I have a HH explorer ASYM. can't talk highly enough of it. I use it for kayaking and hiking. I got it relatively cheaply from a US store some years ago. I don't remember how much it cost, but I do remember all the comfy nights I've had in it.
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I have a HH explorer ASYM. can't talk highly enough of it. I use it for kayaking and hiking. I got it relatively cheaply from a US store some years ago. I don't remember how much it cost, but I do remember all the comfy nights I've had in it.
Seems you know me a little too well :) I love researching solutions, but get frustrated when no clear solution exists. I have self-diagnosed choice anxiety.Quote:
Originally Posted by MLD
As for the swag vs hammock, unless there are no tether points, I struggle to see myself using my swag again. Maybe a little quicker to setup, but only good if the ground is suitable. No only downsides I can see with a hammock is if no tether points exist, no shared warmth ;) and cost. Mind you, try finding a decent swag cheaper than a hammock. You really must try one and I'm confident you'll be converted.
Ranga, how do you find the cold on your back/arse? From reading the various posts and reviews a cold back/bum seems to be a common complaint. Thus leading to extra bits and bobs to make it warm.
As for cost: taking the Hennessy Hammock.
$180 ish for the bottom entry expedition model, $215 ish for the side entry expedition model. $265 for the larger boned man size
$24 for the insulation sock
$24 for the snake skin (not necessary).
If you believe the hype you need a different sleeping bag, add $$ (insert whatever $ your budget permits). We are at $180 for the basic set up, $205 with insulation and more if you go the whole hog and get a hammock designed sleeping bag. You will get a decent swag for the entry price money. Not nit picking, but you put up the challenge and I accepted it.
Who am I to comment, my experience of hammocks is limited to summers as a kid and what i've read in the past 2 days on the net.
If it works for you and it's better than a swag, it's a winner.
cheers MLD
Fair call - I've only used the hammock in the Simpson in the middle of summer :p
I've also read about the lack of insulation, but I think this is easily rectified with a sleeping mat or insulating foam. However, I do believe Hennessy hammocks are overpriced for what they are. I stumbled across these Home | Hammock Bliss - Your Portable Outdoor Sleeping Solution For Camping, Travel Or Home after checking The Ultimate Hang | Getting the most out of hammock camping that you put me on to, and they might be a bit more affordable. Or get one second-hand from eBay like I did on the cheap ;)
I still maintain that a swag in the rain with no cover or way of keeping off the ground is no fun at all. Also, far too bulky when packed up for my liking. And try sitting in one of them when the mozzies/midgies are bad. Not to mention other critters which could find themselves into a swag much quicker than a hammock.
I bought a Tom Claytor jungle hammock from mosquito hammock
I've spent quite a few nights in it. For insulation, we've had a few cool mornings, I just used the 50 mm thick mattress from one of my swags and I was warm as toast underneath. Not practical for hiking and the like, but I wanted the hammock as an alternative to a swag for car camping.
At a later date I may get a bridge hammock from from Jacks R Better - costs a bit more but even more comfortable, and keep the jungle hammock for when its hot and humid. In a vehicle I could take both as they are light and take very little space to pack away.
I'm as tight as...and was l looking at a (an) hammock for hiking. I ended up picking up a parachute type from ebay, probably from Vietnam. I like to keep my set up simple and light. I hang that using cord from a local boat shop. I don't know the name of the knot I use to tie but it spreads the load like the straps that others use. I have used the hammock on a multi day hike during which it rained and I think it worked much better than sleeping on the ground in a bivvy bag. When in the car I prefer a swag but if the ground's terrible or soaked the hammock can be hung from the roof rack with bike tie downs to keep me up off the ground.
So my set up consists of hammock, cord, and tarp. I use a sleeping mat to keep the cold away and use a US military sleeping bag/bivvy. I have little drip cords tied to the hammock and I haven't been soaked yet.
I don't think there's a need to spend big dollars to be comfortable, but that works for me.
Shug off the Hammock Forum has some entertaining video's on hammock camping for those interested. This is the first one.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0&feature=share&list=TLB47biNzfW Lg"]Intro to Hammocks 1[/ame]
Well my under quilts have arrived and my top quilt is not too far off so i will be heading out for some winter hanging hopefully next weekend. Though I will do a bakyard test this weekend of the under quilts :).
Which ones did you buy?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Ploppy
I got a good deal off MacEntyre who makes Molly Mac Gear, I also have his pack. He made me up a couple of synthetic Bay Orca underquilts at a hard to resist price.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranga
The top quilt I got a RevX 20 from Enlightened Equipment, it is in the mail.
My philosophy on camping gear has probably changed a bit since you strated this thread Ranga, and I am moving more towards the hammock as opposed to the swag as well.
I have also bought some ripstop nylon and will be making up a hammock for my daughter and then one or two for myself, if it goes well.