View Full Version : Speer vs. ENO on AT
furtigan
12-09-2007, 02:02
Mega-newbie here looking for advice. Am doing a 2008 AT thru, and I'm trying to pick out my shelter/sleep system. I bought a Hennessy Expedition hammock and a 20 deg syn bag two years ago and have used them since. This is the only hammock I have ever used, nearly the only one I've ever seen.
However, the Hennessy has to go -- after much trying the underneath-entrance thing is still not comfortable for me. I'd also prefer something where I can leave the bug netting off in non-buggy weather.
The only real outfitter near me has almost no hammocks, and it is unlikely.I will be able to get to a Ruck or any other gathering. I will get a shakedown in February, but I'm going to have only a few weeks after that before I actually hit the trail. Hence, I'm pretty much obligated to pick out my gear online and go with it.
I’ve basically got my choices narrowed down to two:
A) ENO singlenest with A JRB nest/no sniveler combo
B) Speer with Speer underquilt and top blanket
Any thoughts from people who have experience are appreciated. I’d especially like to know how good either of these setups is for spring AT weather. I would like, as much as possible to avoid sleeping fully-dressed. If I’m wearing naught but my skivvies, is a quilt system going to keep me warm?
And while I’m here -- What's the deal with sleeping pads? If the underquilt is warm enough, why would I want/need a pad? I’ve never used one in my HH.
Not terribly experienced here, but I'll pass on what I know. I have the Speer hammock and love it. As you know, the bug netting can be removed, and it sleeps very comfortably once you set it up with enough slack, then sleep somewhat diagonally.
As far as the underquilt and top quilt combo, I will let others tackle that issue.
The question of the pad: carrying a pad will allow you to add bottom insulation if you find you need it, will probably be all you need for the majority of your thru. It also gives you the option of sleeping in a shelter or going to ground if necessary on some nights. The Speer set-up handles ground sleeping well, but you will need some type of insulation besides your underquilt. I'm sure others will jump in here with a lot more info, probably more dependable info as well :-)
Good luck - have FUN!!!
FanaticFringer
12-09-2007, 08:52
If I had to choose between those 2 hammocks, I'd get the Speer. You'd have to either buy or make a bugnet for the Eno. That being said, I own a Treklight double hammock that is made just like the Eno. It is much more roomy without much of a weight penalty over the single. If your local REI doesn't have an Eno hammock, you could have them order one to be shipped to the store for no charge. If you dont like it return it for free. A pad or pads would be a must at certain times of the year. Most people need additional underinsulation besides the underquilt in temps below 30 degrees or so. I need it under 40 with my Nest.
Also consider making your own hammock. Details are here along with much great hammock camping info. www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html
When temps are really cold I need much more than just my No Sniveller on top. My thermals, jacket, rain jacket, balaclava, scull cap, gloves.....take care of that. Kinda hard to test out cold weather conditions in balmy Orlando, Florida.
redbeard
12-09-2007, 09:18
Hi,
I have a travel hammock single which is exactly like the eaglesnest for sale in the for sale section as well as a JRB Hudson River Quilt. Let me know if you're interested. Thanks,Redbeard
Youngblood
12-09-2007, 09:49
Mega-newbie here looking for advice. Am doing a 2008 AT thru, and I'm trying to pick out my shelter/sleep system. I bought a Hennessy Expedition hammock and a 20 deg syn bag two years ago and have used them since. This is the only hammock I have ever used, nearly the only one I've ever seen.
However, the Hennessy has to go -- after much trying the underneath-entrance thing is still not comfortable for me. I'd also prefer something where I can leave the bug netting off in non-buggy weather.
The only real outfitter near me has almost no hammocks, and it is unlikely.I will be able to get to a Ruck or any other gathering. I will get a shakedown in February, but I'm going to have only a few weeks after that before I actually hit the trail. Hence, I'm pretty much obligated to pick out my gear online and go with it.
I’ve basically got my choices narrowed down to two:
A) ENO singlenest with A JRB nest/no sniveler combo
B) Speer with Speer underquilt and top blanket
Any thoughts from people who have experience are appreciated. I’d especially like to know how good either of these setups is for spring AT weather. I would like, as much as possible to avoid sleeping fully-dressed. If I’m wearing naught but my skivvies, is a quilt system going to keep me warm?
And while I’m here -- What's the deal with sleeping pads? If the underquilt is warm enough, why would I want/need a pad? I’ve never used one in my HH.
There is a lot of equipment that will work fine for an AT thru hike. A lot of it is about personal preferences AND the weather and conditions you will encounter. You are going to hit cold weather, hot weather, mosquitoes, rain, and perfect weather. North bounders that start in spring typically start out with a setup that is good to about 20F and then carry a setup that is good to about 40F when they clear Roan Mountain (if I'm remembering that right). They adjust for 20F again before they get to Vermont. There is usually a few pounds difference in the weight of those setups... I think it was at least 4 pounds back when I hiked it and that counted jackets, gloves, sleeping bags, etc.
Remember that you are going to be on the trail for spring, summer, and fall... the elevation range will be from a few hundred feet about sea level to 6000 feet. The latitude is pretty varied too... it might be 70F in Florida today but I doubt that it is in Maine.
furtigan
12-09-2007, 12:25
Hi,
I have a travel hammock single which is exactly like the eaglesnest for sale in the for sale section as well as a JRB Hudson River Quilt. Let me know if you're interested.Not a long, it it? I'm 6'0"
furtigan
12-09-2007, 12:29
your local REI...Is in Atlanta, unfortunately. :mad:
Making my own is not an option, for numerous reasons.
But keep the feedback coming, folks...
FanaticFringer
12-09-2007, 12:39
Cannibal lives in Vero Beach. Maybe yall can hook up. I'm sure he'd be glad to show you his collection of hammocks.:p
warbonnetguy
12-09-2007, 22:42
Is in Atlanta, unfortunately. :mad:
Making my own is not an option, for numerous reasons.
But keep the feedback coming, folks...
somebody sells a seperate net that fits those hammocks, i'm thinking hammock bliss.
angrysparrow
12-09-2007, 22:55
somebody sells a seperate net that fits those hammocks, i'm thinking hammock bliss.
Hammock Bliss' Mosquito Net (http://hammockbliss.safeshopper.com/19/cat19.htm?816)
ENO's Guardian Bugnet (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/guardian-bug-net.html).
Both of those appear to be quite similar.
I can only speak about the ENO, but I'll say that it is well made, if a bit heavy. If you remove the attached stuff-sack, that eliminates most of the weight.
FanaticFringer
12-09-2007, 22:56
www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39260153&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1
Cannibal
12-10-2007, 09:10
furtigan- Glad there will be another Floridian freezing on the Trail this spring. :D
If you want to try the ENO/Trek Light style hammock, I'd be happy to help. I also have the Warbonnet if you like the idea of the bug netting being built-in to the hammock like the HH, but without the bottom entry.
Shoot me a PM if you're interested. When are you leaving?
furtigan
12-10-2007, 09:41
somebody sells a seperate net that fits those hammocks, i'm thinking hammock bliss.The Speer is integrated. ENO's you buy separate. As much as possible I want the whole system to be from one manufacturer.
Does warbonnet have a website?
FanaticFringer
12-10-2007, 09:45
The Speer is integrated. ENO's you buy separate. As much as possible I want the whole system to be from one manufacturer.
Does warbonnet have a website?
Not yet......
furtigan
12-10-2007, 09:53
If you want to try the ENO/Trek Light style hammock, I'd be happy to help. I also have the Warbonnet if you like the idea of the bug netting being built-in to the hammock like the HH, but without the bottom entry.
Shoot me a PM if you're interested. When are you leaving?Sent. And 3/13
Cannibal
12-10-2007, 09:55
And while I’m here -- What's the deal with sleeping pads? If the underquilt is warm enough, why would I want/need a pad? I’ve never used one in my HH.
As an offical card-carrying 'pad-hater', I had to respond to this.
As the mighty Grizz pointed-out to me, read the journals. If you do, you'll find several instances of hangers going to ground for one reason or another. Sometimes it's failure, sometimes it's cold, sometimes it's for other 'fun' reasons. A pad is going to make those evenings a little more bearable. Plus, you (or more correctly, I can) go a lot lower without much weight penelty with even a thin pad. For all those reasons, I now carry a pad. I'm still ashamed, so I hide it inside my pack. :o
warbonnetguy
12-10-2007, 19:39
cannibal, i slept out last night with your uq, it was 12* at 11 pm, and 9* at 5am, i supplemented with the 1/8" ccf, and was warm. i could have gone lower.
Sent. And 3/13
Hey, that's the same day I am starting. I'm just using a Potomac underquilt and a DWR hammock sock.
slowhike
12-10-2007, 21:47
cannibal, i slept out last night with your uq, it was 12* at 11 pm, and 9* at 5am, i supplemented with the 1/8" ccf, and was warm. i could have gone lower.
if any one's interested in knowing how to make the degree symbol ° , just hold the Alt key (w/ number lock on) & press 2 4 8
the degree symbol will appear when you release the Alt key.
angrysparrow
12-10-2007, 21:56
if any one's interested in knowing how to make the degree symbol ° , just hold the Alt key (w/ number lock on) & press 2 4 8
the degree symbol will appear when you release the Alt key.
ASCII !!
Here's a chart (http://www.ascii-code.com/) of symbols and the codes that can be used to create them. Use the 'code' in the decimal column to get the symbol from the symbol column.
Cannibal
12-11-2007, 09:14
cannibal, i slept out last night with your uq, it was 12* at 11 pm, and 9* at 5am, i supplemented with the 1/8" ccf, and was warm. i could have gone lower.
That UQ is quite the harlet!
I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait! :D
BillyBob58
12-11-2007, 09:47
cannibal, i slept out last night with your uq, it was 12* at 11 pm, and 9* at 5am, i supplemented with the 1/8" ccf, and was warm. i could have gone lower.
"your UQ"? Which UQ is that?
slowhike
12-11-2007, 16:28
That UQ is quite the harlet!
I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait! :D
you krack me up man:D :p :D
Cannibal
12-11-2007, 16:31
"your UQ"? Which UQ is that?
warbonnetguy is making me a custom jobber for the Warbonnet. He has me scratchin like some kind of crack fiend.
Cannibal
12-11-2007, 16:33
you krack me up man:D :p :D
You should see me at the mailbox waiting for the carrier. He even laughs at me now and always asks what I got this time. He got a good holiday tip this year.
Only have experience with the ENO, but I know that either will work. I would definatly that a pad of some sort. On my aborted Thru in this year i carried a GG 1/4 wide thinlight and used it a good deal on my aborted thru, and subsquent long term sections. One thing you might want to look into making a simple hammock sock. When I was in NC the clouds rolled right through the gaps and sometimes even over the higher peaks. I really wished I had a sock, or even a JRB weather shield to protect me from the rolling mositure, otherwise your hammock choices are golden. And yea, I have slept on jsut that 1/4 pad in shelters, and it was a restless night sleep.
pure_mahem
12-27-2007, 15:00
I would be quite interested in the composition of this Warbonet Harlot sleep pad y'all are talkn' 'bout! It sounds like a dandy!
Mega-newbie here looking for advice. Am doing a 2008 AT thru, and I'm trying to pick out my shelter/sleep system. I bought a Hennessy Expedition hammock and a 20 deg syn bag two years ago and have used them since. This is the only hammock I have ever used, nearly the only one I've ever seen.
However, the Hennessy has to go -- after much trying the underneath-entrance thing is still not comfortable for me. I'd also prefer something where I can leave the bug netting off in non-buggy weather.
The only real outfitter near me has almost no hammocks, and it is unlikely.I will be able to get to a Ruck or any other gathering. I will get a shakedown in February, but I'm going to have only a few weeks after that before I actually hit the trail. Hence, I'm pretty much obligated to pick out my gear online and go with it.
I’ve basically got my choices narrowed down to two:
A) ENO singlenest with A JRB nest/no sniveler combo
B) Speer with Speer underquilt and top blanket
Any thoughts from people who have experience are appreciated. I’d especially like to know how good either of these setups is for spring AT weather. I would like, as much as possible to avoid sleeping fully-dressed. If I’m wearing naught but my skivvies, is a quilt system going to keep me warm?
And while I’m here -- What's the deal with sleeping pads? If the underquilt is warm enough, why would I want/need a pad? I’ve never used one in my HH.
:) i would go with the speer:cool: neo
headchange4u
12-27-2007, 15:24
I would be quite interested in the composition of this Warbonet Harlot sleep pad y'all are talkn' 'bout! It sounds like a dandy!
Is the Warbonnet Harlot the official name?:p :D It does have a ring to it.
pure_mahem
12-27-2007, 17:29
Seems like a good name everyone can't wait to have a turn with it, LOL!
Cannibal
12-27-2007, 19:31
Ya'll better stop talkin bad about my girl! :p :D
slowhike
12-27-2007, 20:08
Seems like a good name everyone can't wait to have a turn with it, LOL!
yall gonna catch sompin ya don't want if ya don't behave:eek:
Cannibal
12-27-2007, 20:12
I would be quite interested in the composition of this Warbonet Harlot sleep pad y'all are talkn' 'bout! It sounds like a dandy!
It's a UQ, not a pad.
Breathable shell containing 4 layers of climashield XP. It is a torso length attached by a loop of shockcord. Comes with a removeable sil shell (pillowcase that the UQ goes into) for wind protection. Weighs 16.09 oz without the sil shell. Has seen -5F with no pad. Layers of insulation are designed to be able to remove or add based on needs/conditions via a zipper on the butt-end. Mine is black. :cool:
slowhike
12-27-2007, 20:31
on furtigans original question, the more i think about it, my suggestion would be the Speer Snugfit & the JRB No Sniveler or Rocky Mt No Sniveler, depending how much insulation you want.
the Snugfit quilt is worry free because of the way it's designed (no compression of the down).
the No Snivelers are a great top quilt because they can be worn.
for the hammock it's self, the speer has velcro down both edges that will attach the bug net or the Snugfit under quilt... or both!
pure_mahem
12-28-2007, 00:23
That UQ sounds awesome Canibal! But as I have not seen any pictures......I'm voting for the Snug Fit! Wich just as a reminder when someone has some time someone's site needs some updating on these new UQ options as it is after all a go to site.... I'm not mentioning no names you Know who you are, LOL! JMWY JJ!
Just Jeff
12-28-2007, 03:41
I know - I need to update the tarps, too. And I have pics of three suspension systems I've tried that aren't up there yet, either! Just not the time I used to have... :D
BillyBob58
12-28-2007, 14:49
I’ve basically got my choices narrowed down to two:
A) ENO singlenest with A JRB nest/no sniveler combo
B) Speer with Speer underquilt and top blanket
Any thoughts from people who have experience are appreciated. I’d especially like to know how good either of these setups is for spring AT weather. I would like, as much as possible to avoid sleeping fully-dressed. If I’m wearing naught but my skivvies, is a quilt system going to keep me warm?
And while I’m here -- What's the deal with sleeping pads? If the underquilt is warm enough, why would I want/need a pad? I’ve never used one in my HH.
If YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY PURCHASED, don't forget to also consider Speer's PeaPod. Though we don't see a whole lot about it here, and it is a bit more expensive than some of these other options, it has a couple of unique things to offer. It is "rated" by Speer ( a very cold sleeper) to 20* on the bottom and it takes care of the upper level quilt/bag functions to at least 50*, and a bit lower in my case. Adding enough top quilt to fill the air gap will result in about 5" loft above you, which would a super warm combo, and it's easy to add pads, clothing or quilts to the bottom to extend that 20* rating. You can get well sealed off from drafts in it, or open it wide open for bottom insulation only, or anything in between. All of which is super easy to do from inside the hammock. I have heard from several users all of whom are quite enthusiastic about it and who feel the ratings are conservative. As for me, I'm still in the testing stages, but so far I feel it is a high quality piece of gear.
It's just another good option to consider among several really high quality possibilities. The worst thing about it so far is I can't use it with my beloved HHUL Explorer! However, this Warbonnet XP UQ also sounds VERY interesting to me, and I am hoping to get a chance soon to check it out! I think I could use it with my HH.
Then again, those Snugfits ( but not the PeaPod III) have recently been on sale, making that choice even more interesting!
Just Jeff
12-28-2007, 20:36
Have to agree on the PeaPod - it's a great product. The PeaPod plus a light top quilt weighs about the same as the JRB 3 season set.
One thing I found out at trail days is that I can't close a PeaPod completely becasue I have pretty wide shoulders. I got most of the way closed, but not completely. Just a thought.
furtigan
01-07-2008, 23:00
Wow - a thread I stared has managed to get to three pages ... I feel all important and everything.
To address some of the responses: the peapod is out for me because I can't stand to be closed-in that much; even if I'm not in all the way, it'd be close and I don't think I'd like it. And I'm increasingly sour on the Speer because of the red color -- it would seem to make steath camping pretty darn difficult.
Cannibal very charitably showed me both his Treklite and Warbonnet, and I got one of each for my own and am trying them out.
I also got a No Sniveller, which I will use either over or under. I'm leaning toward getting a JRB Nest, but that Harlot sounds pretty good ... you ready for mass production on them babies?
ETA: Cannibal, is the Harlot what's hanging under your warbonnet in that Christmas pic? That looks sweet...
Cannibal
01-08-2008, 08:24
ETA: Cannibal, is the Harlot what's hanging under your warbonnet in that Christmas pic? That looks sweet...
Yep! It looks even better now that it has a green accessory (RMS) to go with it. My girlfriend is getting kind of jealous because I spend too much time with my quilt harem. She's got a lot to learn. :D
Youngblood
01-08-2008, 09:02
And I'm increasingly sour on the Speer because of the red color -- it would seem to make steath camping pretty darn difficult.
They are not red, this if from http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Hammock.htm
" Production Hammocks are chocolate brown color (red hammock only used in photos)"
slowhike
01-08-2008, 19:20
They are not red, this if from http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Hammock.htm
" Production Hammocks are chocolate brown color (red hammock only used in photos)"
yep, the only red hammock i've seen made by speer hammocks is Ed's personal hammock that he used to failure... over 5000 estimated hours i think.
furtigan
01-08-2008, 23:20
Yep! It looks even better now that it has a green accessory (RMS) to go with it. My girlfriend is getting kind of jealous because I spend too much time with my quilt harem. She's got a lot to learn. :DSo that's why they call it a Harlot...
I see many people in this thread advising against Eno because they don't have a complete system with a Bug Net. I am on their website right now contemplating purchase and they have a complete package with everything, including bug netting, for $200. The DoubleNest package is only $10 more. :confused:
Edit: Link (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/onelink-sleep-system.html)
- JT
FanaticFringer
01-09-2008, 22:07
I see many people in this thread advising against Eno because they don't have a complete system with a Bug Net. I am on their website right now contemplating purchase and they have a complete package with everything, including bug netting, for $200. The DoubleNest package is only $10 more. :confused:
Edit: Link (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/onelink-sleep-system.html)
- JT
Go ahead and try the Eno doublenest. I wouldn't get the Eno tarp. Get yourself something like the new Speer cat tarp or put your money into the new JRB cat tarp. These will offer you much more coverage. This thread talks about the Eno dri-fly tarp. www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2804
FF, yeah.. the Eno tarps do look a bit small. I'm just kicking myself because I just ordered an Oware 8x10' FlatTarp last week for ground camping this year and now I am thinking of going into the trees instead.
- JT
pure_mahem
01-09-2008, 22:17
FF, yeah.. the Eno tarps do look a bit small. I'm just kicking myself because I just ordered an Oware 8x10' FlatTarp last week for ground camping this year and now I am thinking of going into the trees instead.
- JT
You might be able to get away with using that tarp for hanging if you can hang it on the diagonal to give yourself a longer ridgeline.
I want one of those Speer Winter Tarps because it really gives you the option to button down the hatches for those heavy down pours.
You might be able to get away with using that tarp for hanging if you can hang it on the diagonal to give yourself a longer ridgeline.
naww, I'll likely sell it and get something like a MacCat Deluxe. :)
- JT
slowhike
01-09-2008, 23:20
I see many people in this thread advising against Eno because they don't have a complete system with a Bug Net. I am on their website right now contemplating purchase and they have a complete package with everything, including bug netting, for $200. The DoubleNest package is only $10 more. :confused:
Edit: Link (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/onelink-sleep-system.html)
- JT
the ENO double i have is a really comfortable hammock, but i would agree about getting a tarp else where.
the main advantage i would consider a speer to have is that it has velcro down both edges, making it easy to add the small, light bug net when needed.
the ENO double i have is a really comfortable hammock, but i would agree about getting a tarp else where. the main advantage i would consider a speer to have is that it has velcro down both edges, making it easy to add the small, light bug net when needed.
I kinda like the look of Eno's bug net. Should be real easy to hang when I add a structural ridgeline as well.
- JT
slowhike
01-09-2008, 23:29
I kinda like the look of Eno's bug net. Should be real easy to hang when I add a structural ridgeline as well.
- JT
yeah, it's a little more weight but it would be nice to be able to sit side ways w/ your legs hanging down & still be enclosed if the skeeters were bad.