Top products from r/hammockcamping

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.

I have a Grand Trunk Brand Hammock that looks and feels just like the expensive Eno hammocks, but i got it off Amazon for $19.99. It doesn't come with straps, but I found an awesome set of straps for $4.99 on Amazon as well. If you are interested, let me know and I will send you the links!
Edit: spelling, and heres the link for the hammock: Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock (Forest Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIHB76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VHywxbV0QYDTV

For an underquilt I got a Snugpak for $57 . You could definitely go a bit cheaper, but it has pretty good reviews on Amazon.

On top, I use a sleeping bag since I don't always use my hammock. It's my only really nice piece of gear. I was lucky enough to score a 20 degree bag from Mountain Hardware for $50 at the employee store since my relative works for them.

No problem! :)

Oh and just a few things to add:

Watch some videos on how to set up hammock and tarps. shugmery is an old youtuber who's an entertainer by trade, so he makes fun upbeat videos that aren't boring to watch.

Also in case you forget the knots that you learn to get the tarp to stay in place on the ridgeline (that one line to hang the tarp that goes from tree A to tree B) get these really cheap tarp clips for $5: https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6268-Tarp-Clips-4-Piece/dp/B00A50NB24/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468442049&sr=8-1&keywords=tarp+clip

You can have the tarp in diamond/triangle formation, two ends secured to the ground (with pegs that come with all tarp purchases for free), and then the two ends that are hanging on the line you can just clip in place with the clips (which uses screws to tighten, not merely by clipping).

Be sure to bring cordage, which I assume you have, if not you can get 50 feet for like $5, or 100 feet for $10: https://www.amazon.com/Paracord-Planet-Mil-Spec-Commercial-Orange/dp/B00ACL4KJO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1468442435&sr=1-2&keywords=paracord

DO NOT get 25 feet, because they still charge you $5 like for 50 feet, lol.

Sorry to add about $15 to your budget :)

Are all of these recommended tarps really super awesome or is this just a case of people being elitist about their brand name equipment?


I've used this in numerous all out lightning thunderstorms and been perfectly dry, for $30.

https://www.amazon.com/UST-WG01613-BRK-Base-Hex-Tarp/dp/B00FB7XYXM

There are a couple economical underquilt options out there. Snugpack's Underblanket is one. The lead time is a bit rough. I have their Jungle Blanket for top insulation and the workmanship is pretty good.


If you're handy and have access to a sewing machine, you could always make your own. I've made a couple PLUQ's, suggested by a few others, and they work great.

Another option is modifying old sleeping bags. Clearance sections can be your friend. :)
Edit: Hyperlink fail.

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.

• The Yukon Outfitters tarp is normally $40 on Amazon. I bought two when they happened to be on Woot for $20. Good deal at $40, and a steal at $20. I use them as loaner tarps, and they work well.
  http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-MG-rainfly1-Hammock-Black/dp/B00EUHZ74I
  
  
• UST Hex Tarp is smaller than I would want, but it has been used by some hammockers. $30 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G2TXJ7O
  
  
• DIYing a polycro, tyvek, or dropcloth tarp has been done before for cheap. Search Hammockforums.
  
  
• Also, hardware store blue tarps have been used by many with price concerns.
  
  Good luck!

Check out Derek's technique for split skins in his book; it works great, and bonus: it keeps your tarp from getting super wrinkled when you just cram it into the skin.

Another option to start out with is this hammock. It comes with its own suspension, and isn't a bad starter hammock at all. A lot of people upgrade their kit more than a few times, like u/latherdome alludes to. When you're ready to upgrade components, you are probably ready for cottage vendors. Not that you can't skip the entry-level gear and get better stuff right away (and if you do the for sale forum is a good place to start), but for me having a set of "beater/loner gear" is nice.

This is another budget UQ from Amazon. The reviews are decent, and I'm considering getting one until I save up for my dream UQ.

Like /r/AtomMass, I don't like spending money on the cheapo version when I still plan to buy a better one later, but if I have this second UQ it would mean I have a full backup setup for an unequipped friend.

Best amazon arrangement in my opinion:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011W0VETW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
get a "double". They're currently out of doubles. And this does not imply double as in "for two people". Two people in one hammock is awful.
Add an Amsteel ridgeline.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XCRYKT5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Clip off the little plastic hooks. Use the hammock structural ridgeline to keep net up off of face.
https://www.amazon.com/Hammock-Sunshade-Backpacking-Lightweight-Waterproof/dp/B071KJ4LZ3/ref=sr_1_33?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1503402533&sr=1-33&keywords=hammock+tarp
a pretty darn good tarp for the money

I bought the green Yukon outfitters hammock when it was on sale at Woot! It was like $25 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBY371S/ref=twister_B00MAUNB2M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought a Yukon outfitters rainfly (black) for $20 on sale at Woot! and swapped out the orange reflective paracord with black paracord. It blends nicely with the woods (well, over other colors atleast).

The bug net works great (kept me from the horde of mosquitoes in the Florida summer) and you can use grommets to make your own ridgeline so you can have a handgun setup at the ready inside your tent. I'm 200 lbs 6'2" and I drunkenly fell backwards onto the net and it somehow didn't tear at all after 20 seconds of trying to flip back. It's not a double but if you're hunting I'm going to assume you'll be so tired it probably won't matter.

I got a hennesy hex fly on amazon for like $60. Works great. More than enough room.


Hennessy Hex Fly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094NLB8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_36aDxbYDFQ4QG



In action with a 11' dutch.


http://imgur.com/orCHMBQ

The Hennessy Hammock Hex Rainfly always served me well. It's not the lightest tarp around, but for the price (about $60) it's been great. Also, it fits your color preferences.

The double layer hammocks, are a good call if you are looking for bug protection, mosquitoes can bite through a single layer. I use a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC. It is a wonderful hammock that lets me lay flat or even on my side.

As tarps go, I use a Hennessy hex fly on a continuous Ridgeline, attached via prusik knots. I attach the ridge line to the trees using figure 9s. I also suggest using snake skins with the tarp.

I can get my entire setup hung in about 4 minutes. Which comes in handy when it's getting dark or about to rain.

www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/product/blackbird-xlc/

Hennessy Hammock - Hex Rainfly - Rain Tarp (Coyote Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094NLB8E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_9h8Dyb7TDZXRZ

Nite Ize F9L-02-01 Large Figure 9, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HN6CWY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_3e8DybE1QPP2A

I'm using the Hennessy Hex rain fly and I'm really enjoying it so far. The tie leads tuck into the corners for easy setup and takedown.

Hennessy Hammock - Hex Rainfly - Rain Tarp (Bark) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094NLB8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ALYoDb1TEGP3Y

I use this stand. A little tricky to get your angle right with but once it's dialed in it works great. For bottom insulation I just have a giant quilt that I wrap underneath me when I crawl into bed.

If you're talking about the tarp I think you're talking about, it's basically a regular square tarp not a triangle tarp. They just show it set up on a diagonal ridgeline so it looks like the sides are triangles. As far as keeping you dry, it'll do just that as long as the rain is not coming in sideways.

If you expect thunderstorms with wind-driven rain or if you expect it to be raining near-constantly and you'll therefore be spending lots of time under your tarp, I might suggest getting a bigger tarp.

If you're on a budget I would highly recommend this tarp for massive amounts of coverage at an extremely low price: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QBJZG83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

If you're looking for something more refined, perhaps a tarp with doors, I recommend you look at UGQ, HammockGear, Warbonnet, or Simply Light Designs. They can set you up with exactly what you want in any color or print you can imagine.

I have 3 Eno hammocks among my family. I just replaced 2 of them with Bear Butt hammocks from Amazon. The fabric is exactly the same. (75D/250T) The gathered ends use nylon straps instead of the marine grade rope on the Eno. (I replaced these with Amsteel continuous loops from Dutchware.) The carabiners are not as nice as the wire gates on the Eno so I just transferred those from my old hammocks.

For a budget hammock you cannot go wrong with Bear Butt. I am more than happy with them especially for $26.

Linky

There is always the Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock!! It has served me well.

Thanks for all the info. How do you secure the under quilt? I was thinking of getting those clip things and using those plus para-cord to hold it up

Yeah that's where I found it originally.

Chances are I wouldn't take this on a backpacking trip unless I really wanted to use a hammock in an open area. I'm getting this for car camping in Yosemite where our site has few trees (and I'm determined to use my hammock there).

I have a free standing lounge/yard style hammock ( here ), and would try that stand, however it weighs a crap ton, and I need to bring this as well as all my other gear on the plane to get to Yosemite, so I need something light and portable. This Handy Hammock has been the best I've found...I'd consider making my own but I don't know if I could really make anything lighter/more portable for less money than this.

This bug net will get you going

http://sport.woot.com/offers/no-fly-zone-mosquito-net-5?ref=ref%3Dcnt_wp_3_2

I have the snugpak under blanket, I modified it by sowing down the end tabs and running shock cord through to channel locks to close up the ends. Might compromise the structure after while but it was only $50, if it lasts a few seasons I'm good. I've slept in it on 30degree nights and been toasty.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0167IYGH6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1463963578&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=snugpak+under+blanket&dpPl=1&dpID=4185rftr-CL&ref=plSrch

Total would cost you $75ish, not bad to get you out in the woods ; )

i have some of that same crappy line that came with a tarp for tie outs, no bueno...for ridge-lines (or things that really matter) do yourself a favor and buy some Lash-It or any of those ropes/cords made by Samson. lash-it is the grey cord that is like 1.75mm and 500lb break strength.

i used to used whatever i had laying around (usually 550 paracord)....the samson stuff is in a whole other league.

like this

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Cordage-Lash-1-75Mm-180Ft/dp/B003X499OI

I have this exact one here because my backyard has no trees and I didn't want to make my own stand. If that sounds like your situation, I'd recommend it. If you have decently sized trees though, I'd recommend a regular hammock and straps, just because it's cheaper and more portable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EUHZ74I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497485987&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yukon+outfitters&dpPl=1&dpID=41vQiuwW1UL&ref=plSrch

This tarp is great for the price

I picked up one of these for my kid's hammock, and was pleasantly surprised with the quality.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AXV8VLU/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Neither kit includes thread. Put some Mara 70 in your cart.

The hammock kit doesn't have webbing to use with the cinchbuckles. Put some webbing in your cart. (see my original comment)

The tarp kit doesn't have cordage for your ridgeline and tie-outs. I like to use Zing-it (or Lash-it), which you can also add to your cart. Personally, I use small figure-9s for my ridgeline, and Skurka's method for my tie outs. I use 6-8' for each tie out, and maybe 10-12' for each side of the ridgeline.

Tarp on top would be the obvious suggestion (read that as last item packed, first item out). Maybe utilizing a couple of figure 9's or my old favorite the truckers hitch.

Hammock

Underquilt

Rainfly

Would you say this is correct? Would you recommend the red/grey one for $25 and change?

12ft Extra Large Tarp Hammock Waterproof Rain Fly Tarp 185in Centerline - Lightweight Ripstop Fabric - Stakes Included - Survival Gear Backpacking Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QBJZG83/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_N96sDBYzRegKP


This doesn't have doors but it's 12x10 so you can just make them. This is what I use and I like it. Tons of tieouts

I was able to get this tarp for $20 on woot, but its sold out on that site. still, its a deal on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-Walkabout-Rainfly/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467162722&sr=8-1&keywords=yukon+outfitters+tarp

My #1 choice for budget rainfly would be the [Yukon Walkabout] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xqtFzb9KAWJ9A) it's $40 and 14 ounces, about as good as it gets for the money.

I'm looking at this one, people seem to really like this company

I think you'll need to sacrifice the underquilt to attempt to make this budget.

Maybe the Wildhorn Outpost - an 11 ft hammock w/ real suspension for $50. Add a structural ridgeline (~$5) after the fact.

Use your existing insulated pad, possibly supplement with a CCF.

Kelty Noah 9 is $50. The 12 is 20 bucks more, and provides more coverage, but limits site selection a bit more.

Of course, I suppose it must be said that using the word "ultralight" and trying to hit under 200 bucks is a total pipe dream. But you can get decent normal quality stuff in that range.

This book, The Ultimate Hang, is the absolute bible on hammock camping. I can't recommend it enough. Make sure to get the 2nd edition.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hang-Hammock-Camping-Illustrated/dp/1478351187/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

I think it's hanging on a this.

I use this at home. It's fairly lightweight for being a bunch of metal tubes and fits into a travel bag about 3 feet long. Not made specifically for camping, but it's cheaper and doesn't require you to run over it...

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0167IYGH6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502935242&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=snugpak+under+blanket&dpPl=1&dpID=41Cv7gj2HZL&ref=plSrch

If you're on a budget, you could look into this. I picked one up a a few months back, though I haven't had the chance to try it out yet.

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

I just picked up a Snugpak jungle blanket (currently on sale for $25) and plan on adding shock cord to it for use as UQ. Might be a little lightweight though.

You can make a quick underquilt that works with a set of these!, two lengths of shock cord and an old sleeping bag.

The ratchet strap highline seems like overkill for a tarp ridge line. If that's all you have use it of course, but any bit of rope will do. There is relatively little tension put on it by the tarp so you don't have to worry about thinner line damaging the trees. It is common to see 1.75mm lash-it (https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Cordage-Lash-1-75Mm-180Ft/dp/B003X499OI), or something similar, used here.