I have fully committed to switching to hammock camping but I can’t figure out which one to get. My initial thinking is that a bridge hammock would be best for a couple reasons. Less of a learning curve with setup/rigging and the ability to use my insulated sleeping pads instead of buying an underquilt.

However during my research it seems I am right up against the size limit when it comes to bridge hammocks at 6’2” 240 lbs. Does anyone else use bridge hammocks at or near that size? I know the best answer is try before you buy but that doesn’t seem feasible at the moment so I’m hoping to get some insight from the fine folks here.

I am 5’11” 200 lbs.

I started with a Warbonnet Ridgerunner. I am a side sleeper at home and read these were good for side sleepers. I never found a comfortable way to do it. But it was a comfortable sleep none-the-less just on my back. My wife now uses the RR and says she has found a way to sleep on her side. She is 5’3” and 110ish pounds last time I dared ask so perhaps its the weight difference. She is also just smarter sometimes :-)

I moved on to a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC two years ago and love it. I got used to sleeping on my back and routinely sleep 9 plus hours while camping which I rarely do at home. On rainy days I have spent 12 plus hours reading and sleeping with zero back or leg issues.

I don’t think the learning curve between the bridge and gathered end hammocks is steeper. There are some differences but just different versus harder to learn. Both are equally fiddly to get the suspension heights, angles, head vs foot end height differences, etc. right. Just takes a little practice.

You can use an air matress with both types of hammocks. The important thing is to get a two layer hammock so the pad can be slipped between the layers and doesn’t slip around on you as much during the night.

I think comfort for your size is the right key criteria vs. the first two. The WB BB XLC if you get the two layer, heavier fabric can handle your size well. I read also that the listed weights are not so much what the hammock will hold before the fabric fails as much as its comfort level. If you are a big person in a relatively light weight rated hammock you may get calf ridges and other isssues with your sleep quality.

TipsyPaddler: " I don’t think the learning curve between the bridge and gathered end hammocks is steeper. There are some differences but just different versus harder to learn. Both are equally fiddly to get the suspension heights, angles, head vs foot end height differences, etc. right. Just takes a little practice."

Completely agree with this. I went the other way and started with a Blackbird XLC and switched to the Ridgerunner. I'm 5'11.5" 185#s so not your height or weight, but it is listed as 6'6" 250# I love the Ridgerunner, but just from my personal experience an underquilt is the only way I was really comfortable. If you live near the Twin Cities you are welcome to try both.