New to hammocks

[Billcole]

Just starting out with a hammock and I have a skeeter beater and a hennessy hex fly. Starting to look at a beginning level UQ. Started looking at the eno ember 2 but some suggest a jarbridge is a better deal. This has probably been discussed a lot but what are some good choices for an entry level in the $100-$150 range. Tried searching but I have issues with that on my phone. Thanks in advance.

[Speedogomer]

I'm no expert, but I'm in a similar situation. Posted in another thread about this but so far no replies. There are a few option I found.

A DIY PLUQ, poncho liner underquilt can be made for about $40 - $50. Seems to be a popular option. Lots of plans online available to make them.

The Jarbidge is $100. Reviewed well, and people seem to love them. They are 3/4 length though so you will need a pad or other insulation for your feet. For this fact, they're off my radar, but others don't mind and even prefer the shorter length.

DD hammocks sells one called the DD underblanket. $95 and reviewed ok, very little real world info that I can find. If they were available in colors other than olive green I'd have one already... right now just considering it.

Arrowhead Equipment who makes the jarbidge also makes a model called the New River, available in short regular and long, $140-$160 depending on length. They are reviewed well and seem to be very good for the price, although at the very top of your (and my) budget.

The ember 2 is not reviewed well, people say it does not fit well, is not warm, and cannot lay diagonal in them. I would avoid it. ENO also have the vulcan, but for $175 it's considered to be way overpriced for what you get.... and average quilt that's not very warm, and is bulky. I would avoid that as well, at $100 it may be ok, but not $175.

Hope this helps.

[Grumpy Squatch]

Sticky: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...mparison-Chart

There are some other, similar, charts around. My advice is to first really figure out what you need by temperature range etc. In general, synthetic quilts are a bit less expensive than down at a similar temperature rating. Good luck.

[cap624]

The ember 2 is not reviewed well, people say it does not fit well, is not warm, and cannot lay diagonal in them. I would avoid it.

I have the ENO Ember 2 and I can lay diagonal in it just fine. The original Ember is the one that received poor reviews. I cannot attest to the warmth of ENO Ember 2 as I use mine indoors year-round (winter months, thermostat set to 60F), with occasional summer backyard hangs (lows 55-60F). For my requirements, the ENO Ember 2 has worked out great. My second choice was Arrowhead Equipment's New River (I didn't want a partial Jarbridge), but the final cost between the two was considerably different (incl. shipping): ENO Ember 2 $100 vs. AHE New River $174.

Let us know what you end up with.

[Billcole]

A friend of mind is suggesting I look in a hammock gear UL. I guess they run $149 and are customizable.

[punkisdead]

Welcome. If you come to the Fall Hang at Yankee Springs you'll likely have a chance to check out any number of different quilt options.