Newb 1st true hammock purchase

**Muskrat** · 09-19-2009, 10:11

I am going head first into the hanging scenario. Giving up on dirty shelters, tents, and ground tarps. I acquired my Hammock Bliss a few years ago more as a novelty for camping but recently it has become my primary sleeping arrangement. This past Labor Day Weekend, I spent 5 days out on the AT and slept every night with exception to 1 hanging. The 1 night spent in a shelter just reconfirmed that I was done with sleeping on the ground. Had 1 night of a complete downpour for about 4 hours and stayed completely dry and used a 10x10 coated tarp. I was amazed how dry I was and how well I slept giving the conditions.

My question now is to select a new hammock that will allow me to sleep better on my side. I have waffled over the HH but I think I have been sold on the WBBB. The footbox looks great and the video showing the guy on his side appears to be exactly what I am looking for. Just curious if others might suggest another hammock that is extremely comfortable for side sleeping.

Thanks for any suggestions !

- Muskrat

**Hawk-eye** · 09-19-2009, 10:15

Well I can swear by the HH Exped. with the 2Q mod ... but WB hammocks seem to really have a following and I've seen nothing negative about them. My next one will be a WB ... but right now I'm extremely pleased with my HH ... especially after the zipper mod!

**HappyCamper** · 09-19-2009, 10:49

I have a HH Backpacker with zipper mod and I also have the Blackbird. In the HH I sleep very well on my back but not so comfortable on my side. In the BB I can sleep well on my back, but the roomy-ness inside sometimes begs me to sleep on my side. I like it!

(At home I'm a stomach and side sleeper.)

**Red Hat** · 09-19-2009, 11:12

Hey Muskrat, like I said over at Whiteblaze, I love my Blackbird. But the HH with zipper mods is almost as good and less expensive than a BB plus tarp. Trade out the ropes for straps/rings and you've got a nice setup.

**Cannibal** · 09-19-2009, 13:28

Blackbirds have a much bigger 'sweet spot' than the Hennessys do, which I believe is what allows such a wide variety of comfortable sleeping positions. For whatever reason, the Clarks are the only other hammocks out there that I can sleep on my side really comfortably. Although, when I get it just right, my Trek Light and ENO doubles can be pretty comfy on my side. But, I gotta be in just the right position.

**Peter_pan** · 09-19-2009, 15:02

The HH and the WBBB are both great hammocks and if the HH is zipper moded by 2QZQ not much difference on the bottom lay... However, if you want to side sleep in a realitively straight or stretched out position...Nothing beat a bridge style hammock as it is flat and will not "encourage" you gradually to a fetal or near fetal curl on the side that gathered end hammock tend too.

Pan

**rigidpsycho** · 09-19-2009, 15:48

For the money the Grand Trunk Goods Skeeter Beeter Pro is an awesome hammock.

**Bunn** · 09-19-2009, 16:13

I use the HH Explorer UL and don't have any problems sleeping on my side.

**Muskrat** · 09-19-2009, 16:14

Thanks guys (and Gals ! . . . Ms. Red Hat)

thanks Happy Camper, primarily a side sleeper but occassionaly a stomach sleeper. Have to be really exhausted to get to sleep laying on my back. Backpacking can get me that exhausted but its an hour or so before I am out. 2 minutes if I am on my side.

**Splinter** · 09-19-2009, 18:57

I am exclusively a side sleeper at home (my wife makes me sleep on my side...she says I snore, but I've never heard it before

) and sleep in my hammock on my side. I had a DIY before, but have moved to a BB. I sleep on my side probably 75% of the time in my hammock. I have some "fetal position" creep, but not much, just hang the head slightly lower than the foot.