Help! Choosing the Right Hammock For ME!

[The Old Boot]

My head is spinning much like the children doing rolls in Jiblets 'Spinning Cocoon' thread.

I've been reading here for a long time, looked at reviews and spreadsheets, looked at more manufacturers' sites than I can count and I'm still confused.

Here's the important personal stuff:

5' tall, weight definitely under all manufacturers weight limits (yes I'm female and no I don't tell anyone my weight)...

So length of hammock and weight limits are not a concern.

Side sleeper - actually I do more this side, that side, on my back, try another side sleeping than anything else.

Don't like to feel confined at all so I want height/space between me and bug net and don't want to feel like I'm in a cocoon in the hammock.

What I do know I want:

Side entry
removeable bug net
separate ridge line for fly.
No integrated fly - I know what I want for that.

Not sure if I want a pad in a pocket (know I don't want it in the hammock with me) or whether I'd be happiest with an UQ (or both if needed for cold weather).

Budget is not a major concern, I'd rather spend the money once wisely than have to keep upgrading.

Weight is somewhat of a concern because I have to carry it but I have no intention of going UL, I want comfort over anything else.

And yes, I know it's going to have to come in from the US, shipping is not a problem unless the vendor won't ship across the white line on the map.

If you were me, what would you be buying?

[Gresh]

I tried really hard to come up with a really great answer to "If you were me, what would you be buying," but I failed in the most miserable way possible.

That said, I really love my ENO.

[peanuts]

ENO hammock. soft feel on the skin, no bug net open top. add bug net of your choice when needed. i would remove the stock rope and caribiner it comes with.and i have never had trouble sleeping on my side in it.

[doctor patches]

this is a good question, maybe consider a DIY route? i'm sure the DIY subforum has some sort of template to determine the length and width requirements. I'm only 5'7" and 200lbs, i feel like my ENO DN is a tad overkill, I'm sure i could shave some extra materials and save on the weight in my pack.

[peanuts]

eno makes a single version also. that is what i use. i am 5'3" and i am still using my original one..(almost 13 yrs old ):d

[Rob In AL]

I'm going to jump on peanuts ENO bandwagon. The initial investment isn't going to break you even after swapping the stock steel with 2 small climbing rated aluminum carabiners. Once you get the sag right for you, side sleeping is no problem (nor just about any other position). As stated, you can add the bug net and tarp of your choice when you're ready. Also consider that Amsteel is not terribly expensive when you consider the size/weight to load bearing capability ratio and is really easy to work with if you decide to go the DIY route and make your own suspension.

Just my $0.02

[HamMike]

You might wanna check out Papasmurfs hammocks. He does a model that the bugnet that unzips from one end and down the sides. It's stowed at the other end in a self contained pouch. Other than that you could do a Switchback and send off to 2QZQ for a zipper mod. Any traveler model and a bug net sock would give you flexibilty too. I do a WBBB in buggy weather and a Lite Owl in the cold months. They are both double layer and allow for pads in between the layers, although my preference is for underquilts.

[juanchoman]

You might wanna check out Papasmurfs hammocks. He does a model that the bugnet that unzips from one end and down the sides. It's stowed at the other end in a self contained pouch. Other than that you could do a Switchback and send off to 2QZQ for a zipper mod. Any traveler model and a bug net sock would give you flexibilty too. I do a WBBB in buggy weather and a Lite Owl in the cold months. They are both double layer and allow for pads in between the layers, although my preference is for underquilts.

Try BIAS hammocks.

[Sidewinder]

There are a lot of hammocks for you to choose from. I suggest a basic model for your first one. Warbonnet Traveler comes to mind. The Dream Hammocks' Roaming Gnome might be nice as the bug net is stowable. And you will want a bug net. Good luck in choosing. Let us know what you end up getting.

S

[BrianWillan]

Greetings The Old Boot

Welcome to the forum from another Ontario Hanger.

Given your wish lists for a hammock, I would check out the Grand Trunks Ultralight Nano 7.

http://store.grandtrunkgoods.com/hammocks/nano-7

It's a 4' wide x 9' long gathered end hammock which should be just fine for your stated height.

Cheers

Brian