Newbie needs a hand: buying a "big boy" hammock

**Highway61** · 11-11-2012, 17:40

Hello all, long-time lurker, first time poster.

I am in the market to collect what I need to build a 3-season hammock kit (hammock, tarp & maybe some type of UQ or TQ). I figure next year I'll be taking more and longer dual sport motorcycle trips, so I want to be able to camp overnight. It would appear hanging equipment is lighter and takes up less space on the little bike's rack than a tent & sleeping pad/bag.

So I'm actually a full-sized adult, at 6'6" tall and about 275 lbs. My question: which hammocks and straps should I be looking at for persons of my size?

I have ordered Dejoa's book about hammock camping basics. I saw and visited the link for the weight distribution calculator and am shocked that that amount of stress is put upon a strap! I don't want to have that dream where I'm falling and have it not be a dream! So do I need woven wire rope like what holds up the Golden Gate Bridge?

Which hammocks are long enough that my feet won't stick out the end? Which are made from materials that won't split in the night, giving me the second birth of my life?

Finally, what's a great source for these HD hammock set-ups?

Thanks in advance!

**Shug** · 11-11-2012, 17:49

Hey....check this out.......it'll fit ya'.
http://wildernesslogics.com/Night-Owl-Night-Owl.htm
Shug

**blaktee** · 11-11-2012, 17:55

you could always make your own. Then you could chose how long you want it. making the hammock is super easy.

**Gresh** · 11-11-2012, 18:26

Coming in at 6'4" and 360lbs, I've been really happy with my ENO DoubleNest that I converted to use whoopie slings, and for straps I use the straps from a set of tie-downs I had in the back of my truck. Hope it helps.

**Highway61** · 11-11-2012, 18:59

Originally Posted by Shug

Hey....check this out.......it'll fit ya'.
http://wildernesslogics.com/Night-Owl-Night-Owl.htm
Shug

That looks nice, not super-expensive, either. What about a bug net? How do you keep the no-see-ums away?

Anyone have any experience with this model, or anything similar? Would it work for me? I like the hammock/net all in one idea, seems convenient for a newb like myself. Throw up a tarp & call it a night!

**ibgary** · 11-11-2012, 19:12

If you want to save $ and go diy, order a double sized hammock blank from diy gear supply.You could prefer 2 and make it a double layer. Also check the weight chart that was recently posted.
I've done a lot of motorcycle touring. This summer I took my single mar tent and my hammock. I only used the tent one two out of seven nights. Size is about the same. Tent= hammock+ tarp, but like the hammock better.

**hammock_monk** · 11-11-2012, 19:45

ENO Doublenest and DIY bugnet is a good way to start. A lot of folks still really like the ENO after owning several hammocks and it won't break the bank.

**MDSH** · 11-11-2012, 19:56

The Warbonnet Traveler series with a net that fits (as shown) and cinch buckle straps seem like an excellent system to me: http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/travelers.php.

I have the straps and they are really nice.

A tarp ridge line connected to the carabiners that hold straps at the tree works well, too.

Jack's has an excellent tarp on sale now: http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/jrb-11-x-10-tarp/.

Mike

**1066vik** · 11-11-2012, 20:03

Originally Posted by Highway61

That looks nice, not super-expensive, either. What about a bug net? How do you keep the no-see-ums away?

Anyone have any experience with this model, or anything similar? Would it work for me? I like the hammock/net all in one idea, seems convenient for a newb like myself. Throw up a tarp & call it a night!

I have a buddy in Texas with one of those - he loves it and is a similar size.
Took a while to get it shipped from I think Thailand, but workmanship was good as was communication.
another option if you want to try out the hammock thing without investing a lot would be the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater pro (not the ultralight!) and a tarp.