View Full Version : Lightweight British Army Issue Hammock
Hi guys n gals,
I need some advice, please. I've come acros these lightweight BAI hammocks (they weigh about 1/2 a pound), they're NOT the mesh type. I think they are the ones with the hoops so that it can be used as an improvised frame or stretcher. They're priced at 7 quid.
Firstly has anybody used one and secondly, are they any good?
bambodoggy
06-06-2005, 20:57
Any chance of a Piccy or a link so we can see what your talking about Mate? there's plent of ex and current forces people on here so I'm sure one of us will be able to tell you.
If you really need to check 100% then look for the NATO lable....all standard kit has one somewhere :D
Hope that helps,
Bam.
Hello mate, if it's the one that looks like a sheet of material with two tunnels/slots, one on either side for poles, then I have used one. I used it with an A frame at either end that the two support poles rested on and gave it tension. I quite like them but to use them like this you need at least 6 strong straight poles where as my thai hammock only needs two trees, which I find a bit more convenient.
Hope that helps.
Brian
If its the ones on evil-bay, check the dimensions they are very narrow ( abit like sleeping on a plank).
Neil
bambodoggy
06-06-2005, 21:26
Hang on a minute, I'm sure I was issued one of these last time I went to Berlize...I'll go take a shuffty at mine and come back to you (Oh, I'm talking about the ones Neil1 has found on Ebay)...be right back...
EDIT: Yep, it's the same...yes they are genuin and yes as Neil1 says they are very narrow. Much better used as a bed stretched over poles and not as a hammock. They're ok for snoozing on but none of our lads used them in the field...most of us took our own civvi versions of one sort or another and were happier with them.
You can make nice spreader bars for these out of old broom sticks and they are then quite comfy in the garden for reading books and such like but I wouldn't recomend them for anything more than a one or two at the most night's sleep and certainly not if you're one of the more....."comfortably covered" people out there ;) Oh and they aren't really all that long either.... actually unless it's for garden use I'd say to stay away from them unless you're a skinny midget lol :D
Hope that helps Matey,
Bam.
K point taken, they are the ones on ebay. I'm 6ft tall & 13 stone so I dont think a plank would give me a decnet nights sleep (Neil) ! However, I do want a decent hammock and no (Bam) I'm not a skinny midget but cash flow could be better so if any of you hear of any bargains let us know, I'd appreciate it.
Cheers, speak soon.
M
Try making your own, I've put instructions up.
Neil
Yeah seen that, but I really ain't too good with a sewing machine. Tried making a new sheath the other week.......................... .............................. .........
.............................. .......complete shambles!!
Put the knife in and it fell straight through the bottom. I'd rather the same thing didn't happen to me. However, if you find you have some free time on your hands....................I don't think so he says!
I'm sure I'll find something, everytime I do I'll come back and ask for you guys opinions again before I buy.
bambodoggy
06-06-2005, 23:19
Service is a tad slow as they only live in Goa half the year and then bum about Europe the rest but I picked up a green cotton hammock off these people last time I was in Goa and for the tenner or so I paid you can't go wrong. I think Squidders liked it and has been emailing them to get one. The price is a little bit more now but not much and they are darn good hammocks.
http://www.arambol.com/
They really are top hammocks and very very well made, got a good piccy of Squidders relaxing in mine when we went bushcrafting at the end of March but I can't get the link to work and the gallery here isn't quite up yet...never mind...there's plent of pics on their website...but as I said, they aren't in a rush to do anything (well would you be if you lived in a place like they do lol ;) )
Hope that helps Matey,
Bam.
EDIT: Yep, 21Euros now so still cheap as chips. They do come in plain green or other colours including the very flashy neon types!!!! :eek:
dont know if this is any help but i saw a thai style hammock in Habitat's for £12 dont know what the size is or if they are any good but they look like a bargin :D :D
If anyone is interested I've come across the following site: -
http://www.mypashmina.co.uk/my_hammock/outdoor_hammocks.htm
Check out the hammocks with mossi net further down the page. Not bad at that price.
bambodoggy
09-06-2005, 02:18
They do look alright at that price....if you buy one then please let us all know what they are like to use... :)
Thanks,
Bam.
Povarian
09-06-2005, 09:20
Check out the hammocks with mossi net further down the page. Not bad at that price."The bottom of the mosquito net is clear of the hammock, so the little buggers wont even be able to bite your bum."
Not yer usual sales patter. :D
If anyone is interested I've come across the following site: -
http://www.mypashmina.co.uk/my_hammock/outdoor_hammocks.htm
Check out the hammocks with mossi net further down the page. Not bad at that price.
Hey, that one with the mozzy net stitched on looks just like the eh...unique plans I had with my own hammock.
I guess I can sue them now for stealing my creative idea... :cool:
I've had another idea.
What if I bought a cheap (but comfy) hammock and made my ownnet for it, but I would want it to go right around andnot just stitched to the sides.
I thought a length of no-see-um stitched into a tube, with a 2 or 3 foot zipped section on one side. it could be bunched up and tied at each end where the (hammock's)material meets the rope.
I think simple but effective.
Any opinions (like would it work!!)??
check out this, a jungle hammock for £15, looks pretty good
http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/
Well, finally got around to ordering my new hammock today from these guys
http://www.hammockheaven.co.uk/outdoor-traveller-hammocks.htm
It's the MOSKITO TRAVELLER about half way down the page.
Will let all know what it's like when I get it.
raskusdrotti
23-06-2005, 19:33
Hey Mark!
Can I get a look at it when we're at the summer meet?
I'm still using a dome because i can't make up my mind about what kit to get!! :eek:
Neil
Hey Mark!
Can I get a look at it when we're at the summer meet?
I'm still using a dome because i can't make up my mind about what kit to get!! :eek:
Neil
Neil mate, let me sleep in peace at night but feel free to look and try to your hearts content any other time!