Hammock Camping Thread

ToddDubya said:
I put up the Hennessy last night with the cold weather cover (basically a top for the hammock to cover the screen), the hex tarp, a 0 degree Arrowhead underquilt, and DD top quilt. I had plenty of layers but was freezing. I got up in the night, made some adjustments to the bottom quilt and that seemed to make things better. But after a while my back was getting pretty cold and I didn't sleep very well.

Arrowhead rates their quilts for comfort, so a 0 degree quilt should be comfortable down to 0 degrees. It was somewhere around 30 last night and I was not comfortable. After the mid night adjustment I was warm for a little while, but maybe a couple hours at most. My top side stayed warm, but my back, butt, legs and heels were cold.
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Not to be a richard, but did they say Farenheit, or Celcius?


After all, 0C = 32 F.....
 
MisterHappy said:
Not to be a richard, but did they say Farenheit, or Celcius?


After all, 0C = 32 F.....
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They don't say either way, and I did double check that after almost freezing to death once. But it's the lowest rating on their four season version. And it's made in the USA.

And I pity the fool that needs an under quilt at 60 deg C (140 deg F).

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Well I spent some time this evening dicking around with my setup. As loose as it goes, it's still "snug" underneath. The problems I have are at the ends, primarily the foot end where I get in. No matter what I do, the under quilt wants to congregate on the left where my feet aren't. I adjusted both the width and "length" where it hooks on the ridge line with some improvement.

I wish I took a picture, but I used twist ties to help pull the quilt up to the ridgeline vs along the ridgeline if that makes sense. Kind of like what these would do. I think if there are other things I want from Dutchweargear.com I'll get a set to try. I think the twist ties helped, but I'm really not sure.

1713833654824.png

dutchwaregear.com

Ridgeline Quilt Hook - TATO Gear for Camping | DutchWare

Hooks clip directly to your quilt’s shock cord and change the direction of your quilt suspension. Suspension is pulls up and snugs the quilt tightly. Shop now!
dutchwaregear.com dutchwaregear.com

I'm going to give it more time, but I'm really not sold on the bottom entry. Dutch Gear looks to have discontinued the zipper add-on service, and I'm not handy enough to sew on a zipper without ruining the whole thing. So we'll see where I go from here.
 
I gave up on bottom entery hammocks and really only appreciate them in warmer months, I have used them from late April to late September but when Temps drop below 40° I would rather be in a tarp with good ground padding.
 
This is what I was trying to do tonight, but I just have the one adjustment per end, not two like he shows. No reason I can't make a mod or two to make this happen.


View: https://youtu.be/D9N3KkV5Zf4?t=156
And I found probably the same thing that DutchWearGear sells on Thingaverse and printed up a couple tonight. If they work I'll probably make a few more because they look handy for hanging stuff from the ridge line.

www.thingiverse.com

Stylish Ridgeline Hook by ThePreparedMan

This is a Ridgeline hook I designed years ago. I print these and use them with my hammock ridgeline.
www.thingiverse.com www.thingiverse.com
 
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I love my Hennessey Hammock. Only down side is the dog doesn't settle down in it. And out of the tent she's up to no good. For winter camping I use an under quilt, the thermal insulated pad gets squished and doesn't work well enough. My AT buddies all had under quilts, and I'll toss a blanket over the guide line helps trap the warmth in. I can camp in the 20's with that setup. I watched a YouTube video I could probably find if you were Intersted.
 
Seedreaper said:
I love my Hennessey Hammock. Only down side is the dog doesn't settle down in it. And out of the tent she's up to no good. For winter camping I use an under quilt, the thermal insulated pad gets squished and doesn't work well enough. My AT buddies all had under quilts, and I'll toss a blanket over the guide line helps trap the warmth in. I can camp in the 20's with that setup. I watched a YouTube video I could probably find if you were Intersted.
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How big is your dog? :oops:
 
Seedreaper said:
I love my Hennessey Hammock. Only down side is the dog doesn't settle down in it. And out of the tent she's up to no good. For winter camping I use an under quilt, the thermal insulated pad gets squished and doesn't work well enough. My AT buddies all had under quilts, and I'll toss a blanket over the guide line helps trap the warmth in. I can camp in the 20's with that setup. I watched a YouTube video I could probably find if you were Intersted.
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That sounds a lot like what I'm doing. I'm just trying to get the under quilt to cooperate.

I even have the cover that Hennessy sells that does like your blanket idea. It has a couple vents presumably to prevent condensation. I kind of wish one wasn't right over my face because there was enough draft that my delicate, tender skin was chilly.

I also treated myself to a hooded down "sweater" jacket from LL Bean today. That should be nicer than a balaclava and two hoodies.
 
There are other ways to help stay warm in a hammock too as a side note.

If there is leaf cover on the ground, you can sweep them up into a pile then set your hammock just above them when you get in you'll "sink" into the pile, insulating you.

If there are pines around or trees are green you can cut some branches and stick the thick brach end into the ground creating a pine needle/leaf wall around the hammock to stop the wind from blowing under you as much.

Any way to slow air movement will help.

I keep the Mylar bubble pad and an under quilt with mine. Combined with my 0F bag and a goretex bivvy sack you can sleep pretty cold. The sleeping bag I stand in, then sit into hammock. Have had good/comfortable success with this method.
 
Broc said:
So ... got to test the new hammock doing the Pemi trail.

Superior Gear Hammock.
Kuhli Pro tarp.
Some tiny hammock, very light, for gear.

Conclusion- never using a tent again. Unless I go somewhere without trees.

Why Superior Gear:
1. Simple, it is the easiest hammock to set up, and the lightest in the market. I spent a long time researching, reading forums, asking people ... every time someone said "XYZ is the lightest and easiest" I checked it out and Superior won. Every time.

2. Built in quilt. No more worrying about setting up another piece of gear or cold drafts between the hammock and quilt.

Slept in it when it was 36 and raining and 48. Slept like a baby, amazing. Best night sleeps.

The tent is my Taprtent Double Rainbow.

F*ck tents. We had to make sure we arrived to tent sites on time so he would have a place for his tent, I could have put my hammock anywhere on the trail.

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What'd you get from Superior? They don't show much; it must just be what's in stock.

I'm gonna keep trying with the Hennessy, but I got thinking how I'd like to change out the straps, and add loops to cinch buckles. I was thinking about the bug net and how I'd like a zipper. At that point I might just try something new. I'm sure the troubles I've been having are operator error. There's a reason people like them; but I'd rather not suffer every time.

I've got a cheaper hammock that I really enjoyed last summer. It came with a nice amsteel whoopie sling ridgeline, continuous loops, straps with cinch buckles, even a double ended stuff sack. Dang, maybe I'll try overnighting in that this weekend before bug season really kicks off.
 
ToddDubya said:
What'd you get from Superior? They don't show much; it must just be what's in stock.

I'm gonna keep trying with the Hennessy, but I got thinking how I'd like to change out the straps, and add loops to cinch buckles. I was thinking about the bug net and how I'd like a zipper. At that point I might just try something new. I'm sure the troubles I've been having are operator error. There's a reason people like them; but I'd rather not suffer every time.

I've got a cheaper hammock that I really enjoyed last summer. It came with a nice amsteel whoopie sling ridgeline, continuous loops, straps with cinch buckles, even a double ended stuff sack. Dang, maybe I'll try overnighting in that this weekend before bug season really kicks off.
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I got their hammock. They have a small shop, it took like 2 months from order to delivery.

They pay attention to detail and do a good job, I believe they have part of the hammock started in Asia (not China) and finished in Minnesota. Used to be 100% Minnesota, but the owner explained in a thread he was having a hard time with growth if kept all here.

I think they did an excellent job with mine. I am very happy and it is the lightest Hammock + quilt combination you will find.
 
Broc said:
I got their hammock. They have a small shop, it took like 2 months from order to delivery.

They pay attention to detail and do a good job, I believe they have part of the hammock started in Asia (not China) and finished in Minnesota. Used to be 100% Minnesota, but the owner explained in a thread he was having a hard time with growth if kept all here.

I think they did an excellent job with mine. I am very happy and it is the lightest Hammock + quilt combination you will find.
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Which hammock?
 
Another hang Saturday night. It was only down to about 40, maybe a little less, some rain, basically no wind. I made a few improvements:

1. I adjusted how the underquilt attaches at the ends to force an asymmetric shape and added 3D printed hooks to hold it up tight against the hammock.
2. I pulled the tarp down closer to the ground. Where I set up is on a slope, so to get the downhill side lower I hung a water bottle from one of the lines. That worked great.
3. Unfortunately not until the AM, but I changed the angle of the tie outs at the shoulder and knee to be perpendicular to the center line. This seems like it'll hold it open better so I'm not so cramped.
4. Down hooded "sweater" jacket.

I was still cold some of the night, but not as bad as last weekend, which admittedly was even colder. Trying to justify a new top quilt I looked up some reviews on the DD quilt I'm using and they seemed to agree it's really for summer, no lower than 50 if you want to be comfortable.

So I think my next step is to treat myself to a proper top quilt and while I'm at it I might want to change over to continuous loops and some DutchWearGear gear. I'm not sure if that's the right move, or just get a new hammock. I'm really not digging the bottom entry Hennessy and I'd really like to be able to sit in it during the day. Just swapping out the suspension is more than half of what I paid in the first place.

I don't know why some things I can justify spending a pile of money just to get free shipping, and when it comes to comfort and enjoyment I get all flinty.
 
And I like the one @Broc has, but I'm already plural hundreds into a 0 degree bottom quilt. So maybe hook up the Gucci DutchWearGear suspension and roll with that for now.

Man, I've got a mouse in my super secret squirrel location and yesterday I literally had it in my sights with the pellet gun. I missed, but at least figured out where it was nesting and took care of that, re-baited traps, and spent the night thinking it knew I was sleeping over there in that hammock and would exact its revenge or at least gnaw holes in stuff.

I also heard two turkeys walking by around dinner time, sounding like 10 bears squaring off with 10 moose. So yeah, every leaf that moved sounded like a bear and a moose. Seriously, why are turkeys so loud? An actual bear floats like a butterfly, but turkeys come through with shit kickers on.
 
ToddDubya said:
I was still cold some of the night, but not as bad as last weekend, which admittedly was even colder. Trying to justify a new top quilt I looked up some reviews on the DD quilt I'm using and they seemed to agree it's really for summer, no lower than 50 if you want to be comfortable.
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Before buying a second top quilt (which is certainly not to say "don't") have you tried a second quilt/blanket? It's not ideal, but can help investigate the amount of extra insulation you want...

ToddDubya said:
So I think my next step is to treat myself to a proper top quilt and while I'm at it I might want to change over to continuous loops and some DutchWearGear gear. I'm not sure if that's the right move, or just get a new hammock. I'm really not digging the bottom entry Hennessy and I'd really like to be able to sit in it during the day. Just swapping out the suspension is more than half of what I paid in the first place.
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I'm assuming you mean to hop in/out quickly, maybe without the netting? Have you experimented with the "half hammock" method, where you just fold it on itself and pop in from the outside?

I keep considering replacing the suspension. I put the Helios on a different hammock with a pair of aluminum pegs, and have been really liking it for quick setup and adjustment. I just can't yet bring myself to modify the Hennessy.

ToddDubya said:
I don't know why some things I can justify spending a pile of money just to get free shipping, and when it comes to comfort and enjoyment I get all flinty.
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I mean, you're a HAM, right?
 
Those are all good ideas. I think I'll try a second something next weekend. I've got a "blanket" that's basically a rectangle of sleeping bag that I can use.

While I was being flinty and not buying anything, I looked into solutions to "calf ridge", which I didn't realize I had a problem with until sleeping in the hammock two weekends in a row. I don't know how I don't have a bruise it's so sore. Some of the solutions I've already tried just based on laying there trying to work something out. One solution was to try a larger hammock, and I've got a cheap 11 footer for lounging that is very comfortable. I says to myself "Self, do you even know the size of your Hennessy?" so I look it up. For cripes' sake, it's about the same size as an ENO. It's 4'11" wide, 9'10" long.

Basically my list of complaints is growing. It's not to say the Hennessy isn't fine, it's just not fine for me. Maybe I'm too tall or too fat or too wide, or my head is too big. So I've officially opened the aperture to a new hammock. If the night bugs will hold off one more week I'd like to try the aforementioned lounging hammock (no bug screen) and see how it does.

Any thoughts on full vs half zip bug nets? After a no-zip bug net, I don't want to get it wrong again.

My budget is arbitrarily set at around $300 out the door.

Needs:
Zippered bug net
Easy to adjust suspension
Likely a winter cover
Can use my existing underquilt
I'm about 5'11", 215 lbs (mostly muscle and brainpower), not in my 20s

Wants:
Light weight (I don't tend to go too far, but maybe)
Not bulky (same)

Don't needs:
I have a nice hexagonal tarp

I'll do some more reading on hammock forums and see what's good these days. The Warbonnet XLC looks like a nice option. With suspension and winter cover it might break the budget, but we'll see.
 
Somebody explain to me why this isn't a good deal. I have the non-netted version for lounging and it's oh so comfortable. Whoopie sling adjustment, continuous loops on the ends, cinch buckles and straps for hanging, double-ended stuff sack, and all together it's about half the size and weight of the Hennessy.


This is my lounger I picked up last spring. I just did some after work reading in it and it's so comfy and easy to setup.

 
Enough dicking around, I went with the Warbonnet Eldorado with cinch buckles and straps, and a winter cover. I'll spend the whole summer in analysis paralysis if I don't make a move.

I'm almost certain there will be a 20% sale as soon as I place my order. I tried a bunch of coupon codes with no luck.
 
Matt_SERE said:
Give it a day and see if anyone here responds with one. Great choice from what i can tell.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chAaqXACvVU
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Too late, order placed. Oh well. If they come out with a sale maybe I'll grab a quilt.

I was looking at the XLC which has a little shelf on the side, but this was like $50 cheaper and lighter because less material.

I like how they made the stuff sack into a storage bag inside. Looks like it'll fit a phone, pistol, headlamp without any trouble.
 
Well my new hammock didn't make it here in time for the weekend trip. But I tried three things with the Hennessy that made it more comfortable.

1. I put the foot end about 12" higher than the head end. This was an attempt to reduce/eliminate calf ridge. I'll give this a thumb's up. It didn't completely eliminate it, but it was manageable and I'm not sore from it.

2. I didn't tie out the tie outs. This was an attempt to reduce drafts and keep the underquilt tighter to me. I'd say this helped. It made it harder to get the quilt into position because it was free to move, but my shoulder only got cold a couple times in the night and I just worked it over and was back to sleep.

3. I brought a woobie to help out the underperforming top quilt. This definitely helped. I'd say it got down to about 40 with a steady breeze, then rain. The tarp was low to the ground, but there was still some breeze coming in the ends. I was hot a few times in the night.

Overall I slept probably 6-7 hours, almost straight. That's a huge improvement over waking up every hour or so and reading for 20 minutes before I could get back to sleep.

The Warbonnet should be here tomorrow.
 
Oh my cripes, I just spent an hour or so fooling with the new Warbonnet and it's really nice. I never did get it quite right but I'm close. If it's nice tomorrow I'll mess with it some more. I just ran out of daylight. Straps and cinch buckles was a good choice.
 
ToddDubya said:
Oh my cripes, I just spent an hour or so fooling with the new Warbonnet and it's really nice. I never did get it quite right but I'm close. If it's nice tomorrow I'll mess with it some more. I just ran out of daylight. Straps and cinch buckles was a good choice.
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Photos please.
 

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