(Part 3) Best camping cots & hammocks according to redditors

So, I just went through my Amazon orders and pretty much every single thing I saw that I bought for myself I thought was the best thing I ever purchased.

With great pain and strain, I narrowed it down to these three things:

• Inflatable Japanese Soaking Tub // I've always desired a deep bathtub that is in the Japanese soaking tub style. I had dreams of remodeling my bathroom to put in such a bathtub but when I priced it out the price tag had a lot of figures and made me very nervous. This device packs up to the size of two furled full size golf umbrellas side-by-side, but also fits into my existing bathtub and creates the soaking tub I so desire. Oh, and it cost under $100. Far less than a bathroom reno.
  
  
• Klymit Static V Insulated // It truly is a super crazy comfortable sleeping pad/mat for side sleepers. I camp with a quilt, rather than a sleeping bag, but that hasn't been a problem.
  
  
• ThermaRest Ultralight Cot Knock Off // At $40 vs $100+ for the name brand, but with the additional cost of 2 lbs, I am really happy with this cot. It is delightfully comfortable and I use it when traveling. I can sleep on my side without any sore spots developing.
  
  Edited to add links.

The opinions on the ENO here will generally be poor. Some people love theirs. I think they're too short and too heavy, and that tarps need to be fully modular so that your weight doesn't affect their hang (or the hang of the bugnet).

You won't get a straight answer on side sleep in a gathered end hammock. Some people say no problem (with adequate length/diagonals) some insist it's impossible. I'm a dedicated side sleeper, but I find back sleep to feel natural in a hammock. If you don't there's always bridge hammocks.

Entire kit for under $200 will involve compromises. BTW the kit listed wasn't complete, missing top and bottom insulation and bug net.

Here's a cheaper, lighter, longer, more complete setup:

• Dutchware netless w/ ridgeline and continuous loops: $40.50, 11 oz
  
• Hummingbird bugnet: $30, 6.5 oz
  
• Eastern Ridge Hex Tarp (11' large): $30, 18 oz
  
• Warbonnet complete whoopie suspension $24, 4oz
  
  2lbs 8oz, $124.50. Insulation is expensive, and there's absolutely no staying within your budget below a certain temperature. You could stay under $200 (above 40-50°) making your own quilts out of costco down throws, for which there are several popular designs only a quick google away. No sewing machine access/skills? Make the gemini quilt.
  
  If I was you, and I was going to ignore eveyone telling me that noncottage hammock kits are too heavy for backpacking, I still wouldn't get the ENO. Here's a more complete, lighter, cheaper kit that's supposedly ideal for side sleepers and comes with a great warranty/return policy:
  
  REI Quarter Dome Air
  
  Bridge hammock, suspension, bug net, and rainfly for $153.89 at 3lbs 8 oz.

Hey, a fellow fat hanger! I am 6'5 and 350. Been sleeping 100% on a hammock for over 4 years now.

First, I started off with the hammock stand that /u/Nicktav already linked to (Amazon Link). I used this for about a year. I actually bent it over time. Got another one, bent it too, then decided to do something else.

Next, came this. And this has been going three years strong.
https://imgur.com/a/P3Vns#0

I love it!! No issues with me and this misses (and even the little one) all in at the same time.

The the picture is a bit out of date. I hung a TV on the left wall, so I can hang and watch before sleeping.

The hammock I use is the Grand Trunk Double. 4 years of 350lb nightly sleeping and it hangs like new.

Considering that most of the reviews for that item are a "received for free in exchange for an unbiased review," and the fact that it's only sold by one seller, you should consider posting your screenshot as a customer image and revise your review; noting the bribe offered by the seller.

Scores from ReviewMeta and Fakespot

Backpacking Cot. Super lightweight. Easy to set up and take down. No power needed to inflate. Keeps you off the floor. YaeKoo Outdoor Super Ultralight& Portable Folding Aluminium alloy Cot Camping Tent Bed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3544WF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_THGZDb8VQ33ZX

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Trunk-Parachute-Hammock-Crimson/dp/B002XO43TK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484191601&sr=8-2&keywords=grand+trunk+hammock

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B002XO43TK

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations via PM

nah, this guy. Fits in an Apache tailboom. Great jack shack.

How do you hang your hammock at the beach? Also I'd check out the Hiker Hunger Double it's 11' long https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Outdoor-Hammock-Carabiners-Backpacking/dp/B01M1F1IZU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494640031&sr=8-2&keywords=hiker+hunger

Various deals I've come across while browsing during this slow work day:

Lighting
Tentcot
8-person Tent
Cot
20% off Air Mattresses

This will be our third year using these cots and we use them in the tent and don’t have any condensation issues, but the bedding in top does sometimes. They store like folding chairs in a sleeve and are sturdy. I love my husband but I would never sleep in one with him, especially at Roo. Tooooo hot.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NI6TBW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I have this bugnet and absolutely love it, but it's not bottom entry it's a sock style. It's only $40, and weighs only like 0.7 more than Dutch's for the 11 footer.

https://smile.amazon.com/Outdoor-Vitals-Ultralight-Underside-Protecton/dp/B07582S3XN

If your hammock already has a ridgeline, you could ditch the included shock cord ridgeline and it would probably be the same weight as Dutch's, actually.

These are solid hammocks and they pack up nice and small - think somewhere between a grapefruit and a cantaloupe, but cylindrical, and not too heavy either

I have two non eno hammocks and they are both great. The one I'll recommend I got on amazon for 30 dollars and it came with straps and clips! The clips are a little small but the straps are great. Can hold 500 pounds. Plus it was the equivalent to the double nest. And it has great reviews and a great warranty. All in all, I say forgo ENO and get something just as good for less money.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LTEQ4B4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xgQnzbG2SC0Z9

For the $30 range, I'd give a good look at the Chill Gorilla hammock:

https://www.amazon.com/Chill-Gorilla-Backpacking-Parachute-Lightweight/dp/B01LYOL6QH

$36 on Amazon with tree straps. I don't have any direct experience with this hammock, but I have a Chill Gorilla tarp that I like a lot. It's a good product for the money, and if the hammock is similar value (and I see no reason it shouldn't be) then it's a good deal.

+1 to the cot. I've been using one for 3 years at Roo and wouldn't think of any other way. Keeps you comfy, no worry about air mattresses deflating or sleeping bags getting too hot. Plus you can stash stuff under them saving all important space. I have one similar to this Texsport Deluxe Folding Camp Cot
http://amzn.com/B001NI6TBW

All you need is a sheet and a pillow. Maybe a light blanket in case it gets cold like last year. We have a group of 10, after seeing my comfort the first year, most of my group has switched to the cot route too.

Do you have the regular planet fitness membership or the black one?
http://www.planetfitness.com/membership-types

If you have the black one you're golden ;)

Other than that, get a good portable stove so you can make some food and boil water for tea or coffee.

Buy a jerrycan for water with a little tap on it, fill it up regularly, it also means you can wash yourself even if you don't have access to showers etc.

A small camping spade is good for number 2s in the woods :)

Get a mosquito net hammock, and maybe a cheap tent it means you can sleep outside or on campsites on hot nights.

Your biggest expense will be gas for the car.

Planet fitness is a good idea, but it's urban areas, I would do some (wild) camping more often.

I have no idea what campsites cost in the US per night, but if you do that every other night, or even once in 3 nights, it beats sleeping in a car park, and is cheaper than a hotel.

Have a look at some of the national parks, some of them have basic (cheap) camp grounds too. Campgrounds are really cool places to meet people, much better than a Walmart car park ;)

Shopping list:

Solar shower

Water carrier

Folding spade

Hammock

Cookware

Camping canister stoves are cheap, between $10 and $50
Cheap tent is around $50

Total expenses before hand, around $150-200 max.

I just went for the first items I found on amazon, there are probably cheaper or better products out there.

Source, I did a 6 month trip by bicycle through Europe, so not the same, but the basics are the same. You have the advantage of not being restricted by weight or size of items, which makes it cheaper.

If you need more ideas, packing tips or anything else, I'll gladly help ;)

Have fun, explore and enjoy, it's fun!

Unless you raise the bottom part of the seat, or remove the back seat the angle of the back rest can only be adjusted so much in that space. If you try to raise areas to flatten it out as you suggest, I have a feeling the steering wheel will become a real hassle.

Try one of [these] (https://smile.amazon.com/G4Free-Portable-Mosquito-Capacity-Foldable/dp/B01F58BAGO/ref=sr_1_3?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1499331353&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=hammock+tent&psc=1), probably cheaper than all the foam you'd need to experiment and way more comfortable.

I use a Rand McNally map, water bladder, 2 days change of clothes, toothbrush/paste.

Tank bag $33 : https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Magnetic-Motorcycle-Tank-Bag/dp/B006JMKLPM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=maddog+saddlebags&qid=1563454473&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Saddlebags $47: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-2000012670-Motorcycle-Saddle-Bag/dp/B006JMKJ5E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=motorcycle+saddlebags&qid=1563454539&s=gateway&sprefix=motorcycle+saddle&sr=8-3

Hammock $17: if you're in a pinch

When you fill up, stretch, hydrate, mental/physical fatigue check, jumping jacks/ quick exercise.

• https://dutchwaregear.com/product/netless-hammock-sale/#suspension - This is the link for the hammock. Assuming a ridgeline (which you want), whoopies, and tree straps, it comes out to $76.50
  
• https://hummingbirdhammocks.com/shop/warbler-bug-net/ - The bug net is $39.95
  
• Tarp I see two cheap, proven options with better coverage than the ENO tarp both at $29: The Eastern Ridge tarp https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Hammock-Hex-Tarp-Lightweight/dp/B0744JT51J?th=1&psc=1 and the Bear Butt tarp https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Butt-Portable-Hammock-Shelter/dp/B01LLXZZ7M/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1527185851&sr=1-2&keywords=bear+butt+tarp&dpID=31AL%252BidohgL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch which
  
  Overall, the setup will be not only cheaper but more comfortable and durable than ENO and Kammock (I recommended Kammock because I like their fabric more than ENO but have the same shortcomings in terms of price, size and weight).

http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Deluxe-Folding-Camp-Cot/dp/B001NI6TBW



this is the one I got. It's compact, easy to set up, and very comfortable in terms of camping sleep.

1. Get a hammock with straps, not rope. I recommend this one because it's cheap and includes the straps, plus it's 11 feet long (as opposed to less than 9' for an ENO. It's heavy and wide, but you aren't backpacking with it, so that's OK. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1F1IZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
2. A lot of nights, you won't need an underquilt - until you do. I went camping on the 4th of July last year and was sweltering when I used mine. Ended up pulling it aside. Sure enough, about 4am, I was "freezing" at about 70 degrees and pulled my UQ back underneath. Get a 1 Season Jarbidge from Arrowhead Equipment or get this cheapie from Amazon - note that this is cotton. Not something I'd recommend for longevity or for backpacking, but it should work for a summer.
   
   
3. I'd shy away from camping top quilts as most of them aren't very breathable. They're designed to keep you warm and block wind. A traditional sleeping bag can work, but if it's nylon on the outside you're going to sweat like mad and that condensation is going to stay with you. Instead, try a cheap fleece blanket. It'll breathe and should be all you need for most of the summer. Switch to a 40 or 50 degree bag from walmart if you really need to go that low.
   
   
4. For that matter, stay away from anything down. Others have already mentioned the humidity. And it won't be cold enough to warrant spending the cash on down, anyway.
   
   
5. Mosquitoes suck. Get a bugnet. This one from Outdoor Vitals is inexpensive and will cover you on both sides, so the mosquitoes can't bite you even if you aren't using your Top Quilt/Under Quilt. It'll also add a couple of degrees on insulation, which kind of sucks sometimes, but helps others.
   
   
6. Keep a beanie with you. I keep my hair really short and I need one anytime I'm sleeping outside below about 70 degrees.
   
   
7. Misc. stuff - This isn't strictly necessary, but it's nice to have. Go to Dutchware Gear and get continuous loops, a ridge line, and a ridge line organizer. The ropes on that hammock are super bulky and heavy. I hate them. The ridge line will help you hang your hammock the same way every time, and will help make sure you have enough sag to get a nice, flat, diagonal lay. The organizer should be obvious. I keep my headlamp wrapped around the ridge line itself (Zebralight, check /r/flashlight for more good options), my phone in one pocket, knife/etc in another pocket, and a water bottle in the hammock pocket.
   
   
8. Get some good earplugs. Depending on where you are, you may want to be woken up in the event a 2 legged critter is approaching. If you don't worry about that, then the cicadas, crickets, and bullfrogs will keep you up until the roosters start crowing and the dogs start barking. Or maybe you'll be by a highway. Foam plugs are cheap, but I find them uncomfortable. Amazon sells some that you mold to your ear, but I haven't tried any of them. Instead, I visited PMS firearms and had "Granny" make me a set that fits my ears. They're the best I've ever used.
   
   
9. Edit: Forgot a tarp. I use this Chill Gorilla because it packs up small. If you've got the space, though, it's just as easy or easier to buy a 9x12, 10x12, or 12x12 tarp from walmart. I've used both this one and this cheap blue one and both are fine, strung up with some cheap paracord.

there's not going to be a lot of choice for a lightweight tent/hammock combo because they usually come a good deal heavier with the enclosed cocoon style.

This would be one of the best choices because it weighs less than a pound http://www.amazon.com/Eagles-Nest-Outfitters-SingleNest-Hammock/dp/B001DDTDFQ/ref=pd_sim_sg_3

It isn't a tent hammock but you can buy a rain tarp that works just as well. that you can hang close enough to shield you from the elements.

For the splurging hammocker gt released a hard to find tye dye you have to choose the color...


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FQAMBGA/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AIHFZY/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

I think that everyone has given good advice on the need for insulation underneath you which for the newbie is the easiest thing to be unaware of. If you have a sleeping pad and a tarp you have covered all your bases. You can always run a ridge line between your bike and something else if there aren't enough trees and at least you have shelter. If you want to just test out a hammock... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L618D2E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For $15 bucks you can try out your setup and not be out too much$$ Good luck!

Another one that's pretty solid. It's a little longer and so a little more comfortable, and very well reviewed.

Lots of good ideas on this thread. Here's my 2 cents:

For a stomach, I put a large blanket inside of a 2 person tent, then fill it with warm water. Sloshing and wrapping it around feels great. Another thing I do is tie a hammock up, something like [this], and it'll feel like you are in a stomach as you are swinging around.

Im 6'3 and 350 lbs, I have used this hammoke about 2 dozen times,, it is great https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Trunk-Parachute-Hammock-Crimson/dp/B002XO43TK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484191601&sr=8-2&keywords=grand+trunk+hammock

I don't have a Helinox cot, but I have a similar one I got off amazon for like $60. That, plus a sleeping pad = best night of sleep I've ever had outside. I'm a very picky sleeper, With chronic back pain and this has been the best system I've tried.

[Yahill cot](Yahill Ultralight Folding Bed Portable Cot, or Tent Bed Replacements Aluminium Alloy for Indoor Outdoor Camping Hiking Fishing (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I334ER0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sbEAyb4R4Z708)

Have you looked at the Therm-a-Rest Ultralight Cot Clone? That's a good thing to keep you off the ground a little and give support.

https://www.amazon.com/YAHILL-Ultralight-Collapsible-Replacements-Generation/dp/B01I334ER0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1537398892&sr=8-5&keywords=Ultralight+Cot

It's the name of the straps by ENO. $20 on Amazon. I bought these and a pack of six heavy duty carabiners five years ago and have been using them heavily ever since!

Here's the link to which one I'm thinking on getting (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D2DM4E6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_c0eBCbTZK8X22)

Keep in mind I'm going relatively cheap since it's my first time.

Honest Outfitters Double Camping Hammock With Hammock Tree Straps,Portable Parachute Nylon Hammock for Backpacking travel 118L x 78W Inches Grey/Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LTEQ4B4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-Y.DybFTTX5T8


I have bought several of these as Christmas and birthday gifts. The quality of fabric and stitching is on par with ENO. The straps are durable as well, although during the first couple uses, you may end up sagging a lot. This is typical with most nylon straps but I've noticed it more with these. After a couple hours you will stop sagging and it will hold just right. Best hammock on amazon for under 50.

This is my super lazy / not roughing it camp set up

Would this be alright for the festival, or be too much work/annoy other festival goers/ get stolen

Moving it would be no problem, have a big cart :)


http://www.amazon.com/Trademark-Innovations-Portable-Canopy-10-Feet/dp/B009QW9WDO/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1404243752&sr=1-1&keywords=10x10+canopy

http://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-Compact-Extra-Large-Tent-44x10x10-Inch/dp/B009A80W1K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404243740&sr=8-2&keywords=tent+cot

Anywhere! Suggest being nice to the trees and using some slap straps as the rope can cut into the bark.

Does anyone have an opinion on these straps?

The Grand Trunk website doesn't say what material they are made of, but it looks like it's just paracord.

Here

https://www.amazon.com/Yes4All-HZPY-Ultra-Light-Hammocks/dp/B00L618D2E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473694314&sr=8-3&keywords=hammock&refinements=p_89%3AYes4All

there's a link to my cheapass hammock. Its not a fantastic ahmmock when compared to the nice ones, but it works, its easy and cheap enough to not worry about, and at that price its hard to argue with its quality.

I have tried laying diagonally and must just be too stupid to figure it out. I'm in one of these Eno's which looks to be about the same as what you have.

So how does one actually lay diagonally? If I try, I just end up folding back down to straight in there, with the sides rolling over me...

You may also want to consider this one from Legit Camping.

They've got a basically unlimited lifetime warranty, the fit and finish on the hammock is great, and it's quite comfy.

I've never had an ENO, but I do have a Grand Trunk hammock with the built in bug net. My Legit Camping hammock is at least as high quality as the Grand Trunk, and probably even a bit more.

I am pretty sure I own that hammock. I got mine from Amazon.

Any way, I use it as my "party hammock" for when I am doing light camping with gear that may get damaged due to alcohol consumption and or neglect.

Overall it's not bad, but it's $15. The carabiners suck though. I would recommend replacing them with some better ones before you use it. Then you are gonna be spending more money and could have just bought a slightly better hammock from the get go.

It says it doesn't come with a hanging kit, what can i do about that? Should I buy these?

Edit: turns out those include webbing too... good or bad?)

Avoid the hammocks with bars at each end. Go for a sling type hammock.
I've seen a lot of students use these to attach them to the trees, but I haven't seen anyone use towels.

Since you are going by boat you can probably bring heavier gear. In that case skip mattresses entirely and go straight to cots. I have one very similar to this and it is the most luxurious sleep I've had outdoors. Takes a little practice to put it together though.

Canned food lets you eat just as good as you do at home. 3 days is the longest trip that I'd want to eat canned though. It is so bulky!

https://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-Compact-Extra-Large-Tent-44x10x10-Inch/dp/B009A80W1K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1485375205&sr=8-5&keywords=kamp+rite+tent+cot

A little pricey, but this is what I use. I highly recommend!

I have used the follwing hammock. It is the perfect size, it comfortably fits myself (6'2" 215lbs) and my girlfriend (5'2" 115lbs). It is affordable, comes with strong straps, and folds up to a decent size. Many would argue that's it's a bit too bulky for ultralight packing, but I guarantee it's worth it once you are at your destination. There's nothing better than a great nap or some light reading once your in the wilderness. Check it:

Legit Camping Double Hammock with Nylon Straps and Steel Carabiners - Red / Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018YKPE9O/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_ZBIczb0Y9VHRN

They should've got hammocks for each person at least, so they can at least get some good sleep. No wonder they left early everybody was miserable from the shitty night of sleep, nobody wants to watch them be miserable, and everyone wanted them to stream till Monday