Comparing 1-Person Tents, Hammocks: Price, Weight

[SoundMan]

YES- hammock camping is more expensive FOR ME.

This is what my wife/CFO says and I believe her, as she is rarely wrong.

On a serious note-a majority of hammocking gear is manufactured by a person operating a cottage industry here in the USA. Versus the mass produced box store good that are manufactured in China.

To add to the discussion-
Is it more expensive- Yes
Is it lighter than my old tarp rig- No
Does it take up more room in my pack Sometimes (winter)
Is it more comfortable Always---and that is why I switched.

Anyway...is there a community called Tent Forums???

[Cranky Bear]

I love both systems and am happy just to get out and hike.

Absolutely agree.......

Dejoha as always a great article and a very interesting topic, although I am a bit surprised that you included MLD yet left off SixMoons.

[Ewker]

Dejoha as always a great article and a very interesting topic, although I am a bit surprised that you included MLD yet left off SixMoons.

I am surprised he left off the tarptents by Henry Shire

I just noticed he has a 4 person tent now

[nothermark]

I spent more for my Bibler tent than my Hennessy hammock... Not sure who owns that tent line now but somebody does.

I think you do have a good point for the pocket full of cash folks. I also think I can put together a DIY hammock setup a lot cheaper and easier than I can do the equivalent tent setup and that is worth pointing out.

[BrianWillan]

For Hennessey, why did you list one of the most expensive hammocks, the Survivor at $320. There are several lower priced ones like the Explorer Deluxe for $220 or the Expedition at $160.

I was thinking the same thing. The Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip is the most commonly available camping hammock available at most outdoor stores including REI. At least in Canada, its available for $149.00

Cheers

Brian

[VictoriaGuy]

On a serious note-a majority of hammocking gear is manufactured by a person operating a cottage industry here in the USA.

Are you sure of that?
Perhaps 'most of the gear that's talked about here at HF is manufactured by a person operating a cottage industry here in the USA' ??

[VictoriaGuy]

I am surprised he left off the tarptents by Henry Shire

I'd guess that 95% of tent users don't consider a tarp to be a tent. I certainly don't.

[VictoriaGuy]

I also think I can put together a DIY hammock setup a lot cheaper and easier than I can do the equivalent tent setup and that is worth pointing out.

Cheaper:
Well, it depends on what you mean by 'equivalent', I guess. Cheap department store tents can be had for $50 and up - including zippered bug protection and some sort of waterproof floor and fly.

I don't think it's 'fair' to compare a very basic hammock setup with a name-brand tent (MSR Hubba for example), but if that is the comparison, the tent loses, I suppose.

Easier: What's easier than buying a tent and pitching it? (assuming you have someplace flat to camp )

[VictoriaGuy]

I love both systems and am happy just to get out and hike.

Nice thing about kayak camping: I can bring my tent AND hammock gear. Camp in the trees OR on the beach/rock shelf.

[VictoriaGuy]

For Hennessey, why did you list one of the most expensive hammocks, the Survivor at $320. There are several lower priced ones like the Explorer Deluxe for $220 or the Expedition at $160.

Well, there are three Hilleberg 1-person tents, and the most expensive (Soulo) is listed. Fair is fair....