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.
12-11-2012, 13:14
Knotty
If one of the shrouds on the struts fails, I can almost guarantee that the strut will bend and break immediately.
All in all, this system would be very difficult to DIY.
12-11-2012, 13:37
Humpback
Interesting review, thanks. I have some questions you might be able to answer.
How low is the hammockeer's rear when using this?
Do you think say, with a HH , that an underquilt can be used effectively?
Alan
12-11-2012, 15:02
SGT Rock
Very good video. Bravo!
12-11-2012, 16:45
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knotty
If one of the shrouds on the struts fails, I can almost guarantee that the strut will bend and break immediately.
All in all, this system would be very difficult to DIY.
Thanks Knotty, I was worried about that. A DIY version without the shrouds would be the easiest to do, it just wouldn't be as slim, lightweight, and packable :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Humpback
Interesting review, thanks. I have some questions you might be able to answer.
How low is the hammockeer's rear when using this?
Do you think say, with a HH , that an underquilt can be used effectively?
Alan
I've had a few questions about different hammocks posed, so I'll go set up the stand and take a few photos showing under quilts and a few different hammocks as well.
12-11-2012, 16:48
GrizzlyAdams
Thanks Derek, I learned a lot from watching this.
I'm aiming to go to Philmont again, with the youngest son. We're still a couple of years away from him being old enough, and I've been hoping to see a way to hang when I do that. This could be the ticket. My main concern after seeing the Handy Hammock has been how extensive a range of soils will hold this thing up. That's why pitching it in that loose ground spoke to me. Something ingenious about those stakes it seems. Now the remaining concern is getting those stakes into hardpack.
But a 40 pound shipping fee! Will have to get one to a friend in the UK and then pick it up on a business trip.
12-11-2012, 17:50
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams
That's why pitching it in that loose ground spoke to me. Something ingenious about those stakes it seems. Now the remaining concern is getting those stakes into hardpack.
Thanks Grizz, your feedback is high praise. The stake system is interesting. In my backyard, I was able to drive and twist the stakes mostly by hand and the stand worked fine (even with stakes only half-way implanted). On top of the cinder hill I tried that method but two of the four stake points failed, so I diligently "hammered" the stakes down with a rock.
I indicate in the video that it took about 13 minutes to set-up, but that time was lengthened by some fiddling with the base plates and stakes. The most time consuming part of the set-up in my experience has been untangling the base plates and the attached lines if/when it occurs.
I'm considering ways to minimize the entanglement by replacing the plastic moulded base plates with a few more 1" steel rings and some kind of kite winder, if weight and convenience are improved.
Jason from HandyHammocks gives a coupon worth £30 until December 31 midnight (UK time I guess). Just enter 'hammockforums' in the coupon field. This should take off a little of the pain for US shipping.
He also sells longer stakes for loose soil like beaches.
Grizz, I know how you feel ;) a hammock or quilt very often cost nearly $50 shipping to Europe and they are light weight.
12-11-2012, 18:17
RedBeardHanger
Very cool!! I need to do this!
12-11-2012, 18:38
titanium_hiker
Thanks for this Dejoha!
Request time: I really want to see one of these with a tarp set up- and the UQ.
TH
12-11-2012, 18:57
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by titanium_hiker
Thanks for this Dejoha!
Request time: I really want to see one of these with a tarp set up- and the UQ.
TH
You're welcome! I do have some pictures on my blog showing a tarp (the GoLite Poncho Tarp 2012) over the stand. I used my trekking poles for the tarp and some extra guy line. Since the stand is just wide enough for the hammock, any tarp would be too long to use the struts as anchor points.
But, I will take a few shots of the stand with a different tarp (say, a OES MacCat) and some under quilts. I'm already planning on throwing a few different hammocks on there as I seem to be getting lots of requests on that on my blog.
12-11-2012, 19:53
titanium_hiker
Hey Derek could you please link to that blog post?
I tried your website just now and got a "error establishing database connection"
12-11-2012, 21:23
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by titanium_hiker
Hey Derek could you please link to that blog post?
I tried your website just now and got a "error establishing database connection"
Looks like my site went down, but it's back up! Here is the link:
but $64 shipping. Grizz, let me know when you have that business trip :)
12-12-2012, 11:42
Shug
Mighty handy...that hammock in the barren land of treeless terrain.
Loved Spencer hanging down and watching you as much as the flip. Kid comes out laughing.........nice))))))
Shug
12-12-2012, 11:44
dragon360
I believe they have reduced the shipping to $48 and are now offering $48 off a purchase as well.
12-12-2012, 17:49
dejoha
I removed the guideline between the two struts and lengthened the distance between them, and....
The BIAS fits fine!
The other benefit was that I was able to pitch my tarp on the struts too -- no additional supports (e.g., trekking poles) needed.
Distance between struts:
TOP: 136 in (345 cm)
BOTTOM: 92 in (234 cm)
I purchased a pair of steel O-rings and attached them to the guy lines and added an amsteel loop and a carabiner. This mod made it very easy to attach the different hammocks.
Wow! It worked with an 11' hammock with underquilt!
Great work on the modifications Derek (as usual).
These things are really quite lightweight considering what they are doing, and compact as well. Not that I would want to hike with them but they would certainly be handy for apartment dwellers or car camping where there are no trees (or no hammock attachments allowed).
Do they have a USA website for ordering? (maybe without the hammock).
12-13-2012, 23:44
dejoha
Quote:
Originally Posted by titanium_hiker
What tarp is that? :) OES standard maccat?
Yup!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MAD777
Wow! It worked with an 11' hammock with underquilt!
Great work on the modifications Derek (as usual).
...
Do they have a USA website for ordering? (maybe without the hammock).
Thanks Mad! It worked, but I could have done a little better on the BIAS but I didn't have a way to adjust the continuous loops. If I had smaller loops (I actually doubled mine) it would have been a few inches better. But it still worked! WOo-HoO!
No USA to my knowledge, although they are doing a promotion which essentially gets you free shipping ($48 off, I think). What I heard is that the hammock is part of the kit (right now) -- in part because they are already pre-packaged that way, but also because the hammock doesn't factor much into the price. Based on the materials, the hammock is very similar to the Grand Trunk Ultralight, which retails for only $20, and sometimes less on a bargain.
I have a trip planned down in the Grand Canyon next year and I'm considering taking the stand just because it means I can now hammock below the rim! At only 1kg, it's not a horrible sacrifice for a dreamy sleep in a picturesque canyon.
12-28-2012, 22:39
Kilo3
Thanks......loved the vid and taking your boy out there is great.
02-12-2013, 20:01
G...Hawk
It is the point in winter to think of getting gear.
Thinking of portable hammock stands.
This thread is informative for those thinking of buying and fun for those just dreaming.
A mid-winter bump !
G
02-12-2013, 22:52
georgemaung
Thanks for the video. Good modifications.
Would Dutch make titanium pieces to replace those red plastic things?
I wonder would the stand work with the WBRR hammock since I feel like Bridge hammocks require lower height compare to gather hammock. Any opinions?
I have the stand on the way and I will be sure to report back.
05-17-2013, 13:05
Harpo63
Has anyone figured out the length of the centerline when used with the Blackbird? (as illustrated in the recommended modifications Derek made?) I know it needs to be a little longer because the BB ridge line has too much sag when its set up with the current lines.
Ive been tinkering all afternoon without success
05-17-2013, 13:18
MAD777
Illustration + Video: Handy Hammock Review
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harpo63
Has anyone figured out the length of the centerline when used with the Blackbird? (as illustrated in the recommended modifications Derek made?) I know it needs to be a little longer because the BB ridge line has too much sag when its set up with the current lines.
Ive been tinkering all afternoon without success
Try about 55" for the centerline. The 54" struts lean at a 65 degree angle and the BB has a 100" ridgeline. That leaves 55" between the struts on the ground. However, if you have continuous loops or something on the ends of the BB, add the length of those to the centerline.
Perhaps you want to make it a whoopie sling so you can fine tune it. You could also mark the appropriate lengths on the whoopie for several different hammocks.
05-17-2013, 13:30
Harpo63
Quote:
Originally Posted by MAD777
Try about 55" for the centerline. The 54" struts lean at a 65 degree angle and the BB has a 100" ridgeline. That leaves 55" between the struts on the ground. However, if you have continuous loops or something on the ends of the BB, add the length of those to the centerline.
Perhaps you want to make it a whoopie sling so you can fine tune it. You could also mark the appropriate lengths on the whoopie for several different hammocks.
Thank you Mike… great idea about the whoopee sling as I was thinking I would still like to use the open hammock that came with the kit.
05-17-2013, 15:47
MAD777
BTW, Jason has extended the wonderful HammockForum discount buy through today.
But, THIS IS THE LAST DAY!!
I agree with georgemaung that titanium replacement rings would be great to replace the plastic ones. A perfect job for Dutch.
07-04-2014, 07:10
brooklynkayak
I wanted to dredge this thread back up and to see how these have been holding up and if people still recomend them?
Also, regarding "I agree with georgemaung that titanium replacement rings would be great to replace the plastic ones. A perfect job for Dutch. "
Some of the new plastics are stronger and lighter than titanim, aluminum, steel, ... You could end up with something heavier and/or weaker than the original if made with titanium.
07-04-2014, 07:35
MAD777
Quote:
Originally Posted by brooklynkayak
I wanted to dredge this thread back up and to see how these have been holding up and if people still recomend them?
My two are holding up fine. My wife & I use them in the local park for lounging by the lake with a good book.
