BWCA Day Use Hammock Recommendation Boundary Waters Gear Forum
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11/21/2020 10:50AM  
We enjoy setting up a hammock for day use, especially on layover days. Nice to catch a snooze or read a book. We had a couple of cheap travel hammocks rip out when the kids/scouts are using them. They tend to dig in their heels when repositioning themselves. Boots and water sandals provide enough of an edge to tear the material.

Any recommendations for a decent quality hammock that will withstand the kids/scouts? I don't think they were mistreating the hammock, they just were not decent quality. They were some of the brands you see in REI, Scheels, BassPro, Campmor etc.
 
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OCDave
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11/21/2020 11:29AM  
Dutchware Gear Netless hammock would be a great hammock for your purpose. If you fall down the rabbit hole and want to convert to hammock camping, this is a great hammock to start down that path as well. Out of the dozen or so hammocks I have purchased, about half of them came from Dutch.

Good Luck

PS; A Dutchware Gear Netted Hammock might be worth considering if traveling during buggy season or as a headstart down that hammock camping odyssey.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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11/21/2020 04:09PM  
TomP: " They tend to dig in their heels when repositioning themselves. Boots and water sandals provide enough of an edge to tear the material.
Any recommendations for a decent quality hammock that will withstand the kids/scouts? I don't think they were mistreating the hammock, they just were not decent quality."


I don't believe any Hammock will hold up to people wearing shoes or sandals in them. Especially on a Boundary Waters trip were they will likely have mud and rocks to abraid the material. My kids have been using a $29 Grand trunk hammock for over 4 years with no damage, though they don't wear their shoes or sandals in them.
 
11/21/2020 04:29PM  
For day use, you really can't go wrong with an ENO Hammock. They are inexpensive and well made. You can order them directly from ENO or REI also carries them. They make almost every color imaginable. A search on Amazon might find you a bargain also. A single nest would be good for one person. They make a double nest which would be good for two kids or an adult that desires some extra space. All ENOs pack small like the size of a softball, but they also make a lightweight travel hammock which packs down to the size of a baseball. I have three ENOs for day usage and I'm happy with all of them.

If you ever get serious about hammocks and want something more for overnight sleeping then definitely look at Warbonnet Hammocks. But that's a whole other animal.

Happy hanging


 
11/21/2020 04:30PM  
I'm following this with interest. I've never had a hammock but the grandkids are asking for a hammock for lounging in camp. The Grand Trunk looks like a good option. What's a good choice for strapping to the trees?
 
11/21/2020 04:45PM  
ghamer: "I'm following this with interest. I've never had a hammock but the grandkids are asking for a hammock for lounging in camp. The Grand Trunk looks like a good option. What's a good choice for strapping to the trees?"


There are numerous types suspension systems. Any manufacturer that sells a hammock will also sell a "suspension system" which will include tree straps and then some sort adjustment and attachment for the hammock set-up. ALWAYS use a tree strap to protect the tree bark.

If you are living in and sleeping in a hammock for an entire trip then you'll likely eventually want something more advanced. But for entry level and day use hanging, then something like these options from ENO will work for suspension. SUSPENSION
 
11/21/2020 04:46PM  
OCDave: " Dutchware Gear Netless hammock would be a great hammock for your purpose. If you fall down the rabbit hole and want to convert to hammock camping, this is a great hammock to start down that path as well. Out of the dozen or so hammocks I have purchased, about half of them came from Dutch.

PS; A Dutchware Gear Netted Hammock might be worth considering if traveling during buggy season or as a headstart down that hammock camping odyssey."


What OCDave said, but have the kids stop wearing footwear in the hammocks. No hammock will stand up for long to that kind of abuse.
 
Savage Voyageur
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11/21/2020 07:02PM  
They are made from nylon. You need to be carful with it. Tell the kids not to go into them with boots, shoes, or sharp things like sheath knives. I have slept over 35 nights in my ENO hammock. Never have had issues with tearing a hole, but I really try to be careful because out in the woods it is your only sleep system. Get one with rip stop nylon just in case.
 
OCDave
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11/21/2020 08:00PM  
unshavenman: "What OCDave said, but have the kids stop wearing footwear in the hammocks. No hammock will stand up for long to that kind of abuse."


Dutch used to offer a Hexon 2.4 rated with a 400 lbs weight capacity. I used my 2.4 Hexon netless when I knew my kids would be piling in and out. Comfort was bit compromised because there was very little stretch with this fabric but, it wore like iron.
 
tarnkt
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11/21/2020 10:12PM  
I have an eno doublenest with the atlas suspension that I’ve used for almost 10 years.

It has held up to everything including my young kids playing trampoline in it while wearing their shoes. I recently sat in it with my needle nose pliers in my back pocket like the genius that I am and ripped a 1 foot tear in it but it has not fallen apart since sustaining that injury.

I don’t think you could ask for more in the durability department but if I had to do it again I would probably buy something a little longer. More than once my nap has ended prematurely because my hyperextended knees felt a little sore.
 
11/22/2020 09:35AM  
If you're looking to go easy on the budget, I purchased a Byer of Maine double hammock about 6 years ago and have taken it on a trip every year, it's rip stop nylon and I've had no issues with it, I think it cost me about $40.
 
11/22/2020 09:35AM  
If you're looking to go easy on the budget, I purchased a Byer of Maine double hammock about 6 years ago and have taken it on a trip every year, it's rip stop nylon and I've had no issues with it, I think it cost me about $40.
 
Savage Voyageur
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11/22/2020 10:13AM  
tarnkt: "More than once my nap has ended prematurely because my hyperextended knees felt a little sore. "


Roll up a towel or sweatshirt and put under your knees.
 
11/22/2020 04:46PM  
Most of the hammocks on the market are nylon and will tear under sharp pressure; boot heals and something poking out of a pocket come to mind. Net fabric hammocks are not as comfortable but will tolerate heels. My first hammock was woven nylon cord gathered at both ends, indestructible. And really not bad for naps, but definitely not bug resistant.
Amazon has lots of nylon gear for under $50 but if the kids want to pile in with boots on get a nylon cord net type. I saw one when I searched for army surplus hammocks.
 
gymcoachdon
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11/22/2020 07:40PM  
I have had my Eno Doublenest for about 7 years now. I first used it car camping for day use, then started using it on my canoe trips 5 years ago. It is still in excellent condition, and I sleep well enough (meaning awesome!) to not worry about replacing it. I have upgraded the suspension system, although the Atlas straps I bought with it worked just fine for day use.
 
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