Why The Jungle Hammock?

**mcgyver** · 09-20-2010, 08:22

Hello all.
I'm new here (first post kinda states that.

)
I've camped in net hammocks when I was a teen canoeing down rivers some 30+ years ago.
This year I rediscovered the joys of sleeping between the trees.
I'm currently using a Grand Trunk Camoflauge Travel Hammock, with a ENO Guardian BugNet, and a Home Depot poly tarp.
My cheapest entry back up.
Well, the set up is good for warm weather, but the past few times I camped it got pretty cold and cramped with CCF mat under me in that small hammock.
( I'm 6'1" @ 225)
After some research, I've pretty well decided on moving up to the Claytor's Jungle hammock. It seems like it would fit my camping style under a lot of circumstances.

I've noticed that some people recommend the War Bonnet over the Jungle hammock based on "comfort".
My question, posed on this branch of the forum, is what made you chose the jungle hammock over all the other options?
Also if I may also ask, What have you found to be it's downfalls (aside from the wicking suspension)?

Thanks in advance for your advice. My wallet and my Wife want this to be a onetime purchase.

**Bags4266** · 09-20-2010, 08:30

Welcome, are you a car camper? Or backpacker? I had the Claytor Jungle and sold the setup due to its weight. If you car camp then weight isn't an issue. Very roomy, well constructed and reasonably priced.

**mcgyver** · 09-20-2010, 08:41

Sorry for that omission.
I know that's a valuable piece of the puzzle.
I'm not a lightweight hiker. When I hike in, it's with a old Alice pack.
Most of the time I'm in a canoe, kayak, or my Jeep, So a little extra weight doesn't bother me.
Anything over 5lbs though, and I could be in my Northface Windy Pass.

**soundmanob** · 09-20-2010, 09:10

I have both and the WBBB and the Claytor. BB is more light, roomy, comfy and cooler (temp and looks). Downside is $$$. With the Claytor, for less than the retail cost (With shipping) of the BB you get very well made (Military grade,) hammock And tarp. They have the Claytor in OD Green and Woodland Camo (Also cool) Not as light, or roomy but still comfy. The Claytor can be flipped over (From bugnet side to flat side) to lay in open/day hammock mode. Don't know any others like it... This is very "Dual use" and it will outlast most other hammocks because it is made with more durable (Heavier) materials. You can decrease the weight by adding Whoopie/tree slings for less than $20.00.
In summary for backpacking, I favor the WBBB but for value/versatility, and car camping, my choice is the Claytor.

**mcgyver** · 09-21-2010, 11:17

Thanks for the review!
I know a lot of people are very weight conscious when hiking.
I'm very interested in the Comfort, Durability, and Versatility of Claytor's hammock. I like the Idea of being able to use it as a "bivy" when the trees are lacking.
So far you guys seem to conferm what I've been thinking about the JH.
Thanks.

**jungleandy** · 09-21-2010, 17:30

You are welcome to move to Houston. You never need a quilt here, under, over or swallowed.

**oldgringo** · 09-21-2010, 18:40

I don't find my Claytor terribly comfortable, but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable, either. It's a good, solid hammock that will do yeoman service for as long as you take care of it. Mine stays on my Polaris, for those times when a nap is the only rational choice.

I prefer my 'bird by a large margin, however.

**mcgyver** · 09-21-2010, 20:42

Originally Posted by oldgringo

.....

I prefer my 'bird by a large margin, however.

May I ask why? Is it really that much more comfortable vs $$$?

**oldgringo** · 09-21-2010, 22:44

Originally Posted by mcgyver

May I ask why? Is it really that much more comfortable vs $$$?

It is more comfortable for me...that's a subjective judgement, of course, as is the relative value of that comfort.

The Claytor is a narrow hammock, which doesn't permit me much of a diagonal lie...I have woken up more than once with my feet in the net. That said, if the Claytor was my only hammock, I have no doubt that with enough tweaking here and there, it would be entirely satisfactory.

The Warbonnet is a completely different design...so much so that this discussion verges on an apples/oranges debate. My advice? Go to a hang, and try 'em both. There will always be 'birds there, and if you make your desires known in advance, someone can probably bring a Claytor. Yep, the 'birds dominate, and there's a reason.

**soundmanob** · 09-22-2010, 08:36

Definitely Apples and Oranges comparison. Good advice on trying others hammocks at a hang.

Comfort level of the Claytor can be improved with the right (24") pad which makes the narrower width seem flatter and decrease the need for a more diagonal lie.

Always been a fan of how durable the Claytor is. For example, caught a tarp guyline with the seat of my tractor while mowing. Normally this would have ripped the tarp material. Instead it transferred the load all the way to the end pole and the webbing tore off the triangular reinforced end. Solution. Sew the webbing back on the end. This say's it all...