Hammock Equipment Poll

Hey Fellow hangers,

I wanted to reach out and see if some of you wouldn't mind giving some quick input on how you decide on purchasing your hammock gear. We at KAMMOK, have some incredible products in our pipeline (that we can't wait to release), and we have some long term projects that we are working on as well. I would love to hear how you guys would prioritize the 5 items below when processing a purchase. If you could rate each item from 1-5 (1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest) that would be great!:

*Weight
*Durability
*Price
*Functionality/Versatility
*Comfort (if item adds to comfort)

Greg

*That Functionality/Durability should say Functionality/Versatility...my bad :)

1 - Weight
4 - Durability
5 - Price
2 - Functionality/Versatility
3 - Comfort (if item adds to comfort)

As a backpacker, weight is what I voted for as number one.
However, the item has to serve its function. Also, I got into hammocking for its comfort; so no Nano 7 hammocks for the 6'-1" guy.

1 - Weight
2 - Functionality/Versatility
3 - Price
4 - Comfort
5 - Durability

1. Price - If it is out of my price range then nothing else matters
2. Weight - I have to carry every ounce on my back
3. Durability - I'm willing to spend more for something that will last
4. Functionality/Versatility - Multi-functional or items that function exceptionally well are better than items that are clunky to use or just don't preform their intended task
5. Comfort - If I can't make it work for me then its not worth having

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OfftheGround

*That Functionality/Durability should say Functionality/Versatility...my bad :)

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I changed it for you. Cheers. :)

I think we all look at functionality/versatility then throw in the weight savings on it, comfort, then durablity and price is the last thing I look at as your going to get what you pay for in the end. Good equipment,,costs alittle more! :) And I don't mind paying the price when you add it all up.

Can't pick one ... they're all important to me ... to pick number one would require me knowing the specific piece of gear I was looking at. Weight may be a factor on one but price on another ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deadphans

1 - Weight
4 - Durability
5 - Price
2 - Functionality/Versatility
3 - Comfort (if item adds to comfort)

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Not to speak for anyone else but I'll bet that a close representation of what most hiker/backpackers will answer.

Sometimes it depends on the item, though. My final answer is going to be...

1- Functionality/Versatility
2- Weight
3- Durability (let's think of it as life expectancy)
4- Comfort
5- Price

But you can't forget that "2nd kinda cool" (nutnfancy term, look it up) can sometimes trump all.


4-
5-

I voted functionality/versatility because I do not want to buy something I already have or does basically the same thing. I like the Roo and Python straps but I have hammocks that are similar and suspension that is lighter and more adjustable. I was going to put weight first but decided that I like looking for new concepts.

I use hammocks for one reason and one reason alone. All the other stuff are just happy side-benefits.

Comfort rules.

I voted for comfort but function/versatility would be about the same importance to me.

1. Comfort
2. Function/ versatility
3. Durability
4. Weight
5. Price

I'm kind of surprised by the polling results. I would think comfort would have a higher rating. If I had a hammock that was not comfortable...then I certainly would not use it.

1.comfort
2.Functionality/Versatility
3.weight
4.duability
5.price

My $0.02

The poll includes GEAR, and not just hammocks. I don't care if my stove is comfortable (although that would be nice, I guess).

Weight is #1 for me, and the rest make up #2 (there is no 3/4/5 for me)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NCPatrick

The poll includes GEAR, and not just hammocks. I don't care if my stove is comfortable (although that would be nice, I guess).

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I have had stoves that are a PITA to use which made me unconfortable to consider using them again.:D

1. Functionality/versatility-It has to do what it is suppose to do.
2. Durability-If it breaks on the first trip...I want my money back!!! ;)
3. Weight-When I am not on my moto, weight matters. It still kinda matters on the motorcycle too.
4. Comfort-If it is an item for comfort, this to me falls under Functionality.
5. Price- If I have to have it, I will find a way to buy it.

all of the above should be an option...just sayin :D

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Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

Can't pick one ... they're all important to me ... to pick number one would require me knowing the specific piece of gear I was looking at. Weight may be a factor on one but price on another ...

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If it's just gear in general, I have to +1 Hawk-eye's response.

I guess I made an assumption that it was regarding hammocks since that is what Kammock is selling and that comfort doesnt really apply to tree straps or biners. :)

I would toss in another parameter. Any possible new purchase needs to be better than what I have now. I do not see a lot of the new stuff as an improvement over my 30 yr old gear. Quite often it is a downgrade. As an example I loath stoves with separate fuel bottles or pots without a bail.

Being out here on the trail for over 5 weeks now, my priorities have definitely changed

3 *Weight
1 *Durability
5 *Price
4 *Functionality/Versatility
2 *Comfort

if something rips or breaks mid hike, I am screwed.
Weight has definitely taken a lower ranking.
And comfort is a close second.

I just had to exchange a pack mid hike and i would not recommend this method to anyone whether it has to do with stoves, hammocks, sleeping bag, etc

I think if one is a weekender or planning a short hike, then the considerations are much different.
But for a thru hike, this is my .02

It's really changed. As A Noob It was all about price. But after buying cheap equipment only to find it too heavy or uncomfortable or poorly made I'm switched to higher quality/lighter stuff. So here it goes-

1. weight- am I willing to carry it?
2.Function/ comfort/ - Do I need it/does it work?
3. Price/durability- can I afford it/ how long will it last

thats my vote

My vote are for comfort, that's why I use hammock.
1 Comfort
2 Durability
3 Functionality/versatility
4 Weight
5 Price
just my 0,02$

Function/versatility
Price
Comfort
Durability
Weight

Weight is the last factor I consider. In truth, my first two parameters are:

1. Will it meet my needs for what I need it to do?
2. Can I afford it?

These first two things are the initial criteria for any purchase I make. If I can't afford the price...it's off the table. If it won't work for what I need it...why bother buying it?

After that durability and comfort are tied. Durability might come higher than comfort...if I have to replace it more often, that's a factor of price. Comfort has crept up the scale as I've gotten older.

Weight can tie into comfort...but since I camp more than hike, weight is my lowest factor here. With the advent of all the 'newer' gear, I've already managed to drop a lot of weight and am going lighter than I used to. If you're used to 40lbs, and you've already dropped to 24lbs...one more pound won't make you cry so much. Ounces even less so.

1. Weight
2. Functionality/Versatility
**3. Price
4. Durability
5. Comfort

This is tricky!

Weight is important to me because I want a light pack. I think my gear buying choices over the years would pin me as having "weight" as a top priority. If you are targeting backpackers vs. campers, then weight is always going to score high.

On the heels of weight is versatility. I like multi-functional gear, or gear that I can use in more than one way, if possible. "Bells and whistles" only matter if they don't add a weight penalty and can enhance the gear to be used in another way.

Price is relative. If we value something, we will pay for it, but inflated prices are a deterrent. For example, a simple gathered-end hammock can be hand-made for $20 for a thrifty DIY-er. Double that price for a commercially-made hammock. Much more than that, and it is hard for me to see the value. However, if that simple hammock has added value, like a zippered bug net, a asymmetric lay with a foot box, and other whiz-bang innovations that would be more challenging for a DIY-er, than the value jumps quite a bit. I think the red herring here is that price is a function for probably all of these items. Time to do a price elasticity study for each one! :)

Durability is also tricky because I think it is a function of weight and versatility/functionality. Typically heavier items are more durable and probably have more bells/whistles.

Maybe a better question would be to frame this:

Price, Weight, Durability. Pick two.

If you want something durable but lightweight, it's probably space-age, and therefor expensive.

If you want something cheap and light, it's probably not durable.

If you want something Durable but cheap, it's probably heavy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dejoha

1. Weight
2. Functionality/Versatility
**3. Price
4. Durability
5. Comfort

This is tricky!

Weight is important to me because I want a light pack. I think my gear buying choices over the years would pin me as having "weight" as a top priority. If you are targeting backpackers vs. campers, then weight is always going to score high.

On the heels of weight is versatility. I like multi-functional gear, or gear that I can use in more than one way, if possible. "Bells and whistles" only matter if they don't add a weight penalty and can enhance the gear to be used in another way.

Price is relative. If we value something, we will pay for it, but inflated prices are a deterrent. For example, a simple gathered-end hammock can be hand-made for $20 for a thrifty DIY-er. Double that price for a commercially-made hammock. Much more than that, and it is hard for me to see the value. However, if that simple hammock has added value, like a zippered bug net, a asymmetric lay with a foot box, and other whiz-bang innovations that would be more challenging for a DIY-er, than the value jumps quite a bit. I think the red herring here is that price is a function for probably all of these items. Time to do a price elasticity study for each one! :)

Durability is also tricky because I think it is a function of weight and versatility/functionality. Typically heavier items are more durable and probably have more bells/whistles.

Maybe a better question would be to frame this:

Price, Weight, Durability. Pick two.

If you want something durable but lightweight, it's probably space-age, and therefor expensive.

If you want something cheap and light, it's probably not durable.

If you want something Durable but cheap, it's probably heavy.

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Very much agreed with the above said. +1 to dejoha

For me
First I look to see if the large/tall man was considerd or if the model was just beefed up with little or no consideration to true fit/function. (So fuction and comfort perhaps first)

Then I look at weight. If the weight is reasonable I read reviews of similar or previous products (durabilty)
If those are met then I think its worth having a product catered to me that will last and do what is needed I will tend to pay what is necessary yo have it. far more than most based on my size. Butit is what it is.


So I really dont find one of these more than the other. Id rather not sacrifice anything. We pay too much money for too much sacrifice as it is.

I'm pretty new to hammocks but my thought process is basically the same for all my gear.

1. Weight: I'm getting older, it has to be light.

2. Functionality/Versatility: I can justify a little extra weight for an item that actually works and can serve more than one purpose.

3. Comfort: The biggest reason I am into hammocks.

4. Durability: If it doesn't hold up, what good is it?

5. Price: If an item meets all other requirements I don't mind paying a little more, especially if it's light and versatile. Buy once, cry once.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cannibal

I use hammocks for one reason and one reason alone. All the other stuff are just happy side-benefits.

Comfort rules.

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I would agree with that. When I bought my hammock, and the reason I use it, is to get off of the ground.

But then none of those issues make sense when considered alone. If it's not functional, then how could you use it? If it's not comfortable, then why would you use it?

Price and durability are almost the same thing to me. I'll buy once and pay more for something that doesn't wear out, but only because I figure it's cheaper in the long run.

But ultimately my hammock was about getting off the ground in order to be comfortable. Camping sporadically all my life, I moved closer to finally getting a good night's sleep every year, but switching to a hammock was like flipping a light switch. It took the biggest hassle out of camping, trying to get a good night's sleep, and made it one of the greatest pleasures. I'll take the hammock out to the park in the middle of the day just to relax, which I would have never done with the tent.

I'll add one more factor to you list: ease of use. Maybe that comes under functionality. It's just easier to set up the hammock than any tent I've used.

I'm not a hiker, so weight is seldom a deciding factor, although I do bike, so there is a tipping point, but most hammocks seem well below that point.

1. Functionality/Versatility
2. Comfort
3. Weight
4. Durability
5. Price

It's gotta work for what I got it for and better if there is a multiple-use for it.

I've gotta be comfortable with it, either sleeping in it, wearing it, or using it.

If it weighs too much it stays with the car camping gear but I'll trade weight for comfort.

Durability is relative to weight and price.

Dang, I gotta pay for it but it's better to buy the right thing once and pay a higher price than a bunch of lower priced items not quite what I really want several times that cummulatively is higher than the right thing once. Reading back that confuses me but I know what I mean.

Functionality
weight
comfort
price
durability

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AaronAlso

Not to speak for anyone else but I'll bet that a close representation of what most hiker/backpackers will answer.

Sometimes it depends on the item, though. My final answer is going to be...

1- Functionality/Versatility
2- Weight
3- Durability (let's think of it as life expectancy)
4- Comfort
5- Price

But you can't forget that "2nd kinda cool" (nutnfancy term, look it up) can sometimes trump all.


4-
5-

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Great feedback - thanks. Yes cool factor is one of those that can't be measured but sure can effect our decision making!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by two isles

Being out here on the trail for over 5 weeks now, my priorities have definitely changed

3 *Weight
1 *Durability
5 *Price
4 *Functionality/Versatility
2 *Comfort

if something rips or breaks mid hike, I am screwed.
Weight has definitely taken a lower ranking.
And comfort is a close second.

I just had to exchange a pack mid hike and i would not recommend this method to anyone whether it has to do with stoves, hammocks, sleeping bag, etc

I think if one is a weekender or planning a short hike, then the considerations are much different.
But for a thru hike, this is my .02

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I am right there with you. This would be the way that I would personally rank my gear requirements. Durability - this speaks to a deeper Ethos than just "reliability". Durability has environmental impact, social impact, and financial impact in the long run (the saying goes 'don't be penny-wise and dollar-poor). Depending on the gear my 3-4 might change a bit, but I agree on the first two :). -Greg

1-Weight - obsessively.
2-Functionality/Versatility - this ties into weight. Functionally, I want the lightest possible manifestation of something that performs the most NECESSARY functions. Gimmicky stuff doesn't get me.
3-Comfort - Again, tied to weight. I want to be as comfortable as possible while carrying the least amount of weight.
4-Durability - I like buying gear, but not that often. That being said, I take care of my stuff and know how to make good gear last
5-Price - Cuben Fiber - end of story.

1. Functionality
2. Durability
3. Price
4. Weight
5. Comfort

It's got to do the job I'm getting it for, or I'll be disappointed, or at least I'll have to make do some other way. I don't like to be let down on the trail by my gear.

I wish money were not an issue, but it is, especially since this is, for most of us, a hobby.

It's a real trade off between cost and weight. I prefer light, but cost usually wins.

I came to hammock camping seeking comfort. I found it at a not too astronomical price.