I'm looking at hammock systems that come with everything. I'd like your expert opinions.
I'm looking at hammock systems that come with everything. I'd like your expert opinions.
If I were an expert I might give my expert opinion, but I'm not so I'll just give you my opinion.
I haven't seen any "kits" so to speak that you can buy with everything in the system. I think because everyone kind of wants something different, for different purposes and possibly to be a little different. There are several hammock companies around though that sell everything it takes to complete the system, you just may have to make a few decisions as to what you want.
If your not sure what all you need to hang, here is what I have gathered so far that you need.
-hammock
-suspension system which is a way to tie to the tree and a way to attack hammock to the ties around the tree. (these probably can be done as one but generally I think most people have 2 seperate pieces here like "tree straps" and "whoopie slings"
-tarp with it's own "suspension" system that migh consist of but is not limited to: ridgeline and guy lines (lines from tarp to stakes)
So you can find a vendor and select one of each part and you should have yourself a decent system. I could be missing something or telling you something wrong due to the fact that I am fairly new to the hammock scene but I figured I spend a little time and give you my opinion, hopefully I didn't just waste both of our time.....
Trip Smith on Youtube - Used to be SailingandSuch
https://www.youtube.com/tripsmith
Are you car camping? Backpacking? Looking to do it on a budget? What're you doing for bottom insulation? The more info you give us, the better.Originally Posted by fleshlight
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.
I do some car camping but mostly kayak camping (sleeping along rivers). I try to leave no trace by carrying a stove system and not using camp fires; eating mountain house style food etc. I haven't used anything for bottom insulation yet. I have a thermarest from tent camping.
I currently have a grand trunk ultralight travel hammock. I am considering the system hammocks because when I add up the costs of a bugnet and tarp, I might as well just get the system.
Understand that you're trying to keep the cost down and Hennessy Hammocks are decent hammocks but I would look around alittle bit. If I had to do it all over again I would have saved a few more dollars and got myself a hammock from Dream-Hammock or a Warbonnet Hammock. My first hammock was a HH Explorer Deluxe and it has done ok on quite a few trips but once I started using larger hammocks, I realized how much more comfortable they are. Do yourself a favor and spend a few more bucks on something you will enjoy more.
If these are your only choices, I'd recommend the Hennessy. Otherwise, the advice to shop around is good.
As a general rule, ENO is near the low end of the hammock quality scale (although there are many more that fall even lower), while Hennessy has a firm grasp on the middle.
If you are looking for a full kit I suggest talking to Jared at Simply Light Designs. Awesome service and the he custom made me a hammock and bug sock, then had it in the mail a day later. I know he offers a few kits on ebay HERE they just don't have the bug sock but even adding that should still keep the kit around $200.
If I may make a suggestion for kayak camping. A Warbonnet RidgeRunner. It is a bridge style hammock with nice features just for your style of camping.
Doing a lot of river or lake camping, you will probably get more wind than deep in the woods.
The RidgeRunner has a double layer that you can slide your thermarest into lengthwise so it doesn't move. Also it has a built-in bugnet that can be unzipped from foot-end all the way around back to the other foot and stored into a bag at the end.
Like the BlackBird, it also has storage shelf, well, it's more of a double-sized pocket on each side and inside the bug netting, as well as one in the head area.
You can also get the RidgeRunner poncho liner that does double duty as a poncho and a weather liner so the spray is minimized under your hammy.
How's that for an almost complete system. Just add your tarp or get one made for the RidgeRunner from Warbonnet. Then, you just need to add a TopQuilt, TQ, and your good to go.
Enjoy and have fun with your family,before they have fun without you
I hear jacks-r-better makes a pretty nice bridge hammock. Bear Mountain Bridge
If your find your current hammock comfortable keep it for now. Find a bugnet that suits you (I like Buginator- it's fun to say) and buy a blue tarp at Home depot for less than $10. If you want it to be all one system - call it the Fleshlight System
My Expert opinion is that after following this forum for a very short period of time you will drain your bank account and tap into your kids' college funds in pursuit of a flatter lie, downier down, lighter ripstop and more Dutchware that you would imagine.
Keep your eye on the for sale thread. If you are patient you will find something that seems too good to be true. It will be true but act fast, the good stuff doesn't last long.
Good Luck
PS- My obsession started with the ENO One-link
Last edited by OCDave; 07-30-2013 at 20:40. Reason: addendum
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