Any hammock campers on here?

[micah1_8]

I've been looking at hammocks for camping, and boy do they look like they could be fun. Anybody on here camp in a hammock? The Hennesy hammocks look pretty nice, but they're pricey. I'm really liking some of the simple DIY designs, but bug screen is a necessity, and I'm not sure how to work that out easily. What are your experiences?

[Rei]

I've been looking at hammocks for camping, and boy do they look like they could be fun. Anybody on here camp in a hammock? The Hennesy hammocks look pretty nice, but they're pricey. I'm really liking some of the simple DIY designs, but bug screen is a necessity, and I'm not sure how to work that out easily. What are your experiences?
When I was in my teens to my early twenties, I used to do week long backpacking trips into the forest with my best friend. We didn't take tents, but we took mummy bags, rope and a blanket. To sleep we would use the rope, blanket and mummy bag strung up between two trees to form a hammock.

The only reason we did it was to keep the weight down on long hikes into the middle of no-where.

If you are using a hammock as a tent, then I can see why you would want a bug screen. However, I never needed the screen, as I wasn't using the hammock as a tent. If it was raining or we otherwise needed shelter, we would string up a mylar emergency blanket to provide cover over our hammocks.

Now that I have a wife and kid, I don't hammock camp, as all the gear is in the truck instead of on my back. Tents and air mattresses now.

[Confuzius]

I've got two friends with hennesey(style, not sure on brand) hammock-tents. Apparently they're very comfortable, but getting in and out can be troublesome depending on how much blood line anti-freeze your camping trips involve.
The best reccomendation is to accompany it with a therma-rest. as it helps keep the shape of the hammock-tent when you're not in it and facilitates entry and exit.

[Rorschuck]

I just saw this rather old post, but it's never too late to weigh in.

I've been a hammock camper for a few years now, and LOVE my HH. Love it.

I've got the ultralight, which clocks in at just under 2 pounds, all-told.

Very comfortable, and I have no issues at all getting in and out. A pad can help it to hold it's shape, and some kind of insulating foam underneath you is a must in cooler weather. I cannot say enough great things about the HH. Get the 'snake skins', they make setup and takedown super-fast.

[K9DVM]

I absolutely love my Hennessy Hammock. Did I mention I love my Hennessy Hammock? I have spent a lot of time in my hammock in all kinds of weather and I will never go back to a tent. Yes, there are some logistical problems with there is nothing to tie the hammock to. But the advantages far outweight the disadvantages. I have shoulder problems (rotator cuff) and sleeping on the ground means waking up every 45 min. I sleep like a baby in the hammock.

[Flange!]

For a less expensive hammock option you should check out these guys. I have one of them and it works great and is very light and compact to pack.

http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

[Kit Walker]

For more than you ever wanted to know about hammocks and camping, go here (http://www.hammockforums.net/). If you're serious, allow several hours. :biggrin:

[SRock]

I used to hammock camp regularly when I was stationed in Las Vegas (nice and warm) but I always just used my GI issue hammock, nothing fancy.

[ctr]

I used a rope hammock and tarp for many years in my teens. Wonderful, easy setup. Things sure have changed. I believe there is a good amount of info on Hiking HQ. Just google for Sgt. Rock and you are sure to find it.

[lostinperiphery]

a friend of mine has a neat nylon hammock that he camps in... I'll have to ask him what brand it is sometime, may see if I can try it out. I've always prefered 'under the stars' myself, and a hammock might be an interesting change of pace!

[Dennis]

Dedicated hammock camper (Hennessy) in the warm weather. In the cold weather (if the temp is dropping below 40F), it is a hassle IMO. Hammocks are the perfect solo, warm weather camping setup. I don't think I would want a hammock without bug netting, thus the Hennessy is an ideal hammock for me. The Speer hammocks are really nice as well - Ed runs a hammock camping mailing list which is full of good info. You can make them yourself as well, but if you want bug protection you are looking into Project (that is with a capital P) territory. The Hennessy's are the full package right out of the box. I recommend the Snake Skins instead of a stuff bag, and you will need a very wide (at least 27 inch if not wider) blue foam pad. Quilts also work better in hammocks than sleeping bags. If you really get into hammock camping, you can make cold weather solutions work, but they tend toward high bulk and fiddliness.