After long last! Here is my review of the Handy Hammock from the UK. My blog post is pretty thorough with all the specs, measurements, and other details, so I'm just going to post a few thoughts here.
Overall, a pretty slick set-up that is well-engineered. It is fairly light for a stand and is very packable. I can see this stand as a viable part of a thru hike on the AZT or PCT in the southern sections where trees are limited or non-existant. Of course, this stand is also a great option in alpine meadows or at Boy Scout camporees where camping spots are restricted to large fields.
Can you use other hammocks with this stand? Yes. The distance between the struts can also be modified to accommodate longer hammocks, although the strut height is fixed. The included hammock is actually very comfortable and is a little larger than the Grand Trunk Ultralight.
Can the stand be set up on uneven or sloping ground? Sorta. The stand performs best when both struts and anchors distribute the weight evenly. On exaggerated slopes, this is not possible. Yes, the stand can work on slightly uneven surfaces, just be careful.
Is this a free-standing stand? No. It is very similar to my 3-person tensegrity stand and requires stakes to hold the struts. The struts channel the compressive forces into the ground.
Yes, very informative, love the video and the pics and write up to make it all very clear. Thank you. :thumbup: I live in the East, so trees are abundant and I don't really need this, but I can see the use for it where there are no trees. Also can see a great use for it at the beach. :thumbup:
12-11-2012, 10:39
Knotty
Been curious about that system. Thanks for making a video to demonstrate. The simple genius of the design is the use of struts with spreader bars and shroud lines, similar to some sailboat masts. That setup allows the use of fairly thin poles since even a thin pole can often handle the columnar load but fails when it flexes and the load is no longer in line with the axis, and the shroud lines prevent that.
The show stealer was Spencer flipping over in the hammock!
12-11-2012, 10:54
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knotty
The show stealer was Spencer flipping over in the hammock!
Thanks Knotty! Yes, Spencer was hilarious. My kids saw the video this morning for the first time and they couldn't stop laughing. I'm just glad the bug net was there to catch him, otherwise my video review would have been cut short.
In looking back, I'm not sure I was clear enough in the video that the hammock I was using on top of the hill was the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Ultralight. The Handy Hammock hammock does not include a bug net.
12-11-2012, 10:54
Klaussinator
Awesome review of a product I've had some questions about - THANKS!
While not for use the majority of the time, I see where it could have it's place, as you mentioned. Clever design, but I do think your mods make sense and should be incorporated into future versions.
Great video & sound effects, but my favorite was your hiking buddy's laugh while upside down - priceless! Nothing better than sharing these experiences with our kids and passing on the hunger for nature.
-Klauss
12-11-2012, 11:00
Hawk-eye
Interesting hammock but most definitely Spencer is the star of this show! :woot:
12-11-2012, 11:11
MAD777
Very nice write in your blog. I still can't see this used with a Snipe or similar 11' long hammock. But it's nice to have options.
12-11-2012, 11:26
Cranky Bear
Awesome video review, going to read your write up on your blog in a few minutes!
This looks like a very workable and viable solution for many whom want to visit certain places/areas but there was no ability to hang the hammock.
I wonder though how light a diy version could be made?
12-11-2012, 12:21
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by MAD777
Very nice write in your blog. I still can't see this used with a Snipe or similar 11' long hammock. But it's nice to have options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cranky Bear
I wonder though how light a diy version could be made?
Thanks guys. MADD777 - I'll try putting up my BIAS Micro on that stand and see how it fairs. I'll post pics here. I think it will work.
Cranky Bear, I was thinking the same thing as I tested this stand. Carbon fiber poles? Longer struts? I know I could make a larger one-person stand based on the 3-hammock tensegrity stand I made. Maybe not packable, but still viable.
Duplicating the struts would be difficult, I would think, unless you have some specialized tools. I'm not an engineer, but I'm guessing the string around the struts is doing something to prevent the aluminum pole from bending. The lines are very taut.
My one real concern with this stand is, "what happens if a line on the strut breaks or is cut?" Field repairs? I'm sure Handy Hammock will offer replacement poles in the future (or maybe offer carbon fiber versions? :). It would be interesting if the struts could be "re-strung," but it would require re-tooling the strut somehow.