Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Rei Quarter Dome Hammock
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Jim1955 |
Rei |
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WonderMonkey |
I've used bothe gathered end and bridges and I liked them both. The bridge felt roomier yet I personally was more comfy in the gathered end style. Other people swear by one or the other. The one I tried was the one being reviewed here: Warbonnet Ridgerunner Bridge Hammock |
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TallMatt |
My first experience sleeping in a hammock was a bridge hammock (was set up outside my friend's RV when I visited in Florida). Slept like a baby. I've been using a gathered-end hammock and it's harder for me to get comfortable and I strongly dislike that I can't see anything when I'm in the hammock "cocoon" that forms when you lay down. They're certainly comfortable for lounging in but I had to take a sleeping pill last Sept. because it was harder for me to get comfortable. The one difference was I don't have under or over-quilts so I was sleeping on a Therm-a-rest that was wedged in my gathered-end & inside a sleeping bag. That limits how you can lay and the sleeping bag can be constricting. If the pad slips out from under you you also get some very cold spots. I really enjoy sleeping in a hammock and love having them for lounging since they are so comfy, but I don't think I would ever buy an under/overquilt just due to the cost. I'll probably take up sewing (have my grandma's old Singer) to make my own if I go further down the rabbit hole of hammocking. |
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Scout64 |
I don't think I would use the fly that comes with it, I would bring my ENO Housefly tarp (it has "doors" to keep out the elements). |
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VaderStrom |
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Scout64 |
I have used hammocks for several years and, as a side sleeper, never got the greatest night’s sleep. The flat lay of the bridge hammock will hopefully help with this. I have only slept one night in this hammock but overall I was very impressed with its design and comfort. The Pros: The Quarter Dome hammock has everything you need right out of the box to camp overnight and all for a very reasonable price. It comes with rain fly, hammock, straps, whoopee slings, bug net, stuff sack and stakes. It is not bare bones either; REI has thought of all the little touches that make hammock camping more enjoyable such as: hanging loops, tension locks, side pockets, stake bag integrated into the stuff sack, and even drip line cords. The adjustable bug net design is fantastic. It will definitely keep the net off your face, and allows you to hang light items from the loops on its ridgeline. I hung my Luci light from one of the loops and it held it there with very little sag. My full length under quilt also snugged up well so I see no issues with that. Finally, my son who is 6’4” definitely fits in the hammock, so it is plenty long. The Cons: I would prefer to have removable spreader bars so I could put them on the outside of my pack when I hike. The whoopie slings attach permanently to the tree straps. I would like it better if they were attached to the hammock suspension instead. That would give me more flexibility to use other straps if I need to hang on very large trees. The biggest issue I see with this hammock system is the rain fly. It will definitely keep you dry if you have a straight down rain. However, if there is wind, I don’t think it is large enough to keep you dry. I will probably use mine as a cook fly and use my ENO House Fly with the hammock. The final issue is shoulder squeeze – I am 6’2”, 210 lbs and have fairly broad shoulders. If the bottom of the hammock was a couple of inches wider, it would be much more comfortable. As, I said earlier, I am a side sleeper, so this will not be a big issue. Overall, it is well designed and I will definitely keep it. My first night’s sleep went very well and I was able to comfortably sleep on my side the entire night. |
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VaderStrom |
quote WonderMonkey: "quote VaderStrom: "I'll give my personal preference. This hammock looks like it would be too much of a bath tub shape, but you'd have to lay in it to know. As was mentioned, bridge hammocks have their ups and downs. I'd say if you bring trekking poles with you anyways or something to use as spread bars, the Warbonnet Ridge Runner it the best hammock money can buy, and it is about the same price as this REI gig. It's been my preferred hammock since the first time i used it. I'll never turn back to gathered end hammocks. " I have. Honestly I've felt it would be worth it even with the spread bars weight. Its the only form of backcountry sleep systems that has caused me to accidentally oversleep. You can use a sleeping pad just as easy as and underquilt. I prefer the underquilt option. I'd say it's 100% worth just trying if you're trying to compare it with other options. Making sure you set up correctly is key though. It's a little different than a gathered end setup. Warbonnet's website has great videos of it in action and how to make sure it's set up right. I've bought 2 as gifts after letting folks try mine out. I haven't had someone use it an not immediately decide they can't live without it. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has tried it and had it not work out for them...? |
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VaderStrom |
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WonderMonkey |
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VaderStrom |
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WonderMonkey |
quote VaderStrom: "I'll give my personal preference. This hammock looks like it would be too much of a bath tub shape, but you'd have to lay in it to know. As was mentioned, bridge hammocks have their ups and downs. I'd say if you bring trekking poles with you anyways or something to use as spread bars, the Warbonnet Ridge Runner it the best hammock money can buy, and it is about the same price as this REI gig. It's been my preferred hammock since the first time i used it. I'll never turn back to gathered end hammocks. " Have you backpacked with it? If so I assume you feel the increased weight is worth it, even if you use trekking poles as the spreaders? |