A big Hello and a Hammock Question.

[Stiks]

Hi,
I've been a member for a while, ashamed to say I've been a lurker but that will change. I'm not a great one for forums but started to use Archery interchange when I developed an interest in Archery and a great desire to learn.
My other Love is Field /Bush Craft so I will get invovled with this forum now I've learned how usefull/interesting these forums can be and I'm a little less shy.

In the past, regarding buscraft (which I now believe is the popular term), i've always been a bit of a loner, just got out in the middle of nowhere, as you do, and got on with it, learning by experience.

I've been using hammocks for a while now but can't seem to find one that fits!
I had a HH but did not like the bottom entry as I like to lounge occasionally when the woods collected etc etc. In the summer that means getting inside to escape troublesome midges.
Sold that and bought a Mosquito Jungle hammock. Was ok but did not like the non-breathable material in sub zero conditions. Plus not as comfy as the HH.
My current hammock is a Clark North American but I'm not getting the best sleep/rest. Something very important when your out for any length of time IMHO. It's very good in all conditions (using my own Tarp, one that came with it is now a dog tent and a pair of chaps!) but it's just to tight and I'm one guy who just can't, as much as I've tried, sleep on his back.
I was concerned it might be a bit narrow like the Jungle hammock but was assured it was good for sleeping on your side, NOT SO !!

So I'm now a bit stuck. .... Like the Eco System Idea but it's damn costly and I already spent a fortune on the Clark!
Was thinking about a Hammock Bliss Double and thier Mosquito Cocoon.
Or the No See Um No More but it's not got the width.

But having said that I use an Under (x2 in sub zero) and over quilt and they are not that wide. But still they did the job on the HH, even if I slept on my side. Ok the occasional cold knee!

I stay out in forrests mainly and a tent is useless, rarely find a decent spot!

So my question is. .... Could you sugest a system similar to the excellent Eco system (which is never in stock anyway)

Or ... If anyone wants a Clark (minus the fitted tarp) and has a similar setup to the Eco they don't use?

I need to be able to sleep diagonally (one knee up style) as you can in the HH, want easy acsess , preferably removable net. Tough breathable material.
And a design that will accept my under/over quilts for cold weather.

Basically an Eco System at a fraction of the cost, or at least a little less!!
:thinkerg: Or what about a top entry HH with a zip on net ...... wish I had the skills to do that! .... I aint good with a sewing machine :-(

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ogri the trog]

Hey Stiks, thats quite an entrance.
I think I understand your issues as I can't sleep on my front even in a big bed! I don't want to turn you away from our great forum, but have you tried places like Imrisk, Hammockforums, Whiteblaze, or Sgt Rock - American hammock camping forums - almost as friendly as us and plenty of experience to draw on. All my hammocking has been done on a very tight budget, but I'm having fun making some of my own gear. Also, have you tried to use a sewing machine - they take a little getting used to but I've got quite handy with mine.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[andy_e]

I'd second Ogri's advice. Also it's worth thinking about making or at least designing your own gear.

Imrisk: http://www.imrisk.com/ has links to the others mentioned as well as info on his own experiments and designs.

 

[Beer Monster]

A while back someone posted a link to a hammock that was rather unusal in design. Rather than you lying "on top" of the hammock you were instead suspended beneath it ....... it that makes sense?!? Can't for the life of me find the post now! Any ideas what it was? Might suit Sticks ...... oh and welcome to the forum !

 

[andy_e]

You thinking of something like this BM?

http://www.mosquitohammock.com/bathammock.html

Don't know how you'd manage with a mozzie net on that one.

 

[Beer Monster]

You thinking of something like this BM?

http://www.mosquitohammock.com/bathammock.html

Don't know how you'd manage with a mozzie net on that one.

No not that one. I've just spent hours drawing this highly technical scale drawing:-

You see what I mean. It's still a 2 point attachment but the ropes are attached to the top of the hammock rather than the bottom, so you hang below it if you see what I mean.

 

[Don Redondo]

Can't recommend a 'Magikelly Group Buy Hammock' enough.

It's nice and wide and will take an underblanket, and you can get that caternary curve you want by putting in your own ridgeline..add a mossie net and tarp and you are ready to go.

I almost prefer it to my HH

 

[andy_e]

Don't recall seeing one like that. I guess you'd need bars to hold each (top) end open or you'd be stuck in it like a clam-shell. If you ever find it again, let us know.

 

[Beer Monster]

Don't recall seeing one like that. I guess you'd need bars to hold each (top) end open or you'd be stuck in it like a clam-shell. If you ever find it again, let us know.

Managed to find it! Its the Jacks R Better (same guys that make the underquilts) Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock or BMBH for short. See here for details:- BMBH

 

[andy_e]

Interesting find that. It's expensive too, £100.

Edited: saw how to get in, pics at bottom of page - doh!

 

[Beer Monster]

Interesting find that. It's expensive too, £100.

Compared to a DD Hammock !

However it's cheaper than the Clarks and the Eco System. According to the review here you can lay on your front, side or back. It's easy to get in and out of and you can remove the mosquito net if you wish. Seems to tick most of Stiks boxes.

 

[Mikkel]

And for some stupid reason they are only made to fit people upto 6'3"

 

[Stiks]

Hmm. Interesting guys, thank you!

The Bat jobby Nah!

The Jacks is interesting, something I would consider if it was not £100. Spent a load on the Clark thinking it was the real jobby!
Also I got really stung with import duty for both the Clark and my Under quilt from the Jacks

I will ask the question on the other forums as you suggest, cheers!

The group buy Hammock? I'll do a search but anyone got a pic of it setup, with midgey net would be good.

How do I go about getting one, had a quick look in Group buys but don't see a thread? Is it something I can buy outside of the group buy thingy?

Ogri the trog, ..."quite an entrance"... is that a polite way of saying I'm not short in the verbosity department! .... Anonomously behind this screen I'm ok, face to face is a different story!
I do have a Sewing machine but I got a dodgy left claw and it's so damned awkward, I very do simple jobs only.

 

[Pablo]

Stiks,

The group buy hammock usually refers to the group buy led by Magikelly who's a member here. There is another group buy on at the moment for a DD Travel hammock. Not sure if you might have missed it.

Still not sure what you are really after, but consider the dd hamocks from www.ddhammocks.com. I did a showaround on the 2008 version here.

They're cheap enough and you can get a non-mossie net version even cheaper. I'm a bit biased becasue I've always used them and find them cheap, cheerful but comfortable.

Cheers,

Pablo.

 

[sandbag47]

if he's interested better pm me as it's finished today but i can alwas ask nick at dd hammocks if he will sqeeze one more in

 

[Fin]

Hi,
I've been a member for a while, ashamed to say I've been a lurker but that will change. I'm not a great one for forums but started to use Archery interchange when I developed an interest in Archery and a great desire to learn.
My other Love is Field /Bush Craft so I will get invovled with this forum now I've learned how usefull/interesting these forums can be and I'm a little less shy.

In the past, regarding buscraft (which I now believe is the popular term), i've always been a bit of a loner, just got out in the middle of nowhere, as you do, and got on with it, learning by experience.

I've been using hammocks for a while now but can't seem to find one that fits!
I had a HH but did not like the bottom entry as I like to lounge occasionally when the woods collected etc etc. In the summer that means getting inside to escape troublesome midges.
Sold that and bought a Mosquito Jungle hammock. Was ok but did not like the non-breathable material in sub zero conditions. Plus not as comfy as the HH.
My current hammock is a Clark North American but I'm not getting the best sleep/rest. Something very important when your out for any length of time IMHO. It's very good in all conditions (using my own Tarp, one that came with it is now a dog tent and a pair of chaps!) but it's just to tight and I'm one guy who just can't, as much as I've tried, sleep on his back.
I was concerned it might be a bit narrow like the Jungle hammock but was assured it was good for sleeping on your side, NOT SO !!

So I'm now a bit stuck. .... Like the Eco System Idea but it's damn costly and I already spent a fortune on the Clark!
Was thinking about a Hammock Bliss Double and thier Mosquito Cocoon.
Or the No See Um No More but it's not got the width.

But having said that I use an Under (x2 in sub zero) and over quilt and they are not that wide. But still they did the job on the HH, even if I slept on my side. Ok the occasional cold knee!

I stay out in forrests mainly and a tent is useless, rarely find a decent spot!

So my question is. .... Could you sugest a system similar to the excellent Eco system (which is never in stock anyway)

Or ... If anyone wants a Clark (minus the fitted tarp) and has a similar setup to the Eco they don't use?

I need to be able to sleep diagonally (one knee up style) as you can in the HH, want easy acsess , preferably removable net. Tough breathable material.
And a design that will accept my under/over quilts for cold weather.

Basically an Eco System at a fraction of the cost, or at least a little less!!
:thinkerg: Or what about a top entry HH with a zip on net ...... wish I had the skills to do that! .... I aint good with a sewing machine :-(

Thanks in advance.

I have a Clark North American too and I've had the best nights sleep and the worst nights sleep in it.

To me, it all comes down to the rigging - rig it with your feet about 6" - 1' above your head and as taught as possible. Tie some guy lines to the loops on the sides of the hammock (excellent for ground rigging) and pull out sideways a la Hennessey. This will give the stomach/ restless sleepers more lateral room to manouevre.

Warmth is the big subject for hammock users and I continue to watch this forum for possible solutions

 

[Stiks]

I have a Clark North American too and I've had the best nights sleep and the worst nights sleep in it.

To me, it all comes down to the rigging - rig it with your feet about 6" - 1' above your head and as taught as possible. Tie some guy lines to the loops on the sides of the hammock (excellent for ground rigging) and pull out sideways a la Hennessey. This will give the stomach/ restless sleepers more lateral room to manouevre.

Warmth is the big subject for hammock users and I continue to watch this forum for possible solutions

Hi,
Yes I do use the tabs at the side to pull it out, I attach to the loops I fitted to my HH Hex tarp. Must admit it is better when I have my feet elevated as you say, never measured though.
But ..... I don't pull it as taught as possible, thats something I will try, thank you.

I've just ordered the DD travel hammock on the Group buy run by sandbag47. I'll see how I get on with that
It is a bit longer and wider & certainly worth a try at the price.

Think I will miss those pockets and the weather shield which I found very
good at keeping the falling cold air off me on really colds nights!

I got the warmth bit pretty well sorted now. I was out in it at around -10 according to my watch (not on my wrist of course).
In those conditions I use 2 under quilts and a weather shield over those. I use a quilt inside and wear my medium fleece leggings and top, hat, socks and gloves if needed.

I woke half expecting my dog to be frozen stiff but he was fine, he has a small open front tent (pointing towards the fire) and a Thermarest ...... Amasing, I could do with his coat

 

[woodstock]

Hi Pablo quick question would it be easy enough to attach Velcro between layers im going to be using mine soon after receiving it but as we get colds snaps in the middle of the night I don't want the liner working loose and slipping out

 

[Stiks]

Hi Pablo quick question would it be easy enough to attach Velcro between layers im going to be using mine soon after receiving it but as we get colds snaps in the middle of the night I don't want the liner working loose and slipping out

Hi Woodstock,

Not having an identity crisis, just thought I'd butt in

I had a Mosquito Jugle hammock that had a similar double layer system.
Cus I move about, my pad, before I used under quilts, kept moving/slipping out.

I just sewed it together, about 8-10" intervals along the edge making sure i got no pull/strain points, easy to insert rolled mat and unroll when in there. Should be doable if the inner layer is cut bigger/ has enough slack.
If it's designed well it will have, otherwise the bottom layer is doing little or nowt to take the weight.
Oh, and you don't get those irratating and sometimes noisy Velcro lumps!!
Also I used wide strips of non slip mat ( black holy ruber stuff you can buy at halfords etc) attached to back of thermarest with Low Tac spray adhesive Just to hold in place, easy to remove non slip mat and wipe clean with the correct solvent later)

That did the trick !

 

[woodstock]

Ah not one but two great ideas there, I never thought about that not slip stuff I have a roll of it as well and as for stitching it a intervals I'll give it a go if it don't work I'll remove the stitching.

What a wealth of knowledge we have on tap on the site imagine we were a actual community not a virtual one the possibility's are endless