View Full Version : Which Hammock?
Right, I'm pretty sure I want a hammock. As I'm still new to "Bushcraft" (not camping or caravaning) I'm thinking of getting a fairly cheap one to start off with. So a quick search of t'internet and I dropped on the DD Hammocks for sale on ebay.
They've got a camping and a traveller version. Has anyone got one of these and what's your recommendation?
What else would I need to go with a hammock (tarp excepted)?
Thanks in advance.
Chris
Right, I'm pretty sure I want a hammock. As I'm still new to "Bushcraft" (not camping or caravaning) I'm thinking of getting a fairly cheap one to start off with. So a quick search of t'internet and I dropped on the DD Hammocks for sale on ebay.
They've got a camping and a traveller version. Has anyone got one of these and what's your recommendation?
What else would I need to go with a hammock (tarp excepted)?
Thanks in advance.
Chris
DD are ok it you are short and slim. if you are not, then I'd look for a longer Hammock
Hi mate, theere have been loads of posts on hammok's, just type it into the search box, there are a few members with the DD hammock and i think they are rated quite good, i personnally have a mk special and they are excellent, though you have just missed a group buy see here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24118&page=2&highlight=hammock) there are a few items to make your hammock more comfortable, such as a mosquito net, top quilt and an underblanket, all past group buys on here if you do a search you will know what to look out for, if you havn't yet bought the hammock there are some with nets built in which look really good, can't remember who makes them, goose on here has one he may be around later if you want to ask him about it, hope that helps
You need some sort of under insulation with a hammock, or you will be very cold! Unfortunately, you have missed the last group buy on under blankets, so now you will need to investigate other ways of doing it. You could manufacture your own under blanket, there are sites showing you how and you could use a duvet to help you make the insulation. This hangs underneath the hammock itself so doesn't get compressed from you lying on top of it. You could use a partially inflatred thermarest type mat in the hammock, althoughthey are a pain in the butt to keep in place whilst you do the sleeping bag dance to get into the hammock. Maybe you might want to opt for the reindeer hide under you, the hair is hollow and traps air, thus keeping you warm. Or you might just take an old woolen blanket and fix it in place under you.
A few options there for you to try out. Get a couple of the easy ones and try a night out in the back yard. If you get cold in the night, try something else. Trial and error seems to be the way ahead. If you do try to make your own under blanket, I reckon an old duvet with an exterior shell made from an IPK would be perfect and quite easy.
Matt Weir
05-10-2007, 14:13
I have a DD travel (the one with the built in mossie net) hammock and I'm about 17 stone and 5'11" and find it fine. The DD hammocks are double layer and suited to taking a thermarest mat.
I also bought a group buy hammock and to honest think they are very similar in size. I prefer the material of the group buy hammock, it just feels nice but it is single skin so you have to sleep directly on the mat but I haven't found that to be a problem.
I missed out on the underblanket group buy due to lack of pennies so I've made my own and anyone is free to come check it out for ideas at the Middlewood meet.
Thanks all.
Matt - do you find that the mozzie net falls in on you? Also can you post a photo or two of the under blanket?
Spamel - What's IPK? (Please note I work in an industry that is full of TLAs and MLAs).
Thanks
Chris
Matt Weir
05-10-2007, 14:47
Matt - do you find that the mozzie net falls in on you? Also can you post a photo or two of the under blanket?
Thanks
Chris
There are hoops on the mossie net and I have found a couple of options that I have used successfully. One is to tie the net up off your face using paracord tied to the tarp ridgeline. This is the most tricky way as you have to gauge it so you have enough paracord for it not to stretch too much when you get in the hammock but not too much so that the net is actually lifted away from your face. This all depends on factors such as the distance between the tarp and hammock, how taut you sling the hammock, your own bodyweight etc. The advantage is that once you have it right and are settled in then it's good for the night/week.
The other method is to use a nice springy green branch (a piece of pine/spruce is ideal) and have that through the hoops to keep the net off your face. Pro's are quick and easy setup and simplicity but cons are that you may struggle to find the raw materials and it can (and has for me) become dislodged in the night and you wake up with it and the net in your face.
Probably best would be a combination of them both.
For these reasons some folk prefer to use a hammock only with separate mossie net that hangs from the ridgeline but again this is initially more cost, more to carry and longer to setup.
There are plenty of choices, you just have to see what suits you.
stickbow
05-10-2007, 15:15
Hi There
I tried the DD hammock and it was rather a tight fit, I am 5'9 and it was too small.
I went for a Hennesy Hammock and that is Fantastic, I was in a down pour that lasted almost 48 hours, when I was in the hammock I could see the rain running off the flysheet in torents and I stayed lovely and dry, a lot of tents were flooded out but the hammock stayed completly dry, bags of room for moving about,easy to put up and take down and you can get out in the night to water the flowers and still stay under the tarp.
I leave my boots under the middle of the hammock (and they stay dry) so I can just sit up and put my feet in them.
I highly recomend them.
"Have fun shoot a stick"
Matt Weir
05-10-2007, 17:24
...can you post a photo or two of the under blanket?
Thanks
Chris
I've created a new thread Chris. See here :) (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25207)
IPK is a kit to put overhead protection on a trench system, used by military personnel. It is a bit of string, six awesome aluminium pegs and a giant sheet of windproof and waterproof almost rip proof lightweight nylon material, it comes in a package and weighs next to nothing. The sheet is very handy and would make an excellent outer for an underblanket, you will of course want to keep the pegs as they are fantastic and souht after, the wight paracord isn't brilliant but it is OK.
You'll find them on eBay for a couple of quid.
Scots_Charles_River
05-10-2007, 18:14
Thanks all.
Matt - do you find that the mozzie net falls in on you? Chris
Not if you use a wee bungies the size of shoelaces.
Nick
Matt Weir
05-10-2007, 19:47
Not if you use a wee bungies the size of shoelaces.
Nick
Cracking idea Nick. This solves the length issues I mentioned. Nice one.
Chainsaw
06-10-2007, 00:07
I've a DD and am about 6ft, I find it comfy but I have no experience of any other hammocks but I'm not sure how they could be comfier.... :rolleyes:
I use the stick through the hoops with some of the para cord that came supplied with the hammock, works ok, see piccie!
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/images/blog_images/7204/DSCF0007small.jpg
In saying that, the wee bungies sound like a great idea!
cheers,
Alan
Matt Weir
06-10-2007, 10:32
Alan, I want to be there!
We are in middle of changing our kit from family size car camping to hamocking. We have 3 magikellys, a DD, and a cost less than a tenner net and ripstop hammock. All three are far more comfy than sleeping on the ground in my opinion. The MKs are large boats of silky goodness. They are a very large simple good design and good value for money. The net hammock fits a child perfectly, I place a cheap carry mat between the rip stop and the net and the hammock is perfectly warm. The DD is rather odd, if put up to the correct tension it just fits around who ever sits in it whether you are 5'10" or 3'10". The DD holds yours legs slightly apart and supports your knees from the back, very ergonomic. If how ever the tension is wrong you can end up with a massive ridge down the middle. For insulation I use a wool blanket, and I dont know what a cold patch is.
Matt Weir
06-10-2007, 16:04
I dont know what a cold patch is.
T'is only us blokes that can moan about getting a cold spot Fi, women are made of tougher stuff ;)
It might just be me being rubbish but I can't get anything up on google for "magikelly". Is that the correct spelling?
Scots_Charles_River
07-10-2007, 09:26
He has a website but if it's the hammocks you are looking for they are actually Grp buy ones on this forum. Search this forum for 'group buy hammocks'
Nick
As you live in cheshire you could try out the two types of hammock we have? Just give me a PM.
I think the reason I don't know what a cold patch is that i have a 3/4 season sleepbag, and homemade inner made of 50% wool mix and and on the outside a utility ware blanket that gt. gt. aunty Elsie sleeped out in the underground in. I also have more fat than a bloke. I can't sleep when cold and life is terrible when you have had a poor nights sleep.
Just got my DD hammock this past week and i find it comfortable although narrow once up espcially with a mat in it and i'm only 5' 8" and 11 stone soaking wet ;)
Not had any experience with other hammocks although have read that people rave about the MagicKelly and hennesy ones.
The double lining is a nice touch, allowing, as has been mentioned, a kip mat to be put inside, although i'm thinking of going for a fleece blanket instead and a home made underblanket as Matt has made.
Matt Weir
07-10-2007, 14:07
Just got my DD hammock this past week and i find it comfortable although narrow once up espcially with a mat in it and i'm only 5' 8" and 11 stone soaking wet ;)
Not had any experience with other hammocks although have read that people rave about the MagicKelly and hennesy ones.
The double lining is a nice touch, allowing, as has been mentioned, a kip mat to be put inside, although i'm thinking of going for a fleece blanket instead and a home made underblanket as Matt has made.
I slept out again last night (the kids made me do it - they wanted to sleep out too ;)) and here the temperature was warmer than Friday night and I woke up too hot about 5am and had to take off my outer fleece.
Thats kids for you. I would sleep in my yard in mine, but some scrote would try and steal it with me in it!
I've got a cotton lined sleeping bag and 2 old nylon bags. The cotton one is a mummy style so undecided yet which to use.
Besides the wife doesn't know i have it yet,
Oops she does now
Xylaria - Thanks that's very kind of you. I may take you up on that.
Chris
I hope that you'll all forgive me for this question: I got impatient trawling through the 268 hits for "Hennessy".
Without referrring me to Hennessy's comparison chart, what exacty is the difference between the models; in practical terms ? Is it just size and weight, or is it more complicated ? Why should one choose one model over another ?
Jedadiah
29-10-2007, 15:02
The Hennessy Expedition is good for up to 6' and 18 stone, The Expedition Deluxe is for over 6' and up to 21 stone. I love mine:D Hope this helps.
Matt Weir
29-10-2007, 15:16
What else would I need to go with a hammock (tarp excepted)?
I forgot to mention that a self inflating mat makes a hell of a difference as it eliminates potential cold spots. I use mine with the underblanket - esp at this time of year.
The Hennessy Expedition is good for up to 6' and 18 stone, The Expedition Deluxe is for over 6' and up to 21 stone. I love mine:D Hope this helps.
There's a Deluxe as well ? So what are the Explorer, the Backpacker, etc. ?
I don't have enough heel in my boots to reach 6', and I camp in Scotland. Is there a right choice, or have I opened the floodgates of personal opinion ?
But thanks.
Jedadiah
29-10-2007, 15:58
Hi Chance,
this link should answer your questions but basically, there are many hammocks (DD, Mosquito, Hennessy etc) and they all has their pro's and con's. I did'nt get on with my DD, but many do. I had the opportunity to get a Hennessy for a good price and went for it and haven't regretted it for a moment. I find the way you get into a Hennessy suits me down to the ground, but it is, essentially, the main difference between the Hennessy and other Hammocks. I've seen Timinwales's Mosquito set up and used, very nice it is too. My advice would be to use the search function and read other peoples experiences. Anyway, here's the link; it should explain the differences between the models, enjoy!
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/catalogue.html
Thanks.
Per my first post, it was confusion at the catalogue (coupled with impatience) that had prompted me to ask for clarification and suggestions. I've narrowed the choice to a Hennessy, but am unsure exactly which advantages each model offers.
born2roam
29-10-2007, 19:26
Chance,
Imvho the chart can be simplified by just looking at the size in length and weight and compare that to your own length and weight.
A larger hammock might be (a lot) more comfortable but you also have to drag it along. It weighs just a bit more....
And as the spanish proverbs says with the straw on a long journey.... 'every gram/ounce counts'.
I have chosen a "HH ULBP Asym" (Hennessy Hammock Ultra Light Back Packer Asymmetrical) and have used it (and still do) with great satisfaction in all kinds of weather and climates.
I will probably try out some other make/model when this one rots away/gets damaged/lost/stolen/swapped/sold but that is changing the topic ;-)
Grtz Johan
Gailainne
29-10-2007, 20:32
I'm afraid theres a new kid on the block that our friends "across the pond" have been raving about recently, a true (so they say) flat hammock, you can sleep on your back, side or front in comfort, the bridge hammock (http://216.83.168.206/index_files/BMBH.htm)
have a read, I've ordered one, so we will see.
I had a DD and was fairly happy with it, used it in Sweden, but I ripped the mossie net, the hammock and the ridge line supporting the net are independant, so if you dont set it up right to much stress on the net and it rips, I consider that a design flaw.
Like Jed I had the chance to buy a HH at a good price and did so, it's more comfortable to sleep in than the DD and the asymmetric design means theres a lot more room inside, by that I mean it does'nt envelop you as the DD does, plus the ridge line is connected to the main support lines, no chance the net will get over stressed.
However I really dont like the bottom entry/exit, its bad enough when you have a sleeping bag to contend with, (that was a really nice feature of the DD, leave your bag open, unzip the net climb in, zip up the net, zip up your bag, snug as a bug) I think it will be a major pain to negotiate, with an underblanket installed as well.
This new hammock is a top entry with a zip up net, and I will be able to use Wanderinstars underblanket with it, its suppose to be available to ship this week, so if I got one of the initial batch, I should have it at Loch Tay (heres hoping).
Sorry for muddying the waters further ;)
Stephen
I will probably try out some other make/model when this one rots away/gets damaged/lost/stolen/swapped/sold
A change out of curiosity, or disappointment with a particular feature or dimension ? Having forced myself to read the catalogue, my choice was narrowing in the direction of the backpacker.
GreenmanBushcraft
30-10-2007, 11:51
I have always been quite limited with Hammocks being 23 stone and over 6 ft, well, over 6 ft until the weightlifting hurt my back, think im about 6 ft now :( Anyway, Hennesy Hammocks are a good size. And theres another one but I just can't think of the name of it! But will post back if it comes to me (can't remember anything this week!).
Kris
Matt Weir
30-10-2007, 13:29
I'm afraid theres a new kid on the block that our friends "across the pond" have been raving about recently, a true (so they say) flat hammock, you can sleep on your back, side or front in comfort, the bridge hammock (http://216.83.168.206/index_files/BMBH.htm)
have a read, I've ordered one, so we will see.
I had a DD and was fairly happy with it, used it in Sweden, but I ripped the mossie net, the hammock and the ridge line supporting the net are independant, so if you dont set it up right to much stress on the net and it rips, I consider that a design flaw.
Like Jed I had the chance to buy a HH at a good price and did so, it's more comfortable to sleep in than the DD and the asymmetric design means theres a lot more room inside, by that I mean it does'nt envelop you as the DD does, plus the ridge line is connected to the main support lines, no chance the net will get over stressed.
However I really dont like the bottom entry/exit, its bad enough when you have a sleeping bag to contend with, (that was a really nice feature of the DD, leave your bag open, unzip the net climb in, zip up the net, zip up your bag, snug as a bug) I think it will be a major pain to negotiate, with an underblanket installed as well.
This new hammock is a top entry with a zip up net, and I will be able to use Wanderinstars underblanket with it, its suppose to be available to ship this week, so if I got one of the initial batch, I should have it at Loch Tay (heres hoping).
for muddying the waters further ;)
Stephen
Looks interesting Stephen, looking forward to the review mate.
born2roam
30-10-2007, 16:41
A change out of curiosity, or disappointment with a particular feature or dimension ? Having forced myself to read the catalogue, my choice was narrowing in the direction of the backpacker.
I, most of the times, like to experiment with several things. Thing I adore in the HH is the weight combined with the completeness (tarp, mozzie and hammock).
What I will/would like to try out next is a "Speer" type of hammock (top entry model like the groupbuy one... I have used Porcupines for a moment and it was great! though a bit large from a volume point of view and "heavy"). I *personally* don't like the DD hammock (unless I am mistaken but that was the one I tried from PC2K...strings at the end, hooks, zipped mozzie net....)
I am still tinkering around with the "best" option for mozzie netting. A tube around it, velcro it/zipp it to the edges of your hammock, just a face net hanging of your ridge line (the rest being covered by a top quilt etc....
For a tarp... I like a large covering area, but that brings a weight penalty and the larger it is, the more unlikely it is to give it a normal 2nd use, like poncho/tarp.. which most of the time is too small of a combo aargh... choices choices and experiments :-)
Major reason to NOT go with a HH again would be the fact that YOU can choose wether you use a mozzie or enjoy the sky without etc... a modular system.... Thing is, the majority of the time I used it, was in (sub) tropical conditions where you always needed a mozzie net (malaria at night, dengue during the day etc...)
Currently experimenting with a cheap hammock that will act as a backpack too. In between backpack, Roycroft sack, " Hudson Bay pack", swag roll...
If/when I have something to show/report, wil get back here.
Grtz Johan
To kick up an old topic: are Hennessy the ONLY asymmetrical hammocks around? Cause I like the fact that I have more room, being a rolling wriggling bugger when I sleep!
squantrill
14-07-2008, 22:17
To kick up an old topic: are Hennessy the ONLY asymmetrical hammocks around? Cause I like the fact that I have more room, being a rolling wriggling bugger when I sleep!
Dont think so but... most would probabaly be self made apparently its a real pain to make them I guess Mr Hennessy is geared up for sawing really wierd shaped material ;)
Incedentially I had a DD and a Hennessy I gave the DD to my farther in law HH much easier to use more comfortable.. nad the mozzie net helps..
Simon
OK, I have slept 1 night in an Explorer Deluxe.
Pro's:
- Space. Very important for me, I do not like the models that envelope you.
- Almost horizontal position
- Easy set up (snake skins)
Cons:
- Getting in from the bottom can be a bit of a hassle.
- Mozzie net not removable. If it was removable wit a zipper, you could always enter it from the top.
The Pro's outweigh the cons for me, so I am looking for an Explorer Deluxe, incl. snake skins....or: is there another asymmetrical (=roomy and horizontal) hammock out there that I've missed?
Would it be possible to go to a sewing shop and have them put in a zipper for the mozzie net?
And if not: there seems to be a lot pf ppl making their own hammocks at hammockforum.net. Has anyone here ever had theitr custom hammock made?
TIA,
Thijs
I use a DD hammock and find it terrific, I use it with a cheap vango mat inside the sleeve and bungee the net to the ridge line of the tarp and a twig across the net loops to hold it open. I'm 5' 9 and weigh in at 21 stone. I tend to use a sleeping bag under me to lie on and a fleece bag over top of me and get a great sleep.
Hint get some mini carabiners from ebay and use them to attach the net to bungee to ridge line it makes it much easier to setup.
another tip is to use a seperate rope or better still climbers tape to secure to the tree and the fixing tape fitted to the hammock can connect to this using a climbing quality carabiner ...this also acts as a rain stop stopping the rain running down the line to your hammock (same with ridge line but use mini caribiners for this) again makes it easier to set up and strike.
I have been using a KPI sheet as a tarp and it works well!
TobyMcpherson
14-08-2008, 11:44
Old topic i guess, and im new.
But i've just got a hennessy hammock and me and a freind went to the local woods and tried our new toys out, absolutly brilliant, so much space, the entrance is genius
Love everything about it
drewdunnrespect
14-08-2008, 17:25
i use a DDhammock and a woodland edge under blanket a seprate mosi net and a 3 by 2 cmbi tarp and well its the best nights sleep i have ever had including my kingsize double bed.
Old topic i guess, and im new.
But i've just got a hennessy hammock and me and a freind went to the local woods and tried our new toys out, absolutly brilliant, so much space, the entrance is genius
Love everything about it
Welcome to the elite club of tree dwellers! I also have a HH and love it - especially now that I have 2 reindeer hides to use as under blankets inside with me!
Simon