hammock advise

[surplus 6]

hi, I'm looking at getting a hammock "to give it a go" any surgestions on a good "cheap" hammock as not sure if I'll like it?
I'm 5'7" x 16st, so not quite as wide as tall lol.
would it be better (cheaper) to make one or find a cheap second hand one to get started?
anyone got an old one?

chears
Tony

[ratcatcher]

the only downside to buying cheap, is that by using one you may find it not to your liking and dismiss the idea, where as buying a half decent one will give you better support and sleep etc, plus if you buy half decent and still dont like it, you'll always be able to sell it on without hassle

I will always recommend DD hammocks, as its what we use, I'm 6'2" and around 12st


http://youtu.be/ouQoLjTN8tQ

[jus_young]

Both DD Hammocks and TW Hammocks are cheap for what you are getting, and good for selling on second hand if needs be. Do a search on the forum for folks reviews and then search on Google for second hand.

I have both a DD that I use and a TW that the boy uses and I rate both highly.

[robdjon]

A DD scout hammock is a good start £13.00 delivered to the door

[MadZ]

I recently got this one http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/camping-hammock, as was on a budget and like yourself unsure if it was for me, honestly its probably the best thing i have purchased in a long time, really easy to put up and take down, would recommend the climbing crab mod if you intend to be out in the wet as the cord soaks up water, the swinging feeling is abit unnatural at first but didnt really notice it after the first night out, i put a nato issue roll mate inside to give it some shape and insulation, ground dwelling is a rare thing now and when the bank balance allows i might have to upgrade to a nicer one, the hammock sleeve i found pretty useful but dont think it would work with the hammock with attached bug net as it seems pretty thin in diameter.

cheers

Madz

[ratcatcher]

the sleeves work fine with bug net attached, as for swinging, unless your into that sort of thing, set it lower to the ground so you can put your hand on the ground to stop the rocking

bit of a long video, as I had just made the A frame for a mates hammock, just skip to around 5 minutes


http://youtu.be/SQ8GmxJgp7M

[Johnnyboy1971]

I have used a DD camping hammock for a few years now and never let me down. Now I'm no racing snake at 19st and find it comfy and plenty big enough.
I have spoken to UK hammocks and they will make a bug net that will hang on an internal ridge and either just drape over or zip under.
I tied the existing tape to form a 6in loop at either end and just clip a crab on and use my whoopies.

[Bob W]

THIS (http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/trekmates-expedition-camping-hammock-p110711) wont break the bank as a try out.

[woodsman]

I started of with the cheap hammock off flea-bay for about £15. It was ok but , I struggled to get a good nights sleep.
Would have to limit myself to only swinging on a friday night, so I could catch up saturday and sunday ready for another working week.
I decided to give a DD Hammock a go. Best thing I ever did. I now sleep better and longer outside than I do in my bed !
It's one of those situations where buying cheap to dip your toe in really doesn't pay.
Good luck with whatever you chose!

[jus_young]

THIS (http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/trekmates-expedition-camping-hammock-p110711) wont break the bank as a try out.

Often looked at these myself and as you say, may be good for a try out, but don't do a direct comparison to the likes of a DD or TW hammock. The Trekmates is only 1m wide compared to the 1.4/1.5m width of the others. This makes a huge difference when it comes to the comfortable 'diagonal lay' which enables you to sleep flat.

[Bob W]

Often looked at these myself and as you say, may be good for a try out, but don't do a direct comparison to the likes of a DD or TW hammock. The Trekmates is only 1m wide compared to the 1.4/1.5m width of the others. This makes a huge difference when it comes to the comfortable 'diagonal lay' which enables you to sleep flat.

I did consider that, the reason I posted is because I was thinking about getting one for the exact same reason, but I just jumped in with both feet and got the DD frontline. I'm still considering a lighter hammock for my day sack to use to sit in or lay back and chill whilst mooching about and after reading this thread and looking at the scout hammock (which I've never looked at before), I reckon I'd go for that over the one I linked to, I never noticed the negative points on the reviews of the trekmates before :ashamed:

[jus_young]

I never noticed the reviews! I must go back and have a look. I was looking at these for the same reasons as you but had stupidly forgotten about the DD Scout hammock.

[surplus 6]

thanks for the inputs, the neg reviews put me off the trekmates, will have to look out for a second hand good one, or hope Mr bamford gives us a xmas bonus lol

[surplus 6]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321157303202?var=510130780188&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

might buy this, worth a punt at £20

[jus_young]

Here it is on their web site at £25 including shipping

http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/camping-hammock

[Chubbs]

This is a decent double layer hammock from TW which also includes shipping.

http://www.twhammocks.co.uk/Hammocks/Compact-Hammocks/Green-XL-Hammock?zenid=j09jp8gb56vi269pbmionpmcq1

I bought this one below which is longer at 3 metres and is 1.8 metres wide, ideal for a diagonal lay. This also includes shipping.

http://www.twhammocks.co.uk/Hammocks/Compact-Hammocks/Green-Super-XL-Hammock-3x1.8m

[surplus 6]

I like the idea of the wider one, same kinda money to.

[Chubbs]

I like the idea of the wider one, same kinda money to.

Its a decent well made hammock. Once you become a regular buyer from TW you will also get 10% discount as well.

[Ferrell freddy]

Anyone had much use from a Hennessy? I have one and had a few great nights sleep out of it, it's currently bobbing around on ship so can't use it but toying with the idea of getting a DD or TW.. Happy with the Hennessy but just wondering...

[jus_young]

I think most folks that have used the Hennessy on here have tended to migrate away from them.

[Ferrell freddy]

Okey dokey, one of the lads was in need of cash so I got a spankers one for 50 sheets! To be fair it's a pain in the obvious the get into! Any trips out round here planned Jus? I may be moving away in a couple of months so need to learn as much as poss coastal wise quickly! Potential for a fishing trip on the harbour by you too?

[jus_young]

Still struggling to get permission on land at the moment Steve. I am hopeful of 50+ acres just a couple of miles away, but they are in legal battles with the council at the moment so may not be until the summer. Could be up for a fishing trip providing the seas not too rough :ashamed:

[Ferrell freddy]

Haha sounds good! There a few people I've seen fishing for sea bass in the estuary by me, may have to give that a bash! Other than that i may do a stealth camp somewhere soon, either get the other half to drop off/pick up or just walk to somewhere.. Plenty of people walking about with rucksacks here!