New NX-250 owner

I've finally managed to acquire my first hammock. I tried to go buy it in person today but I didn't call first. Turns out they aren't open at all on the weekends, my bad for not checking. Not to be completely defeated I ordered a NX-250 camouflage with a matching z-liner from the parking lot. One step closer to being able to run. Now I need my winter tarp from smokehouse, a top quilt, probably an extra under quilt, and a pack to actually be able to go out and start back packing. I'm so excited and finally being able to make a big step towards starting.

you STARTED with an nx250??:scared:


I bought my first hammock for 20$ to make sure I liked them first.

Welcome to the insanity... That is a crazy nice first hammock... I'm sure you will enjoy it...

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Originally Posted by Isheian

I've finally managed to acquire my first hammock. I tried to go buy it in person today but I didn't call first. Turns out they aren't open at all on the weekends, my bad for not checking. Not to be completely defeated I ordered a NX-250 camouflage with a matching z-liner from the parking lot. One step closer to being able to run. Now I need my winter tarp from smokehouse, a top quilt, probably an extra under quilt, and a pack to actually be able to go out and start back packing. I'm so excited and finally being able to make a big step towards starting.

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Tell us what you think of your new hammock when you have some time.

Well started as in I have attended two group hangs to learn from others and at least sit in a few first. On the second hang cannibal let me come up off the ground and try a deep jungle and a WBBB. As for first, it's my first actual back packing hammock. I do have a ENO double deluxe i sleep in warmer months instead of a bed and a GT ultralight that in warmer month ill nap in on my college campus. So this has been a long time coming though it was a tough call between it and a multicam WBBB. Just about everyone says Clark's are better for cold weather and I live in colorado and its winter. I also tend to be rough with my year and Clark's have a rep for durability. I've given in and decided to charge it all on a new card and pay it off ASAP. I just need smokehouses Paypal and some input from stormcrow for my quilts. Ill be more than willing to give my two cents on any gear I own though it should all be an improvement over my experiances. Though I am still thinking about that multicam blackbird. It can wait till summer months. Did I miss anybody's comments?

Ya know i forgot about whoopies. suggestions?

NX250 was my first hammock too.

So did I.
Hi guys this is my first entry in this forum.
So yes I am a new to hammock and decided to spend the $$ and go for the NX-250
I ordered mine on Monday evening and just received it this morning.
Hadn't had time to set it up yet but had a good look at it and I'm impressed.

Clark does make some very nice hammocks. I have the Vertex and it is great for the hubby and I on group hangs. :thumbup:

I still use a my first hammock ENO singles nest.

My first hammock was a Clark NX 250 with the vertex tarp. Love it. Sleep in it EVERY night, at home or away on the trail. These things are tough, well made and from what I am seeing, long lasting. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine, and if by some chance you don't, well, pm me and perhaps I'll take it off your hands.

I just got mine tonight and due to it being so late, I decided to wait till the 'morrow to play with it to much. Considering the high wind advisory I'm not sure if I'm going to do it or not. I did switch out the ropes for an all in one whoopie system, and tied on the tarp tie outs. Anyone who has these Clark tarps, do you recommend the self re-tensioning tarp lines?
I also need to install the Z liner...

I had seen these hammocks set up, but they dont seem to compress much do they?

Hi Ishian, I too made the NX-250 my first hammock. However your decision was much more researched than mine, I just went for it after reading as much as I could. I couldn't be happier. I still toy with the idea of getting a BlackBird, but I just like my Clark so much that I haven't strayed from that. Looking forward to hanging with you again, and happy that you are enjoying life so much.:)

Hi Isheian!
The Clark NX-250 was my first choice too and I think even if it is a strong price, it was the right decision. I really love this hammock (the only thing I don't like is the suspension line, that comes with the Clark - but I will change this as soon as possible to the all-in-one system from whoopieslings.com).

So I wish you much fun with that hammock and I think you will be very happy with it ;)

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Thomas

Thanks guys! Nice to hear from you waddy, you coming to the winter hang at the beginning of February? The price is steep but most don't consider all you get with it, a complete fair weather hanging system. I already changed out to the all in one whoopie system! My only concern is that I can't adjust where on the strap I'm hooking the whoopies with it so I've lost some of the easy adjustment. We will see soon... I still need to get the z liner installed.

Congrats, from another proud NX-250 owner!

The 250 wasn't my first Clark (I used to have an older style North American model), but after some minor DIY mods, it may very well be the last one I'll ever need!

I won't be able to make the winter hang. I have the Colo. Saddle Makers Assoc. Winter Seminar that weekend.

Molawns, what kinda mods did you do to your 250? Besides suspension I never hear of anything else being done to Clark's.

Pity waddy, hope you have fun at your seminar!

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Originally Posted by Isheian

Molawns, what kinda mods did you do to your 250? Besides suspension I never hear of anything else being done to Clark's.

Pity waddy, hope you have fun at your seminar!

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Sorry for just seeing this until now...I don't frequent the forums as often as I used to.

I modded the poles so they're shorter sections, and they have been "encased" in hollow nylon cord to keep the individual sections from getting lost. I'll see if I can post a pic or two.

Another mod I've yet to complete is to remove the big sheet of material that makes up the individual pockets. I'm going to cut it and make pockets at each end of the hammock starting at where the poles fit into and going out to the ends where the suspension attaches (picture a big triangular pocket that's accessible from both sides with velcro. That will leave the bottom between the poles open. It will be cooler in the Summer (a necessity here in South Florida), and will fit an underquilt perfectly for colder temps.

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Originally Posted by Sparkfly88

I bought my first hammock for 20$ to make sure I liked them first.

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Yep, me too! Mine was a Grand Trunk UL. I upgraded to a Black Bird. I do want to get an NX-250 one day, though!

Congrats on the New NX250!!
I love my Clark Camo NX250 and it was a good decision when I purchased it. ( I started with the Std. Clark Jungle Hammock).
I just received the Z-liner foot end only and I really like it. It isn't actually that bad to pack. I just throw it in the stuff sack with my Arrowhead camo Lost river 2/3 under quilt and I am ready to go for winter hanging.
I really haven't had a need for the Z-liner pocket insulators, but the foot end liner is great for winter.
I'll just leave the foot end at home in the other 3 seasons.
you can't go wrong with a clark.

Thanks all! I finally got out it this unseasonably warm weather and got to hang it for the first time! Other than the foot end of the z-liner not quite wanting to sit perfect and no idea what to do with the funky little Velcro tag and the end of the taper, I got it all hooked up and relaxed till I realized that I'd be glowing in the dark if I stayed out in the sun to much longer. Assuming my quilts arrive (stormcrow said it should be, bless his hard work!) and with any luck my smokehouse, I should be set for a warm comfy first official hang in my new gear at the colorado winter hang coming up. I'm hoping to be able to get out at least once a month from there on, hell weekly if I really manage to luck out.

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Originally Posted by Isheian

Thanks all! I finally got out it this unseasonably warm weather and got to hang it for the first time! Other than the foot end of the z-liner not quite wanting to sit perfect and no idea what to do with the funky little Velcro tag and the end of the taper, I got it all hooked up.

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The tag is to wrap around the gathered end for a tighter seal.

I leapt into the NX-250 for my first camping hammock too. My kids love it so much I had to buy a second one (just received it this week), Z-Liners and all. Tried to convince them to try a WBBB or something else but they insisted. Although I can only take one kid camping at a time until I buy more. I did try an ENO DN to see how I like hammocks first but couldn't go back to ground camping now. I leave the Z-Liner in all year, even in the tropics (slept 4 nights near Townsville, Northern Australia in December which is our summer) I didn't find it too warm, one night was a little warm but bearable and by morning I was very confirtable. Doesn't pack down as small as I'd like but isn't too bad. Although the stock suspension is actually pretty good I did swap to a DIY whoopie setup, I can adjust it just as well as the stock even if I have to double the whoopies over one or 2 times to get them short enough when the space is limited.

Enjoy your Clark although you'll always wonder what the others are like. I know I do and will probably give in to temptation one day and buy a couple of different types just to see what they're like. Although I have to wait for funds to accrue a little before I try too many, otherwise the wife may get a little cranky.

I don't plan to wonder, I plan to (eventually) B.O.A.T. And pick up one or two more! Have to have something to share right?

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Originally Posted by waddy

Hi Ishian, I too made the NX-250 my first hammock. However your decision was much more researched than mine, I just went for it after reading as much as I could. I couldn't be happier. I still toy with the idea of getting a BlackBird, but I just like my Clark so much that I haven't strayed from that. Looking forward to hanging with you again, and happy that you are enjoying life so much.:)

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After laying in your NX-250 at the Co summer hang and owning a BB, hands down the NX is far more comfortable.

Isheian, if you need a large winter backpack I have one you can borrow.

Thanks OnB, I kinda splurged stupidly and bought a metric ton of gear. I got me the Eberlestock Dragonfly so I should be ok. It my tarp and quilts I'm worried wont arrive in time.

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Originally Posted by Isheian

Thanks OnB, I kinda splurged stupidly and bought a metric ton of gear. I got me the Eberlestock Dragonfly so I should be ok. It my tarp and quilts I'm worried wont arrive in time.

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Do you have a ship date for the tarp and quilts?

Stormcrow has told me that I should have the quilts in time. My backup plan is to double up on cfc pads and the z liner. If that doesn't work add a space blanket. As for the smokehouse tarp, it depends on whether or not he has been paid by the others wanting the special multicam tarp. I do have the mid sized Clark tarp. But that means no stove which would suck but not preclude my attendance.

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Originally Posted by Isheian

Stormcrow has told me that I should have the quilts in time. My backup plan is to double up on cfc pads and the z liner. If that doesn't work add a space blanket. As for the smokehouse tarp, it depends on whether or not he has been paid by the others wanting the special multicam tarp. I do have the mid sized Clark tarp. But that means no stove which would suck but not preclude my attendance.

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It sounds like you have a good backup plan.

I have really gotten a lot out of this thread as a hammock camping newb. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Isheian

Thanks OnB, I kinda splurged stupidly and bought a metric ton of gear. I got me the Eberlestock Dragonfly so I should be ok. It my tarp and quilts I'm worried wont arrive in time.

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An 8.5lb pack?!?!?! Just curious what made you go that route?

Its reputation among my old unit and I tend to beat the daylights of my gear. Gentle isn't in my vocab much, if it cant survive being dropped, thrown, stepped on, kicked, sat on, etc... I really am leery of it. I wouldn't even upgrade to a smart phone till a store associate took his Iphone in an otterbox, went out side and chucked it a good twenty feet onto asphalt with no damage. So its heavy, but it survived humping a 60mm mortar system up a mountain in Afghanistan with no damage and made it easier for my team member who was telling me the story.

My first hammock is a nx 250, I did online research and found the nx would be a very durable all in one hammock. I also would not want to buy something of less quality and regret it. I believe in buying good stuff and taking care of it.

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Originally Posted by doc17th

My first hammock is a nx 250, I did online research and found the nx would be a very durable all in one hammock. I also would not want to buy something of less quality and regret it. I believe in buying good stuff and taking care of it.

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Same here. Just recently got a NX250 as my first hammock. Happy so far.

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Originally Posted by doc17th

My first hammock is a nx 250, I did online research and found the nx would be a very durable all in one hammock. I also would not want to buy something of less quality and regret it. I believe in buying good stuff and taking care of it.

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Originally Posted by Z06

Same here. Just recently got a NX250 as my first hammock. Happy so far.

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+1. I am another satisfied newb who wanted an integrated hammock system and got the NX-250 after researching the marketplace and sees the value in innovative design and high quality materials and workmanship.

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Originally Posted by doc17th

My first hammock is a nx 250, I did online research and found the nx would be a very durable all in one hammock. I also would not want to buy something of less quality and regret it. I believe in buying good stuff and taking care of it.

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My friend you did buy good quality. After more than 450 nights in my NX250 it still looks like it did when I bought it. Having said that, I will add that I have had time to see, and use some other hammocks, and it is a fact that there are several true quality hammocks on the market, most produced by cottage industry, people who sink or swim on the quality of the material and workmanship they sell.
As you, the NX250 was my first hammock, and is still my go to hammock.

The Clark is the most comfortable thing that I've slept in outside, including a blackbird. I also did work up to it though. Started with a eno doublenest, then a kammok roo, hennesey safari, blackbird, Clark.

Having been through all those choices I think that the Clark fixed a lot of the problems I have with hammock camping.

Storage for your stuff while in the hammock
Built in under quilt with no weight increase
Near bridge hammock lay style
Built in wind cover

It is a heck of a price point, but I love them.

I too bought an NX-250 as a first hammock for all the reasons stated here. I am impressed with the quality, but I am having issues learning to sleep in the hammock and looking for some suggestions.

I am 61, a side or belly sleeper, with some hip pain. I have read that hammocks are great to alleviate pressure, one reason I bought a hammock. I have tried to sleep 6 nights now, and only had 1 night of restful sleep. Temps have been from 40-70, but not the issue. I just can't seem to find a comfortable position.

I follow the directions of having some slack in the bug net when I put it up, but perhaps I can tighten it up a bit? I don't feel like I am sleeping flat.

Thanks for any help!

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Originally Posted by A/B

I too bought an NX-250 as a first hammock for all the reasons stated here. I am impressed with the quality, but I am having issues learning to sleep in the hammock and looking for some suggestions.

I am 61, a side or belly sleeper, with some hip pain. I have read that hammocks are great to alleviate pressure, one reason I bought a hammock. I have tried to sleep 6 nights now, and only had 1 night of restful sleep. Temps have been from 40-70, but not the issue. I just can't seem to find a comfortable position.

I follow the directions of having some slack in the bug net when I put it up, but perhaps I can tighten it up a bit? I don't feel like I am sleeping flat.

Thanks for any help!

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What did you do different the night you slept well compared to the other nights?

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Originally Posted by A/B

I too bought an NX-250 as a first hammock for all the reasons stated here. I am impressed with the quality, but I am having issues learning to sleep in the hammock and looking for some suggestions.

I am 61, a side or belly sleeper, with some hip pain. I have read that hammocks are great to alleviate pressure, one reason I bought a hammock. I have tried to sleep 6 nights now, and only had 1 night of restful sleep. Temps have been from 40-70, but not the issue. I just can't seem to find a comfortable position.

I follow the directions of having some slack in the bug net when I put it up, but perhaps I can tighten it up a bit? I don't feel like I am sleeping flat.

Thanks for any help!

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Measure the distance between ends after you've sat in the hammock, rods not inserted. 5/6 of 9' = 90" +- 3 should be good. Per suggestions previously made: A bit of elastic or very light shock cord to pull the hoods gently toward the hammock ends severs the dependence of netting sag on hammock sag.

In my experience,, Clark NX's get hung too tightly just to get the netting away from the face.

First night back in a hammock is not always predictive of future comfort. I sleep as you do, and am always comfortable in a Clark after the first night and sometimes sooner. Sleep through the night? I'll confess not, but have no complaint on that and wouldn't go back.

Thanks for the replies. I did nothing different on the one night I slept well, other than perhaps being a bit more tired than usual.

I will try measuring the hammock. I just need to take this out on a multiday hike, and use it after 10-12 hours on the trail. I'm pretty sure I will do fine.

As I see you are new to the list, so you may be new to how critical the sag may be. When I wrote "+-3" I did not mean to imply that you would be indifferent to a difference of up to 6" in what you found comfortable.

On the contrary.