REVIEW: Clark Tropical Hammock

[charliefox]

Hello one & all,

Just received my Clark Tropical Hammock from the US of A today. As it was sunny I thought I'd have a pootle down to the woods and take some photos for you all.

You can see Clark's website here Clark's Hammocks (http://www.junglehammock.com/)

This model, as I say, is the Tropical hammock with Windshield and Rain Fly XL.

Although I haven't slept out in it yet I can't praise it highly enough at this stage. The workmanship appears to be excellent, the instructions clear & concise and the mechanics of assembly really simple.

Here's a pic of the hammock packed away in it's integral stuff sack with a Spyderco Manix for scale. Weight is 2.8lbs
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c373/charliefox1972/hammock/hammock019.jpg

The hammock is then unpacked and tied conventionally to a tree, ensuring a slight curve in the hammock. The tarp is integral to the hammock at this point, although it can be removed.

The hammock differs from most in that is has a mozzy net & weather shield attached to it. To keep these away from your face, bungees are used to raise both ends up, via the tarp. See if the pics make it easier to understand :D

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c373/charliefox1972/hammock/hammock007.jpg


Here you can see the mozzy net zipped across the hammock with the green weathershield half way across.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c373/charliefox1972/hammock/hammock003.jpg

And now with the weathershield fully deployed, protecting you from the most torrential downpour.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c373/charliefox1972/hammock/hammock008.jpg

Detail showing the bungee and the built in drip ring on the main hammock suspension line

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c373/charliefox1972/hammock/hammock006.jpg

The hammock comes with 4 massive external pockets, large enough for a pair of high leg military boots in each and 2 internal pockets for valuables. This allows you to get undressed off the ground, stow all your gear near you and keep it bone dry.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c373/charliefox1972/hammock/hammock013.jpg

Another nice feature is a sewn in loop at the head end which allows you to pull yourself up, should you find yourself slumped down in the middle :)

The hammock retails at $219. I ordered mine this Monday and it was in my hands today - that's 4 days from the US, through Customs and delivered to me :eek:

All in all a top bit of kit and I look forward to using it properly in the next few weeks :D

[ArkAngel]

That looks like a cracking piece of kit.....keep us informed

[redflex]

Was the XL fly sheet and wind shield extra or included in the price?

[charliefox]

They're considered an extra over the standard spec and ended up taking the final cost to $279.

[Swissnic]

Don't you just love the weak dollar at the moment!!! :D

[william#]

hey how about a hammock only area at this years wilderness weekend .
have to admit sneaking around spying at any hammock set up i could find .
looks like a fine hammock sir (i personely dont get on with the ones that zip up like that ,er i fell out of one ,).
but cost and the look makes it look like a good choice
would be great to hear how you get on with it


the proof of the thing wil be apparent the more you use it
i got a mears one inicially i thought it wasnt anything to special but the more i used it the more i appreciated the design

[Stuart]

seems overly complex, what advatages would you say the Clark hammocks have over the simpler Hennesy design

[charliefox]

seems overly complex, what advatages would you say the Clark hammocks have over the simpler Hennesy design

Flexability, storage, build quality and weatherproofness

I've owned a Hennessy for 3 years & this beats it hands down so far :)

[redflex]

How did you find the compant to deal with? I have emailled them last week no reply?

[charliefox]

How did you find the compant to deal with? I have emailled them last week no reply?


I'm very surprised they've not replied! They got back to me within 1 hour regarding delivery times and shipped the product to me within 72 hours. Must be an admin foul up.

I'd definitely mail again, you really don't want to miss out on such an excellent piece of kit :)

[redflex]

Thanks was meant to be ordering from Mosquito Hammock (http://www.mosquitohammock.com/mosquitohammock.html),

however not allowd to use camo colours where I am going so need to find something else, so will email them again thanks

[Shambling Shaman]

The hammock retails at $219. I ordered mine this Monday and it was in my hands today - that's 4 days from the US, through Customs and delivered to me

No Extra cost from Customs? I had (still got in loft) a HH but moved to the mosquito hammock. The rope to hammock looks like the HH system? or is it better. Looks good whats the room like in side?

[charliefox]

Nope, no extra costs :D

Rope to hammock is polypropelene and works fine

Plenty of room inside - have a look at their website for further details