommend it because its so basic but you still need to buy straps(unless it comes with them now). I am now upgrading to the DB 72 and can't wait! I would look at all the features of each because like I said, they are all unique!

[ibgary]

Being 6'3", you might also look at Wilderness Logics hammocks. Theyre are 11' long and I think they are rated @ 300-400 lbs. Depending on the material and layers. Good luck, and like you said if you do.t like it the wife or kids can use them.