Big Guy thinking of trying hammock - which to choose?

**saluki** · 08-11-2014, 08:24

I've been tent camping for decades, and always found the sleeping on the ground troublesome, no matter the pad or mattress used. Thought I'd look into this hammock thing. One thing I'm concerned about is the weight limit of many hammocks is 250lbs. I'm 6'2" and am pretty close to that weight limit on a good day and have been known to get a bit over it . With that in mind , a couple of products caught my interest -

The Blue Ridge Camping Hammock, by Lawson seemed like a good one - speaders, rain fly included, built in "tent" for more room and can be used on the ground as well as hung. Anyone have experience with this item?? So, does this eliminate the Blue Ridge for me?

Also looked at the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC. The XLC, with its weight limit of 400 nulifies the weight issue and it seems to be well thought of. The XLC is more expensive and, apparently, I will also need to buy a tarp to keep dry. So, I'd appreciate some feedback on the merits of these hammocks and any others that would suit my size and needs.

**Thumbs** · 08-11-2014, 08:32

Get yourself a big tablecloth and find out for yourself. Plenty strong and a cheap and easy way to find out if hammock camping is better for you than the ground.
It's heavy polyester material and should easily hold you.
The WBBB XLC is a great choice if you want to jump right in.

**PatT** · 08-11-2014, 10:40

As a big guy myself (6'1" @ 305 lbs), I cab attest that you don't spend too much on the hammock but be prepared to spend a little more on the bug net. I never had any issues to find great hammocks for cheap to handle my size and weight but cheap bug nets are a pain to get into and are streched to the limit under proper sag.

**captaincoupal** · 08-11-2014, 10:50

The Hennessy Hammocks Explorer Deluxe or Deep Jungle are also very nice options, with a max weight of 300 pounds, and includes everything you need to get started with the exception of an underquilt.

The Safari Deluxe has an upper weight of 350 pounds, and was designed from the start to be "roomy"

**autolox** · 08-11-2014, 11:50

6'5" @ about 270....warbonnet...great...love it...

**saluki** · 08-11-2014, 12:12

Looking at the Warbonnet products, am I correct in that the tarp/rain fly must be ordered separately and is not included with the hammock? This verses the Hennessy hammocks where the tarp comes with the hammock.

**body942** · 08-11-2014, 12:42

6'4, currently 275. I have (and have gotten rid of more than a few) many hammocks. My advice: borrow (best option, it's what I did), buy, or build one cheaply to see if you can take a comfy nap. If successful, after that, I have found the weight "suggestions" to be extra cautious (understandably so). My two favorites are the TreeToTrailGear Switchback in single 1.9 and my mostest favorite is my DreamHammock Roaming Gnome in dbl 1.1. If your tall, length is the key. Good luck.

**BananaHammock** · 08-11-2014, 15:13

I would go with XLC. Blue Ridge can be tipsy.

**TallPaul** · 08-11-2014, 15:24

Originally Posted by saluki

Looking at the Warbonnet products, am I correct in that the tarp/rain fly must be ordered separately and is not included with the hammock? This verses the Hennessy hammocks where the tarp comes with the hammock.

Most of the hammocks, including Warbonnet ones, come separate from the tarp.
There are exceptions.

**401Hunter** · 08-11-2014, 17:38

I'm 6', 225 on a good day and I just ordered a Warbonnet XLC after having a Blackbird for over a year. I just never found reproducible comfort in the standard BB. The great thing about Warbonnet is their resale value if you don't like it. Spend the extra for a good hammock up front. You can always get a cheap tarp initially and build your rig along the way