Originally Posted by
Dice
This is a very good question and I will echo the others in saying that it comes down to personal preference. But, I will also throw in my opinion. If you find yourself prone to claustrophobia, even a little bit (which you may not even know until you've slept in the hammock), you will want to move up to a larger size. I originally bought the HH Expedition and I am right at the height limit like you are with the Scout. I couldn't stand it. My first night was terrible, I almost bailed because I felt so closed in. That was a new experience for me as I have never thought of myself as claustrophobic before. But, at the upper limits of the height suggestion, you will find that your head will be pretty far up into the end of the hammock and your face (at least in my case) will be right up against the bug net. I tried it a couple of nights and was getting better, but then I tried my buddy's Explorer and it was WAY roomier for me. I upgraded.
So, there's my $.02. It is a personal preference thing. Some are okay with the closer quarters, some are not.
Welcome to the family! No matter which way you go, you will love your hammock.
Happy hanging!