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Farmboy88
senior member (68)senior membersenior member
  
12/14/2020 09:15PM  
For the last couple years I have not been able to sleep flat in a bed without major back pain and the only relief I have had is sleeping in a recliner. I was pretty concerned about my trip that was coming up this last fall and I ended up buying a used Lawson hammock on this site from a girl with an under quilt. I figured it was the closest thing to the same sleeping position as my recliner. And I have to say it was amazing! The best night sleeps I have ever had while camping! The underquilt plus my sleeping bag and some long Johns kept me pretty warm too.

My question to those of you who have hammock camping is can I improve on my hammock? What are some of the best hammocks that you have used? I think this is what I will be using for the foreseeable future so I have no problem investing some money in something that improves my trips that significantly. Thank you!
 
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OCDave
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12/14/2020 10:49PM  
My preferences trend toward lighter hammocks so, I have never used an Amok hammock but, you might find this style interesting.
 
12/14/2020 11:52PM  
If you watch the Quetico trip videos that Backcountry Angling Ontario released this year they use the Amok hammocks. He talks about them several times in the videos and you see them in use. I was intrigued and I’m a tent guy. Side sleeper so I’ve never thought a hammock could work for me.

Ryan
 
MidwestFirecraft
distinguished member(918)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 05:59AM  
I started out with a gathered end hammock but it really bothered my knees. I switched to a bridge hammock and I could not be happier. Here is a pic of my Ridgerunner with spindrift. Got down to the low 30's upper 20's last week and I slept great.
 
12/15/2020 08:35AM  
I don't use a hammock yet, but my knees went the way of arthritis this summer, now I have to be very careful crawling into a tent. Been seriously looking for the past few years and have 2 that interest me,
Dutchware Gear Chameleon for the design and options.
Superior Hammock for the integrated underquilt. Will see in the coming year.

butthead
 
Me2012
distinguished member (202)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 09:03AM  
OCDave: "My preferences trend toward lighter hammocks so, I have never used an Amok hammock but, you might find this style interesting."


I slept in an Amok for a week in the BWCA last summer. That was enough for me. I’ll be bringing my Hennessey up next year again.
 
Pilgrimpaddler
distinguished member (263)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 09:19AM  
Me2012: "
OCDave: "My preferences trend toward lighter hammocks so, I have never used an Amok hammock but, you might find this style interesting."



I slept in an Amok for a week in the BWCA last summer. That was enough for me. I’ll be bringing my Hennessey up next year again."


What was it that you didn't like about the Amok? I've been considering getting one or a bridge hammock (side-sleeper here) and can't make a decision. I have zero hammock experience so I've even been thinking about a traditional gathered end, but I'm hoping to avoid having to get an entirely new sleep set-up; at least with the Amok I can still use my Exped Downmat.
 
12/15/2020 09:22AM  
I have used a Warbonnet Ridgerunner for the last 2 years in the BW and have never sleep better.
 
user0317
distinguished member (380)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 09:32AM  
butthead: "I don't use a hammock yet, but my knees went the way of arthritis this summer, now I have to be very careful crawling into a tent. Been seriously looking for the past few years and have 2 that interest me,
Dutchware Gear Chameleon for the design and options.
Superior Hammock for the integrated underquilt. Will see in the coming year.


butthead"


My wife and I both use a Dutchware Chameleon, and it works great for us. One of us uses the 'bugnet cover' and the other uses the 'top cover'.
 
MidwestFirecraft
distinguished member(918)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 10:24AM  
You can use your pad with the Ridge Runner as well.
 
12/15/2020 11:13AM  
Another Warbonnet Ridgerunner user here. Like it a lot - flat lay is great. I have been using either a wide thermarest xtherm or xlite in it with good success, though I have been considering a Lynx underquilt.
 
MidwestFirecraft
distinguished member(918)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 11:33AM  
sns: "Another Warbonnet Ridgerunner user here. Like it a lot - flat lay is great. I have been using either a wide thermarest xtherm or xlite in it with good success, though I have been considering a Lynx underquilt."


Just picked up a 0 degree Lynx, very happy with it.
 
coffeetalk
senior member (65)senior membersenior member
  
12/15/2020 12:10PM  
Another shout for the Warbonnet Ridgerunner double-layer. It's side-sleeper friendly on its own but ridiculously comfortable with a (rectangular, long, wide) Nemo Tensor pad. I don't need an underquilt in July,August with this setup, but a Hammockgear Incubator Econ fits it just fine, augments the insulation of the pad, and will save some money over the WB Lynx with a small weight penalty and a bit fussier fussing.

Nemo also makes insulated versions of the Tensor that I have not tried but might allow you to skip the underquilt in cooler weather. As a partial-fetal-side-sleeper my knees and butt are often up against the uninsulated sides of the hammock but a top quilt keeps them plenty warm. The only issue I've had with the pad is there seems to be an air gap at the feet due to the cut of the double layer sleeve. Cold feet are my achilles heel (so to speak) so on colder nights I will hang the underquilt. I have not tried just putting the pad right in the hammock. That would fix the air gap but I don't know if it would stay put and I don't want to raise my center of gravity unnecessarily (see below).

Drawbacks of the bridge hammock over the gathered-end style include:

The added weight of the spreader bars. Worth it for a good night's sleep.

The increased minimum distance between trees needed. I can't remember the numbers but for me and my paddle I know it's about 3 1/2 paddle lengths, more than I can get away with in a gathered-end but not a lot more. Still it can make the difference between a scenic, breezy, waterfront hang and a buggy swamp hang of last resort. I've moved on from otherwise good campsites a few times over almost-but-not-quite hammock options. Worth it for a good night's sleep.

It can be a bit more tippy, especially with the Tensor pad which is stiff when fully inflated and will raise center of gravity. It's not a problem at all if you just use an underquilt, and can be mitigated with under-inflation if you use an inflatable pad. I grew up sleeping in a homemade top bunk without safety rails so I'm pretty well trained to sleep with caution. I have never tipped over and I only got the heart racing once when I was awake and trying to reach something unreachable on the ground. If you're worried just pitch it closer to the ground or put packs, pine boughs, dogs, children, etc. under you. Worth it for a good night's sleep.

You'll need a wider tarp so you don't swing up and punch a hole in it with your spreader bars. Warbonnet's Cloudburst is made for it. I use the Thunderfly with pole tie-outs because I like the peace of mind of having doors available in extreme weather and I love what the pole tie-outs do for interior space. I don't bring a kitchen tarp on solo trips because with the 13' Thunderfly there's room to spare for setting up a chair, cooking and sprawling out gear even with the hammock right there.

 
GickFirk22
distinguished member (175)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 01:27PM  
butthead: "I don't use a hammock yet, but my knees went the way of arthritis this summer, now I have to be very careful crawling into a tent. Been seriously looking for the past few years and have 2 that interest me,
Dutchware Gear Chameleon for the design and options.
Superior Hammock for the integrated underquilt. Will see in the coming year.


butthead"


I'm running a Dutchware Chameleon as well. I did the double layer 1.6 hex outside and 1.0 hex inside... integrated bugnet too. I. Love. This. Thing. I have a 30 degree underquilt from HammockGear and will definitely be getting a 0 Degree winter underquilt. For the summer, I'm able to slip a thermarest inbetween the 2 layers of the hammock in order to prevent some thermal loss. I'm mostly a side sleeper and have never had a bad night's sleep in my Chameleon. Butthead, if you're in the Twin Cities and ever want to mess with one before purchasing, reach out and we can meet up.
 
12/15/2020 01:48PM  
"Butthead, if you're in the Twin Cities and ever want to mess with one before purchasing, reach out and we can meet up."

Thanks!

butthead
 
Farmboy88
senior member (68)senior membersenior member
  
12/15/2020 03:33PM  
Coffeetalk it was a bit of a learning curve to “sleep with caution” as you say. One night while trying to crawl into my sleeping bag I rolled right back out. At least everybody else had a good laugh about it. I also learned the the ropes do stretch a bit through the night so you don’t want to start too low but don’t go so high so when you roll out you get hurt. lol I did also wake up one night and I was sleeping almost upside down after I apparently rolled in my sleep.
 
Wharfrat63
distinguished member (149)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 05:52PM  
I just went thru this process. After a trip this year with 3 millennials and their hammocks, I was amazed by the versatility up of a hammock setup in the north woods.

The first one I bought was the lawson. I wanted the flat lay as I am a stomach sleeper. Well, the hammock was comfortable and I could definitely use it to sleep in the BWCA. Although, not sleeping on my stomach.

My issue is with storage options. I rigged some cord and bungees around the velcro ties and hooked things to it...but it wasn't optimal. I needed to be able to have clothes, lights, phone, glasses, etc organized and within arm's reach. So not being satisfied, I figured I would try the Double layer Warbonnet Ridgerunner. I figured, I could always sell one.

Well after some backyard testing, I am staying with the Ridgerunner. Maybe my wife might like the Lawson. We will see.

I pair it with a WB Superfly and am using a Klymit Luxe insulated pad tucked into the double layer. It is the 30in model and it fits like it was made for the ridge runner. That is just perfect for me.

Be careful as this Hammock thing is a deep rabbit hole...

Wharfrat
 
OldTripper
distinguished member (240)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 05:56PM  
OCDave: "My preferences trend toward lighter hammocks so, I have never used an Amok hammock but, you might find this style interesting."

My nephew has this Amok hammock, along with the tarp on top, an air mattress and quilt. He loves it. I spent one night in it and have to admit it was an awesome nights sleep. We both like the "lay flat" design. The only drawback is by the time you get the entire package it can get a little pricey. If you do a search on youtube for Shug or Shugemery he has done several reviews on this and other types of hammocks.
 
MidwestFirecraft
distinguished member(918)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 06:22PM  
Wharfrat63: " My issue is with storage options.

Be careful as this Hammock thing is a deep rabbit hole...


Wharfrat"


The saddle bags on the Ridgerunner are sweet!
 
mjmkjun
distinguished member(2885)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/15/2020 07:31PM  
Check out Dream Hammocks. I have the Sparrow from Dream Hammocks. It's an adjustment but found an easy comfy spot. A compromise, if you will. Not fully on my back and not fully on my side. I still used a tent when the notion struck. I do notice a marked difference in joint aches when exiting a tent vs exiting the hammock. Recently, I've had a bit of spinal issues/diagnosis so think I'll be selling the tents. :-)
Can't go wrong with Dutchware Chameleon either.
 
yellowhorse
distinguished member (138)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 05:12AM  
Wharfrat63: "
Well after some backyard testing, I am staying with the Ridgerunner. Maybe my wife might like the Lawson. We will see.


I pair it with a WB Superfly and am using a Klymit Luxe insulated pad tucked into the double layer. It is the 30in model and it fits like it was made for the ridge runner. That is just perfect for me.


Be careful as this Hammock thing is a deep rabbit hole...


Wharfrat"

Stomach sleeper, here, too. So the ridge runner DOES allow you to sleep on stomach better than Lawson?
I've been tempted to run down this rabbit hole but the stomach sleeping has me skeptical.
 
TipsyPaddler
distinguished member (315)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 06:38AM  
I started with a Warbonnet Ridgerunner and I liked it a lot. But I could never get comfortable sleeping on my side like I do in a regular bed. I switched to the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC and that is now my favorite. At home I can rarely sleep for more than 7 hours but 8-10 hours in the BB XLC seems easy. I use a lot of Dutchware hardware/accessories and as a few items from Simply Light Designs. It was fun “fine tuning” the hammocks to get the simplest, lightest, most comfortable set ups for my preferences.

I kept the RR as my wife enjoys sleeping in that now over a tent. No plans to part with either the RR or BB XLC but two are enough.
 
Wharfrat63
distinguished member (149)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 07:12AM  
yellowhorse: "
Wharfrat63: "
Well after some backyard testing, I am staying with the Ridgerunner. Maybe my wife might like the Lawson. We will see.



I pair it with a WB Superfly and am using a Klymit Luxe insulated pad tucked into the double layer. It is the 30in model and it fits like it was made for the ridge runner. That is just perfect for me.



Be careful as this Hammock thing is a deep rabbit hole...



Wharfrat"

Stomach sleeper, here, too. So the ridge runner DOES allow you to sleep on stomach better than Lawson?
I've been tempted to run down this rabbit hole but the stomach sleeping has me skeptical."


Great question...For me and I stress for me (I am 5'9", broad shoulders and 190lb), I could lay on my stomach in the WBRR but I sleep with both my arms above or one under my head. The RR was not wide enough for me to get both arms up comfortable. One had to stay by my side. One other note on the WBRR was that this was only possible for me with the Klymit V Lux wide pad in the sleeve. I have not spent a night in it yet, but plenty of time napping in the backyard. The saddlebag storage and the small storage space at the head and foot end are genius! Each saddlebag has a deep pocket and a shallow pocket that you can place things like phone, glasses and light in the shallow pocket and clothes, shoes, etc in the deep pocket. The head pocket can hold hats and small pillows. Really well thought out.

The Lawson was wider and I could put my hands above my head, only when it was strung tight. That made the center of gravity higher and makes the setup much more tippy. If I set it up with enough sag to lower the CG, I could not lay on my stomach without feeling like I was hyper-extending my back. One other point on the lawson, I would not use the rain cover. Heavy and confining for me.

With all that said, I wondered what the lawson would be like with a double layer to insert a pad. Sleeping with the pad in the lawson was a pain. I move too much, so did the pad! I would have to go with an underquilt. I was able to sleep in it in a sort of "semi-side-stomach" position. It was comfortable. Might have been better night with an underquilt. Too much waking up to find half the pad touching the top of the bug net!

Your mileage may vary, but I hope this helps. I am never going back to a tent unless I am forced. Have a great holiday!

Wharfrat.
 
OMGitsKa
distinguished member (374)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 07:19AM  

I'm running a Dutchware Chameleon as well. I did the double layer 1.6 hex outside and 1.0 hex inside... integrated bugnet too. I. Love. This. Thing. I have a 30 degree underquilt from HammockGear and will definitely be getting a 0 Degree winter underquilt. For the summer, I'm able to slip a thermarest inbetween the 2 layers of the hammock in order to prevent some thermal loss. I'm mostly a side sleeper and have never had a bad night's sleep in my Chameleon. Butthead, if you're in the Twin Cities and ever want to mess with one before purchasing, reach out and we can meet up. "


Just checked out the Chameleon, might have to upgrade for this season that looks a quality item. What's the deal with the double layer, just added durability?
 
MidwestFirecraft
distinguished member(918)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 07:54AM  
OMGitsKa: "Just checked out the Chameleon, might have to upgrade for this season that looks a quality item. What's the deal with the double layer, just added durability?"


Double layer does add durability, but mostly so a sleeping pad won't move on you.
 
GickFirk22
distinguished member (175)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 07:55AM  
OMGitsKa: "

I'm running a Dutchware Chameleon as well. I did the double layer 1.6 hex outside and 1.0 hex inside... integrated bugnet too. I. Love. This. Thing. I have a 30 degree underquilt from HammockGear and will definitely be getting a 0 Degree winter underquilt. For the summer, I'm able to slip a thermarest inbetween the 2 layers of the hammock in order to prevent some thermal loss. I'm mostly a side sleeper and have never had a bad night's sleep in my Chameleon. Butthead, if you're in the Twin Cities and ever want to mess with one before purchasing, reach out and we can meet up. "



Just checked out the Chameleon, might have to upgrade for this season that looks a quality item. What's the deal with the double layer, just added durability?"


Great Question on the double layer option.

1. Creates a sleeve for a pad to be slipped into
2. Increases the load it can handle in case my crazy kids want to jump in with me
3. I figured it would be a bit more durable
4. Maybe the mosquitoes couldn't bite through it like the do my single layer hammocks? (that is, if I'm not running an underquilt)
5. I did a gray exterior and an orange interior...which makes it subtle with the landscape but I could use the orange inside for emergency signaling.
6. 2 tone looks cool :)
 
12/16/2020 10:17AM  
No personal use experience but this company may be an option for some of you hammock campers.
Sierra Madre Research
 
BearBurrito
distinguished member(979)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/16/2020 02:54PM  
I use a zippered bug net hammock from hammock gear, with ridgeline organizer and peak pockets. Hammock gear 20 degree top and under quilt. I sleep on my side mostly and love this hammock.
 
12/16/2020 06:27PM  
MidwestFirecraft: "
Wharfrat63: " My issue is with storage options.


Be careful as this Hammock thing is a deep rabbit hole...



Wharfrat"



The saddle bags on the Ridgerunner are sweet!"


I can't speak highly enough about the luxury that is the ridge runner. It stays in my car all summer should I ever want to set it up on a whim. If you're serious and only want to purchase a hammock once, I highly recommend you try out a RR first and maybe one or two others that are gathered end. Feel free to reach out if you want to borrow one for a test.
 
ockycamper
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12/16/2020 08:50PM  
We have used Hennessy hammocks, and a variety of other gathered end hammocks. One of us bought a Chrysalis bridge Hammock and now most of us have switched to the Chrysalis. Can be set up in under a minute, has storage in the hammock for gear, integrated mosquito net and rain fly, but best of all we can sleep on our sides in comfort.
 
12/16/2020 09:31PM  
Being a side sleeper, my first hammock was a Jacks R Better. I didn’t like it because of the pressure it put on my shoulders. I bought it to use on a Hunters Island trip I did with my son. My son got a Warbonnet, and we switched one night. Neither one of us liked the other’s. I used my Jacks R better on my first solo trip and then bought an Amok. I really like my Amok. I can easily sleep on my side, and it gives me the side to side room I like. The biggest drawback is that you have to have a particular pad design, and you have to have a pad. The Amok site has all the information you need to get the right pad. The Amok has some straps to pull and/or release to get the correct sleeping angle, so there is a learning curve. After my trip this past September, I discovered I need a pad with more insulation. I used top quilt, which I would also use in a tent. I don’t think Amoks can accommodate an under quilt.
 
R00kie
member (33)member
  
12/17/2020 08:55PM  
I have been think of a hammock too. Looking hard at the Haven .does anyone have any experience with that hammock?
 
12/24/2020 02:54PM  
Last year I came across Simply Light Designs. They have a "starter" package that I bought on a whim so I'd have a spare for all the buddies that want to try out a hammock. It's no longer my spare. I use it as my primary hammock now.

I'm 6'3" and have a few buddies a little taller, so I bought the 12' version. For $65 you get the hammock, tree straps, toggles and whoopie slings. It's a well made product and I've since bought a few other things from him and have found the owner, Jared, to be a really great guy to do business with.

https://simplylightdesigns.com/collections/what-s-new/products/the-starter
 
Me2012
distinguished member (202)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/24/2020 04:51PM  
Pilgrimpaddler: "
Me2012: "
OCDave: "My preferences trend toward lighter hammocks so, I have never used an Amok hammock but, you might find this style interesting."




I slept in an Amok for a week in the BWCA last summer. That was enough for me. I’ll be bringing my Hennessey up next year again."



What was it that you didn't like about the Amok? I've been considering getting one or a bridge hammock (side-sleeper here) and can't make a decision. I have zero hammock experience so I've even been thinking about a traditional gathered end, but I'm hoping to avoid having to get an entirely new sleep set-up; at least with the Amok I can still use my Exped Downmat."


It’s a very comfortable hammock but you’ve got to make sure that you keep your center. I constantly was moving up or down a couple inches to keep centered. Too far one direction and your going for a ride! Just hopefully your heading feet first.
 
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