Hammock Tent 90º Gamma UL Hammock Review

[johnbelly]

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As much as I love simple, basic hammocks, it is amazing to see the innovations and creativity taken to push hammocks even further. The Hammock Tent 90° Gamma UL is what I refer to as a “hybrid” hammock, that merges different concepts into a new approach to hanging.

Hammock Tent 90° Gamma UL Hammock
Manufacturer: Hammock Tent, made in Indonesia, USA, China, European Union, and Switzerland
MSRP: CHF$199.00

Available Features/Specifications
Features

Dyneema SK75 string suspension system
Included suspension and webbing strap system
Nylon 6-6 ripstop fabric, Oeko-Tex certified
Pad-sleeve that fits most common single person camping pads 79×27×3 in (200×68×7 cm)
Two bug-net interior pockets
Non-removable, zippered no-see-um mosquito netting, suspended by shock cord, adjustable with cord locks
Adjustable ridge-line with integrated bottle holder
4 shock cord tie outs for pitching the hammock on the ground with two hiking poles and 6 stakes, or inside the optional 90 Degree Tarp-Tent
Color: glacier gray / peapod green

Specifications
Dimensions*: 79×27×3 in (200×68×7 cm)
Weight: 18 oz (515 g)
Capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
*The dimensions of this hammock are measured from the pad sleeve. The hammock itself has a ridgeline length of 84 in (213 cm) and a total height/drop/depth distance of approximately 51 in (130 cm). Note that this can change if you shorten the adjustable ridgeline.


Product Description
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hammocktent-gamma-UL



The Hammock Tent 90° Gamma UL Hammock is very similar to the EXPED Ergo Hammock Combi and the Amok Draumr. The basic design concept really goes back to the traditional Mayan and Brazilian hammocks that are large enough and hung deep enough to allow you to sleep at near 90° from the axis for a comfortably flat lay. The hammock has been engineered to reduce fabric and weight by replacing much of the hammock with string nettles. This not only reduces the weight and bulk, but also improves the views across the hammock.

Recommendations and Review
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hammock-tent-gamma-ul-nopad

I was sent the Hammock Tent 90° Gamma UL Hammock as a research sample, with no obligation for a review. I’ve considered posting a review on this hammock for months, considering how best to write about it. It truly is a very unique and interesting approach to hammock camping. What is also amazing to me is how light they have made this hammock. Usually, hammock designs that veer away from the simple gathered-end approach suffer from “feature bloat” or material requirements that can add significant weight to the kit. The Gamma UL is surprisingly lightweight, yet is fully featured with a zippered bug net, pad sleeve, and a unique 90° sleep angle.

When I first reviewed the Amok Draumr, I bemoaned the fact that the hammock required a sleeping pad in order to form the hammock. Without the pad, the Draumr was unusable. The Gamma UL, in contrast, is designed with full support without using a pad. I’ll admit that the Gamma UL is more comfortable and roomier to me with a pad, but that is somewhat subjective, as it is a comfortable and usable design as is. The pad eliminates some shoulder squeeze and provides a fuller, flatter lay. I first used a thinner self-inflating pad, which worked very well, but it didn’t fill the sleeve as well and I could feel some heat loss along my legs. Larger, thicker pads fill the sleeve better. The hammock can also be used with under quilts with the right rigging.

While the overall design of this hammock is novel and well-crafted, I was truly impressed with all the little details. One that sticks out to me is how the designer tackled the nettles. The nettles are the strings or ropes that help form a hammock and have been used with hammocks for centuries. The original woven Mayan hammocks use nettles to complete the hammock and are half the total width of the hammock. Nettles are also used on Navy hammocks and can be adjusted to vary the overall length of a hammock, allowing for a lot of customization and modularization on a hammock. One major problem with nettles is that they easily get tangled, especially if the nettles are made from thin line. Hammock Tent.com has solved this issue by designing sleeves that cover the nettles when packed and stored. Buttons snap the sleeves in both deployed and open positions. It’s a fantastic design.

Getting into a 90° hammock takes a little getting used to. Since the hammocks is engineered to “force” a transversal lay, the fabric is bunched up in a way that makes it a little difficult at first to enter. Like a gathered-end hammock, you should sit in the center, and then pull the fabric out on the head and foot end to enter. Minor shifting is required to straighten everything out. Using a pad helps make this process a little easier since the fabric is stretched open.

The suspension system on the Gamma UL uses a double ring. This can be used with a Garda hitch or a webbing strap, or you could replace the stock suspension and use other after market systems.

Another advantage of this hammock design, like the Amok and EXPED models, is that they require less room to hang than common gathered-end hammocks. This means there are more places to hang. You can also adjust the ridgeline, and get into even tighter spaces.

The downside of the design is how to cover it for rain protection. Most hammock designs use a simple A-frame tarp shape to cover a hammock. This works well for most gathered-end designs because you generally lay down the ridgeline of the tarp so you have plenty of head room. A transversed hammock, like the Gamma, puts your head and feet near the side panels of the tarp as they slopes down. This can cause some condensation issues in some conditions, as well as headroom issues when you lay down. Pitching the tarp higher helps alleviate these issues, but it also opens the sides for wind shearing and precipitation.

Quality and Craftsmanship
This hammock has all the fit and finish of a high-end commercial product, but has the feel and love of a cottage vendor. All the stitching is straight and even with no stray fibers. There is a superior attention to detail, with well-thought-out improvements that are simply brilliant.

Article Source: TheHultimateHang.com

[100 Ton]

Thanks for the write up. It certainly looks intriquing, and as you mentioned, pretty amazing that it is not heavier. Looks like a comfortable set up, and not unlike a bridge hammock as far as how you lay. The only thing that would require some creativity is the tarp set up. Now, let's see what the innovators on this site can do to remedy that!

[QFT]

So it looks like you're reviewing the 1.0 version, which I don't even think you can buy now. Unfortunately, the 2.0 version is something like $350+ just for the hammock. The tarp is $390.

I owned The Gamma UL 1.0 for a few months, with the cuben tarp. Eventually I sold it because:

1. I couldn't stay warm at or below freezing, and I was using a properly fitted Exped Synmat 7 UL in L/W. Others disagree and have also had success custom fitting an underquilt, but not me.
2. Knee hyperextension is a real issue, because the thing isn't truly all that flat and kinda "bananas" a bit. Very comfy with something under your knees though. Some people have had luck with shortening some of the side strands to raise the hammock under the knees.
3. It's not very long. At 5'10" I felt like I was too tall - my head was at the top, feet were effectively squishing my quilt against the foot end of the hammock - which made them cold.
4. I love how you can hang between narrow trees (9+ feet), but hate how you have to hang the suspension REALLY high compared to gathered end. The further apart the trees got, the more challenging it became to properly hang at the right angle without brushing the ground
5. You have to use a special design tarp, and it's difficult to hang it low enough to effectively shield the hammock from wind and weather.


I wanted to like it so. badly. In my mind, it was a solution which is ultralight, extremely comfortable, can be pitched between narrow trees, and can go to ground and be pitched like a tent. In other words, PERFECT for backpacking in any condition. But it just didn't work for me.

Some people love them, which I think is great. But I hope people also consider the drawbacks I just mentioned.

Maybe they fixed it in the 2.0 version. But you're gonna pay dearly for it...

[James Fowler]

As much as I love simple, basic hammocks, it is amazing to see the innovations and creativity taken to push hammocks even further. The Hammock Tent 90° Gamma UL is what I refer to as a “hybrid” hammock, that merges different concepts into a new approach to hanging. ...


While it's great to share useful info like this and you can certainly include your own summary and links (for example, "checkout this great review of a unique hammock over on TheUltimateHang.com (https://theultimatehang.com/2015/12/23/hammock-tent-90o-gamma-ul-hammock-review/)), cut & pasting stuff from other sites without attribution or permission is at best bad form and potentially a violation of copyright. Don't think that's at all what you intended, but for future reference I'd recommend you avoid that ( and also avoid trying to sleep in 9' hammocks... :D )

[OlTrailDog]

All three current ninety degree hammocks that I am aware of are quite a bit different from each other. I have owned and used a number of Hammocktent 90*s inculding a Gamma UL version 1.0, a Gamma UL version 2.0, an Alpha, a Beta, and a Gamma (non UL version). In fact I slept last night in the Gamma. I also have used a Exped Ergo for a while. So, I will take the liberty to offer my thoughts on the 90*s.

I am a 90* enthusiast, but they are not for everyone. Personally, since my passion is backpacking, I have not purchased a Draumr because they are too heavy for me when there are much lighter alternatives available. I also didn't find the footbox feature appealing. I purchased an Exped Ergo on clearance and used it for a couple of months. In the end I sold the Ergo because I didn't really care for the excessive material and fidgeting to locate the oblique diagonal lay, similar to hunting for the diagonal in a GE. With the Hammocktent and Draumr it is as simple as climb in and you are set for the night.

Luke's (the Hammocktent creator) niche market is targeted toward light weight hammocks backpacking hammocks. Consequently there are some limitations with the 90* design in both weight and height limitations. Luke also took his 90* design to Exped and they modified it to come up with the Exped Ergo.

When I got the Gamma UL v. 1.0 I was very pleased with some of it's features. It had the flattest lay and was by far the most comfortable side sleeping hammock that I had used. If was so much more comfortable than my WBRR that I passed the WBRR along for someone else to enjoy. However, what I found less than satisfactory with the Gamma UL was it had a tendency toward hyper knee extension and I also found the head end curvature to be more than I liked. So, I put on my thinking cap and decided there was a way to improve on the design that had the potential of making the Gamma UL v.1.0 more comfortable for me. I modified the suspension so that it resembled what I call a lazy S suspension and posted the results here on HF. What that meant was there was more support under the knees to resolve the hyper knee extension. It worked great. So much so that Luke sent me a Gamma UL prototype for the version 2.0 for testing and providing feedback. The Gamma UL v.2.0 has both more support under the knees and less curvature at the head end making it a more comfortable hammock than the v. 1.0.

However, this past winter I came up with a brand new hammock design that I find to surpass the Gamma UL in comfort. In my opinion It address several areas that I believe could be improved on the current 90* hammocks. Personally, I find this brand new style hammock to be remarkable comfortable. Notwithstanding, I understand 90* hammocks are not for everyone and there are bridge hammock and GE hammock aficionados , end of story, HYOH.

Naturally, I took my idea to Luke and we exchanged a number of correspondences on my design. However, Luke is passionate about providing the hammock community with the lightest 90* hammock available and my design and suggestions did not meet his criterion for fulfilling that goal since it would weigh more than the Gamma UL v.2.0. Luke did encourage me to pursue my design. So I have. As a long term REI member since 1972, I approached REI with an inquiry since they seem to be prescient enough to see how enthusiastic folks are about hammock hanging. Plus, they have been entrepreneurial enough to bring two designs to market, albeit some what misguided in what makes a comfortable hammock, IMHO. Unfortunately, whose every desk my design ended up on didn't have a clue what I was proposing and thought I had a hammock that I wanted REI to market through their retail business.:confused: Oh, well, I didn't want to correct the misconception and moved on.

Next I took the design to a cottage hammock company. They were interested enough to asked if I could send a prototype to them. They have had the prototypes for a couple of months and I am waiting to see if they are interested. Hopefully, they are intrigued, tweaking, modifying, fabricating, and testing the results. If they are not, I have another cottage hammock maker who excels in inventiveness to pitch the idea too. Or if any cottage hammock maker is interested, let me know.

I am simply too busy and too old to tackle this as a personal endeavor, although it has crossed my mind....briefly. My hat off to these cottage vendors who pour heart and soul into making a go of this competitive business. I'm not looking to make money on this and would be content with making $1 on each hammock IF it was successful just as a thank you for bring the idea to us. However, the very idea of coming up with a unique contribution to the hammock community is what I find simply thrilling and if all else fails I will eventually post my discoveries for the HF DIY enthusiasts to tackle. Until then I need to be patient.:mellow:

[OlTrailDog]

Thanks for the write up. It certainly looks intriquing, and as you mentioned, pretty amazing that it is not heavier. Looks like a comfortable set up, and not unlike a bridge hammock as far as how you lay. The only thing that would require some creativity is the tarp set up. Now, let's see what the innovators on this site can do to remedy that!

Although seemingly similar to a bridge, the results are different. In my experience with a bridge, there is more squeeze than in 90*. That is because the bridge is held apart at the foot and head ends whereas the 90* is held apart for it's entire length.

Regarding a tarp. there are several tarp alternatives currently available. The Hammocktent CF tarp made by Zpacks (very expensive as are all CF tarps), Simply Light Designs makes a reasonably priced tarp that many like, some have used Warbonnet's Ground Tarp as it's shape works well, and others, like myself, have used a silnylon 10x12 tarp with success. Other cottage vendors will custom make a tarp as per your specifications.

[team FTB]

Guys I'm taking a look at the HammockTent. One factor noted above may be a killer for me so need clarification. FSUPaintball pointed this tidbit out that I need some clarification on please:

4. I love how you can hang between narrow trees (9+ feet), but hate how you have to hang the suspension REALLY high compared to gathered end. The further apart the trees got, the more challenging it became to properly hang at the right angle without brushing the ground

How much higher does the HammockTent hammock need to hung than a GE hammock in general?

I'm 5'5" and sometimes have my GE hammock just 8 inches off the ground if the tree's are far apart as I'm too short to get the hammock hung any higher.


https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Day-dirt-rides/i-SRMQSjm/0/d2fec51a/L/P1060053-L.jpg

[QFT]

It's a foot or two higher. Check out the inventor setting it up in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrLM8wUJpGk). He looks pretty tall and has trees that are nice and close to each other, and he's still wrapping his tree straps above head height.

The issue is the straps coming off the tree should come down at 30 degrees to the hammock's descender rings for the right hang, just like a gathered end hammock. But unlike a gathered end hammock, this one is really tall, and the descender rings have to be about 6' off the ground or else the hammock will touch the ground. This means the tree straps have to be wrapped even higher than 6' up if you want them to have that 30 degree angle down to the hammock.

[OlTrailDog]

Luke (of Hammocktent) is six foot. Pitching it only eight inches above the ground is too low (but it would be for GEs too). As paintball noted, the distance between the SRL and the bottom of the hammock is more than with a GE hammock, so that means it does need to be hung higher on the anchor points. However, at 5'5" I am assuming you commensurately weigh less and that should equate to less sag than with someone who is 6' and 175lbs. Currently the Hammocktent Gamma that I have been sleeping in indoors is 12' apart and the attachment points are 6' off the floor (this is the measurements for the aluminum pole stand (pictured below)). The angle is probably around 30* and the hammock is 16" off the ground. So, "REALLY high" may be a bit of hyperbole.

The 30* rule isn't as critical for the Hammocktent 90* as it is for GEs. You can hang it at less of an angle, i.e. tauter. Here is a pic of hangs that are 28' and 30' apart:

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At 16':

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At 12':

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At 9'

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Personally I don't like using descender rings as much as either the Warbonnet pentagrams or the Dream Hammock cinch buckles (the best). These are easier to cinch up the hang and to undo when tight. Believe me, when you hang 30' apart you need to cinch it up (for either a 90* or GE). But most importantly, the cinch buckles are easiest to undo, especially compared to the tiny descender rings that originally came with my first Gamma UL (I think now there are no rings and Luke recommends the Becket hitch that many folks use).

Bottom line I would say is that since you are shorter it will be more of a challenge to achieve the hang height depending on distance between the "trees". You also are probably lighter for less sag. But at six foot I've encountered the same challenges with the 30' and 28' widths. But guess what...I made it happen. At anything less than 16' you shouldn't have a problem.

[OlTrailDog]

You might consider purchasing one of Luke's bargain bin Alpha hammocks. it is only around $53 plus shipping. It doesn't have a pad pocket or net, but it could let you try it out before committing to the Gamma UL. At a minimum it would make a great lightweight siesta hammock for the back yard or travel.

[QFT]

Looks like OlTrailDog did a better job hanging his than I did. I will say that the spectra suspension was more difficult to deal with and prone to wear if hanging taut in my experience, so swapping it out for something with straps/buckles would be easier to deal with at those angles.

[OlTrailDog]

Another thought. If you think about the hang angle differences between a GE and 90 they are substantially different. If you cinch up a GE you are affecting the way the body of the hammock lays, i.e. the tighter, or shallower the angle means the flatter the lay because it stretches the hammock tighter. Whereas with a 90* hammock you could cinch the suspension completely flat, i.e. a 0* angle, that is if the tree straps and SRL were sufficiently strong, and it would not effect the hammock lay because that is determined by the suspension system suspended from the endpoints of the SRL.

This is also what makes a 90* substantially different from a bridge hammock, e.g. a WBRR. With a bridge hammock the body of the hammock is compressed inward between the spreader bars, i.e. the long axis, resulting in the proverbial bridge hammock squeeze. Whereas with a 90* hammock the suspension stress is constant along the long axis of the hammock. This is also the reason the 90* is the most comfortable side laying hammock. That is also why the WBRR was the first hammock I purchased, but also the first hammock I sold.

Does the hammocktent 90* have it's limitations? Certainly. Can some of these limitations able to be addressed such that it becomes one of the most, if not the most, comfortable hammock availablle? I think so, but then again, I have also modified the 90* to address some of the inherent limitations. In all honesty, there are inherent limitations to a 90*, just as with a bridge and GE and each has it's adherents and that is why there isn't only one hammock type. That is why I have come up with a new hammock design and one of these days will be in production and not just solely for my personal use (it currently is at a vendor for evaluation).

[Jimswms]

As a fan of Luke's 90degree, I'd love to see what you have up your sleeve oltraildog...

I agree with most of what has been said here. Team FTB, I think your issues with straps and tree height will be eliminated. Like I said on ADV, its the comfort that makes up for it, and oltraildog explained most of its limitations really well. I have fsupaintball's old ver 1 gamma UL and a ver 2.0. It's the 2.0 in the latest thread on ADV. For me, the biggest difference between the two is ver 2 is slightly longer, and is better around the knees. There is some serious hyper extension in the first version, but nothing that can't be resolved. I put a jacket in the pad pocket right around where my knees are and that solves the issue.

Oltraildog. Sign me up. I'd LOVE to see what you have going on. If you haven't approached Jared at Simply Light Designs, he might be one to consider..

[dhkayaker]

Also a 90* hanger via Luke's designs and a fan of Jar d at SLD. I really like my new 2.0 and I'd find it hard to improve. I did feel limited on what tarps work well with 90* hammocks. I still have my 90 winter haven, thanks to Jimswms and I have one cuben fiber (Zpacks) Hammocktent tarp. But I found it difficult to buy two more at $400 each and my family doesn't winter camp, so I wasn't interested in more 90* winter havens. My solution was to work with Jared at SLD on design and he made me two custom 90* 3-season tarps. I'm very happy with all my 90* gear. I just need to get outside more and use it. That being said, I'm still curious enough to see what Oltraildog has been up to and what design changes he has made. His old post about changing individual string lengths for more comfort and what I saw on the Ergo with the head end adjustable lines definitely makes me curious...hmm..
Keep us posted Oltraildog

[OlTrailDog]

A twelve foot ridgeline with six foot height from this past weekend:

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Set one end and used a simple pulley to stretch the ridge line taut and finished with a slippery girth hitch. A WB pentagonal rings or DH cinch buckle or similar mechanical system could have accomplished the same.
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[kghiker]

Also a 90* hanger via Luke's designs and a fan of Jar d at SLD. I really like my new 2.0 and I'd find it hard to improve. I did feel limited on what tarps work well with 90* hammocks. I still have my 90 winter haven, thanks to Jimswms and I have one cuben fiber (Zpacks) Hammocktent tarp. But I found it difficult to buy two more at $400 each and my family doesn't winter camp, so I wasn't interested in more 90* winter havens. My solution was to work with Jared at SLD on design and he made me two custom 90* 3-season tarps. I'm very happy with all my 90* gear. I just need to get outside more and use it. That being said, I'm still curious enough to see what Oltraildog has been up to and what design changes he has made. His old post about changing individual string lengths for more comfort and what I saw on the Ergo with the head end adjustable lines definitely makes me curious...hmm..
Keep us posted Oltraildog


Another fan of the 90* hammocks here. Dhkayaker, I am curious what configuration you had SLD design for your 3 season tarps. I have been using Warbonnet's GT tarp with much success, but there are times that I wish it were a foot or two wider.

Oltraildog, I agree with you assessment about the angle of hang not being as critical with the Hammocktent - not affecting the comfort of the hang. The drawback being (at a lesser angle) the stress it places on the straps, hardware and the ridgeline. I too, look forward to seeing your new concepts. It would be great if these could be made in the US.

kg

[dhkayaker]

164679164680Hello kghiker, with some dimensions from all 90* hammock tarps I could find online and my SLD 90 winter haven and Exped Ergo tarp, I came up with a shape w/doors requiring 6 stakes and with Jared's help refining it. He put line locs on all tieouts and snaps on the doors, it weighs 18.25oz in stuff sack w/o any line attached.

[dhkayaker]

Kghiker, forgot I also had two tieouts added in the middle of tarp to create more space at foot/head ends or add a trekking pole mod over the ridgeline. Cat cuts along head/foot edges also. Jared doesn't advertise the tarp, but I don't care if anyone uses the design. First setup had some slack in video and after tying the foot end tieout to a trekking pole to increase area under the tarp, it lost some of that slack.

[kghiker]

Dhkayaker, I appreciate the info. That is almost exactly the configuration that I had in mind. Do you feel that the 8' ridgeline is sufficient? I was considering 9'. It looks like I may need to give Jared a call.

[dhkayaker]

Kghiker, the 8' ridgeline is 1' longer than the hammocktent-zpacks tarp and 1/2 foot wider at 12' and coverage is sufficient. Only tree straps are exposed. In fully closed setup, it is tight entering the hammock at the foot end, but most all 90* tarps have that issue when fully battened down. I like porch mode best or no tarp during dry nights.

[OlTrailDog]

Outstanding job dykayaker on your work with SLD on coming up with a great tarp alternative. It is my understanding from reading a number of threads that Jared does outstanding work and is easy to work with. So, this is actually a different custom tarp than Jared's production model Winter tarp. Good thing to know, because one thing I was considering while I was out camping this last weekend was how limited the space was beneath the Zpacks CF tarp. My thoughts were that it was great for minimizing weight and economy of size, which are Luke's primary objectives, but if it was a rainy day it would be nice to have a bit more room to while away the time under a commodious tarp. I even thought about packing a small silpoly tarp for cooking and hanging out under during inclement conditions. When I was backpacking up in Canada the rule of thumb was aways having an additional tarp because you are going to need/enjoy it when it starts to rain.

I really wish I could be more forthcoming about what I have been up to. It has been a challenge to keep my enthusiasm at bay. Frankly, I am not overly optimistic about the new design being commercially adopted largely due to the expense and time it takes to make a 90* hammock when all most vendors have to do is roll out a rectangle of fabric and cinch the ends together...voile'...a hammock. We will see, in due time. However, no matter what the outcome is, I think you will find the idea easy to do and worthwhile.

PS: I called the set up in the above pictures with the truck my "Walmart mode" meaning all you need is a single tree or pole to back up to and you have a hanging spot. Sort of like the summer travelers availing themselves to Walmart parking lots during the summer travel season.

[dhkayaker]

"Walmart mode". Love it! Mogollon Monster and I had an interesting trip in Cali to a state park near San Diego. Here's the link. Not sure what you'd call this.
https://youtu.be/XhxzAZaBzfw

[DivaB]

You might consider purchasing one of Luke's bargain bin Alpha hammocks. it is only around $53 plus shipping. It doesn't have a pad pocket or net, but it could let you try it out before committing to the Gamma UL. At a minimum it would make a great lightweight siesta hammock for the back yard or travel.

Link please

[dhkayaker]

Link please

Luke's website, hammocktent.com bargain icon or try this link
http://www.hammocktent.com/en/pages/bargain_bin

[OlTrailDog]

"Walmart mode". Love it! Mogollon Monster and I had an interesting trip in Cali to a state park near San Diego. Here's the link. Not sure what you'd call this.
https://youtu.be/XhxzAZaBzfw

Necessity is the mother of invention, eh?

Hello I love you... When I was in high school The Doors were my favorite rock group. Still really like them. The keyboard and guitar solos on Light My Fire are legendary as were Morrison's poetic/prose lyrics.