View Full Version : Frontline or Camping DD Hammock??
OK hoping to get one of these hammocks for my b'day but as it will be my first hammock which one do I go for????
Frontline.
Camping.
Thanks for your time.
why not the travel? I've just bought one, although by that i mean i've only just paid for it so wont get it for a couple of days lol
for me i picked the travel as you can use it on the ground too, so where ever you go at least you know you'll have some where dry to sleep
I've got the travel hammock and quite franklt I'm not impressed, as a hammock the material is fine, but in comparison to bivi bags I've owned it's not going to last too long as a bivi bag.
The other big downside for me is that when used as a hammock the waterproofing doesn't breathe and it allows water vapour to condense - the half dozeb times I've used it I've ended up waking up with a damp sleeping bag.
Definately a good idea but not field tested, If I wanted a hammock with a mosi net I'd get the Frontline hammock.
Wild Thing
01-08-2009, 06:26
I agree with Hangman
I have had the same trouble with condensation in my travel hammock.
I did advise DD and shortly after they announced the release of the new frontline hammock.
So I definitely wouldn't go for the travel hammock.
Just my opinion, from waking up with a damp sleeping bag as well. :(
Phill
MartinK9
01-08-2009, 08:59
I have the DD Travel and haven't had any problems whatsoever with condensation. I have made some Modifications to it over the last year, but those are more for my ease then a criticism of the original.
I have a Travel Hammock and have had no problems with it as a hammock. On the contrary - I think it is excellent. I use a snugpack duvet thingy rather than a sleeping bag so that may be a factor
I have also used it on the ground (+ tarp) and found it a perfectly ok except the netting was a bit too close to my face for my liking - didn't stop me getting a decent night's seep though and gives a good option if no trees available.
I e-mailed DD hammocks about the condensation issue and was offered the solution of using a bivi bag around my sleeping bag when using the hammock.
Brilliant !!
I have a Travel Hammock and have had no problems with it as a hammock. On the contrary - I think it is excellent. I use a snugpack duvet thingy rather than a sleeping bag so that may be a factor
I have also used it on the ground (+ tarp) and found it a perfectly ok except the netting was a bit too close to my face for my liking - didn't stop me getting a decent night's seep though and gives a good option if no trees available.
I was looking at one these blankets, are they actually any good.
I dont like sleeping in all my clothes (sorry for that image), so I like to be warm. Whats the lowest you have been in one, and how was it?
I use a snugpack under blanket on the underneath outside the hammock, and a snugpak 'duvet' - the one with wings - inside.
The coldest night I used it was the first time. I was wearing trouisers and woolie jumper. Don't know the temperature but it was December and frost formed on the underside of the tarp. I was practicing in the garden and had to go in at about 2/3am - not because of the cold - I was plenty warm enough - but because I had hung the hammock too close to the tarp; the tarp sagged close to the hammock and made it wet.
This was not a problem with any of the kit - it was simply the first time I had ever been in a hammock (or camped out for 40 years) and didn't have any experience/instructions on how to set up.
Wild Thing
03-08-2009, 22:11
Hi Hangman
When I emailed them about the problem, I got the same response.
Methinks someone fouled up and didn't think through the use of waterproof materials for the hammock and now have to try to keep unhappy customers on side and try to stop any bad reports spreading around the forums.
I don't see why I should have to go to the expense of getting a bivvy bag to use in my hammock, especially as they keep you warmer and that's not always pleasant in the summer just to correct what is in my opinion a badly thought out design FUBAR.
Like I say just my opinion.
Phill
firebreather
04-08-2009, 09:06
I use a snugpack under blanket on the underneath outside the hammock, and a snugpak 'duvet' - the one with wings - inside.
And it was designed by our very own Wanderinstar on here. You will see credit for design given to Ian Dent-Willoughby. loads of people on here have them and rate them very highly.
Greg
I've been back to DD Hammocks and they made an offer of a Frontline Hammock for £20 and the return of the old hammock.
Keep your lines as my exchange was the hammock only.
sandbag47
13-08-2009, 06:06
OK hoping to get one of these hammocks for my b'day but as it will be my first hammock which one do I go for????
Frontline.
Camping.
Thanks for your time.
if you go for the FL all you have to do is turn it upside down and then you have a camping hammock ...WALLA !
and the FL isn't made of the waterproof material
BushcraftDan
13-08-2009, 08:27
I too am looking at getting my first hammock and also would be interested in which people think would be the best investment.
welshwhit
13-08-2009, 08:33
I've just invested in a Frontline and I must say I'm very impressed so far, but haven't spent the night in it yet!
Drew
sandbag47
13-08-2009, 13:24
DD group buy still going on ...still space for 4 more people
Wild Thing
13-08-2009, 21:41
I've just done the same deal as hangman as well.
Received my Frontline hammock yesterday.
The material seems a lot better than the Travel hammock.
Will post more info when I can get out and try it.
Phill
BushcraftDan
14-08-2009, 10:52
and the FL isn't made of the waterproof material
I was going to purchase the Frontline but now im abit unsure do to that above quote :(
welshwhit
14-08-2009, 11:34
But i don't think thats a bad thing for a hommock, it'll make it nice and breathable!
It would only be an issue if you wanted to use it as a bivi as well!
Drew
Wild Thing
14-08-2009, 12:29
The reason i bought the travel hammock was because it could be used as a bivi as well.
I like equiptment to be multi functional if possible, but in this case the hammock turned out to be a jack of all trades and a master of none in my case.
The non breathability of the material caused the condensation problem that left me with a wet sleeping bag in the morning.
However, I seem to be in the minority as most other people don't seem to have this problem.
So it is a case of pay your money and take a chance.
Phill
EarlyRiser
18-08-2009, 12:29
I have two travel hammocks from DD which I've used twice along with my son who is 10.
On both occasions his sleeping bag was a little damp on the outside from condensation whereas mine was absolutely dry.
I suspect it may be down to sleeping position; if you lie with you're head to the side facing the fabric then chances are you're going to get condensation if it's cool enough.
I'll be putting his bag in a bivi next time to avoid this.
Cheers
Tom
I've reviewed the Frontline hammock here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yuNBXdpPaQ
Personally, I didn't get on too well with the travel hammock. I don't really see the need to put a hammock on the floor and use it as a bivi.
The Frontline is great. It goes back to the breathable material and has the zip on both sides. Ever had a wasp in your mossie net, then you'll know the benefits of this.
Cheers,
Pablo.
i used my travel hammock for the first time the other night. After using one i now wish i had bought the frontline :(
First and only night using it i ripped the net (on the side with no zip, my own fault, was using it as a seat and didnt realise i was actually sitting on the netting) although in a goodish way i now get to modify it and put a zip on there (like the frontline!)
Also woke up and the inside was wet, i was sleeping in a sleeping bag half open and lying on my back, some how underneath my sleeping bag ended up wet by the morning. (only 4 hours, so would hate to think what it would be like after a full nights sleep)
I shall hopfully be out again this weekend so shall see if anything changes
MartinK9
19-08-2009, 01:04
First and only night using it i ripped the net (on the side with no zip, my own fault, was using it as a seat and didnt realise i was actually sitting on the netting) although in a goodish way i now get to modify it and put a zip on there (like the frontline!)
That's what I have done to mine:D
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7919/ddmoddedhammock8u.jpg
hi i cant beleve i have bought the travel hammock and they have condensation problems..
if i was told about this i wouldnt have bought it....shogun
As above, only some people have reported condensation problems with the Travel model - loads get on fine with it. I'm one of the latter - I've used it all year round (-4C being the coldest) in all kinds of weather and have always been comfortable. I've used the inflatable pad in the pocket setup successfully without condensation, but now use one of Wanderinstar's Coccoons which I find great. I agree with one of the posters above that condensation issues might be more down to individual sleeping position rather than the kit/ material itself. Give the Travel a good go and try to ensure that it's not rigged too close to the underside of your tarp - I found that your breath could condense on the tarp surface and then wet your sleeping bag. However this is easily remedied and if you've got a decent sized tarp (at least 2.5m x 2.5m) then you should have plenty of coverage without having to be close to the tarp - I prefer rigging my tarp on the diagonal if it's peeing down anyway. Have fun and I hope your experiments are enjoyable and comfortable! http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif
I would like to buy a (DD) Hammock, too, but I wonder if I could sleep well in it? :confused:
The first thing is, I read that you have to strain the DD hammocks very much to lie in an almost horizontal position but in this case your shoulders are pressed together so that itīs not comfortable anymore.
Another thing is that Iīm 1,90 m tall and I wonder if I fit in a DD Hammock with itīs 2,70m length (especially if itīs strained much) and sleep well in it.
So Iīm looking for your EXPERIENCES in SLEEPING in the DD Hammocks.
Omegarod
14-01-2010, 12:21
As above, only some people have reported condensation problems with the Travel model - loads get on fine with it. I'm one of the latter - I've used it all year round (-4C being the coldest) in all kinds of weather and have always been comfortable. I've used the inflatable pad in the pocket setup successfully without condensation, but now use one of Wanderinstar's Coccoons which I find great. http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif
Wild Thing: The non breathability of the material caused the condensation problem that left me with a wet sleeping bag in the morning.
It is obviously different for different people. However what I can't really understand is how sleeping in a bivvi bag in the hammock will make a difference.
Follow my logic.... The bottom of the Travel hammock is of waterproof material.....
1. The bottom of a bivvi bag is waterproof material, but we would sleep inside one of those on the ground with a sleeping bag.
2. A sleeping mat is waterproof, but we would put a bag on that and sleep in it.
3. A simple ground sheet is waterproof, and we would put a bag on that and sleep in it.
So what's the difference? The only difference that I can see is that in a hammock there is free cold air under the hammock base material which could cause condensation inside against the warmth of your body in the bag. To cure the condensation problem that exists for some people surely the answer would be a mat between the two layers of the hammock base, or an underblanket?
Now, condensation on the underside of the tarp is a different matter. But that happens with a tent too.
Rod
I would like to buy a (DD) Hammock, too, but I wonder if I could sleep well in it? :confused:
The first thing is, I read that you have to strain the DD hammocks very much to lie in an almost horizontal position but in this case your shoulders are pressed together so that itīs not comfortable anymore.
Another thing is that Iīm 1,90 m tall and I wonder if I fit in a DD Hammock with itīs 2,70m length (especially if itīs strained much) and sleep well in it.
So Iīm looking for your EXPERIENCES in SLEEPING in the DD Hammocks.
I've slept a lot of times in my DD Travel and usually like a baby - however I'm a mere 5'8'' (sorry don't know new money). It's true that DDs should be rigged as flat as possible, but I think the key to getting horizontal is lying on the diagonal in the hammock - a flatter rig helps you achieve this. From what I recall of the product blurb on their website the hammocks are suitable for folks over 6' (err 2 m??) but I can't testify to that.
I think it also depends on how you like to sleep - I don't like sleeping on my back but manage fine on my side (kind of foetal-like) when my hammock's rigged properly. Some people can't get on with hammocks no matter what; some people seem to prefer them to their beds at home. I'm closer to the second group, but I won't be replacing my bed with my hammock!
paulhereford
15-01-2010, 19:03
I've reviewed the Frontline hammock here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yuNBXdpPaQ
Personally, I didn't get on too well with the travel hammock. I don't really see the need to put a hammock on the floor and use it as a bivi.
The Frontline is great. It goes back to the breathable material and has the zip on both sides. Ever had a wasp in your mossie net, then you'll know the benefits of this.
Cheers,
Pablo.
I agree totally with Pablo...the DD Frontline is a fabulous hammock. I ordered the Travel hammock but fortunately it was out of stock at the time and I was offered the Frontline as an alternative at the same price.
Having bought a FL hammock to replace my ageing Hennessy I am very impressed. I have sewn on four loops to the welt like strip that goes around it and attached shock cords to them. When you tie the cord off on the tarp corners it really opens the hammock up. It is like the spreader cords on the Hennessy. I will try and post a picture sometime.
paulhereford
15-01-2010, 19:12
Having bought a FL hammock to replace my ageing Hennessy I am very impressed. I have sewn on four loops to the welt like strip that goes around it and attached shock cords to them. When you tie the cord off on the tarp corners it really opens the hammock up. It is like the spreader cords on the Hennessy. I will try and post a picture sometime.
That sounds like a great idea.....looking forward to seeing the picture.
Native Nathan
15-01-2010, 23:23
It is obviously different for different people. However what I can't really understand is how sleeping in a bivvi bag in the hammock will make a difference.
Follow my logic.... The bottom of the Travel hammock is of waterproof material.....
1. The bottom of a bivvi bag is waterproof material, but we would sleep inside one of those on the ground with a sleeping bag.
2. A sleeping mat is waterproof, but we would put a bag on that and sleep in it.
3. A simple ground sheet is waterproof, and we would put a bag on that and sleep in it.
So what's the difference? The only difference that I can see is that in a hammock there is free cold air under the hammock base material which could cause condensation inside against the warmth of your body in the bag. To cure the condensation problem that exists for some people surely the answer would be a mat between the two layers of the hammock base, or an underblanket?
Now, condensation on the underside of the tarp is a different matter. But that happens with a tent too.
Rod
Another difference is the Bivvy bag although being waterproof it is breathable, which means it allows water vapour such as sweat and your breath to escape into the atmosphere, the waterproof covering on the DD Travel hammock is not breathable, which means that the water vapour from your sweat and breathing has no where to go, so it condenses where it is and forms puddles, similar to single glazing in our homes..
Hope that helps
[/IMG]
That sounds like a great idea.....looking forward to seeing the picture.
Pictures as promised.
I have set this rig up in my garden to tweak the set up.
This picture shows the hammock set up as if I was about to go to sleep. The spreaders are shock cord so when I am in it they do stretch as they are tied off on the corners of my tarp.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/016.jpg
A closer view of one side. The hammock is really opened up with them.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/015.jpg
The loops were made with simple cloth tape. This one was sewn on with a sewing machine but a couple of other ones I did by hand. It is sewn into the canvas type welt that goes around the hammock.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/004.jpg
I tied on a couple of loops to the underblanket so that it could hang off the spreader loops on the hammock.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/005.jpg
As for tying off the underblanket at the ends I rigged up a set up so that the shock cords do not go outside the tarp. Just to try and stop water seeping in. it is a bit like using the Karibeener as a drip point.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/020-1.jpg
A close up of the drip point. It works surprisingly well.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/012.jpg
Normally during the day I drop two of the spreaders down on one side to give me room to move around.
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/seorasgma/New%20Tarp%20and%20Hammock%20s etup/017.jpg
Cheers
George
springer5
20-03-2010, 18:37
Just to add my two-pence worth into the travel vs frontline debate. I have had a DD Travel hammock now for a few months (the 2010 model with thedouble zips and velcroed thermarest under-pocket. Admittedly I've only had the opportunity to use it three times so far, but in each case I had a lovely night's sleep; very comfy and no condensation at all.
I had a larg-ish tarp about 5 feet above me. The coldest was the first time. It was just after all the snow we've had this year and the temps were still fairly low, about -5 on my little max/min thermometer at some point during the night. It was a bit cold. I woke up at about 5am feeling pretty cold, but then I was only in underpants and T-shirt so that's probably to be expected really. I had a thermarest inserted between the bottom layers of the hammock.
I have also slept on the ground with it (under the same tarp rigged on the ground with walking poles). Their was quite a bit of condensation on the inside of the tarp by morning (had it anchored right down to the ground to keep the draft out) and some had fallen on to the top of the DD, but I was using it as a bivvy (i.e. I had my sleeping bag and thermarest between the two waterproof layers so the sleeping bag was kept dry by the DD because it's waterproof. No condensation on that occasion either, but just out of interest I tried pulling the DD right over my head to completely cover myself, and condensation built up pretty quickly then. All ok though, as long as I kept my head out through the side of the velcroed pockets.
If I'd had a Frontline during the ground sleeping situation, I'm wondering if the the condensation dripping off the inside of the tarp would have gone through the Frontline and wet my sleeping bag. I can't be sure, but it seems likely as it's not waterproof.
Hope that helps with your decision making. Good luck.
I have the DD travel hammock and find it a fantastic item. No condensation and a dry night. I use an underblanket and an open sleeping bag over me though.
Ive done probably 60 nights in my dd travel.
Ive been sweaty twice. It comes down to being careful about ventilation temperature regulation.
It is really an occasional use bathtub groundsheet with bug netting/ hammock.
I have used it as a survival bag and got damp.
If you sweat at night, dont bother. If you don't then itll be fine.
I have done many nights in it in scottish rainstorms with a lightweight down bag and on multi day backpacks and ive kept my bag dry throughout.
It does need a groundsheet under the hammock though to avoid damage to the fabric and regular replacement. A small tear could result in things going bump in the night. This will be the same for the dd frontline too.
Personally, I like the backup the waterproof material gives me.
Also, if you use a ccf pad, the frontline will not be breathable anymore.