Looking for a hammock that fits a big guy.

Hi there, I am new to the hammock world. I also have never joined any type of forum before, so bear with me. I recently purchased an ENO double nest and the bug net and tarp from ENO as well. The hammock seems like it fits ok, but I am nervous about breaking it. The bug net seems very fragile and does not close entirely on the ends. I have been looking at the Clark NX-250 jungle hammock as an alternative. I am 6-5 and weigh 350, plus sleeping gear. Looking at the specks online it looks like the Clarks are solid, but would I fit comfortably? The specks look smaller than the ENO DN, but the whole Clark setup seems easier and more reliable then what I have now. I guess I could use some opinions from any other larger folks out there.

Thanks

Might want to look at Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 double, it has a 6'8" 400lb rating. http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/blackbirds.php
David

Dreamhammock.com all the way. Randy will make you a totally custom hammock for a very reasonable price. The fabric he uses had been tested to up to 500 lbs.

I really like the storage/insulation pockets on the Clark, and how the ends of the hammock are fairly waterproof. The tarps look like they don't overlap too far past the ends, so this could help keep me dry. It seems like every time I camp It rains, so I really want a setup to keep me dry and hold my gear as well. I like how the screen is set up and also having the option of the 4 season covering is nice. I like to camp till its fairly cold and don't really want to have to use a pad or heavy sleeping bag. My only fear is that it might seem kind of restricting. I don't know yet if I like to sleep on my back or side in a hammock. At home I start on my back and end up switching from side to side. I guess if my back didn't get sore in by bed, I would stay on my back. Can a person lay at a diagonal in the Clark 250? Reading this back to myself I sound really sold on the Clark. it's just hard to find things that fit when a person it big, and for that price I want a good fit.

Sorry for sounding picky

The Dream hammocks do look nice. I like the option of storing the screen and outer layer. I just wish there was a way to try all of these amazing hammocks out before I buy one.

IIRC Brandon (HF handle Warbonnetguy) of Warbonnet OUtdoors has made a triple layer hammock for another member. The double layer 1.7 would probably be fine but if you want more reassurance you can contact him for a custom job. His Blackbird hammock is extremely popular here.

Check out the new Clark Flex-180, looks roomy as heck for one person & gear

I have one of each, and as I qualify as a Big Guy I can say that both are roomy IMO and both deliver a comfy lie and sleep. I use the CJH in cooler temps (the Weather Shield makes it warmer) and the WBBB in warmer temps.

If you only buy one, either will perform well.

Jim

I just looked at the Flex 180 online. It does sound kind of cool. I have a 3 1/2 yr old son that loves to swing in a few old cloth hammocks that I have. He would love to camp in it w/ me. I still think I like the nx-250 for pack size. I am headed to BWCA this Aug. w/ a buddy for a week. We both decided to buy hammocks instead of a tent, since it rains there a lot. My pack is already kind of full and the smaller the hammock is packed the better. Thats why I originally bought the ENO setup for size and price. I just don't think its going to hold up to my weight even @ a 400lb wt limit.

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Originally Posted by bnliv2ski

I just don't think its going to hold up to my weight even @ a 400lb wt limit.

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Hammocks are more robust than they appear. The first time I tried to sit in my HH Explorer I couldn't do it. I had to con my daughter into trying it first. But the real point of concern for most commercial hammocks rated at 400# would be the suspension. Even so... If you hang it right you should have no problem with the Doublenest. It is a very robust piece of kit.

Well I ordered a CJH-NX250 this morning along w/ the vortex fly, I have decided that if this one does not fit me I don't think I will be happy in any hammock, possibly not cut out to hang in the air. I will post results of test run. Every one on this forum seems very informitive and friendly, I appreciate the responses I got and helpfulness very much.

Thanks Brian

Congratulations, I have this same setup and love it. I'm near 6' and a dainty 250, and find it to be plenty roomy. I was actually surprised at how well I sleep in it. I couldn't get in harmony with the suspension ropes that come on it, so a pair of continuous amsteel loops and a pair of polyester straps fixed that quickly. Do take time to practice hanging it a few times at least before your trip and then just enjoy.

try a couple different hanging tensions. How tight or how lose you hang makes a big difference in the comfort.

I have been reading about suspension systems. I am going to try what comes w/ CJH, but the whoopee slings look interesting. All of this stuff is kind of confusing. I also was reading about a ridge line to help hang the same each time. Can one do this w/ the NX-250 or will it hit the poles? Does it install higher up the rope? I watched some videos from whoopee slings.com. I guess when I receive the hammock and play around with it a little I will have more questions on what I should use to dial it in.

Thanks

A ridgeline can work with the NX, buts its a bit of a bother. You can use the weathershield as a pseudo line to judge tension though, or just the angle of the suspension

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Originally Posted by bnliv2ski

I have been reading about suspension systems. I am going to try what comes w/ CJH, but the whoopee slings look interesting. All of this stuff is kind of confusing. I also was reading about a ridge line to help hang the same each time. Can one do this w/ the NX-250 or will it hit the poles? Does it install higher up the rope? I watched some videos from whoopee slings.com. I guess when I receive the hammock and play around with it a little I will have more questions on what I should use to dial it in.

Thanks

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I've posted often and there's been little dissent that the NXs are more comfortable if they are hung with the closed weather-shield drooping. Too bad the pic you take won't look best that way. But, which matters more, comfort in or how it looks from outside?

Besides, the looks from outside -- and a pull of the bug net away from your face -- can be restored by tying short lengths of elastic ribbon or shock-cord between the hoops and the ends to pull them gently back. $.030 of material and a 2 minute effort.

I like a structural ridgeline. (SRL) I did without one for a year. Recently I put one on a Clark Tropical and then on an NX150. Small hassle, but only small, was to extend the hammock length to a ring or attachment point so the SRL would clear the Clark hoods. Comfort for me is @ 83-86% of virtual length. (Virtual length =hammock length + extension length to be able to attach the SRL over hoops and out of face.)

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Originally Posted by bnliv2ski

Well I ordered a CJH-NX250 this morning... I will post results of test run.

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Do tell. I'm 6'4". You're taller and heavier than me. I'm wondering if these hammocks scale well to people our size?

Hi mate,

Even being a big guy, it all comes to what feels right. I am just under 6'and 209 pounds, and have a Clark, a hennessy Deep Jungle and a Claytor Jungle. For my size, the Claytor is perfect, and it is long and wide, and allows for me and my gut to have a nice diagonal sleep. The hennessy is also fantastic. The Clark is bombproof, and has some fantastic features like the internal handle at the ghead end, and the gear pockets, but for my size I just found it too narrow (like sleeping in a banana skin). having said this, I live in the Aussie tropics where airflow around the body is crucial in making the difference between a good nights sleep, and roasting.

And remember, if you swap over the standard suspension system you'll also affect the weight rating. Most of the tried and tested brands seem to 'punch above their tested weight', and I've had some of my larger friends use my hammocks without giving way.

And going custom is always an option - that way you work with the manufacturer to get exactly what suits you - well worth the extra bucks for peace of mind.

Happy hanging !

I'm 6'1 250, and the NX250 (coincidence? I think not!) is very roomy for me. I think I could probably be significantly taller and still feel fine as there is plenty of headroom and footroom remaining. I probably could be ok in the NX150 .

Im 6"2 and just returned a NX-150 to have a NX-250 in stead. The lenght is OK, but for me the 150 is to narrow to be really as comfortable as Im used to in my old NX-200.

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Originally Posted by gaijin42

I'm 6'1 250, and the NX250 (coincidence? I think not!) is very roomy for me. I think I could probably be significantly taller and still feel fine as there is plenty of headroom and footroom remaining. I probably could be ok in the NX150 .

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You live in the mad city? Dude... hook me up. Let me lay in your hammock and see if I fit in it. I swear I'm not a stalker or too Willy St or anything. Well, just a little Willy. I'll buy you a beer...

Ive got weddings for the next 2 weekends, but we could possibly set something up for after work some night though.

Thanks for all the input, my CJH will be here on Monday the 14th. Can't wait to try it out.

Welcome to the world of hammocks from CA!!

I my self am sportin 390 at 6''9'. I use the WBBB, I love it fits me perfect I also am very comfy in the Kammok Roo, for an open Hammock. I'm also lookin to check out the dream Hammocks. Can't wait to hear how it all goes!! Happy Hangin!!

Well I spent the night outside in the yard. Not the coolest place to camp hanging on the clothesline, but it did the job. The CJH fits , but its feels a little cramped, I can get used to that. I might be limited on how high I can hang the ropes on the clothesline, and need to test out on real trees to be sure, but I had problems sliding to the end all night w/ my sleeping bag. I tried to hang the foot end higher, but maybe not enough. the slack in the hoops(poles) on the head end looked good , but the foot end looked tighter. The screen was a little saggy so I know I didn't have the head end too tight. The ropes did settle or stretch quite a bit throughout the night and I had to get out and adjust as I was on the ground. I gave whoopieslings.com a try and should have a new suspension to try out this week. All in all I like the hammock and just need to get used to sleeping in one. It would have been fairly comical to watch a 350lb guy twist and turn trying to get in his sleeping bag comfortably. There has to be a trick to this. I can tell you guys/gals out there thinking about a CJH that if I didn't rip this thing twisting around all night like a stinking worm, it is pretty bomb proof. I am going to try some kind of cloth (like the kind one puts in the drawer to keep the silverware box from sliding) under my bag and see if that eliminates the sliding around, I know this sounds stupid, but hey Ill give it a try. I will post real tree hanging results when ever I get out again.

Thanks everyone with their helpful comments

Brian

Clark seems to assume users will be in a sleeping bag. I think that is nuts unless the bag zips all the way down and is used a an oversized blanket.

@60 last night and with a 15oz 3/4 UQ rated to 15F,I didn't need a blanket at all. You'll find, once you get a bit used to it, that the weather-shield over you stops drafts. I know these hammocks well enough to appreciate that @6 1/2 ft, the previous may not be true, as your head may be a bit higher under the head-end hood than mine is.

Take care of droop with a bit of shock cord between hoods and hammock ends. Or even less shock cord on a prusik, just enough to pull the hoods back so they will keep the netting out of your face and off your body.

I'd be curious to know what your implicit ridgeline length is that you are comfortable with. Have a tape measure with which you could measure and report? Just find the sag your comfortable, then let one of the ends of the hoops out of its keeper so you can measure while you are sitting in the hammock. You should be able to reach with one arm while extending the free end of a 3/4" tape measure out to the other supported by your other hand.

Stu @ whoopie slings informed me that a SRL on the CJH is kind of a pain in the butt, and not really needed. I think that you are implying measuring between the hammock ends while I am sitting in it am I correct? If so when I find a comfortable preference, I can measure that pretty easily. I will measure the next time I set it up and see if this is consistent with future hanging. I have not set up since I received the whoopies yet, but they did install very quickly. I went with an 8" continuous loop attached to a ring, attached to the whoopies. From there I am just using the supplied Clark tree straps w/ carabiners for now.

Thanks

Respectfully, the only thing you need to do is make the NX-250 seem longer to the SRL. That way the SRL clears the tops of the hoops.

Do that as simply as putting 12-16" total of extra length with continuous loops of cord at the ends. The SRL connects to the outer ends of the those loops. Maybe you recycle the rings the NX came from, maybe not.

With marks on my SRL adjustable looop at 2" intervals, I am able to measure what the hang shape is that is most comfortable. (The loop begins @ 84") My virtual length is 120" (108 for the hmmk, 12 for the loops). What do you know but about 100" of length is pretty nice. (Thats 8 ticks of the loop for me.)

But, if you don't want an SRL, thats's cool. Just set up the hammock to where it is comfortable laying in it. Then sit up, release the hoops from one pocket so they can lower out of the way, and measure the span from hmmk end to another. Once you know what you like, you can just use the amount of droop in the bug net as a guide. I suspect you're going to find a droopy bug net gives more comfort. But, you're a bigger guy than I am, and the hammock is going to be loaded differently. So, it would be interesting to find out.

25 stone is about 350 lb. If there the same in the US/UK?

But its a good photo even if it don't help :D

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91388

Thanks to DemostiX, for the info on SRL's. I managed to get out camping and spent three nights in the woods in my hammock. W/ the ridge line it seems that my happy spot was indeed b/t 104 and 105'' from d-ring to d-ring. Temp was 48-50 @ night and just used 15deg bag as blanket. It was great, hope to go out again in a week or so. I also used the shock cord trick on the head end of the hammock to keep the screen snug.

You can also look at http://www.ticketothemoon.com/en/ttt...ml?size=double
There is a large range of Hammock and our new tarp and bug net are just available and really simple set up system .