Trying to figure out which hammock to buy, and I'm having a hard time. I would be using it for backpacking and of course lighter the better. Im 6'3 250lbs and toss and turn while I sleep.The Switchbacks look nice!.... But mucho $$$ (1.9 double with net) and that's without suspension. Anyone care to share their opinion?
Noob
Last edited by Noober; 03-15-2013 at 12:22.
Details, Noober, details! My favorite hammock (Grand Trunk Nano) might be totally wrong for you. I started with the Hennessey UL Asym (bottom entry) because I wanted a complete package. I've navigated to the Nano because I found I didn't need/want to carry all of that AND I learned enough with the Hennessey to have an idea about what I wanted. The Hennessey is still wonderfully comfortable and a great choice.
How will you use said hammock? Car camping, Ultra light adventure racing? What weather will you be dealing with? Bugs or no bugs?
"A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." Gian Vincenzo Gravina (1664 - 1718)
I don't have one favorite hammock. Just depends on where I plan to use it, day hike, overnight, car camping, backpacking, buggy area ect. Too many good hammocks to choose from out there.
A good quailty hammock will cost you.
Have you considered a DIY hammock ?
I am still 18 but with 52 years of experience !
That's a tough one. I'd say a lot depends on what you want to use it for. For lounging around the house, I'd say get a Lite Owl, or a Weight Weinee. If you plan on hiking, I'd say the WWMicro, or maybe the WL Snipe. If you want something with the net built in, maybe the Warbonnet.
Lots of factors. How tall are you...How much do you weigh? If you are tall, you may want an 11'. If you are a bit on the heavy side you may want a double layer.
Also....Don't overlook the DIY tablecloth hammock. They are very comfortable and will hold just about anyone. The only downside is that they are a little heavy to carry, but not too bad.
If you ain't havin' fun, you're doin' it wrong
Backpacking mostly... I edited my original post to add more info.
I love my claytor. So does neo. We are in a minority round here but are liyal for a reason.
Don't forget me! My Claytor No Net remains at the top of the list, tied with a few others. Still, while are some others I like just as well or better in some ways, I ended up ( after huge debate with myself ) choosing the Claytor for my last two longer trips at higher elevation. But, that was at least as much a choice based on insulation as on the hammock, since I ended up deciding I wanted to use my PeaPod. And the Claytor is my favorite hammock for use with a PeaPod.Originally Posted by DuctTape
Still, my Claytor is one of my best non-bridge hammocks for lack of calf ridge, and about my favorite for side sleeping, very good overall.
I'd suggest a BIAS double layer, or a WL Night Owl. Both are very comfortable and will provide a nice lay for years to come
If you ain't havin' fun, you're doin' it wrong
Honestly if I had to do this exploration of finding the perfect hammock again with what I've learned so far I'd totally just make a tablecloth DIY hammock until I was able to try a few out at a local group hang. The good thing is if you get something that doesn't really fit ya you can usually sell it here pretty easily.
BUT to answer your question... so far, out of the three hammocks I've tried over the last year of hanging... I have to say I freaking love my Dangerbird.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
- Albert Einstein
If I were a noob, I'd probably start out with a $12.99 tablecloth hammock as toygun suggested. At your weight you could easily start with a single layer, which only weighs about 14 ounces. Add an independent bugnet and you've got a setup less than 23 ounces. Then get to a group hang and try out some of the other cool hammocks before laying out cash for them.
It all depends on whether you want a Swiss-Army-type hammock like the Switchback or decide to go with an independent approach. A DL 1.9 Switchback is gonna come in at 31 ounces, but you get the integrated bugnet and other features.
If you think the Switchback is expensive, check out the Clark Jungle hammocks - they weigh a ton but have lots of cool features.
One of the most popular hammocks on this forum is the Warbonnet Blackbird, which has an integrated bugnet, plus a cool storage shelf. Dream Hammocks also have some really cool hammocks with integrated bugnets and even overcovers, like the DangerBird.
Personally, I do most of my camping/hiking in non-bugnet weather. I don't like zippers or integrated bugnets, and favor a simple, channeled, gathered-end hammock, so my setup can be much lighter at times. Depending on conditions, I can head out with just a seven ounce (excluding suspension) Weight Weenie Micro hammock. Even my double layer Weight Weenie Micro double layer is just 14 ounces. If it's bugnet weather, I can carry a Buginator bugnet at 8.8 ounces, or the NanoBuginator bugnet at 7 ounces. I really like leaving the bugnet at home when I don't need it.
Good luck in your search!
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