First hammock

[kagia]

I'm brand new to hammocks. Didn't even know you could camp in one till recently, but now I have to try it. I'm getting sick of the tent, as I can't sleep on my back on a flat surface, and sleeping on my side on a flat surface buggers up my shoulder and collar bone.

I'm looking to buy my first hammock system and I'm looking for a bit of feedback.

I'm 6'1 and about 170lb. I'll be sleeping alone, and occasionally with a firearm and maybe the dog once in a while.

The two I have in mind are the Hennessy Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip and the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC.

I'll be using it for a bit of car camping, a bit of motorcycle camping, and a bit of hike-in camping.

I'll need to be protected from bugs and rain for sure. I don't need a massive tarp, but something with a bit of room to maybe hang out and cook under.

I don't need anything ultralight or ultra small, but it would be nice if it packed down small and didn't weigh a ton.

I like the "foot box" idea on the BB and I LOVE the idea of having a shelf in there. Camo option is always good and removable bug netting is a plus too.

I think I like the idea of a double layer for use with some kind of pad and for bug protection, but is it worth the extra weight?

I can't handle mosquitoes and I don't use repellents. Is it common for them to bite through the single layer hammocks?

What tarp would be good for the BB?

Of the two systems I mentioned, which would you choose? Would you recommend any other systems that meet the above parameters?

Thanks,
K

[Shug]

I really love my Warbonnet XLC.
Here is some video info to consider......
As to tarps. Mainly I use my DIY Blackcrow tarp. 11' ridgeline, 6' across in the middle of cat cuts.
Carry forth.
Shug

[WaffleBox]

As to tarps. Mainly I use my DIY Blackcrow tarp. 1' ridgeline

Dang man, that's a small tarp if I've ever seen one!

[Shug]

Dang man, that's a small tarp if I've ever seen one!

I used to be much smaller........
Shug John

[bkrgi]

Your leaning on the BB so go with it
Consider the Superfly tarp.....having a bigger tarp does come in very handy
If your going to be hanging with overnight lows 25c plus and don,t like skeeters then DL otherwise single layer but DO invest in a down under quilt if you are committed to hanging...if you sticking with a pad then back to DL

[T- Minus]

consider this too, If you get a tarp in a camo pattern you may not need to use camo material for your hammock if you gonna be under a tarp when you hang. That is what I did. (and I know some people just have to have it also are you gonna be covered up with a quilt?

[SalamiHead]

basically what ive learned.. what shug says.. do =P haha to each their own. i have the hennessy hammock safari deluxe asym zip. im 6'1 and 330. its comfy and has its own bug net. decent size tarp with it. i really enjoy it. what i did is watch youtube videos and basically study them. till i find out what i would like or want.

[Thom]

For a first hammock I would get something less expensive than a Warbonnet. I've only ever slept in gathered end hammocks and find my DIY hammock to be the most comfortable sleep I can get. The one thing I can say is a must have is a structural ridgeline.

[HandOfGod]

Warbonnet will be my next hammock just not sure which one. I was in a time crunch and got a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater Pro to play around with to see if I would like to use a hammock for camping. I'm 5'11 about 280 so I am very stocky with wide shoulders.

[kagia]

I really love my Warbonnet XLC.
Here is some video info to consider......
As to tarps. Mainly I use my DIY Blackcrow tarp. 11' ridgeline, 6' across in the middle of cat cuts.
Carry forth.
Shug

Thanks.
I'd actually already watched a couple of your vids before signing up here.
Lots of info and very entertaining!