(Part 2) Top products from r/hammockcamping

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

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

Check out the HammockGear Phoenix Econ 40. Paired with a Burrow Econ 40 you're only at about $220. Though if you already have a bag you're happy with, the Pheonix is only $90.

For a bug net you could make your own HUG or order one from AHE. $40 to buy.

An inexpensive reasonably good tarp option is the Bear Butt rain fly. Simple, and inexpensive at $30.

So a total of $160 for mid-quality gear. Or a total of $280 to include a top quilt.

HG's lead times are like 8 weeks, though. Might want to watch their In-Stock section if you want something from them sooner than late July.

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.

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.

• 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).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CFSNBK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use this for underquilt, because it's flat rectangle when rolled out which makes it easier to go under/half-around a hammock.

That would be a good example of the type of sleeping bag you want in terms of dimensions and shape (not sure about temperature rating). You could get two of these and use as under and overquit, or that as underquilt and jungle blanket as overquilt (jungle seems to have less insulation). Like I said, you could try alternating them to see what works.

If you use it as an underquilt (same goes for jungle blanket), make sure you have it kind of snug (not too snug) hugging the hammock - leave some room between it and the sleeping bag but not too much room. You can bunch up extra loose parts and just tie it up with cordage to bunch it all up and snug. And then you should be able to use the jungle blanket as top quilt, if we're talking 60 degrees. Make sure you take all the setup out for a test drive before you go for the long haul you're doing.

Like I mentioned, those two kinds of bags should be fine for 60s F.

I myself am switching out from that set up so I can use an actual underquilt made to be an underquilt (so it's sown accordingly and the cords are at the right place, all just to take less time to setup), and then use a jungle blanket. But I camp in a bit chiller to even colder weather.

If you're really worried about less than 50 degrees, what I have now is that sleeping bag as underquilt, and then I have a much thicker mummy bag as overquilt, which makes up for the thin underquilt: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TR7QZA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's not an ideal under/over combination one might say, but I just happened to have gotten those and didn't feel like returning, plus they worked.

Sorry for the novel.

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.

https://dutchwaregear.com/product/netless-hammock-sale/#suspension

Little more than $30 as the $30price is just the body w/o continuous loops or anything. You'll want to add a structural ridgeline, the $7.50 option is fine, and the suspension I'd recommend is the Whoopie Hooks with 5ft Huggers for $39, bringing you up to $76.50 for hammock and suspension. The only downside to this is limited fabric color options.

https://hummingbirdhammocks.com/shop/warbler-bug-net/ i believe is the bugnet referenced, though Dutch also has some on his website as well. I personally have one of the Dutchware Bottom Entry ones and it works quite well.

https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Butt-Double-Hammock-Tent/dp/B07CGT15KX is the Bear Butt Tarp.

I updated my setup in the end, dropped the all in one hammock for a double hammock and bought a separate bug net. It costs more, but it is more practical and still better than the premade sets in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WildHorn-Outfitters-Adjustable-Litespeed-Suspension/dp/B011W0VEOC

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hammock-Bliss-Mosquito-Ultimate-Sleeping/dp/B0002Q2GJ0

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019DC9II0

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B073J9GDXS

I'm camping on my own for now, because my gf isn't particularly convinced by the idea of sleeping in a hammock (she prefers to sleep in a tent), but I'll definitely keep your advice in mind once it gets to it.

Re #5, I'd settled on making my own alcohol stove, but then realized I needed a lightweight pot -- found this Esbit and I've loved using it.

I store them uncompressed and hanging in a Equinox mesh bag I picked up on Amazon for $15. Works great.

Prusik knots are easy and allow your tarp to be easily maneuvered but will keep it in place at night.

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=Rl_dpfjgPL4

The figure nines keep you from
to tie a knot at the tree. They are attached to my ridgeline with prusik knots as well.

www.amazon.com/dp/B001C3LEMW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_ycBpyb3F365J3

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

Oh you have no idea, down in middle Tennessee in the summer so I’m sure you can imagine how much of a god send that bug net was. And the bug net in the photo actually is separate and I just fed my hammock through it on either end and then tied it off so nothing could come in on where the straps meet the tree. And then it’s a double zipper and only about twenty bucks, here’s the link:

pys Hammock Bug Net - 12' Hammock Mosquito Net Fits All Camping Hammocks, Compact&Lightweight, Fast Easy Setup, Security from Bugs and Mosquitoes, Essential Camping and Survival Gear (1.4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KMG5HP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zrd7CbAD60D2Z

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.

Pack one of those SOL emergency blankets:

https://www.amazon.com/S-Survive-Outdoors-Longer-Reflective/dp/B00266H5VI

Adds less < 3oz and can work as a makeshift underquilt if you're pushing the temps without a normal underquilit. It's also a good thing to have with you generally.

You just have to find a way to fasten it to the sides of the hammock (I used small binder clips, but that's not ideal). Having it hanging underneath the hammock will stop a lot of the losses from the wind.

An actual underquilt is much nicer and more effective though.

They tend to be too short and narrow. Many do not come with ridge lines and the suspensions can be less than ideal. That being said, [ I started with this one and it's ok] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002COCF3M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

As soon as my paycheck clears, I'm buying this. Seems like a good choice, but we'll soon see!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072KMG5HP/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1527640301&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hammock+mosquito+net&dpPl=1&dpID=519yzvlFiAL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.ca/Relief-Water-Bottle-quart-Capacity/dp/B001VJC3ZE/ref=asc_df_B001VJC3ZE/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293004289887&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15658100959337115102&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002762&hvtargid=pla-318556315413&psc=1

I sew my own using the straps from ratchet tiedowns and this.

http://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitcher-1125-Sewing-Awl/dp/B000HGIJQ4

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.

Not sure since I am in the states, but this one


Or you could make your own bottom-entry bug net from this or this along with other things like Shock Cord and a Cord Lock (both available on Dutchware or searching on Amazon).

Every hammock I've ever seen (and used) is packed away in the method you described. You basically bunch it up and stuff it in to the sack it came with. Takes no time.

I use a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter which ran me about $100 Canadian. Here is a video of some dude packing it up.