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View Full Version : Hammocks ...So many options!



f0rm4t
20-09-2012, 08:14 PM
Will be purchasing my hammock next week and naturally, don't want to make a mistake.
I've looked at so many video reviews and listened to the pros & cons of many makes but wanted to ask for your opinions too.

Bug net: I've watched youtube OutdoorEnthusiast101 (great guy!) say the green is best as it doesn't distort the view. But then I've heard black is better than green from other sources. White seems to be globally hated :)
What do you think??

Skin
Single or double?

Size
I'm a big bloke (Yeah I mean fat) with wide shoulders, 6'2" tall.

Shape
Good knee support is essential. I can't be sleeping with pressure on my knees.

So far I think the Snugpak Jungle Hammock is my best option, but would really appreciate your help!!! :confused2:

Cheers
Paul

fish
20-09-2012, 08:36 PM
i have extensively researched the topic prior to ordering mine,what i would say is buy as good as you cant afford,cheap is as cheap does.have you looked at ukhammocks yet? the woodsman x is pretty damn good and according to many its as good as if not better than the warbonnet blackbird.

as for skin i would go double as apparently you can fit a thermal mat in between the layers.
woodsman x has a foot box for better room for your toes.
also ukh can make specifically to your requirements for little more than the basic model,i am big boned (ok,i ate ll the pies) and so needed one to take more than a standard hammock.

AdrianRose
20-09-2012, 09:19 PM
If it helps I did a review on the 2012 Frontline Hammock from DD Hammocks.

At the end of the video I show a side by side comparison of video looking through the bug netting so you can see for yourself. The new black netting functions better in my opinion.

Ade.

biker-bri
21-09-2012, 10:19 AM
When I bought my frontline hammock from DD I was a tad over 16 stone, so if fish ate the pies I had all the bacon and sausage!! so weight wise go for a double layer, less likely to over stress the rip stop or the stitching, and yes you can put a sleep mat between the layers for insulation. As for make go for what ever suits you, I can only comment on the DD as its the only one I have owned but my first night in it was the best nights sleep I'v had in years (probably because I was away from the wife's snoring)
whatever you do have fun. Cheers Bri

Tigger004
21-09-2012, 12:15 PM
I've got a basic cheap as chips Tenth Wonder XL camping hammock, 2.8 mtrs and this does all I require,

PS. You lot couldn't have eaten all the pies... I did.. (I'm at my ideal weight, I'm just two feet too short)..lol

I weigh in at 18 stone 7lbs (260lbs) It has done me fine for a few years now, at under £18.00 off ebay.... I have modded the suspension though, incorporating the old aswell... recycling ;)

Kernowek Scouser
21-09-2012, 12:29 PM
I'm a short, stocky and fairly dense 16 stone and have a DD Frontline. It has coped with me jumping/rolling into it when more than a bit sobriety challenged, so I would also cast a vote for a double layer as it does provide increased strength and support.

I can't help you when it comes to accommodating height or supporting troublesome knees, as I have no experience of either. But with regards to where to look, you've had a gander at Snugpac yourself and DD & Uk Hammocks have already been mentioned. So I would add Tenth Wonder and Hennessey into the mix , for your consideration.

Good luck.

Colin

f0rm4t
21-09-2012, 06:45 PM
i have extensively researched the topic prior to ordering mine,what i would say is buy as good as you cant afford,cheap is as cheap does.have you looked at ukhammocks yet? the woodsman x is pretty damn good and according to many its as good as if not better than the warbonnet blackbird.

as for skin i would go double as apparently you can fit a thermal mat in between the layers.
woodsman x has a foot box for better room for your toes.
also ukh can make specifically to your requirements for little more than the basic model,i am big boned (ok,i ate ll the pies) and so needed one to take more than a standard hammock.

Thanks. Sound advice fish. I really do like the reviews of the ukh woodsman x, but £100+ is too much at the moment, at this stage I've not slept in one for even a night, so cant guarantee I'll even like it. A warbonnet or UKH kit is the stuff I'll buy after a I know I'm sold on hammock camping.

f0rm4t
21-09-2012, 06:56 PM
If it helps I did a review on the 2012 Frontline Hammock from DD Hammocks.

At the end of the video I show a side by side comparison of video looking through the bug netting so you can see for yourself. The new black netting functions better in my opinion.

Ade.

Many thanks Ade!
I watched your review and now I'm torn between the snugpak and the DD. Based on the double skin and the fact that the black net does indeed seem to be of contentious benefit, I'm really torn.

Really admired your call to donate the rrp to HFH. Wonderful integrity sir!

Thanks again!!

f0rm4t
21-09-2012, 07:01 PM
When I bought my frontline hammock from DD I was a tad over 16 stone, so if fish ate the pies I had all the bacon and sausage!! so weight wise go for a double layer, less likely to over stress the rip stop or the stitching, and yes you can put a sleep mat between the layers for insulation. As for make go for what ever suits you, I can only comment on the DD as its the only one I have owned but my first night in it was the best nights sleep I'v had in years (probably because I was away from the wife's snoring)
whatever you do have fun. Cheers Bri

Thanks Bri.
That's a x2 recommendations now for the DD :)
have you had issue with your matt slipping and moving in between the layers? Is it a bugger to get back in position if it does?

Cheers!

f0rm4t
21-09-2012, 07:10 PM
Thanks tigger
Well I've got a stone or so on you! Luckily I'm 6'2" so have more room to spread it about! ;)
Don't you get eaten alive without a bug net or do you use something separately?

The price point on the Tenth Wonder is magic!

f0rm4t
21-09-2012, 07:17 PM
I'm a short, stocky and fairly dense 16 stone and have a DD Frontline. It has coped with me jumping/rolling into it when more than a bit sobriety challenged, so I would also cast a vote for a double layer as it does provide increased strength and support.

I can't help you when it comes to accommodating height or supporting troublesome knees, as I have no experience of either. But with regards to where to look, you've had a gander at Snugpac yourself and DD & Uk Hammocks have already been mentioned. So I would add Tenth Wonder and Hennessey into the mix , for your consideration.

Good luck.

Colin

Cheers Colin!
The DD does seem to be a highly recommended piece of kit, so will be considering that carefully along with your other suggestions.

Thanks!

biker-bri
21-09-2012, 10:00 PM
[QUOTE=f0rm4t;54469]Thanks Bri.
That's a x2 recommendations now for the DD :)
have you had issue with your matt slipping and moving in between the layers? Is it a bugger to get back in position if it does?

Cheers![/QUOTE
The first time I used it it moved all over the place, when I woke the next morning the damn thing was sticking out the side of the hammock like a big red tongue, so I bought some double sided sticky tape and some no slip mat from a craft shop and I haven't
had any probs since. Oh the mat is a thermarest ultralight ( always were a bit slippery )
Cheers Bri

NeedABrew
21-09-2012, 10:15 PM
+3 for the DD

I'm no small chap - 6'2, won't bother with physical stats and BF% we have done that elsewhere, and I have a fantastic nights sleep in mine. The green net as opposed to other colours I have no experience with but the view under the stars last time I was out was plenty amazing enough for me!

f0rm4t
24-09-2012, 08:20 PM
Ordering a DD Frontline in the next 24 hours, so thanks chaps!!
Any heads-up on the cheapest e-tailer would be appreciated :)

Paul

jus_young
24-09-2012, 09:37 PM
Go direct to DD is the best option.

http://www.ddhammocks.com/products

f0rm4t
24-09-2012, 11:05 PM
Cheers Jus!

All done! Just bought a Frontline and some Karabiners direct from DD. I was contemplating the whoopie system too, but I've already bought a load of 25mm strap to tie and use with the Karabiners. Might be able to test this weekend, if it comes in time :)

jus_young
25-09-2012, 07:33 AM
This is only the beginning. Just wait a little while and before you know it you will be buying the whoopies, and then comes some rings, underquilt... :D