Suggestions for a first timer.

**oslodunc** · 01-27-2009, 17:20

Hi! New guy here.
Im looking for tips for a set up for myself.
Im 6'4", 210lbs.
I've been looking on the rei site and quite like the look of the Henesseys.
Also will be in the San Diego area later this year so tips on where to i can see and eventually buy.

All input greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Duncan.

**Doctari** · 01-27-2009, 17:47

From the chart in Ed Spears book: YOU likely will need a hammock about 11 - 12 feet long. & even for me @ only 5' 7" a too short of a hammock is almost as bad as sleeping on the ground, , , Almost!
And, from my personal experience, the longer the better!

I can't help you with location, but if you can find one that will let you lay in a few different models, that would be a great help in choosing. If you can lay in a HH & see if you like the bottom entry, then try a side entry. Then something with then without a net as some don't like the netting, some do.

Welcome aboard HF!

**Ramblinrev** · 01-27-2009, 17:55

Alternatively, you could make your own. No-nets are very simple to thorw together and offer the option of easily changing the body length by changing where and how you whip the ends. Start with a length of fabric about 15' (5 meters) or so. Tie knots to whip or use some zip ties to vary the length. A simple lark's head rope suspension is sufficient to hang for testing.

The other option, although at your your height it would likely have to be DIY, is a bridge. They can use less fabric and povide a very flat lie. Lots of DIY options and instructions are on the forums. I think the Bridge hammock is undergoing the most interesting tech tinkering of any system at the moment.

**kwpapke** · 01-27-2009, 19:31

Originally Posted by oslodunc

Im 6'4", 210lbs.
I've been looking on the rei site and quite like the look of the Henesseys

I am 6' 4", 225lbs and am very comfortable in my Explorer UL.

There are obviously many choices, and you'll get a lot of passionate recommendations from this forum for all of them.

One nice thing about the HH is that you can buy a complete system including the necessary under-hammock insulation from Hennessy, and there are more after-market options for the HH system from Jacks R Better and others for the HH hammocks than the competitors. The resale market also seems better for the HH hammocks if you change your mind someday. That's the advantage of going with the market leader.

FWIW,

--Kurt

**Kanguru** · 01-27-2009, 20:34

I am 6'5" and 240lbs. My homemade Speer type hammock is about 9'4" finished length from inside the knots and I am quite comfortable in it on a diagonal. That is actually a bit longer than a Speer III which Ed says is good to 6'5" height. and is 9 feet long. Not sure how Ed measures his. I do not feel the need to make mine any longer than that.

Rev is correct though...if you make your own you can start longer and re-whip until you are at the length which is good for you.