Spent a week in a Clark Jungle Hammock NA

**donjose** · 07-21-2008, 12:17

I recently spent an entire week (July 5-12) in my Clark Jungle Hammock NA while vacation at Devil Island, Maine.

Devil Island, Maine Google Map
(http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF...960c7&t=h&z=16)
I've pin pointed my spot on the map (marked Satan's Hammock).
I initially set it up at the first spot I found closest to one of the cabins that my siblings were staying in, but I found a much nicer spot right by the water.

Temperatures never got lower that 50 degrees F, so I didn't use the storage pockets on the bottom for insulation, but I used an Exped Multimat an Exped Downmat 7 and a 40 degree sleeping bag for bedding.

My downmat kept slipping towards the bottom of hammock, so I secured it's handle to the strap inside the hammock with carabiners and an adjustable web strap

The Clark instructions say to adjust the hang so that the foot end is slightly higher to avoid slippage, but I spent way too long adjusting it to my personal preference to change it just to avoid slippage.
That's probably the only knock I have against the hammock. As some reviewers have pointed out, it really does take a few set ups and some slightly uncomfortable nights (still more comfortable than
any night I've spent in a tent though) in order to really get a hang of using it, but it's worth it. This was only my second time using the hammock, and by the 2nd night on the island, I felt I had mastered it.

One of the problems into was adjusting the rain tarp, so I used bivy pole to secure one end.

If the tarp makes contact with the weather shield, condensation forms inside the hammock and drips a little. This was especially during the early morning Maine fog that I was enveloped in. The bivy pole
allowed me to adjust the hang easily (the other end was secured to a tree). I also staked out the bottom part of the tarp to keep it clear of contact with the hammock, but I had to use a stake to keep the
velcro enclosures from separating during windy nights.

There were many cabins for me to stay at in the island, and I actually had my own reserved for me, but I was way too comfortable in my hammock. Everyone thought I was crazy till they had a chance to
lay it in themselves. I definitely had the best view of anyone on that island.

**nogods** · 07-21-2008, 12:30

great pictures.

But now I can't get that Joplin song out of my head...Oh Lord, won't buy me a Clark Jungle NA...My friends all have Claytors, I must make amends...

**eugeneius** · 07-21-2008, 14:06

Man, what a setup, the setting is beautiful, your pictures show both the hammock and the scenery quite well! I don't think I would ever purchase a Clark but the whole package is quite polished, your nest looks very cozy and it seems like you got the hang of it after the week on the island. Thanks for sharing, now I need to get out and hike and hang.

**BillyBob58** · 07-21-2008, 15:33

Boy, does that look great! Wish I was there with one of my hammocks and some camping friends!

**Billyboy** · 07-22-2008, 17:17

That's correct........ a picture is worth a thousand words

Thanks so much for sharing. Would loved to have been there myself

**fin** · 07-22-2008, 21:48

Nice shots. Gotta love the Clark!

**elcolombianito** · 07-22-2008, 23:31

I agree. nice spot. the pics are great.
How long have you had that clark?

**donjose** · 07-23-2008, 16:29

i've had it for about 3 months, but i've only had the opportunity to use it twice. the second time being my week-long stay in Maine

**fin** · 07-23-2008, 21:29

So how do you feel about the Clark? Was it comfortable for you?

**donjose** · 07-24-2008, 10:52

it took me a while to figure out the proper hang, but after that, it was extremely comfortable. there were times when i woke up to strange sounds at night, and i thought i was in my bed at home. i tend to toss and turn in my sleep, and the hammock doesn't really allow for that, but it also makes for a longer, restful night's sleep.