Help! Choosing the Right Hammock For ME!

My head is spinning much like the children doing rolls in Jiblets 'Spinning Cocoon' thread.

I've been reading here for a long time, looked at reviews and spreadsheets, looked at more manufacturers' sites than I can count and I'm still confused.

Here's the important personal stuff:

5' tall, weight definitely under all manufacturers weight limits (yes I'm female and no I don't tell anyone my weight)...:rolleyes:

So length of hammock and weight limits are not a concern.

Side sleeper - actually I do more this side, that side, on my back, try another side sleeping than anything else.

Don't like to feel confined at all so I want height/space between me and bug net and don't want to feel like I'm in a cocoon in the hammock.

What I do know I want:

Side entry
removeable bug net
separate ridge line for fly.
No integrated fly - I know what I want for that.

Not sure if I want a pad in a pocket (know I don't want it in the hammock with me) or whether I'd be happiest with an UQ (or both if needed for cold weather).

Budget is not a major concern, I'd rather spend the money once wisely than have to keep upgrading.

Weight is somewhat of a concern because I have to carry it but I have no intention of going UL, I want comfort over anything else.

And yes, I know it's going to have to come in from the US, shipping is not a problem unless the vendor won't ship across the white line on the map.

If you were me, what would you be buying?

I tried really hard to come up with a really great answer to "If you were me, what would you be buying," but I failed in the most miserable way possible.

That said, I really love my ENO.

ENO hammock. soft feel on the skin, no bug net open top. add bug net of your choice when needed. i would remove the stock rope and caribiner it comes with.and i have never had trouble sleeping on my side in it.

this is a good question, maybe consider a DIY route? i'm sure the DIY subforum has some sort of template to determine the length and width requirements. I'm only 5'7" and 200lbs, i feel like my ENO DN is a tad overkill, I'm sure i could shave some extra materials and save on the weight in my pack.

eno makes a single version also. that is what i use. i am 5'3" and i am still using my original one..(almost 13 yrs old ):d

I'm going to jump on peanuts ENO bandwagon. The initial investment isn't going to break you even after swapping the stock steel with 2 small climbing rated aluminum carabiners. Once you get the sag right for you, side sleeping is no problem (nor just about any other position). As stated, you can add the bug net and tarp of your choice when you're ready. Also consider that Amsteel is not terribly expensive when you consider the size/weight to load bearing capability ratio and is really easy to work with if you decide to go the DIY route and make your own suspension.

Just my $0.02

You might wanna check out Papasmurfs hammocks. He does a model that the bugnet that unzips from one end and down the sides. It's stowed at the other end in a self contained pouch. Other than that you could do a Switchback and send off to 2QZQ for a zipper mod. Any traveler model and a bug net sock would give you flexibilty too. I do a WBBB in buggy weather and a Lite Owl in the cold months. They are both double layer and allow for pads in between the layers, although my preference is for underquilts.

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Originally Posted by HamMike

You might wanna check out Papasmurfs hammocks. He does a model that the bugnet that unzips from one end and down the sides. It's stowed at the other end in a self contained pouch. Other than that you could do a Switchback and send off to 2QZQ for a zipper mod. Any traveler model and a bug net sock would give you flexibilty too. I do a WBBB in buggy weather and a Lite Owl in the cold months. They are both double layer and allow for pads in between the layers, although my preference is for underquilts.

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Try BIAS hammocks.

There are a lot of hammocks for you to choose from. I suggest a basic model for your first one. Warbonnet Traveler comes to mind. The Dream Hammocks' Roaming Gnome might be nice as the bug net is stowable. And you will want a bug net. Good luck in choosing. Let us know what you end up getting.

S

Greetings The Old Boot

Welcome to the forum from another Ontario Hanger.

Given your wish lists for a hammock, I would check out the Grand Trunks Ultralight Nano 7.

http://store.grandtrunkgoods.com/hammocks/nano-7

It's a 4' wide x 9' long gathered end hammock which should be just fine for your stated height.

Cheers

Brian

For comfort and almost everything in one package, the Clark Jungle NX150, my daughter uses this one and loves it, you can lay on your side and the fiberglass rod spreaders makes it very open, I use the larger NX250.

Looks like your head will continue to spin! As did mine. I finally decided on wbbb ... seemed like it had best reviews on the net. Good luck!

I'm a BIAS fan. Had them make me WW Micro, but 64" wide. It's 1.0 (or a little less) ripstop and weighs in at about six ounces with the whoopies on. I'm 5'9" and around 140#. It's like sleeping in a king size bed. I can lay almost sideways if I want. Side sleeping is easy. I put an adjustable ridge line on and made a couple of Fronkey style bug nets - one out of noseeum, the other out of polyester mesh, which is cheap at WMT and available in different colors. Used the light tan for the net and really like it.

Made hammocks for my two youngest grand children - of interest may be the pink and white crinkle finish polyester hammock with a white bug net that my grand daughter has. Grandson's is a bit more macho motif. Hammock fabric was shower curtains, already hemmed.

YMMV

Welcome Old Boot.

I too had several confusing rounds. So I did what everyone on here suggestion, i just started buying....I now have 4 hammocks, eno, 2 DIY and a HH. Oh and my daughters GT Ultralight (she's 8). Thinking of a DD hammock as well. My goal is to convert my entire family to tree folk.

I would have had them hung, but when I started digging the post hole to put up one 6x6 post in my yard my home owners association nazi woman had a complete fit about it since it wasn't approved by her. I only have 1 tree in my yard. When I explained what my intent was she said she wouldn't approve anything other then 'store' quality metal hammock stands that can move.

So i've told the wife we need to sell the house and move to Minnesota....she looked at me like I was nuts too. So i'm currently stuck waiting...........

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Originally Posted by NarlocB

Welcome Old Boot.

I too had several confusing rounds. So I did what everyone on here suggestion, i just started buying....I now have 4 hammocks, eno, 2 DIY and a HH. Oh and my daughters GT Ultralight (she's 8). Thinking of a DD hammock as well. My goal is to convert my entire family to tree folk.

I would have had them hung, but when I started digging the post hole to put up one 6x6 post in my yard my home owners association nazi woman had a complete fit about it since it wasn't approved by her. I only have 1 tree in my yard. When I explained what my intent was she said she wouldn't approve anything other then 'store' quality metal hammock stands that can move.

So i've told the wife we need to sell the house and move to Minnesota....she looked at me like I was nuts too. So i'm currently stuck waiting...........

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Just plant a 2nd adult tree in the back yard, disregard the constabulary!

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Originally Posted by doctor patches

Just plant a 2nd adult tree in the back yard, disregard the constabulary!

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No way to get an adult tree around my neighbors and fenced yard (not a real fence, one of those old fashioned 3 board fences for appearnces)

I could probably drag a 10 foot tree back there and then wait a few years for it to get bigger........:(

However I'm thinking after reading about the 'Boogie' man syndrome I should just pack up all my hammocks and take them ALL out on a solo and then just rotate which one i try sleeping in.

Either that or i'm going to start building something to hang in my Garage....it is a 2 car garage, with a motorcycle in it....

BIAS... get the WWM with the dbl layer and you get the option of pad in pocket.

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Originally Posted by NarlocB

<snip>

I would have had them hung, but when I started digging the post hole to put up one 6x6 post in my yard my home owners association nazi woman had a complete fit about it since it wasn't approved by her. I only have 1 tree in my yard. When I explained what my intent was she said she wouldn't approve anything other then 'store' quality metal hammock stands that can move.
<snip>

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What can the home owners association actually do to you? It's your property get it done!

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Originally Posted by NarlocB

I should just pack up all my hammocks and take them ALL out on a solo and then just rotate which one i try sleeping in.
.

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I've done that with wood burning stoves - 4 of them at once :)

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Originally Posted by gordonfreeman

What can the home owners association actually do to you? It's your property get it done!

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HOAs have immense power in the States. They can fine him or sue him for sticking in an unapproved post, owning a large vehicle, or any number of offenses that contravene their arbitrary rules. If you enjoy your freedom, don't buy a house in an HOA.

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Originally Posted by CatSplat

HOAs have immense power in the States. They can fine him or sue him for sticking in an unapproved post, owning a large vehicle, or any number of offenses that contravene their arbitrary rules. If you enjoy your freedom, don't buy a house in an HOA.

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exactly. I have no rights to my own yard...any appearance change to the house or yard, front or back has to be 'approved'....HOAs are dictatorships, plain and simple.

I can't even put in a real fence without all my neighbors approval submitted to the HOA..hence the fake fense i'm stuck with now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CatSplat

HOAs have immense power in the States. They can fine him or sue him for sticking in an unapproved post, owning a large vehicle, or any number of offenses that contravene their arbitrary rules. If you enjoy your freedom, don't buy a house in an HOA.

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Then peeing off the back porch is out of the question? :lol:

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Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

Then peeing off the back porch is out of the question? :lol:

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I'd be screwed...

To put Old Boot back on track (sorry for the unintentional hi-jacking)

If you side sleep a lot. I would definitely think about a DIY (great section on these forums) this way you can control not only the length, but width.

Other WL and WB make really good hammocks from all accounts of people here on forums.

I would also suggest watching all the Shug video's you can. He reviews several different ones in his armada!!!

i love my warbonnet blackbird and personally believe it is a beautiful piece of equipment

I would highly recommend a grape arbor.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...r/P9300001.jpg

For bi-symmetry comfort the DangerBird tops my list. I can lay on either side on either diagonal and not face the wall of suffocation! Hennesey and WBBB don't allow that very well. It's comes with stowable bug net and cover, so is like 5 in one! Left, right, open, bug net, cold cover. Add a second layer for a pad, or if you need to go real cold skip right to a down underquilt. I'm looking forward to 30* this weekend to try out my
UnderGround Quilts Zeppelin!

Watch for nearby local hangs and show up, they'll be happy to show off their gear and help you learn!

As you can see by the responses given, there's lots of helpful folk here!

Hi from central Ontario,

Not sure how much advice I can give you on buying a hammock sight unseen. I would recommend that you borrow a hammock if you can (I only have one or I would offer) and go on a group hang. When I went I saw lots of different models and people are more than glad to point out the strengths and weaknesses of each.

If you can't swing a group hang before buying I would say buy a simple one i.e. Snipe or Speers etc.. and then give it some time to figure out what special features would suit you. Most hammocks have decent resale here so you can upgrade when you have settled on the one you want.

I too want to go to some of the big hangs south of the border but there are a few each year here in Ontario that I can attest are great fun so keep an eye out for them too.

Cheers

Cedar

+1 for PapaSmurf. He will do custom work building your dream hammock. Yes, that's a play on words.:lol:

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Originally Posted by bomber21

Try BIAS hammocks.

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I'll check it out. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by the old boot

my head is spinning much like the children doing rolls in jiblets 'spinning cocoon' thread.

I've been reading here for a long time, looked at reviews and spreadsheets, looked at more manufacturers' sites than i can count and i'm still confused.

Here's the important personal stuff:

5' tall, weight definitely under all manufacturers weight limits (yes i'm female and no i don't tell anyone my weight)...:rolleyes:

So length of hammock and weight limits are not a concern.

Side sleeper - actually i do more this side, that side, on my back, try another side sleeping than anything else.

Don't like to feel confined at all so i want height/space between me and bug net and don't want to feel like i'm in a cocoon in the hammock.

What i do know i want:

Side entry
removeable bug net
separate ridge line for fly.
No integrated fly - i know what i want for that.

Not sure if i want a pad in a pocket (know i don't want it in the hammock with me) or whether i'd be happiest with an uq (or both if needed for cold weather).

Budget is not a major concern, i'd rather spend the money once wisely than have to keep upgrading.

Weight is somewhat of a concern because i have to carry it but i have no intention of going ul, i want comfort over anything else.

And yes, i know it's going to have to come in from the us, shipping is not a problem unless the vendor won't ship across the white line on the map.

if you were me, what would you be buying?

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bias hammocks.

+1 on BIAS Hammocks. You might email the guys there with your height,etc. I suspect you can get away with less width at 5' tall.