Advice on a first hammock - doing it right the first time!

[bwillits]

I have been looking into purchasing a hammock for a while now. I was at Trail Days last year (2013) and was able to lay in a Hennessy as well as a Jacks'R'Better bridge hammock. I was impressed with both. I have also had the opportunity to lay in the Warbonnet Blackbird and additional Hennessy's due to friends having them. I can not tell much if any of a difference between the Warbonnet and Hennessy. The JRB is unique in the bridge style which seemed like it may be more comfortable but brings several drawbacks. The following are hammocks I'm considering:

WarBonnet Blackbird Double 1.1 or 1.7
Hennessy Hyperlite Asym Zip
Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker Zip
JRB Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock - Deluxe or Ultra Light

Any opinions or advice concerning these models would be much appreciated. I'm trying to consider weight, comfort, ease of set up, customer support, and additional features (footbox, gear hangers, mesh pockets, suspension options, accessories, and how well a pad works with the hammock). Thanks again for all your help!

-B

[gmcttr]

If you're considering bridge hammocks, you should also take a look at the Warbonnet Ridgerunner.

[pinballwizard]

I think it may help if we know your height and weight as well because that my tell us if you need a bigger hammock, or go with a smaller, lighter hammock. As far as bridge vs gathered, that seems to be a personal taste factor

[OutandBack]

I think it may help if we know your height and weight as well because that my tell us if you need a bigger hammock, or go with a smaller, lighter hammock. As far as bridge vs gathered, that seems to be a personal taste factor

Also are you planning to backpack this kit, car camp, backyard?
What temp ranges do you plan to hang?
Expecting foul weather or bugs?
What's your budget?

Lots of varibles to consider when asking for suggestions on the best kit.

[bwillits]

I'm 5'11" and about 190 lbs.

[bwillits]

I am planning on using the hammock for both car camping and hiking. I will more than likely be using it just during the spring to fall seasons when the temps are 50+ but will more than likely invest in underquilts in the future as I get more experienced. Not hoping for but always expecting foul weather and bugs. As far as budget, not trying to say that I have money to throw away but I don't mind spending the money if it's worth it.

[Rolloff]

Take a quick look at the BIAS Hiker Lite. Great kit for 30 bucks or so.

BIAS also makes their signature Buganator and Nanobuganator nets. I don't use one much, so I like the option of leaving it at home or in the bottom of the pack, when not needed.

Hard to beat the price on the Hiker Lite for a cottage vended unit. Some feel an absolute need for a double layer when starting out using pads. To adjust a pad sandwiched between a double layer hammock, requires one to exit the hammock. Inside the hammock, you can at least wrestle them around and make it work, w/o having to take the walk.

Once going to UQ's the additional layer will also become weight and bulk you no longer need to carry.

[SnrMoment]

If you're planning on using the pad, a simple hammock with the Knotty Mod installed will help keep it in place in the hammock.

[Rolloff]

Knotty Mods just make any hammock better.

[VictoriaGuy]

IMO, there are really only three types of hammocks on the market:
Gathered end
Bridge
Exped Ergo

My preference is clear.
It's probably difficult to get into an Ergo for a test drive, though.