Hammocks?

May 21, 2008 9:06 PM

I'm looking for a hammock suitable for camping/backpacking. Suggestions?

I've purchased several walmart hammocks (for about $8/each), and whiel they're decently comfortable, they're also bulky and easily torn. My primary use would be backpacking and camping. I know hennessy hammocks are good, but I just can't afford that. Suggestions?

posted by Autarky to sports, hobbies, & recreation (8 comments total)

There are some in this previous thread which might be good for you.
posted by sharkfu at 9:33 PM on May 21, 2008

the parachute silk / nylon hammocks, if made well, pack down small and are comfortable to sleep in once you get used to them. a wide one is good because you can wrap it around you to keep out bugs, but they're less comfy to sit in (high walls). any breeze will make your but cold, though, so make sure you've got a good layer underneath you.
posted by xz at 12:05 AM on May 22, 2008

I've made a very comfy hammock with a extra long twin bed top sheet.Simply pass a line through the hems.Hammocks can be cold,a mylar emergency blanket clipped under the hammock improves cold weather performance. I found a high quality cotton sheet at the thrift store for two dollars,waaay better than the nylon net hammock it has replaced.
posted by hortense at 12:25 AM on May 22, 2008

You should look at hamix.com, the Mayan style is ideal for backpacking. Several years ago I bought some Mayan hammocks from a Mexican outfit, reducing the shipping cost by convincing some friends to order with me. It looks like this is the same outfit, but now based in the U.S., so similar prices and lower shipping costs.
posted by jeffburdges at 4:17 AM on May 22, 2008

My wife and I both have Amazonia Traveller hammocks, which pack into a little bags the about the size of a travel poncho. The same company also sells lightweight mounting rope/hardware, which make setup easy.

The hammocks weigh 11 oz each, and the ropes are also pretty light. We used them this past weekend while backpacking at Turner Falls, OK. We got them at REI.
posted by mattybonez at 5:37 AM on May 22, 2008

mayan hammocks are extremely comfortable but are fairly heavy and get tangled easily unless you're very careful about wrapping them up. i imagine they'd be great for a camping trip but i'm not so sure they'd be great for a backpacking trip.
posted by noloveforned at 6:09 AM on May 22, 2008

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/
Not cheap, but very good indeed. As with all hammocks, if you're serious about camping with them make sure you bring a roll mat or a serious sleeping bag. Your back will thank you.
posted by fingerbang at 12:00 PM on May 23, 2008

If you tie line with a trucker's hitch between the rings you can adjust it so that when your head and shoulders are to one side of the hammock and your feet on the other your back is level . Some of the best nights sleep I've ever slept, in a hammock under redwoods.
posted by hortense at 11:55 PM on May 23, 2008