The Helsdon Hammock

[BigBill]

My Helsdon arrived last week. Set it up at home a few times and took it out yesterday but still learning it. Right out of the box, it sets up quickly.

Just wondering what mods people may have made to these, especially reducing weight without affecting the speedy 2 minute (or less) set up time. Also, while I like the green/yellow color I wouldn't mind a more muted brown or tan. Anyone know if the old Eureka outer covers fit the newer model?

For comparison, I also have a Warbonnet ridgerunner with the spindrift sock and a light diamond (bear butt) rainfly, so offers similar protection. Both are bridge hammocks, the Ridgerunner is lighter than the Helsdon. So far the two seem comparable in comfort.

Side to side, both have webbing that runs the length of the hammock and takes the weight, is quite rigid and could cause some annoyance if you rest your arms on them but there are ways to cope. I'm 6'3" and around 250 (and losing ) with broad shoulders that the ladies find irresistible. There is a little shoulder squeeze on both hammocks but again, you can adjust it away, scoot this way or that, get an angle etc.

The cross bars appear closer together on the Helsdon and on me at least, either my face or feet are under one of them at any given time. I banged my head and hands on the bar several times so scooted down a bit and there is plenty of clearance for the feet. They never made contact. Other than possible crossbar interference, there is plenty of length for someone taller than me. On the RR, the bars are outside the hammock and sock so a couple more inches of height should be acceptable.

The ridgerunner with accessories as mentioned comes in around 5 lbs, the Helsdon is 6.5 lbs - might be variation there as my luggage scale isn't the most accurate. The Helsdon suspension alone weighs about 1.5 lbs, according to their website. There is a lot of webbing on this hammock. I think at least some of it could be replaced with dyneema or amsteel cordage for weight savings. As I like to modify my gear, I may give it a try. I have a few ideas for improving ventilation while providing more rain protection such as one might need in a tropical high heat and humidity with rain and mosquitos environment, or as we call it in Michigan, summer.

[jamie shard]

I just stumbled on the Helsdon hammock -- first time I heard about it and so I'm searching for reviews, etc. Curious how you are liking the hammock and how your mods are going?

Out of curiosity, how do you like the Helsdon compared to the ridgerunner?

[BigBill]

I just stumbled on the Helsdon hammock -- first time I heard about it and so I'm searching for reviews, etc. Curious how you are liking the hammock and how your mods are going?

Out of curiosity, how do you like the Helsdon compared to the ridgerunner?

I've not done any mods to it. I might add drip lines, maybe more things in the future if I think it needs any.
The *Ridgerunner and Helsdon are pretty neck and neck as far as comfort. I give the Ridgerunner a slight edge only because of certain traits that might just be unique to my comfort. The Helsdon weighs more, but you get more, heavier suspension, greater weight bearing capability, more waterproofing.
Both have a bit of a learning curve but not too steep. I watched all the Helsdon videos to pick up the tricks to get the most out of it. I think the Ridgerunner is slightly more intuitive and/or doesn't have some of the hidden features such as velcro attachments that can cause some consternation as you figure it out.
I don't think you can go wrong with either one, just for ease of use and comfort.

*Ridgerunner with spindrift sock and rainfly, for roughly similar weather capability.

[jamie shard]

Excellent, thanks for that info/analysis!

[singestrip]

I've not done any mods to it. I might add drip lines, maybe more things in the future if I think it needs any.
The *Ridgerunner and Helsdon are pretty neck and neck as far as comfort. I give the Ridgerunner a slight edge only because of certain traits that might just be unique to my comfort. The Helsdon weighs more, but you get more, heavier suspension, greater weight bearing capability, more waterproofing.
Both have a bit of a learning curve but not too steep. I watched all the Helsdon videos to pick up the tricks to get the most out of it. I think the Ridgerunner is slightly more intuitive and/or doesn't have some of the hidden features such as velcro attachments that can cause some consternation as you figure it out.
I don't think you can go wrong with either one, just for ease of use and comfort.

geometry dash world

*Ridgerunner with spindrift sock and rainfly, for roughly similar weather capability.

Thank you for the information; it is extremely intriguing to me.

[Tikker]

i was curious about this one too, until I saw the price tag.

Draumr is cheaper, jeje

[Adroa]

Man just when I think I have a handle on the various types of hammocks... never seen this one before. It seems like the tarp (or in as they called it in their video the tent portion of the hammock) it mostly integrated, or at least goes in the same stuff sack as the rest of the hammock. Curious how that works during rain? I would expect the central body of the tent to pickup water once you rolled it all together. Also price was around $340 from the US link which seems cheap for a hammock + suspension + tarp combo. Thanks for sharing Bill!