Clark's Jungle Hammock Question?

**Old Hermit** · 07-22-2008, 21:06

I'm sorta new to hammock camping, the last time I've used a hammock
was in the service 1967.

Now I'm getting a Jungle Hammock, and my choice its going to be a Clark.
The question is; Which Model would be more feasible for my use.
The Tropical?, or The North America?.

Basically I am Three Seasonal Backpacker.
Most of my night temperatures has been in the range of 45° F to 75° F.
I'd would like to know if the Tropical model is a more feasible way to go...
second I know that The North America could be used too in those temperatures, But I would think that model would be more of an over kill for those seasonal temps...

I appreciate your knowledge, and experiences.
I'm located mid-South Tennessee.

Thank you:
Old Hermit

**schmalts** · 07-22-2008, 21:17

The lower pockets are greaat to have if it is raining out. You can get in your hammock and strip down and put your clothes in the pockets. Your call, if you know for sure you will not be in cold weather and cost and weight is an issue go with the tropical. either way, get the XL fly, the standardfly is too small in heavy blowing rain, or get it without the fly and get the Claytor Diamond fly instead

**fin** · 07-22-2008, 21:27

The weathershield on the the Clark NA is also a great option for colder temps or wind.

**nogods** · 07-23-2008, 19:26

I'd get the NA for the extra $60. you'll be very happy with it. Unless you are over 6' tall, then you may want to consider the NA long. but if clark still has their 90 day return policy, try out the NA first and if it works for you then keep it.

45 degrees can be very cool for many people when using a hammock. the attached weather shield is a great feature and the pockets are ingenious.

**hangnout** · 07-23-2008, 21:46

If you are under 6' save $100 and go with the Clark UL. Put the extra $100 toward a good UQ. I have spent many nights in Mid-North TN

in a Clark UL. I camp four seasons with it also. The NA is a nice hammock but I would never carry enough stuff to even use the 2 pockets on the UL much less the NA. At the temps you stated you would never use the pockets or weathersheild so why carry the weight?

**fin** · 07-23-2008, 21:54

Originally Posted by HANGnOUT

If you are under 6' save $100 and go with the Clark UL. Put the extra $100 toward a good UQ. I have spent many nights in Mid-North TN

in a Clark UL. I camp four seasons with it also. The NA is a nice hammock but I would never carry enough stuff to even use the 2 pockets on the UL much less the NA. At the temps you stated you would never use the pockets or weathersheild so why carry the weight?

Yeah, the big question is whether or not you are a UL'er or not. The Clark NA is a great hammock with a lot of storage, but if you don't need the pocket storage and can make/buy/steal a UQ from someone, a UL might be the way to go in your area.

**hangnout** · 07-23-2008, 22:00

WI is a little different than TN

for sure. I am a Clark fan but someone new hammocking may think that the pockets are going to replace a pad or UQ which leads to a cold experience for a backpacker. Car camping would be different because you could bring enough stuff to put in the pockets to get by but would never carry that much very far.

**Old Hermit** · 07-23-2008, 22:15

I sure appreciate all you're replies... Making the right choice is a Tough...

The Tropical vs The North American are very close in comparison.
The Tropical is a three seasonal shelter.
You can get options, i.e > Weathshied, and XL Rainfly. Only four outside pockets are on the Tropical, vs the Six on the North American.
Plus, a Netted head-end for added air-circulation on Tropical. Which lowers Consensation...
Which this feature is Not available on the North American... And you can get both either in standard color Green, or Camouflag...
Only diffences is Price ...

Like I've stated I'm new to Hammock camping..
I'd guess I would need to review ever thing over agian...

**hangnout** · 07-23-2008, 22:50

Like I've stated I'm new to Hammock camping..
I'd guess I would need to review ever thing over agian...

Good thing about buying a Clark, you can send it back if you don't like it. Choosing between the 2 you listed I would vote for the NA mainly because of the weathershield. If you are 6' or taller go for the new NX200. It comes standard with a larger tarp also.

Welcome to the "dark (enlightned) side" of the shelter world! Happy hangin

**Old Hermit** · 07-23-2008, 23:16

Reply to: HANGnOUT;
I notice that there is a New series out. The Newest one is the Tropical Model
Should be out soon Mid-Aug'08 I think?...

One smiple question, Why do you perfered, that the North American would be much better choice, when you can order the Weathshield and the XL Rain Fly options for the Tropical.
They both seem to more equal in comparison. Is it because the Weather Temperature range, Or I'm sorta missing something?

I guess I would need to call clark's jungle hammock in the morning...

From,
Old Hermit