Clark Jungle Hammock Decision

I am trying to decide between the CAMO with the XL rain fly, or the standard Clark Jungle Hammock NA (CJH NA) with the standard rain fly. I am not certain the extra 20" is worth the cash and weight penalty. Though, the camo is very cool looking.

I currently have an HH ultralite backpacker and am satisfied with the standard A-sym rain fly. I guess the newer HH's come with slightly (30%) larger rain flys than they used to. I bought mine last season, which I believe has the larger A-sym rain fly.

I prefer to save as much weight in my pack as possible. I am a small guy (5'7", 140#) so I don't need as much space as most larger individuals. Also, I tend not to use my fly for cooking. Unless it is absolutely necessary (rain storm).

The things attracting me to the CJH NA is the weather shield, and not having to carry a pad, or under quilt with me. Also, it looks like there is a bit more room under the bug net. Setup looks much simpler than my HH with a super shelter. I always forget to put the super shelter on and have to redo everything.....lol

I have read a lot of complaints about the smaller fly's on the CJH NA's. Is there anyone out there who has a CJH NA with the standard rain fly and is satisfied with it?

I would appreciate any advice, or comments; especially in comparing an HH and a CJH NA. I have only read a couple review's from people who have used both, and it seems they prefer the CJH.

Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

I am trying to decide between the CAMO with the XL rain fly, or the standard Clark Jungle Hammock NA (CJH NA) with the standard rain fly. I am not certain the extra 20" is worth the cash and weight penalty. Though, the camo is very cool looking.

I currently have an HH ultralite backpacker and am satisfied with the standard A-sym rain fly. I guess the newer HH's come with slightly (30%) larger rain flys than they used to. I bought mine last season, which I believe has the larger A-sym rain fly.

I prefer to save as much weight in my pack as possible. I am a small guy (5'7", 140#) so I don't need as much space as most larger individuals. Also, I tend not to use my fly for cooking. Unless it is absolutely necessary (rain storm).

The things attracting me to the CJH NA is the weather shield, and not having to carry a pad, or under quilt with me. Also, it looks like there is a bit more room under the bug net. Setup looks much simpler than my HH with a super shelter. I always forget to put the super shelter on and have to redo everything.....lol

I have read a lot of complaints about the smaller fly's on the CJH NA's. Is there anyone out there who has a CJH NA with the standard rain fly and is satisfied with it?

I would appreciate any advice, or comments; especially in comparing an HH and a CJH NA. I have only read a couple review's from people who have used both, and it seems they prefer the CJH.

Thanks :)

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Hey welcome to the forum.


A few thoughts on your post. With the insulating pockets on the CJH NA, you still have to have gear and extra clothing to put in there to help stay warm. That could add up to as much or more weight than a pad or underquilt. The pad(s) or underquilt will give you a much lower temp range IMO.
Dont know where you read those reviews but the Hennessy is preferred over the CJH on this site by a very wide margin. Plus the weight and cost of the CJH is a big disadvantage.

I am certain the HH is much more popular. Any post I have personally
read from someone owning both hammocks has mentioned they prefer the
CJH.

The claim is that freezer bags full of air will work well for
insulation in the pockets. I don't think a few freezer bags will
weigh as much as my 20oz. JRB quilt. The other thought is that I
always have some extra gear to throw in the pockets anyways.

I have read a few posts from individuals claiming they have had their
CJH down to like 30* without a pad, or under quilt. The manufacturer
claims you can go to as low of a temp as your sleeping bag can handle.

The principal is the same as a quilt, minus the down. It is the loft
which gives you warmth. Maybe making a few small down pillows to
stuff in the pockets will work......lol....that would likely add a lot
of weight.

Don't get me wrong, I do like my HH. I just think the CJH offers some
better features, which are attractive to me.

the solid insulation making the loft has a lot to do with it too though. air by itself is not the best insulator, many air mattresses come with extra insulation inside besides just the air. ccf, down, synthetic. the big agnes air core with no insul has a temp range of around 40* or so (as i recall) and the exact same pad with some primaloft in it goes down to 20*. but the ziplock bags could be several inches thicker than that. what about a couple of trash bags? you could even blow it up while you were inside and it would form to your body? if you could get down to 30* i would be supprised though, but please let us know how how it works. might have to wait 6 or 7 months to find out though...Brandon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

The claim is that freezer bags full of air will work well for
insulation in the pockets. I don't think a few freezer bags will
weigh as much as my 20oz. JRB quilt. The other thought is that I
always have some extra gear to throw in the pockets anyways.

I have read a few posts from individuals claiming they have had their
CJH down to like 30* without a pad, or under quilt. The manufacturer
claims you can go to as low of a temp as your sleeping bag can handle.

The principal is the same as a quilt, minus the down. It is the loft
which gives you warmth. Maybe making a few small down pillows to
stuff in the pockets will work......lol....that would likely add a lot
of weight.

Don't get me wrong, I do like my HH. I just think the CJH offers some
better features, which are attractive to me.

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I’m very new to hammocks and this forum, but I have found very few reviews of the Clark by people that own both the Clark & the Hennessy. Most of the Hennessy owner’s anti-Clark comments didn’t say they had owned one and found it lacking. For the most part they just say the price is too high, and doubt it can perform as claimed. Since I already have one, I don’t want to hear how bad they are now :) . The idea of bottom entry/exit didn’t appeal to me, so I went with the Clark. After reading comments on here, I’ll most likely try a Tom Claytor Jungle Hammock if I buy a second hammock for my son.

One thing I like about this forum so far: Even when others don’t agree with your choice, they for the most part state their beliefs in a well mannered way.

6 ft.

Not necessarily. Maybe I can find someone willing to let me use their walk-in-freezer for a night or two.....lol

I am tempted to try one over the summer to see how well it works. Even if I can go to 40* without a pad, or under quilt I would be happy. I just hate taking the super shelter, or an extra quilt.

I don't actually have two quilts at the moment. I have a JRB nest, which I use as an over quilt. I am considering using it as an under quilt and making an over quilt. Fleece is too have for me to take since I have been trying to keep a 20lb pack weight.

I currently use a super shelter and don't really like it.

I'll let ya know if I decide to get a CJH.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 6 feet over

I’m very new to hammocks and this forum, but I have found very few reviews of the Clark by people that own both the Clark & the Hennessy. Most of the Hennessy owner’s anti-Clark comments didn’t say they had owned one and found it lacking. For the most part they just say the price is too high, and doubt it can perform as claimed. Since I already have one, I don’t want to hear how bad they are now :) . The idea of bottom entry/exit didn’t appeal to me, so I went with the Clark. After reading comments on here, I’ll most likely try a Tom Claytor Jungle Hammock if I buy a second hammock for my son.

One thing I like about this forum so far: Even when others don’t agree with your choice, they for the most part state their beliefs in a well mannered way.

6 ft.

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So what is your opinion? Do you like the CJH? Have you taken it out down to about 40*, or colder? I am very interested in what you have to say. Feel free to carry on about the CJH, it is an expensive decision for me.......lol Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

the solid insulation making the loft has a lot to do with it too though. air by itself is not the best insulator...

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I haven’t had the chance to cold weather ‘hang’ with my Clark yet, but I did have this thought. With the zip bag idea for the Clark, if just air in a zip bag isn’t a good insulator you could fill the zip bag with leaves, pine needles, etc and place the zip bags in the Clark’s under pockets. That way you’d have something other than air. It would also keep bugs, damp, etc from being loose in/on your hammock. You could then just empty the zip bags in the morning. You wouldn’t be carrying any extra weight. I haven’t put this theory to the test; just an idea.

6 ft

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 6 feet over

I haven’t had the chance to cold weather ‘hang’ with my Clark yet, but I did have this thought. With the zip bag idea for the Clark, if just air in a zip bag isn’t a good insulator you could fill the zip bag with leaves, pine needles, etc and place the zip bags in the Clark’s under pockets. That way you’d have something other than air. It would also keep bugs, damp, etc from being loose in/on your hammock. You could then just empty the zip bags in the morning. You wouldn’t be carrying any extra weight. I haven’t put this theory to the test; just an idea.

6 ft

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That sounds like a good idea. I will have to try it when the weather gets cold.

One issue with this would be if there is snow on the ground. Or worse, ice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

So what is your opinion? Do you like the CJH? Have you taken it out down to about 40*, or colder? I am very interested in what you have to say. Feel free to carry on about the CJH, it is an expensive decision for me.......lol Thanks.

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I haven’t had much chance to use it yet. I do like it as far as I can tell, but it’s not been put to the test yet. At this point it will be more of a test of how it handles the heat! I may have been mistaken, but my decision to get a CJH was based on saving some $ (& weight) on things I wouldn’t need that other models do need. The idea of not needing to bring anything other than a good sleeping bag was my thought. (In cold weather I’d wear long johns, hat, etc to bed) Real world use may not live up to my hope :( , we’ll see.

This doesn’t seem to be a site where I’ll have a lot of company, but I had plans to use it while archery hunting. The idea of setting up ‘camp’ without having to find a flat spot after dark was attractive. I have a Colorado trip planned and thought I would have a hammock with me to spike out from a main camp.

By the way, if my behavior has been considered ‘carrying on’ then this forum is even better behaved than I thought :D !

6 ft.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

That sounds like a good idea. I will have to try it when the weather gets cold.

One issue with this would be if there is snow on the ground. Or worse, ice.

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Lacking real hammock experience, I have to ask this question: Using my Clark (or any hammock) and being surprised with lower temps than expected. What’s the deal if I’m in my zero° bag with no leaves or pine needles in my zip bags due to snow & ice (thanks hacktorious :eek: )? Having my bags loft compressed below me, am I merely uncomfortably cold or am I in real danger due to the cold? Let’s say it dipped to 25°. What do you experienced guys think?

6 ft

Loft isn't the only thing that matters for insulation...in a big air mattress, there is still circulation inside the mattress, which steals your heat. So you add insulation, like down or primaloft, to create small "microclimes" inside the insulator. Basically, each down cluster is its own little environment, and when your body heats it up the cluster will hold the heat rather than passing it along. That way your body doesn't have to keep the entire volume at the same temp.

So with a ziplock bag, any convective heat loss (from wind) will have a much larger effect than on an underquilt or pad.

Personally, I don't want to spend the time to fill up ziplock bags every night. I just throw up my hammock and get in. But that's just my style...you gotta find what works for you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 6 feet over

.
This doesn’t seem to be a site where I’ll have a lot of company, but I had plans to use it while archery hunting. The idea of setting up ‘camp’ without having to find a flat spot after dark was attractive. I have a Colorado trip planned and thought I would have a hammock with me to spike out from a main camp.
6 ft.

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i believe there's a couple or more in this group that hammock camp & hunt. hogn8ter is one, but he's out of country.
i haven't hunted in years but i spend more time camping than hiking.
about using the leaves in a bag, i wouldn't want to have to deal w/ that unless it was an unusual situation (of course if you were base camping for a while it might seem less hassle), but instead of baggies, one or two trash bags w/ leaves would make a huge difference if your set up had space for a larger bag... like inside a pea pod or under quilt.

I owned a Clark UL and have a HH Explorer UL. The idea of using ziplock bags with air to insulate will leave you cold and hating a great hammock.

The Clark NA is more of a base camp hammock IMO. For a hiker the Clark UL will save you over a 1lb and $120. I chose to use that $ and weight savings on my insulation. I have had the Clark UL into the low 20's with just a good pad and bag. The two pockets are in the upper body area so I would put any extra clothing in these. I never had enough to fill these up but it did help.

Spend the extra $20 on the XL tarp. You only gain 2 oz. The stock tarp will keep you dry but you have to hang it perfectly every time. The larger tarp will give you more flexiblity in hanging and give you more room on those rainy days.

One other note is that in the Clark you can lay slightly asym but not near as much as a HH. You can lay on your side very well in the Clark.

Just my opinions, and we all know what opinions are worth:)

I don't think I would be happy with the UL as my big attraction to this hammock is the weather shield. I think this would help a great deal with the comfort factor. I guess I could get the UL with a weather shield.

A big issue I have with my HH is the air above me is cold because the top of the hammock is open. Many times it is too hot to be completely under my quilt, but if I uncover my chest, my chest ends up getting too cold because of cross-breezes and colder air in the hammock. This makes it difficult for me to sleep. I think the weather shield on the CJH would eliminate this issue. It would help trap some heat and make the hammock warmer as a result.

I thought about getting the over cover for the HH, but that seems like a major pain in the neck. The CJH can be zipped up, or down within the hammock.

I just want to get a better idea of how well this system actually works before I invest any money into a CJH.

On the Clark you can use the tarp to do the same thing,you can hook the bungie cord on the bottom foot end then bring the head end of the tarp as close as you want to block the wind. It will enclose you as much as you want to with just the tarp. I have use it this way in the winter and don't think the weather shield would have helped much more. I know that condensation will form on the head end so I would think that having it form on the tarp outside of the netting would be better. I went through the same thought process when buying mine. I wish the weather shield had been removable. I contacted them to see if this was possible and it could not be customized. You are going to have more of a cocoon feeling in the Clark than the HH resulting in less air space to deal with in winter. I like the HH in the summer for this reason.

http://junglehammock.com/na13.php Example of it fully enclosed. The weathershield and tarp do the same thing IMO

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HANGnOUT

http://junglehammock.com/na13.php Example of it fully enclosed. The weathershield and tarp do the same thing IMO

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That is what it seems like. I found a good review/comparison of the two hammocks on SGT Rock's site:
http://hikinghq.net/gear/clark_hammock.html

I think I will save some $ and stick with the HH for now. I will make a quilt and use my JRB nest as an under quilt. My only concern is that my under quilt might get wet in a bad storm with my small fly: http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/wLVPKvS5...QOvYGBQIhL1FMT

Hmmm, maybe I will make an under quilt out of momentum90. That's a topic for another forum.

Thanks for your help, ideas, thoughts, and opinions everyone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

That is what it seems like. I found a good review/comparison of the two hammocks on SGT Rock's site:
http://hikinghq.net/gear/clark_hammock.html

I think I will save some $ and stick with the HH for now. I will make a quilt and use my JRB nest as an under quilt. My only concern is that my under quilt might get wet in a bad storm with my small fly: http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/wLVPKvS5...QOvYGBQIhL1FMT

Hmmm, maybe I will make an under quilt out of momentum90. That's a topic for another forum.

Thanks for your help, ideas, thoughts, and opinions everyone.

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I really think you'd be much more happy with a bigger tarp. Bet if you went to the Speer get together next weekend and saw all the different bigger tarps that were being used you would feel like your stock tarp was hammock floss.:D This is a little extra weight well worth carrying.
The JRB Weather shield bottom works great for protection from rain underneath your hammock. I have one and love it. Works great by itself in warm weather and can get you down to 60 degrees or so by itself. They are currently out of stock though.:(
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_fi...0Shield-v2.htm
I'm gonna buy a Hennessy top cover for the coming cold weather. I think it would work well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

I really think you'd be much more happy with a bigger tarp. Bet if you went to the Speer get together next weekend and saw all the different bigger tarps that were being used you would feel like your stock tarp was hammock floss.:D This is a little extra weight well worth carrying.
The JRB Weather shield bottom works great for protection from rain underneath your hammock. I have one and love it. Works great by itself in warm weather and can get you down to 60 degrees or so by itself. They are currently out of stock though.:(

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I am considering making a speer style 8x10 rain fly. However, I really do like my small rain fly.

I might go with a kickassquilt so I don't have to worry about the additional JRB weather shield. I'm off to the quilt forum to start posting.....lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

I am considering making a speer style 8x10 rain fly. However, I really do like my small rain fly.

I might go with a kickassquilt so I don't have to worry about the additional JRB weather shield. I'm off to the quilt forum to start posting.....lol

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Yea the stock tarp does have a couple of nice uses. It would work well in warm weather camping when you knew the weather was going to be really nice.
In the back yard trees where all you had to do was uncoil them snakes and wrap them biners around the tree and presto.:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

A big issue I have with my HH is the air above me is cold because the top of the hammock is open. Many times it is too hot to be completely under my quilt, but if I uncover my chest, my chest ends up getting too cold because of cross-breezes and colder air in the hammock. This makes it difficult for me to sleep. I think the weather shield on the CJH would eliminate this issue. It would help trap some heat and make the hammock warmer as a result.

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If you don't mind some DIY, making a customized overcover for your HH is not too much work. Headchange4u or hammock engineer has made an overcover for his DIY hammock and seemed to like it very much. You could make your DIY overcover so that it can be put in place or removed without the same hassle as the stock Hennessy overcover. Also, you could make so that it covers only partially or fully as you desire.

Alternatively it is possible to alter the stock Hennessy overcover to make it easier to use, i.e., put on and remove without taking the hammock down. Altering the stock overcover is simple and much less work than making one from scratch.

That's the really great part of DIY - you get what you want.

One advantage to making your own overcover is that you can use DWR instead of the sil that the Hennessy model uses. I would worry about condensation with sil, whereas I've had great results and no problems with my DWR one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackbishop351

One advantage to making your own overcover is that you can use DWR instead of the sil that the Hennessy model uses. I would worry about condensation with sil, whereas I've had great results and no problems with my DWR one.

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My altered stock HH overcover is DWR 1.1 oz ripstop. ;) I altered it using velcro (some could use zippers :rolleyes: ) so that I can install or remove with no hassle. The only thing that would be harder to do with the stock overcover is to alter it so that it only covered part of the hammock. Say from the foot end of the hammock to the waist. May be possible, but since it uses shock cord around the perimeter to keep it on the hammock, it would be difficult.

Making it for the inside with velcro and throwing it over the ridge line might be good. I will see if I can find some material at the local Walmart or fabric store.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

So what is your opinion? Do you like the CJH? Have you taken it out down to about 40*, or colder? I am very interested in what you have to say. Feel free to carry on about the CJH, it is an expensive decision for me.......lol Thanks.

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Having just returned from a 4 night ‘hang’ with my son, here’s my thoughts: I do like my Clark, but over night temps didn’t drop much below 60°. I had an ‘egg’ type pad inside, and used an old sleeping bag as a quilt. I was comfortable and never cold. It was a little chilly a couple of mornings, but it never got cold enough to really judge. I didn’t need it (and had it tucked in the convenient storage area), but I would think using the weather shield on only the wind side would help (thus giving condensation a chance to pass through the bug mesh to the tarp), and I could wrap the tarp around and under the hammock as HANGnOUT said. Also keeping the tarp as you normally would and using the shield on only the wind side would have to help a little with wind stealing some warmth.

I’m not about to argue with people with tons more experience than me, but I believe the Clark can easily get the job done as well as other brands. Is it the best? I can’t say. I do know if you put 10 people in a room, you generally can’t get them to agree on what time it is, so I doubt we’ll settle which hammock is the best. I’ll have to wait for winter to really put it to the test.

6 ft.

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Originally Posted by 6 feet over

Is it the best? I can’t say. I do know if you put 10 people in a room, you generally can’t get them to agree on what time it is, so I doubt we’ll settle which hammock is the best.

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Amen, brother. There isn't a "best" hammock out there. Best for my style, best for his budget, best for her medical issues...sure. Personally, my "best" means that I made it with my own hands...though I'm pretty fond of the commercial ones, too.

And Clark seems to have a pretty loyal following from the folks who own them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 6 feet over

Having just returned from a 4 night ‘hang’ with my son, here’s my thoughts: I do like my Clark, but over night temps didn’t drop much below 60°. I had an ‘egg’ type pad inside, and used an old sleeping bag as a quilt. I was comfortable and never cold. It was a little chilly a couple of mornings, but it never got cold enough to really judge. I didn’t need it (and had it tucked in the convenient storage area), but I would think using the weather shield on only the wind side would help (thus giving condensation a chance to pass through the bug mesh to the tarp), and I could wrap the tarp around and under the hammock as HANGnOUT said. Also keeping the tarp as you normally would and using the shield on only the wind side would have to help a little with wind stealing some warmth.

I’m not about to argue with people with tons more experience than me, but I believe the Clark can easily get the job done as well as other brands. Is it the best? I can’t say. I do know if you put 10 people in a room, you generally can’t get them to agree on what time it is, so I doubt we’ll settle which hammock is the best. I’ll have to wait for winter to really put it to the test.

6 ft.

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You will never have a condensation problem with the weathershield, even completely zipped up. I never have anyway.

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Originally Posted by Just Jeff

...And Clark seems to have a pretty loyal following from the folks who own them.

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We have to! After spending that much $, we don't dare say we don't like them. :)

6 ft

Hehe - I've wondered about that... :D

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Originally Posted by blackbishop351

One advantage to making your own overcover is that you can use DWR instead of the sil that the Hennessy model uses. I would worry about condensation with sil, whereas I've had great results and no problems with my DWR one.

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Is the overcover made of Sil? I thought it was breathable, unlike the undercover? I think I remember TH claims moisture will be absorbed into the cover and wick to the outside where it will evaporate?

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Originally Posted by hacktorious

I am considering making a speer style 8x10 rain fly. However, I really do like my small rain fly.

I might go with a kickassquilt so I don't have to worry about the additional JRB weather shield. I'm off to the quilt forum to start posting.....lol

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Hacktorious, et al,

Understand that the Kickass quilts and JRB quilts are both made of 1.1 DWR.... A Weather Shield is not normally necessary as long as the tarp is adequate....

The Weather Shield was developed for the temp inversion, "can't see 10 feet soaking fog, also as a stand alone summer solution and further as a 6-10 degree extra addition at a very low cost....A DWR 1.1 ripstop quilt of adequate thickness for the expected temp does not need the extra waterproof layer.

Pan

The Hennessy was a really cute idea for a hammock. The problem is that I couldn't get out of the stupid thing during the night (bottom-entry nightmares). The Clark solves the issues I had with the Hennessy. It allows me to relax at the campground, not just sleep. The ability to open up the CJH bug-netting is critical to a true hammock-camping experience. The WeatherShield creates a real tent for privacy and warmth, and the pockets are very useful. What else can I say?

I own both types. I've had the Clark for 4 or 5 years and the HH for about 3.
I prefer the Clark for colder weather. The weathershield gives the hammock good wind protection. I use a Z-rest pad in cold weather and put some extra clothes/stuff sacks, etc into the pockets. I usually don't have enough to fill the pockets...hasn't been an issue. I adjust the amount/type of clothing and choose a bag appropriate to the conditions.

I generally choose the HH in warm to cool weather. The hammock body material is lighter than the Clark, and seems more comfortable when the nights are hot. I use a JRB Nest UQ to "stretch" the season. Disadvantage-the non-removeable netting.

The Clark seems to have less "fuss-factor" than the HH. The tarps on both my older hammocks are marginal in my opinion. Both hammock models are now offered with larger tarps than when first introduced, but are still on the smallish side... I use a 9x9 SG camo tarp on both. There's nothing like full coverage when it's raining cats and dogs. My tent carrying friends end up under my tarp in crummy weather.

I like the weight of the HH over the Clark, but both have their place in my pack. If I had to hang in only one hammock, I'd choose the Clark. My opinion for what it is worth...

-Leadfoot