Someone started a thread on WB (which is having that database error again right now, so I'll post this here) about these $20 hammocks. I remember seeing them at Campmor & wondering about them, so I ordered one out of curiosity. Just got it today & man, for someone who may be interested in getting their first hammock, this one might be a great starter hammock, assuming they don't want to make their own Speer type.
It's right along the lines of an Eagles Nest Single Nest, with the built in stuff sack. Unlike the ENO hammocks, it's not made of that silky material, but more of a Hennessy type fabric. Instead of the ENO biners, it comes with stainless steel S-hooks and even comes with a good length of maybe 4mm stiff nylon or poly rope.
As soon as I got it out of the box I removed the S-hooks from the ENO style black cord that runs through the end hems of the hammock. This I think cut more than half the weight off the hammock. It's now lighter than my ENO Single Nest by maybe a third, which also has its biners removed. Instead of using those unnecessary clips & S-rings, I just tie permanent bowlines in one end of my main lines & loop the lines through themselves at the black end cords of the hammocks. The only webbing I ever use is the Hennessy stuff that I share between hammocks.
I took it out in the backyard & hung it between the two furthest apart trees possible to stretch the lines as thoroughly as possible. Now the lines are about identical in thickness and feel of HH UL Explorer line. As far as the hammock goes, it's not bad at all. It's just a simple basic hammock that can probably be outfitted as well as any other component style hammock. It seems roomier than a Single Nest. In fact, while I had the end lines removed getting the S-hooks off, I spread it out & measured it at about 53" wide. And, duh, I see here it was written on the box: 9'6" x 4'6". May as well add that the box also says it's 10 oz & has a 250 lb capacity. The hammock was a little loose at the edges & tight in the middle, but no worse than an ENO I don't think. I did find a sweet spot on the diagonal that was as good as any. Now, I've only had mine for about 37 minutes so who knows about its durability. I figure the end hems could be the weak spot, but if they start to go, tie a Speer knot & whip it....
At $20 plus shipping, it seems to me to be a good option for a first hammock, a gear hammock or backyard lounger. Or, like a friend of mine once said (referring to one of those old net hammocks that ball up to the size of your fist), "I'm putting mine in my glove compartment in case I break down."
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