Hiker's Hammock?

[KenG]

Does anyone remember a hiker's hammock made of nylon and poly-something? It weighted less than a pound, folded up to about 2 inches in diameter and 6 inches long, and cost somewhere between $6 & $8. Apparently you can't buy them anymore in NYS because the company that made them got sued; an infant died in one. How, I don't know, but I need a new one, and they only sell them in NYS with 2 feet long wooden spreader bars now. The military, I'm told uses them, but my two Marine friend's can't find them on base. Does anyone know where I can get one, soon? Pre-thanx!

[Ordin Aryguy]

Both of these places have a few mesh hammocks, including the ultra-light styles. Give 'em a look-see.

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/index.tam

http://www.rangerjoe.com

Through the years I've bought gear from both places and have had decent dealings with them.


Ordin

[RiseAboveHiker]

I bought one from Campmor two years ago. I'll have to check on the brandname but its red and blue and rolls up into its own attached bag -- which makes a great holder for my book and glasses when I feel a nap coming on.

It's wide enough to cover you to scare off bugs when you're lying in it and it can hold 350 lbs. I've had countless mesh ones over the years but always found they broke. This one I've got now is perfect and I highly recommend it. Check out Campmor in NJ and if remember to I'll look up the company that made the hammock.

[KenG]

Thanx Ordin, I found it at Ranger Joe's!

[redhawk]

For a more expensive alternative, check this out.

http://www.junglehammock.com

[KenG]

That's nice redhawk but I remember someone once said, "I'd never own a jacket that's worth more than my car." The same goes for hammocks in my book. For $10.99 you can get one that weights just over a half a pound and it'll last about five years. Plus, I don't see how you could stay dry in wet weather, sleeping in a hammock. In my mind, Hammocks are more for beautiful sunny days with a nice breeze, a cold beer, and a good book. But, that's just my opinion.

[sacco]

ken - i don't think you need an expensive hammock either, but it's easy to stay dry.

in a hammock you're off the ground and thats a nice start in staying dry.

i've used hammocks in all 4 seasons, under various weather and never had a problem keeping dry.

the only reason i stopped using them is because i just don't sleep as well in them as on flat ground.
i don't think i roll over that often normally, but for some reason in a hammock, when i knew it was a PIA to roll over, i wanted to turn all night.

[KenG]

Sacco-How do you keep the water from running down the line attached to the tree? I could see putting a drip line off of it, but a little too much water and movement in the hammock, and you're gonna get wet aren't you?

[sacco]

i honestly never had that problem.

here's my theory:

it's been my experience that the majority of camping spots in the adirondacks are underneath or right near hemlock stands. the reason is because most camping sites are near water, and that's often hemlock turf.

i don't have any scientific data or anything, like i said, this is just my experience.

even in a downpour, hemlocks do a pretty good job as an umbrella. i've never seen water running down the sides of a hemlock or anything, like it can a deciduous tree in late fall.
usually, when i would tie up my hammock and tarp, my tarp would cover 95% of the cord going to the tree, so the only cord that was exposed to potentially get soaked was wrapped tight around the tree, and just a few inches away from it.

they also make little metal clamp things to keep water from running down the cord, but i never even used them.

BTW - i would always tie up my hammock really low - just high enough to keep my butt a couple inches of the ground - this made a big difference with the wind.

[redhawk]

That's nice redhawk but I remember someone once said, "I'd never own a jacket that's worth more than my car." The same goes for hammocks in my book. For $10.99 you can get one that weights just over a half a pound and it'll last about five years. Plus, I don't see how you could stay dry in wet weather, sleeping in a hammock. In my mind, Hammocks are more for beautiful sunny days with a nice breeze, a cold beer, and a good book. But, that's just my opinion.

A hammock IS NOT a jacket. it's a lot more practical!

GAry has a Hennesy Hammock and swears by it. I trust his judgement. I have also been following what a lot of other "hammock users" have to say about them.

Both the Junglehammock and hennesy Hammocks are designed to keep you warm and dry, and from the comments, they do it well.

Eliminates the need for carrying a tent and sleeping bag. Lots of versitility in options and the way they can be set up.

I have degenerative disc disease so I don't know if one will be suitable for me or not. If I get the opportunuty to test one and it works for me, I'd get one in a minute (if I had the money).

[KenG]

You could always sell your car!

[redhawk]

You could always sell your car!

Obviously you haven't seen my car!

[Wildernessphoto]

I have degenerative disc disease so I don't know if one will be suitable for me or not. If I get the opportunuty to test one and it works for me, I'd get one in a minute (if I had the money).

Hi Hawk,
I'll bring mine on the Raquette trip in July. I'll let you see how your back feels in it.
You may be suprised how comfortable it is...Or not...
-G-

[redhawk]

Sure. Then I'll have to find some idiot stupid enough to buy my car so I can afford a Hammock.

Hey Sacco, you need another car?

[sacco]

Hey Sacco, you need another car?

maybe, does it run ok ?