Grand Trunk UL Reliability

**laziboie** · 03-07-2013, 00:45

Hey all, I'm new to hammocks and wanted a low-cost option to enter the arena. It sounds like the GTUL is a great option, but I have one main hesitation:

How reliable is it?

I have read several comments about folks having it rip right down the middle after a few uses, with them in it, stranding them in the field with no sleep system. A couple of these reviews are coming from Amazon.com. What are yall's thoughts on this?

If this is not the best place to ask about this then I apologize...please direct me to the proper section.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Matt

**Jrprince** · 03-07-2013, 07:07

I have two, one I bought lst year for my wife, and one that I have had for years. Neither has ever given me any trouble. It is a great hammock for the price, and a great way to try out hammocking. Replace the stock suspension with something a little lighter and get some tree straps and you're good to go.

Also, it is a smaller hammock, so if you're a big person it might not be the most comfortable hammock.

**fallkniven** · 03-07-2013, 07:10

I've had my one GTUL for maybe 4 years now. It spent 2 straight years, strung up outside, in all the weather and sun. The fabric never shown signs of failure or deterioration. In fact, I still use it most days for lunch at work.
Although a bit narrow for overnight sleeping, it's a great hammock. Can't go wrong with it. Actually my avatar picture, is of me in it, strung up at my primitive camp I lived in for 2 years.

**BillyBob58** · 03-07-2013, 09:15

Originally Posted by fallkniven

I've had my one GTUL for maybe 4 years now. It spent 2 straight years, strung up outside, in all the weather and sun. The fabric never shown signs of failure or deterioration. In fact, I still use it most days for lunch at work.
Although a bit narrow for overnight sleeping, it's a great hammock. Can't go wrong with it. Actually my avatar picture, is of me in it, strung up at my primitive camp I lived in for 2 years.

Wow, what a testimony! I can't believe any hammock would live through that, at least if it was not shaded from the sun. Either way, I doubt it gets any better than that.

**fallkniven** · 03-07-2013, 22:58

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

I can't believe any hammock would live through that, at least if it was not shaded from the sun.

Me either, that's why I bought a second, but haven't had to take it out. There was a bit of tree coverage, but the sun was on it most of the day. I though it would start to dry rot, but I'm still swinging in it regularly. Actually, my avatar picture is of my camp I lived in for a couple years, in which you can see me laying in it. That's where it spent 2 years strung up, layed in daily.

**DerNageler** · 03-08-2013, 12:55

https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...earchid=183433

HH under a GG tarp. Several of these shots in the gallery.

**bear bag hanger** · 03-07-2013, 08:09

Never had a problem with mine, but to be honest, never used it much. Took a few naps with it and used it overnight once. It just seemed so thin and light, I feared it wouldn't hold up, plus it seemed too small for me (I'm 5' 6" tall and pretty close to 200 lbs). I keep it in case I ever have to hike with children who want to try a hammock. Having read the Amazon reviews, not sure I'd want to risk a child's safety with it.

**laziboie** · 03-07-2013, 08:17

I'm 5'10, 175 lbs. I hope it works out for overnighters, what is an ideal length?

Also, I have been looking at suspension systems and it seems like the 7/64 Amsteel lines are what people like to use, especially with the whoopie sling. I was planning on that, a ridgeline of some sort and straps with the toggles. Seems really easy to put together.

My next question, what should I use for the ridgeline? A 10' whoopie from whoopieslings.com (or anywhere selling them) or something else? Just trying to feel out what will work best.

Thanks again!

**OldRagFreeze** · 03-07-2013, 08:20

Never had an issue with durability with mine... But it is not comfortable for me at all. I'm 6'.

**laziboie** · 03-07-2013, 08:21

Oh, and I went ahead and got one off campmor.com...it was their daily deal for $13.96 and I need a few other things so I was able to get free shipping (on orders over $49). I'm excited...ready to try it out.

EDIT: I do want to note that I bought it at 1AM last night thinking that since it was a daily deal, that it would go away soon...I started browsing before midnight. However, it is still on their website at $13.96.

What would you all recommend "Budget-Friendly" please for someone that is 5'10?