sleeping Hammocks
First things first, a sleeping hammock is the epitome of practicality. Instead of lugging around a heavy tent or settling for a lumpy sleeping bag on the cold, hard ground, you can set up a badass sleeping hammock in no time. It's lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. No fuss, no hassle.
Now, let's talk about comfort. A quality sleeping hammock provides you with the ultimate lounging experience. It's like nature's own recliner, giving your aching muscles a chance to relax and rejuvenate. It beats trying to find a comfortable spot on the uneven ground, hands down.
Speaking of nature, let's not forget the view. When you're snoozing in a hammock, you're not stuck inside a stuffy tent. You're suspended in the open air, surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors. You can breathe in the crisp, fresh scent of the forest, gaze at the majestic mountains, or admire the vast expanse of the starry night sky. It's a front-row seat to nature's grand spectacle, my friend.
But hold on, there's more. Hammocks are also practical when it comes to setting up camp. Unlike tents that require a flat and clear surface, a hammock can be hung just about anywhere there are sturdy trees. You don't need to worry about rocky terrain, wet ground, or creepy crawlies invading your sleeping space. Just find two sturdy anchor points, set up your hammock, and you're good to go.
Last but not least, let's not forget the sheer cool factor of sleeping in a hammock. It sets you apart from the average outdoorsman. You'll be the envy of your camping buddies, exuding an aura of adventure and ruggedness. It's a statement, a testament to your audacious spirit and refusal to conform to conventional sleeping arrangements.
So there you have it, sleeping hammocks offer practicality, comfort, breathtaking views, easy setup, and an undeniable sense of cool. Embrace the hammock life, and slumber like a true wilderness warrior.
sleeping hammock reviews
Hennessy Hammock - Explorer Ultralight XL
This ultralight, durable hammock is perfect at the end of a long trail. With integrated mosquito netting, a sliding gearloft and a rainfly you clip to the hammock, the Explorer Ultralight XL is designed for people 7 feet (213 cm) tall and weighing up to 250 pounds (114 kg). It's offered in "Classic" and "Zip" style. You enter the Zip through the side zipper. You enter the Classic through the bottom Velcro slit. Simply sit down in the hammock and lift up your legs.
The hammock is asymmetrical, allowing you to lie diagonally or throw out a limb. It's a flatter sleeping surface than traditional hammocks, and surprisingly comfortable. A structural ridgeline gives you the same bed every night and perfect setup every time. With a 70d high density nylon taffeta bottom, integrated 30d No-See-Um mosquito mesh and 70d polyester ripstop rainfly, this hammock is designed to resist mosquitos.
Polyester suspending ropes are tested to 1500 pounds (681 kg). Webbing straps protect tree bark. The hammock packs down to 4 x 8 x 10 inches (10 x 20 x 25 cm) and weighs 2 pounds 4 ounces (1080 grams). The straps included attach to trees the diameter of a soccer ball. They look like shoelaces.
Hennessy Hammock's are durable, designed to withstand 5+ years of use through 3 seasons of use. The optional double layer bottom holds insulation for cold weather camping. Besides the sliding gear loft, there are two glove hooks on the ridgeline to attach LED lights, and loops on each inside hammock end for small carabiners to hold daypacks, water bottles, and other small items.
Set up this hammock in your backyard a couple of times before you go anywhere. It looks complex compared to traditional hammocks because of the asymmetrical shape and integrated bug net. Plus, the tree strap is a separate item. We highly recommend you buy SnakeSkins (not sold with the tent on Amazon). They are literally tubes that slide over the ends of your hammock. Setup takes less than 10 seconds. Tie each end to a tree, slide the SnakeSkins toward the rope, and BOOM, your hammock and rain fly are set up.
If you have the Classic Explorer Ultralight XL, string the hammock high enough so you can comfortably sit in it without having to crouch. The Velcro will stick to your hair when you are trying to get in. The bottom sealing design usually prevents mosquitos from joining you inside. If you have the Zip Explorer Ultralight XL, check for intruders inside before you bed down.
The rain fly clips directly to the hammock and has a slider to adjust the height of the fly. Two ropes allow you to tie down the rain fly far from the hammock to deflect rain. The rain fly does an amazing job of keeping you dry. It could be a little bigger though. There is very little room for error when it's windy and raining. You have to position and adjust the fly cords just right to ensure the mesh is properly covered on both sides.
The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Ultralight XL is a durable, ultralight hammock that gives you amazing sleep.
Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleLink Shelter System
This durable hammock comes with all the pieces, which you can buy individually, by the way. With an integrated bug net, 8-point rain fly and Helios suspension system (no knots), this hammock adapts to all kinds of weather conditions. With a 10.5L x 10W feet (320L x 305W cm) surface, it's designed for people who toss and turn, sleep on their side, and may weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg).
A structural ridgeline ensures a perfect hang every time. A DAC featherlite spreader bar creates a bug-net canopy over the hammock. The bug net doesn't have many attachment points to the ridgeline. It also stows away. The hammock is made of 40D ripstop nylon and super-fine light mesh with aluminum toggles that connect to the suspension system. An interior gear loft, side pocket and hanging accessory loops help stow your gear.
Silverlite™ cord and 1000D polyfilament webbing make the 8-foot 1-inch (247 cm) Helios suspension straps strong. The system is infinitely adjustable. Fine-tune it once you get the correct height. The JungleLink Shelter System packs down to 10.5 x 9.5 x 4.75 inches (26.5 x 24 x 12 cm) and weighs 3 pounds 3 ounces (1.45 kg).
Where this hammock shines is in the rain fly. Made from waterproof ripstop nylon with a protective coating, there are 8 connection points and DAC lightweight tarp stakes. Weather protection is robust.
Practice setting up the JungleLink Shelter System at least once or twice before you go. You want to master how tight you need it to suit your personal preferences. There is a slightly longer learning curve since the pieces all come with their own instructions.
While Eagles Nest Outfitters designs their products to be interchangeable, they're not always compatible with other hammock brands. We love the Helios suspension system, but it doesn't work with the backyard hammock.
This is a durable hammock with an awesome rain fly and no-knots suspension system.
See all on Amazon.com:
Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleLink Shelter System (the whole shebang)
Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleNest hammock
Eagles Nest Outfitters DryFly rain tarp
Eagles Nest Outfitters Helios hammock suspension straps
Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Bug Net
Lightweight, roomy and spacious, this is a great hammock for those who sleep on their back. With an integrated bug net, 2 carabiners, a starter rope kit comprising two 10-feet (305 cm) pieces of pre-knotted cord, suspension cord, and stuff sack - but no rain fly - this hammock is an affordable beginner hammock. More experienced campers will want to modify components, like the carabiners, suspension system to be more tree-friendly, and insulation for cooler temperatures. It's designed to hold 400 pounds (181 kg).
The 210T 70D parachute nylon feels silky but is very strong. It's breathable and fast drying. Integrated grey No-See-Um mosquito netting hangs overhead from shock cords. It's a little droopy, but don't forget to let the bug net sag a little bit so it won't be pulled too tight when you get in. You can hang a light on the shock cords for reading. The pockets in the bug net are tiny, but there's plenty of head or foot room to keep a small bag containing your valuables, spectacles, or flashlight.
If you don't want to use the bug net, flip the hammock over and lie on the other side.
Setting up the Skeeter Beeter Pro Bug Net hammock is easy. Wrap the starter cords around trees. Hook a carabiner at each end of the hammock. Hook the carabiners to the cords. Adjust the tension so the hammock sags a little to prevent the bug net tearing at the zipper. And you're done. The hammock packs down to 10.7L x 8.6W x 4.3H inches (27L x 22W x 11H cm), and weighs 35 ounces 992 grams). The stuff sack is sewn to the hammock and can be used as an exterior pocket when the hammock is pitched.
The carabiners are a little rough so be careful you don't accidentally tear the hammock or rope. There is no rain fly so you'll have to invest in one or a good quality tarp. Don't cheap out. You'll need a quilt or sleeping pad in cooler temperatures. A 2-inch (5 cm) sleeping mat and 4-season sleeping bag fit comfortably in the hammock, although the sleeping mat will slide around a little. Since you'll be banana shaped in the Skeeter Beeter, your butt may get cold overnight where the sleeping bag filling is compressed.
Practice setting up your hammock at home. Also practice getting in and out. While the double-sided zippers are fabulous, negotiating banana to upright takes a moment. You unzip, lever yourself up, push the screen behind your head, get your feet under your butt, and lever yourself out. If the zipper is going to tear, now's the time to do it. Also, this is a one-person hammock, despite it's huge size. Two people end up mashed together in the middle.
Grand Trunk's Skeeter Beeter Pro Bug Net hammock is good value for those new to hammocks and back sleepers. It's lightweight, durable, ready to hang and compact.
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used one of the sleeping hammocks I reviewed and you have something to add, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a hammock you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll check it out.
