What am I missing out on if I go with the Half-Zipped instead of a Chameleon?

[n8jones418]

Hey guys, I've been trying to decide between the Half-Zipped and the Chameleon.

From what I can see they are very similar, but the Chameleon is modular and appears to have a different (better?) zipper. What else am I missing? What else does the Chameleon offer for the difference in cost of $50? They are roughly the same size, offer the same connection points, same fabric choices, etc.

I am only looking for a netted camping hammock, so I would never be removing the bugnet. I am also interested in only buying once... So I'm willing to spend a bit more on the right hammock.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the Half-Zipped, and was hoping someone could sway me one way or the other? I am pretty sure someone will have an opinion here, so let me have it!

[Malcolm]

I like to be able to open both sides of the net for ventilation without removing it entirely.

More importantly, I suppose, it's really nice to be able to reach out both sides to adjust my underquilt.

I've also had a couple times when I realized after setting up that it would be easier to reach out the other side of the hammock.

Definitely worth my $50.

[MAD777]

Reaching out or having egress to both sides is a definite plus.

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[HandyRandy]

You save weight and money with the half-zipped. I, and most other people too, always get in and out on their foot side. I don’t really find the need to unzip to adjust the UQ, But I do sometimes prefer to reach for things on the ground from the head side. You will lose the ability to change your top obviously. Dutch will make you a half-zipped with a winter cover instead of a bug net if you like.

[Tyroler Holzhacker]

you save some ounces with the half zipped but as others have stated, it is nice to unzip both sides of the hammock sometimes. Another option is to go netless, and get a fronkey bug net, or a Cave Creek pet palace (even if you don't have a dog.) I have a DreamHammock Darien (similar to Half Zipped) and it is fine for light weight backpacking, but not as comfortable as a hammock that you can get out on both sides. Also check out Dutch;s"flipping the Bird" hammock.

[arcana73]

If the half zipped was available, I would've bought that over the chameleon. Unless you're planning to pimp out your hammock with sidecar and top cover, you really can make do with just the half zipped.

[cmc4free]

Pro's for the Chameleon:
Zippers on both sides make it easy to adjust the underquilt or the tension on the tie-outs, if you're using the tie-outs.
Bugnet is removable and can be replaced with a winter top cover.
Bugnet or top cover can be combined with the Sidecar, which is an excellent accessory for storage of things like jackets, pillows, shoes, water bottle...
If the bugnet is damaged beyond patching, it can be replaced.
Selection of available accessories is likely to continue to evolve over time.
Comes with a chameleon sticker. LOL

Pro's for the Half-Zipped:
Simpler
Lighter
Cheaper
Zipper on both sides of the Chameleon represents 1 extra potential failure point.

Between my wife and I, we have 2 chameleons (standard width), one netless (standard width), and one netless (wide). I think the different styles each have their place, and it's nice to have options. When using the netless, we add a fronkey style bugnet. Being able to enter and exit without using any zippers has its advantages, too, so don't rule out netless + fronkey.

[Dutch]

All the above plus the Chameleon comes with a sticker. Just sayin'

[wbJohn]

I got the Chameleon wide, symmetrical bug net and a ridge line organizer. After camping in it, I ordered the peak shelf and sidecar. The modularity of the system makes it customizable to whatever your style is. Mine is kayak camping.

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[FinneganMcBrisket]

I got a Chameleon with a symmetrical bug net, a ridgeline organizer, and a peak shelf. Went on my first hammock backpacking trip. Loved it. Ordered the side car when I got back. I used both zippers on the bugnet, for entry/exit, tie out adjustment, and underquilt adjustment. I recommend the Chameleon.