Best starter hammock/tarp setup??

[Big T]

Hiya,

I'm thinking of getting a hammock/tarp set up but not sure what to go for! Prob DD or TW, any advice!?

[FishyFolk]

Either of them are probably equally good. TW has some wider models that are perhaps a tad more comfy if at all possible. But they weigh more. But they also offer the regular sized that are the same in weight as a DD I guess.

I am happy with a TW. Others will tell you they are happy with a DD. So difficult to say which one is best.

[Big T]

Cheers mate! It seems down to personal preference, I will probably go with a tw as I'm quite a big lad! Just wondering what the most popular model is? I'd rather buy the correct one first than end up buying twice!

[janso]

Hopefully getting a DD before the next Overnighter mate; you're welcome to check it over? If you get one for the Overnighter we can try em out and collapse onto the deck from bad hanging together!!

[janso]

From what I've been told, which ever one you go for, you'll quickly upgrade if you get into it! Fish told me to look up UK Hammocks? He spoke fondly of their service and product; send him a pm mate

[FishyFolk]

Cheers mate! It seems down to personal preference, I will probably go with a tw as I'm quite a big lad! Just wondering what the most popular model is? I'd rather buy the correct one first than end up buying twice!

Then I recomend the XL sized TW hammocks. I stand 5,9 foot at 17 stone, and I am swiming in flat laying space in mine :-)

[Big T]

Been looking at the TW hornet, the one with the built in fly sheet. Looks good for the money!

[Tigger004]

I have two bog standard TW XL's and they are fantastic starter hammocks (modded with home made whoopie slings), I have used them for years and been exceptionally happy (mainly winter camping).
I've fairly recently purchased a Green hornet 3 metre in the extra wide, also a great hammock, but much more fussing to set up and use - having said that the bug net is a god send if the biters are about,

I use a British DPM - 3 x 3m - Elite Evolution Basha from UKMCPRO and love it, (started out with an army basha but just too small for the XL hammocks even in the diamond config)

Do you know any one locally that would lend you a set up to trial before you go out and buy one, hammocking may not be for you.... Good Luck

Let us know how you get on

[FishyFolk]

Forgot to mention my tarp setup. It's a DD XL tarp 4,5x3 meters. Huge, but the extra acreage is worth it. The end corners can be pulled down to act as doors, and there is still plenty of room.

Here is a vid I made from my blizzard trip:


http://youtu.be/M7L1VIcvz8g?t=16m11s

[ADz]

Cheers mate! It seems down to personal preference, I will probably go with a tw as I'm quite a big lad! Just wondering what the most popular model is? I'd rather buy the correct one first than end up buying twice!

Then I would highly recommend skipping DD, TW etc and go straight for Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock and the Superfly Tarp. They're by far the most coveted combination, best quality and most comfortable.

Join/read hammockforums.net or read one of the many reviews on them. They're both awesome for many reason and will save you time and money in long run. ;)

[jus_young]

Then I would highly recommend skipping DD, TW etc and go straight for Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock and the Superfly Tarp. They're by far the most coveted combination, best quality and most comfortable.

Join/read hammockforums.net or read one of the many reviews on them. They're both awesome for many reason and will save you time and money in long run. ;)

But I also know some that really don't get on with them and find the combination of DD much better. Personally I have both DD and TW and the only difference seems to be a few minor quality issues with the TW.

[ADz]

But I also know some that really don't get on with them and find the combination of DD much better. Personally I have both DD and TW and the only difference seems to be a few minor quality issues with the TW.

Are you referring to TW or Warbonnet that somebody doesn't get a along with Jus? What reasons did they give as I would really struggle to find any complaints/niggles with warbonnet gear/setup.

When I was looking to upgrade my setup from DD Hammock I did a lot of reading and found that the Blackbird came up tops every time in every department. It was only the Woodsman X that held be back for a bit but not for long. I just love the size, weight, shelf, footbox, the virtually flat lay and how comfortable it is.

Tarp wise I instantly fell in love with the Superfly when I saw it in person as it gave more coverage then my DD 3x3 and roughly a 1/4 of pack size and weight. It's beautiful to see/feel :)

[Valantine]

I have a TW tarp and a DD hammock and have zero complaints :D

[Stevie B]

TW Hornet with Cornelius Tarp and just purchased a TW Hornet with Sargasso Tarp for the good lady.
Great products, great company to deal with.

Oh, and of course the obligatory whoopie slings and DD snakeskins! :)

[Big T]

Cheers guys! Looks like I might go for a hornet and Cornelius tarp! Or the DD equivalent.....decisions! Lol!

[Big T]

Anything else I might need to set it up? Whoopie slings etc?

[janso]

Start small and see what others use; see which works best for you before purchasing extras T. That's my thoughts on my purchase!

[Stevie B]

Start small and see what others use; see which works best for you before purchasing extras T. That's my thoughts on my purchase!

Good advice, wise words indeed.
I must admit that the whoopie slings, snakeskins and tree huggers are a must for me. My first purchase from TW came with tree huggers, have a word with Neil and see what he can do for you.

:camping:Happy hammocking!

[Chubbs]

BigT

Try my setup for the night and see how you get on with it before buying yours. At least its money not wasted if you don't like it.

[Mujician]

Have you guys heard of Hennessy Hammocks? On the face of it they seem quite expensive but I also looked at TW and DD and in my opinion Hennessy Hammocks came out on top. You don't have to buy any extras (although you can!) and they are very well made. I went for an explorer hammock, although i would like a safari for me and my wife!!!

[Silverback]

Ended up with TW and DD.... I have a DD Frontline which does the job all year round, and a TW basic hammock which is very light. Currently have 4 tarps to choose from

Survival Aids superlight, Issue Basha (heavy but robust) TW Cornelius 3 x 3 great bit of kit, and finally a 3 x 4.5 DD for longer stays

Anyway........my Yorkshire blood refuses to let me part with so much money for anything else ;)

[ADz]

Have you guys heard of Hennessy Hammocks? On the face of it they seem quite expensive but I also looked at TW and DD and in my opinion Hennessy Hammocks came out on top. You don't have to buy any extras (although you can!) and they are very well made. I went for an explorer hammock, although i would like a safari for me and my wife!!!

Checkout and do bit of reading on the Warbonnet Blackbird ;)

[Jimmy- JGW]

I have just got a DD Frontline and find I suits my requirement, paired it up with a 3x3 Tarp. Its my first hammock and chose it for the price as well as people I know that have one and have used it extensively recommending it to me. I'd say it would be a good starter hammock, not to expensive and well made.

ATB

[Valantine]

I have a DD hammock but just bought myself a Tenth wonder XL (longer and wider) at a really good price
http://www.twhammocks.co.uk/Hammocks/Compact-Hammocks/Green-XL-Hammock

[Chubbs]

Those TW ones are well worth the money. I have the 1.8 metre wide one for the garden and am very impressed with it.

[Tigger004]

I prefer my TW XL to my TW Green Hornet ( it's good but fussy to setup and use and nearly 3 times the price)

[OakAshandThorn]

I went with a DD Frontline 2012 and 3x3 coyote tarp, though I'm thinking of downsizing to an ENO Doublenest hammock, as it apparently packs down half the size of the DD, and costs about $25 less. Won't let go of the 3x3 tarp, though - that baby is amazing for stealth camping, blends in perfectly in the woodlands. :D

[janso]

Might have to check out the ENO... DD is pretty darn good but does have a weight and size which could be reduced after several overnighters...

[jus_young]

Might have to check out the ENO... DD is pretty darn good but does have a weight and size which could be reduced after several overnighters...
You could always check out DDs new superlight range

[OakAshandThorn]

DD superlight range is a great option for a few more $...
The ENO Doublenest is about $70/43£, weighs 19 oz/540 grams, and can be made to cocoon yourself with the extra width material, improvising a sort of bug-screen. The DD superlight hammock doesn't come with a mozzie net, but you can pair it with the superlight net for 30£ more. As a stand-alone, it isn't wide enough to fully cocoon yourself like the ENO doublenest can.
It's all a trade-off I guess.
Snugpak Jungle hammock is another to consider, and I think you can pick one up for under $50/31£. Comes with a mozzie net and is around the same weight as the ENO Doublenest.

[janso]

Hmm; decisions! More experience and research will more than likely turn my hand in the right direction. Thanks all