Recommendations on a second hammock

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05-30-2009, 22:44
east_stingray

Recommendations on a second hammock

If any of you have followed my trip report threads, you know that I recently ordered a BB/Mambajamba/Yeti (my first hammocking gear) and took it on a river trip with the family. My brother loved it, and it looks like we'll be hiking some at the end of June. I'm thinking about getting him a hammock for the trip. He doesn't do nearly as much hiking as me, so it's possible that this will end up being a "backup" in my gear closet (or whatever you want to call it).

I love my BB, but I get the impression that I can probably do better on the price. Don't get me wrong... I love the setup I have, but buying all that was not cheap, and I'm not sure a "backup" set of gear warrants that kind of expenditure again. Also, I figure there may be some features of other hammocks that I haven't gotten to experience.

At any rate, I've been watching the for sale forum for someone to sell a HH or something like that. If nothing presents itself, I'll probably order another BB, although I'll second guess myself about ordering the exact same thing (DL 1.1 w/ straps).

Any advice on a "backup" or "second experience" is greatly appreciated.
05-30-2009, 22:59
Dutch

There are a few HH that get sold on this site, but you can do pretty well on ebay. Since the HH comes with a tarp all you need is bottom protection. You can use a CC pad, but if you really want the comfort of a underquilt you can get a kickassquilt pretty reasonably. That would make a very good second setup. If your brother isn't over 6' or 200 pounds try to get a ULBA. It is worth the weight savings. And think about getting th zipper mod from 2Q/ZQ
05-30-2009, 23:07
east_stingray

He's about the same height as me, I think... right at 6', that breakover point where you never know whether to order the regular or long sleeping bag, and recently, the point where I don't know if a 6' limit hammock will be comfortable for me or not. Neither one of us is anywhere near the weight limit... both about 160.
05-30-2009, 23:07
lori

I would get a claytor expedition and let him hang it under the mambajamba alongside you to save on the tarp.
05-30-2009, 23:21
east_stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by lori

I would get a claytor expedition and let him hang it under the mambajamba alongside you to save on the tarp.

I assume the expedition is more comfortable than the cheaper mosquito hammock? Can you lay asym in these bad boys at all?

I like your thinking on the tarp! You must be as cheap as me!
05-30-2009, 23:22
Dutch

I'm 6' 190 pounds. You are still good in th ULBA but it doesn't have the room the BB has. I guess that is why it is a guest hammock.
05-30-2009, 23:28
lori

Quote:

Originally Posted by east_stingray

I assume the expedition is more comfortable than the cheaper mosquito hammock? Can you lay asym in these bad boys at all?

I like your thinking on the tarp! You must be as cheap as me!

Not real sure about comfort. I was just coming back to edit to add that the mosquito would be adequate if you don't need the double layer. Just guessing that it would be more comfortable for having a layer of polyester over the pad, as I'm also guessing he won't be getting an underquilt.

I just sold my ULBA - I am 5' 7" and it was okay, but felt a tad cramped to me stretched out full length. Since I routinely slept on my side curled up in a fetal position this was not a huge issue. But I am now completely spoiled by the room in the BB. :)
05-30-2009, 23:35
east_stingray

For some reason I had this impression that HH hammocks were quite a bit cheaper than the BB. I was just over at the website and realized that while they're a bit cheaper (accounting for the rain fly), it's not by a whole lot. The BB works awesome for me... the only reason I'd go with something else is if it were going to save me a decent amount of money.
05-30-2009, 23:58
lori

Warbonnet also has the traveller hammock and the bugnetting to go with... :)
05-31-2009, 08:31
east_stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by lori

Warbonnet also has the traveller hammock and the bugnetting to go with... :)

Right, but by the time you buy both you haven't saved much over the BB. Does the traveler have a foot box and/or an asym lay like the BB?
05-31-2009, 08:53
lori

Doesn't appear to. Looks like a simple gathered end.

People can get an asym lay in an ENO or other simple hammock by laying crosswise; just need the right amount of sag and right angle of hang. It's a little more difficult to get the pad to cooperate, though.
05-31-2009, 09:14
drewboy

I just bought a Traveler and can confirm that it is a simple gathered end design with no footbox. Brandon does include a structural ridgeline on them now which helps you get a good hang for asym laying. I just had it out last weekend, and it was plenty comfy, but I missed my BB. I picked it up for a lighter weight option - a 1.7SL weighed 15.45oz including the strap/line suspension.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lori

Doesn't appear to. Looks like a simple gathered end.
05-31-2009, 10:07
east_stingray

I probably wouldn't bother with the traveler then. At a price nearly the same as the BB, I'd rather have the BB. I'm not so concerned about the weight. I definitely fall into the "comfortweight" camp rather than the "ultralightweight" camp.
05-31-2009, 11:21
Lorethian

I hate to point this out to you my friend but I think your about to convince yourself to just send Brandon another order, and frankly I think in the long run you will be a happier camper for it.
05-31-2009, 12:33
Cannibal

I'm finally joining the WB Traveler club. Put in my order this morning. I plan to use it on my CT thru next month. Looking forward to giving it a hang!
05-31-2009, 12:36
Binford

I don't get it... Why not just make one? Especially if cost is an issue. Even more so if it's otherwise just for a spare or backup.

You can make it exactly as long as you like that way too. He's 6' tall, so get 8' of fabric if you're going to whip the ends. Perhaps 8-1/2' or 9' if you're going to tie the ends.

It's seriously easy, man....
05-31-2009, 16:32
east_stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binford

I don't get it... Why not just make one? Especially if cost is an issue. Even more so if it's otherwise just for a spare or backup.

You can make it exactly as long as you like that way too. He's 6' tall, so get 8' of fabric if you're going to whip the ends. Perhaps 8-1/2' or 9' if you're going to tie the ends.

It's seriously easy, man....

I'm a big DIY person, but I'm currently studying for my medical licensing exam, so time is not one of my friends. Second is because I like the asym lay (although some of the hammocks we're talking about don't have that). Third is because I just don't like the idea of the "cocoon" bugnet. I don't really know why I don't like it, but I do prefer the hammocks that have it incorporated.

I'm sure someone will soon point out that if I spent the same amount of time every day working on a hammock as I do on the site I'd have it made in about 2 days.
05-31-2009, 16:33
east_stingray

I just saw the other thread on here about the ENO at gander mountain for 40 bucks. What do you guys think about that? Seems crazy cheap.
05-31-2009, 17:14
drewboy

It should be plenty comfortable, and that's a great price. The Singlenest weighs 18oz and does not include the suspension. You can get slap straps for another ~$20, or put something together yourself. If weight is a priority you are still better off with the $60 traveler. And the cost of that includes the suspension.

Quote:

Originally Posted by east_stingray

I just saw the other thread on here about the ENO at gander mountain for 40 bucks. What do you guys think about that? Seems crazy cheap.
05-31-2009, 17:38
koaloha05

Hh Ulbp

My 1st hammock the HH ULBP is the back up to the BB. Since receiving the BB the ULBP has been sitting in storage. Just love that BB.

east stingray, if you are interested in a slightly used ULBP with the std stock tarp & undercover only (no ocf) PM me. Need to build up the hammock funds for and OES custom Spinn tarp or maybe a backup BB!
05-31-2009, 18:40
te-wa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannibal

I'm finally joining the WB Traveler club. Put in my order this morning. I plan to use it on my CT thru next month. Looking forward to giving it a hang!

mee too, ordered mine on Friday. im getting the single 1.1 to create a sub-3lb hammock rig. Brandon said it wont be long before he ships it. Good job, Brandon. I have also dang near converted a couple of others as of this weekend, so look for more BB orders. :)
05-31-2009, 20:53
drewboy

Sweet Mike. With the SL 1.1 you could have around a 10oz hammock. Wish I was light enough to go that route. I assume that you got the straps/line for suspension, or did you splurge on a full webbing suspension?

Hey Cannibal, what option did you end up ordering for your Traveler?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeinfhaz

mee too, ordered mine on Friday. im getting the single 1.1 to create a sub-3lb hammock rig. Brandon said it wont be long before he ships it. Good job, Brandon. I have also dang near converted a couple of others as of this weekend, so look for more BB orders. :)
05-31-2009, 21:33
Cannibal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binford

I don't get it... Why not just make one? Especially if cost is an issue. Even more so if it's otherwise just for a spare or backup.

You can make it exactly as long as you like that way too. He's 6' tall, so get 8' of fabric if you're going to whip the ends. Perhaps 8-1/2' or 9' if you're going to tie the ends.

It's seriously easy, man....

Oh believe me, I've got more than a couple of DIY jobers laying around. ;)
But see, I don't have a WB Traveler. That is more than enough of a reason for me.:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewboy

Hey Cannibal, what option did you end up ordering for your Traveler?

Single 1.7 with webbing.
05-31-2009, 23:04
east_stingray

I've never seen a HH in person, so maybe one of you can help me... why is it that the undercover can't be used with a CCF (which is what the HH website says)?
06-01-2009, 00:52
lori

I suppose you could try to trim the ccf to fit, but it's pretty stiff. Hanging a pad underneath the hammock is a little different than having a pad pocket or putting the pad inside with you - it's not going to come up against you tightly enough to be warm. The open cell foam the SS comes with conforms better.

Or, maybe Mr. H wants your money...
06-01-2009, 16:41
east_stingray

Ok, decided to purchase the HH ULBP from Koala, who shot me an excellent price on it. I would like to make one, but between now and our trip I just don't have time, plus the mosquito is our state bird, so I would have to finagle some sort of bug net. Then there's the tarp, none of which are cheap.
06-01-2009, 16:48
east_stingray

BTW, I know there are multiple ways to alter the HH suspension, and I know that I could go spend hours reading them all, but if I'm spoiled on the BB webbing/buckle suspension, is there any particular one which would be more appropriate? I've seen the JRB tri-glides, but they seem kind of pricey.
06-01-2009, 16:52
Cannibal

My Hennessys are rigged very similar to the BBs. I just cut the stock line, tie a loop in the end, attach the rings-webbing-biners and away I go!
06-01-2009, 17:02
east_stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannibal

My Hennessys are rigged very similar to the BBs. I just cut the stock line, tie a loop in the end, attach the rings-webbing-biners and away I go!

Is there anywhere in particular that's "the place" for buying rings and webbing? I watched Grizz's video on that recently, and one thing that bothered me was that all those little parts seemed to come from different vendors. There's nothing I hate more than buying a $2 ring and having to pay $7 shipping (x however many components the system has).
06-01-2009, 17:07
Cannibal

Quote:

Originally Posted by east_stingray

Is there anywhere in particular that's "the place" for buying rings and webbing? I watched Grizz's video on that recently, and one thing that bothered me was that all those little parts seemed to come from different vendors. There's nothing I hate more than buying a $2 ring and having to pay $7 shipping (x however many components the system has).

I'm working on a solution to that problem. ;)
REI is the easiest place to get the rings and I like OWF for the webbing (woodland camo; polyester). Just order a roll of it and never worry about webbing again. I just cut the last of my roll last night, very sad. :(

Course, you could always beg warbonnetguy for some extra suspensions. I don't know if he's selling them individually or not, but it's a possibility. Then you get those nice lightweight tri-rings and from what he tells me, his webbing is a touch lighter than the OWF stuff too.
06-02-2009, 15:34
east_stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by bschneid

My recommendation for another hammock would have to be the hennessy hammock. It is extremely comfortable and serves the purpose of a hammock, a tent, and a chair. It serves as a tent because it is an enclosed hammock, kind of reminds me of a cocoon. It was honestly the best sleep I have ever gotten while camping and it is extremely portable.

While that's most likely true, those aren't features exclusive to the HH. The Warbonnet also serves all those purposes, and honestly if I could find another one for what I just picked up the HH for I would have gotten it instead.

Unfortunately, no one ever sells their BlackBirds, so there's no such thing as a "pre-owned market", although I've seen a number of HH for sale here and just bought one from another hanger.
06-02-2009, 15:41
te-wa

and likely the funds aquired from the sales of said Hennessy's are going towards the purchase of the Blackbirds. Sorry, the statistics dont lie, so dont go and kill the messenger!

of course, the HH is great if you dont mind the Walscheide entry
06-02-2009, 15:43
Cannibal

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeinfhaz

of course, the HH is great if you dont mind the Walscheide entry

Ummm, are you referring to a part of whale anatomy? If so, yeeeeuuuuch! :scared:
06-02-2009, 15:48
east_stingray

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeinfhaz

and likely the funds aquired from the sales of said Hennessy's are going towards the purchase of the Blackbirds. Sorry, the statistics dont lie, so dont go and kill the messenger!

of course, the HH is great if you dont mind the Walscheide entry

Good guess. The seller told me the funds are going to some other project. I don't think it was a BB, because this person already has one.

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