Hammock advice/ tips

[Woody girl]

A lot of people express fear of falling out of a hammock. I've never yet fallen out of one and I've been using hammocks for over 15 years.
To get in, I sit in the middle with my butt as far into the middle of the hammock as possible, then swing my legs in. Scooch back a tiny bit, to sit up, and zip the bug net up, then lay down.
To get out, I just reverse the process.
Easy.

 

[Astrochicken]

For my hammock, I opted for a lay-flat, as I didn't want to bend like a banana when sleeping, so I opted for the Night Cat with the additional under storage sling. It's got tree slings for each end for easier setting up, built-in bug net and the u-shaped opening tarp cover can be propped up with poles to make a small awning, which is good for aeration and making for a more homely setup. I use the under-sling to keep light bits off the ground and the rest of my kit goes into my rucksack, which I stick into a large, light-weight dry bag that goes underneath the hammock on a small ground sheet.

The Cat won't be considered a 'true' hammock as it's got a couple of poles to give it structure, but the plus is that I can use it as a bivvy on the ground if I want a quick one-night trip. I use a self-inflating sleep pad inside and my sleeping bag and have been very happy with how it's worked out. A plus of the lay-flat is that I can add tension to any of the 4 connection straps to adjust the angle of the base so it genuinely does stay level. It's pretty light weight, but doesn't pack up as small as a true hammock and is more expensive (I think I paid £135 for the hammock, straps, cover, under-sling and storage bag).

For reference, I'm 5'11 and 76kg, and have no issue with fitting inside or getting in / out. The poles keep the air space above you which is a plus, so I've never felt claustrophobic and have plenty of space for keeping bits inside with me (there are a couple of pockets inside plus a couple of hooks to hang mini lanterns from).

 

[Hammock_man]

Kim and I having been hammocking for maybe 20 years now. Started with the "DD" range of hammocks and have since moved on to more up market models.
Then main driver for me was ease of entry and exit. While the DD gave a good nights sleep, was warm and comfy and great value for money the gathered end meant the high sides made it hard for me { a fat old bloke } to get in and out.
I moved up to an AMOK hammock and loved it. The huge space in it was like having your own Post Code. It gave a great flat lay which could be very easy turned into a shoulder raised position which suited me to a "T". Getting in an out takes some getting used to but I still found it better than climbing over the edge of a DD now.
I then found a UK seller of Haven hammocks and treat myself to one. With it's spreader bar setup It presents a horizontal lay. More important for me the hammock is made like a suspension bridge coming to a low point in the centre which allows for a truly easy entry exit. I still love the "chill" factor of lazing in the AMOK, but when I just want to get in and sleep, the ease of the Haven can not be beat.

 

[Megatramp]

Those Amoks do look comfy. Maybe one day.

 

[demented dale]

Kim and I having been hammocking for maybe 20 years now. Started with the "DD" range of hammocks and have since moved on to more up market models.
Then main driver for me was ease of entry and exit. While the DD gave a good nights sleep, was warm and comfy and great value for money the gathered end meant the high sides made it hard for me { a fat old bloke } to get in and out.
I moved up to an AMOK hammock and loved it. The huge space in it was like having your own Post Code. It gave a great flat lay which could be very easy turned into a shoulder raised position which suited me to a "T". Getting in an out takes some getting used to but I still found it better than climbing over the edge of a DD now.
I then found a UK seller of Haven hammocks and treat myself to one. With it's spreader bar setup It presents a horizontal lay. More important for me the hammock is made like a suspension bridge coming to a low point in the centre which allows for a truly easy entry exit. I still love the "chill" factor of lazing in the AMOK, but when I just want to get in and sleep, the ease of the Haven can not be beat.

Thanks. I think I will get a basic DD and se how I go. Not too much outlay and if i lke hammocking I can always get something else. Cheers xxxx

 

[pieinthesky]

Hennesey Hammocks are available in the UK. If you get the 4 season models they come with a double bottom and an insulated pad.

It will cost you around £230 for the complete kit including hanging gear, fly sheet and insulation pad. The standard flysheet is quite small so you may want to upgrade to a larger one.

I have found mine to be far more comfortable than the DD I had before.

4Season Expedition Zip – Hennessy Hammock UK

We started the camping hammock revolution with our comfortable and complete engineered shelter systems. This 4Season system has advantages when you find yourself in colder weather than expected. It can be adjusted to a wide range of temperature conditions without adding weight or bulk.

hennessyhammock.co.uk

The insulated pad does the job but I add an underblanket as well when it is going to be really cold.

 

[Chris]

Hennesey Hammocks are available in the UK. If you get the 4 season models they come with a double bottom and an insulated pad.

It will cost you around £230 for the complete kit including hanging gear, fly sheet and insulation pad. The standard flysheet is quite small so you may want to upgrade to a larger one.

I have found mine to be far more comfortable than the DD I had before.

4Season Expedition Zip – Hennessy Hammock UK

We started the camping hammock revolution with our comfortable and complete engineered shelter systems. This 4Season system has advantages when you find yourself in colder weather than expected. It can be adjusted to a wide range of temperature conditions without adding weight or bulk.

hennessyhammock.co.uk

The insulated pad does the job but I add an underblanket as well when it is going to be really cold.

If I ever have to describe reasons for bankruptcy to a court, I hope they will just accept the explanation “BCUK”.

 

[Venator55]

Hi Dale, I've got two Hammocks. The one I use predominantly is my Decathlon double hammock (1, because you achieve the flat lay that much easier and 2, because I'm 6ft 4in and it accomodates me better. It cost £30 and is well made and coyote brown in colour.
The straps it came with I swapped out just because I wanted a little more scope in positioning. I made my own hammock protective outer with a cheap Range tarp which allows me to put a 3 quarter self inflating mat in between. I also utilised some radiator reflective roll by attaching it to the hammock protector in the inside and coming right up to the top to insulate my shoulder and torso. It was actually quite rewarding to make this myself and I've used it many times and never experienced any cold spots. Re bug net, I personally would not camp in the summer without one. I bought an army surplus green net recently off Amazon uk for about £15.00.
I put the two corners together and attach it to my ridgeline at both ends. It hugs the sides of the hammock so does not let the bugs in and is also really is easy to exit the hammock without fiddling with zips. If I didn't have this set up and didn't care about cost I would buy the DD Frontline XL.

 

[demented dale]

Hi Dale, I've got two Hammocks. The one I use predominantly is my Decathlon double hammock (1, because you achieve the flat lay that much easier and 2, because I'm 6ft 4in and it accomodates me better. It cost £30 and is well made and coyote brown in colour.
The straps it came with I swapped out just because I wanted a little more scope in positioning. I made my own hammock protective outer with a cheap Range tarp which allows me to put a 3 quarter self inflating mat in between. I also utilised some radiator reflective roll by attaching it to the hammock protector in the inside and coming right up to the top to insulate my shoulder and torso. It was actually quite rewarding to make this myself and I've used it many times and never experienced any cold spots. Re bug net, I personally would not camp in the summer without one. I bought an army surplus green net recently off Amazon uk for about £15.00.
I put the two corners together and attach it to my ridgeline at both ends. It hugs the sides of the hammock so does not let the bugs in and is also really is easy to exit the hammock without fiddling with zips. If I didn't have this set up and didn't care about cost I would buy the DD Frontline XL.

I keep hearing DD and i thhink thats the way I am gona go. I just want sumat basic just to decide if its for me or not. Thanks for your input. I keep these tips on my feed to refer back to should i need to recap. so thanks again xxxx

 

[Silverclaws2]

It is!

DD are a good entry level, I've had several over the years including a hennessay.
I find the dd very comfy when set up correctly and its my preferred hammock. I have ticket to the moon, aldi garden hammock, hennessay bottom entry and my dd. I'm a side sleeper and with a self inflating mat inserted ( aswell as the uq,) it helps stop the banana effect, and keeps the sides spread out a bit more.
I'm 5.7 and it's fine for me.

Ah another side sleeper as I was wondering about that as all the pics I see of the things in various advertising material seem to describe back sleepers. Where if I do that not only will I have a terrible kip it will sound like a tractor with a broken gearbox - or so I have been told.

 

[Hammock_man]

I keep hearing DD and i think thats the way I am gona go

For years Kim and I have used DD hammocks and were very happy. True, we have both moved on to other "dearer" hammocks but that is not a reflection on DD, just my age and Kim getting great Hand Me Downs.

I am a flat on my back sleeper and from what I can make out, don't move around much in my sleep. So can not really speak to side sleeping but Kim never had an issue and she would end up in a ball come morning!
If you do go down the DD route :-
(i) Get a zipped in bug net.
(ii) put a CCF mat in-between the two bottom layer ( even if you also use a under quilt ).
(iii) Add an internal fixed ridge line.
(iv) Enjoy, enjoy some more, forswear ground dwelling.

 

[demented dale]

For years Kim and I have used DD hammocks and were very happy. True, we have both moved on to other "dearer" hammocks but that is not a reflection on DD, just my age and Kim getting great Hand Me Downs.

I am a flat on my back sleeper and from what I can make out, don't move around much in my sleep. So can not really speak to side sleeping but Kim never had an issue and she would end up in a ball come morning!
If you do go down the DD route :-
(i) Get a zipped in bug net.
(ii) put a CCF mat in-between the two bottom layer ( even if you also use a under quilt ).
(iii) Add an internal fixed ridge line.
(iv) Enjoy, enjoy some more, forswear ground dwelling.

Thanks. xxxx