Ultralight, the AT, & Clark North American

[Goose 1]

I'm very much a newbie when it comes to hammock camping. I've done multiple backyard hangs throughout the winter. I spent a week in March on the River2River Trail with my GT Skeeter Beater, Tarp & JRB UQ, and I'm doing weekend hangs with a friend in some nearby woods.

What I've noticed is my friend is pitching his Clark Tropical in a fraction of the time it takes me to hang my set. His whole set up seems more efficient.

I'm eye balling the North American, because I do a lot of winter camping (below 32F), and it's listed on Clark's website as a 4-season hammock (Reading through the forum, I understand I would still want to use a UQ or pad.). The "weather shield" also appeals to me over the Tropical & the TX150.

At 3lbs. 2oz. (including tarp), the North American isn't any heavier than my current setup, but it's not exactly ultralight.

My questions are:

1) Is there anything comparable in quality to the North American that is significantly lighter?

2) Would this be an ideal hammock for an AT thru-hike, or would it be too much unnecessary weight as the weather warms?

I'm trying to balance UL with versatility, without taking out a second mortgage on my house. If I drop $339 on a hammock, I want to make sure it's the only hammock I'll want for several years.

[2ply]

You might take a look at the DangerBird from Dream Hammocks. It has the weather shield like the Clark and you choose the hammock fabric to meet your needs.

[FLRider]

For weight, +1 on the DangerBird.

Or, if you're really looking to shave grams, look at some of the lighter gathered-end hammocks coupled with a Fronkey-style bug net (instructions are here) for the warmer months and a lightweight sock for the colder months.

However, it is worth mentioning that Clark makes wonderful hammocks--they're just heavy compared to the competition. A gathered-end hammock with the same features will be in the same ballpark for weight, but you can make it modular to save weight on individual trips (in other words, leave the bug net at home when you don't need it and the same for the sock).

Hope it helps!

[old4hats]

You have received some good advise, but, nothing else will lay like the clark, nor will the clark lay like anything else. Comparing apples and oranges, both fruit, both good, both different.

[Goose 1]

You might take a look at the DangerBird from Dream Hammocks. It has the weather shield like the Clark and you choose the hammock fabric to meet your needs.

That's a nice looking hammock. Ignorant question here, but I'm assuming you need a tarp in addition to weather shield in steady rain?

[Miguel]

That's a nice looking hammock. Ignorant question here, but I'm assuming you need a tarp in addition to weather shield in steady rain?

Definitely. I did over 500 continuous miles last spring with my Dangerbird. The weathershield will bump up the interior temps quite a bit and will block out the wind pretty much completely. It's not designed to completely keep out rain. I found it to be invaluable during my hike. I highly endorse it. Just a thought... he now makes one with a completely removable netting and weathershield. That would be my choice. Can't recall the name right now.

Miguel

[Goose 1]

You have received some good advise, but, nothing else will lay like the clark, nor will the clark lay like anything else. Comparing apples and oranges, both fruit, both good, both different.

What do you mean "nothing else will lay like the clark?" How is the lay different?

I may just need to borrow my buddy's and try it out for myself.

[lazy river road]

What do you mean "nothing else will lay like the clark?" How is the lay different?

I may just need to borrow my buddy's and try it out for myself.

Every hammock lays just a little bit differently. I'm a big fan of Dream Hammocks and Warbonnet Hammocks both excellent hammocks but when comparing to a Clark or HH all four will have a slightly different lay to them. If your looking for UL then you can't beat the danger bird.

[Dos]

you will definitely want to lighten your load on your thru hike.

I had a HHHyperlight.
A buddy I was hiking with had the WarbonnetBB. Her set up time was about 2 minutes faster than mine.

I would lean to the new XLC with the top cover.
That should serve you well.