Your Favorite Hammock?

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-15-2013, 13:40

If I were a noob, I'd probably start out with a $12.99 tablecloth hammock as toygun suggested. At your weight you could easily start with a single layer, which only weighs about 14 ounces. Add an independent bugnet and you've got a setup less than 23 ounces. Then get to a group hang and try out some of the other cool hammocks before laying out cash for them.

It all depends on whether you want a Swiss-Army-type hammock like the Switchback or decide to go with an independent approach. A DL 1.9 Switchback is gonna come in at 31 ounces, but you get the integrated bugnet and other features.

If you think the Switchback is expensive, check out the Clark Jungle hammocks - they weigh a ton but have lots of cool features.

One of the most popular hammocks on this forum is the Warbonnet Blackbird, which has an integrated bugnet, plus a cool storage shelf. Dream Hammocks also have some really cool hammocks with integrated bugnets and even overcovers, like the DangerBird.

Personally, I do most of my camping/hiking in non-bugnet weather. I don't like zippers or integrated bugnets, and favor a simple, channeled, gathered-end hammock, so my setup can be much lighter at times. Depending on conditions, I can head out with just a seven ounce (excluding suspension) Weight Weenie Micro hammock. Even my double layer Weight Weenie Micro double layer is just 14 ounces. If it's bugnet weather, I can carry a Buginator bugnet at 8.8 ounces, or the NanoBuginator bugnet at 7 ounces. I really like leaving the bugnet at home when I don't need it.

Good luck in your search!

**Yotey** · 03-15-2013, 13:50

For a starter hammock Walmart occasionally sells a 25$ blue camping hammock that is nice and comfy. A bit heavy and lacking a bugnet, but useable. My first bugnet hammock was from Byer's. I still loan it out to people and use it in the backyard because I can flip it over and not worry about the bugnet.
http://www.byerofmaine.com/products/...traveller.html

May work if you're like me and a bit of a klutz with a needle.

As for my fav' hammock, I love the warbonnet blackbird. It fit me better then the hennessy, worked for backpacking and has a lot of nice features.
I just ordered a dream-hammocks ultra light, so will play with that soon. I don't have a lot of group hangs that I can get to, so I had to do a lot of reading. It worked out though.

I'd suggest making a list of the qualities you need and prioritize them, then read reviews and do side by side spec' comparisons. Good luck!

**Roadrunnr72** · 03-15-2013, 16:57

My favorite is a DIY. Love my 1.1 double layer gathered end with the Knotty stretch side mod. Put the shock cord on both head and foot, left and right sides. I don't know if it will continue to be my favorite, because the new one I just made seems to be more comfortable. Time will tell.

After making a few, I don't really see myself buying a hammock. I am completely happy with the ones I have made, and plan on making a few more......RR

**texron** · 03-15-2013, 17:08

Since you said backpacking I'll throw my 2 cents in. I have about 7 hammocks and my go-to for backpacking is The RoamingGnome by Papa Smurf. Light, bugnet which can be zipped back and stuck into an attached bishop bag, comfortable as can be. if I listen hard enough i can hear it calling to me.

**KYJim** · 03-15-2013, 19:34

Love my Ridge runner

**BillyBob58** · 03-15-2013, 20:23

Originally Posted by DuctTape

I love my claytor. So does neo. We are in a minority round here but are liyal for a reason.

Don't forget me! My Claytor No Net remains at the top of the list, tied with a few others. Still, while are some others I like just as well or better in some ways, I ended up ( after huge debate with myself ) choosing the Claytor for my last two longer trips at higher elevation. But, that was at least as much a choice based on insulation as on the hammock, since I ended up deciding I wanted to use my PeaPod. And the Claytor is my favorite hammock for use with a PeaPod.

Still, my Claytor is one of my best non-bridge hammocks for lack of calf ridge, and about my favorite for side sleeping, very good overall.

**lilprincess** · 03-15-2013, 20:49

I started with a Hennessy and have now graduated to a 11' DIY. I don't see myself going back. If you're not proficient with a sewing machine, they are pretty easy to make, so grab someone who is and have them do it.

**DuctTape** · 03-15-2013, 21:08

Sorry BB, didn't mean to make you feel excluded. There are a few of us Claytor loyalists hanging around.

**bhinson** · 03-15-2013, 22:51

I'm only 5'9" but around 245 pounds
But I love my ENO Double nest lots of room

**Red Wing** · 03-15-2013, 23:29

Taller people seem to like longer hammocks. I've heard other guys your size say the Switchback was possibly the most comfortable hammock they'd been in. I've also been in a Lite Owl and also, being longer, is VERY comfy. I'd start making your own 11' er and see how that length works for you.