(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best hammocks

I'm working on putting together an UL hammock kit myself.

I just finished sewing up my MYOG 1.1oz ripstop silpoly 6x9 tarp this week. My construction methods are a bit experimental, but with 25 tie outs it only weighs 10.5 ounces and I only have around $20 invested. Once I get a few uses I'll try to write a review.

I also picked up the Lixada Ultra-light Hammock for $20 from some third party seller on Walmart.com with free shipping. It is small, I think roughly 4 feet wide and only 8 feet long. I'm 5'7 and I was able to get comfortably diagonal in it and slept well all night though. If I was another inch or two taller I don't think it would be comfortable. With the included carabiners mine weighs in at just a hair under 7 ounces. One thing I worried about when I ordered it was fabric stretch, but it held my 215 pounds no problem all night long. For $20 I am happy, but for more than a night or two I would rather take my ENO and really have some wiggle room.

I use whoopie slings and short sections of an old thin (cheap) ratchet strap for my suspension. I need to weigh it, but it's only a few ounces for my setup. There are some guys selling kits on eBay that are super light, I think using dyneema webbing.

I have also made a Costco top quilt that I'm comfortable in down to about 45 degrees. I'm not happy with my Costco underquilt yet though. These are just under 16 ounces each. If it's going to be under 50 degrees I'll just bring my 20 degree down mummy bag that weighs two pounds and not deal with an underquilt at all. It keeps me warm in the hammock down to around 30-35 degrees by itself.

This has a bunch of extra features, and is proportionally more expensive. The same is true for Henessey hammocks (except this one). This has pointless different-coloured bits on the sides that make it heavier with no actual benefit, but is otherwise solid. Likewise this. This is good if you want a cheap hammock with a bugnet. The DD Chill Out hammock that I mentioned is a genuinely good, if somewhat over-engineered, hammock. For a really out-there suggestions: hammocks are absurdly easy to make (they're literally a square of fabric with a knot at each end), and the materials are cheap and easy to get.

Will you be doing mostly car camping at first? Or do you already hike and camp, and are just looking to swap to a hammock? I ask because you can get a good quality, heavy tarp for fairly cheap, but you won't want to hike with it. These straps are a great starter suspension, and you can get away with using a 12'x10' or 10'x8' heavy duty tarp (or one from walmart). You want to get an 11' hammock, and a bug net isn't a bad idea. This is all starter-level gear, and I recommend when you upgrade each piece, you so so by getting a much better quality version (not just the 'next step up').

there's some good info here.

the one big downside to hammock camping (especially if you are married) is it's very individual. no cuddling with your spouse, etc.

it would be a good opportunity to get the kids started with hammock camping at a young age, but if you for some reason or another feel it is necessary to sleep in the tent, there are still options. For one, here's a hammock with a stand. It's about 7 feet long, so you need a tent that can accommodate that.

As far as foam pads go, you'll be better off with solid foam vs. inflated foam pads. I like the egg crate style or the cot style the best. The cot style pad is not very portable, but it's much thicker than most camping pads.

Hammock, if you dont have one already. This is my first forest but I use my hammock almost every day if the weather permits it. Eno's are great but I have a generic brand and it works just as good. I had to replace the carabiners on it (people still replace the ones from enos from what I gather) but otherwise it works great:
Hammock I bought $22
Straps $20 I bought different ones but they dont sell them anymore, same thing though

The only reason I sleep on my stomach is because of my back issues. The hammocks I used in Thailand were so comfy that I almost instantly fell asleep on my back, which I could NEVER do on a mattress.

Definitely leaning more towards the Brazilians. I have a $100 Amazon gift card and the ones I'm liking and have great reviews are from NOVICA - namely this one and this one. This LA SIESTA hammock has great reviews also.

This one has great ratings too, but is a Mayan.

Not sure which to go with. I had $300 set aside for a loft bed (but now I'm leaning towards the hammock), plus that gift card.

Most will not recommend a gathered-end hammock for two adults to lay in simultaneously. Hammocks described as “double” do not mean that two adults can comfortably fit. While two adults might fit, gravity will be pushing hips, knees, and shoulders into each other. A double, however, most often means an increased width, which means that one can lay at more of an angle, as the ideal lay in a gathered-end hammock is with the head to one side and the feet to the opposite side. This diagonal fashion provides for a much flatter lay.

With the use of a spreader bar system, however, two adults could make use of the same anchor points and enjoy hammocking together without being slammed into each other. It does require the use of two hammocks, though.

Sure, but I won't recommend JUST a hammock.

Sorbus Brazilian Double Hammock - Cotton: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HIVH2NG

It's Cotton so it will shrink and stretch. Very good for spring and fall.

Double Camping Hammock - XL Parachute material: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017MHJTGY

Doesn't stretch as much, but is really good quality and comes with a good atlas strap set and heavy-duty carabineers for hammocking outside.

I also recommend getting a 8-10ft portable hammock stand for inside. It's the most expensive part, but if you need to move, rent (no hole drilling allowed), or use hotels a lot, it's worth it.

Here's a decent bug-net if you need it, it's quite big though: Chill Gorilla OH Hell NO! 11' Bug net https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRY73JS

And get an underquilt for winter. Even inside it gets chilly because the hammock doesn't provide insulation like a bed does. I used those curly/stretchy shoelaces instead of the flimsy elastic straps that came with this underquilt: UBOWAY Hammock Underquilt - Packable Full Length Under Blanket, Camping Quilt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742CKTGV

I recommend getting 2 hammocks so that you have one ready to go when you wash the other. Wash everything once, and try hammocking outside in cool weather once to get the hang of it.

I slept for about a day when I laid in my hammock the first time. It cured my insomnia! Also, I lost weight and can handle colder temperatures for some reason, not sure if it's the hammock or my insomnia being cured that caused this to happen.

Edit: also, get a big sleeping bag instead of a blanket. The blanket will always end up on the floor or at your feet for some reason. IDK why it happens, just trust me on this

Hi, future hammock owner. This subreddit is traditionally more geared toward hammock camping, but the nylon hammocks that we're using to camp are definitely not the most comfortable ones available. For your backyard, you're going to want a south american style cotton hammock. I just recently got this:
http://www.amazon.com/Vivere-BRAZ212-Brazilian-Double-Hammock/dp/B004YJCB8M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1367555346&sr=8-3&keywords=vivere+hammock
and it's ridiculously comfortable.

One thing the campers might have to offer for you is the rigging setup. A lot of us are moving away from nylon rope/ straps toward things like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Eagles-Nest-Outfitters-Atlas-SuspensionStraps/dp/B008OXZNDO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367555492&sr=8-1&keywords=eno+atlas+straps
...which doesn't stretch.

Of course, you're not sleeping in it, so you could always just tighten your suspension system when you start to sag. Happy hanging.

Most hammocks without spreader bars are made with less "weatherproof" material than this one with spreader bars that's designed to be left outside. A thicker, more durable, waterproof fabric, like this one, won't be very comfortable without the spreader bar because of the thickness, and complete lack of stretch of the fabric. You might be able to leave a hammock made of coated ripstop like this outside long term, but it's not breathable and would probably be very uncomfortable in the summer... Your best bet is probably to make it so your hammock is easy to put up and take down. That way you don't have to worry about how weather proof it is, but you'll still be able to enjoy it without spending much time getting it set up!

There is almost always a hammock or two on sale in the Amazon gold box, most are pretty much identical. I have one like this for day hikes and hanging around, and a Warbonnet Blackbird for my tent. It is a whole other thing from those hammocks, and is the best night of sleep I could wish for in the woods, especially after a rager.

so amazon is your friend for cheap hammocks. i bought a $15 hammock that is the same EXACT thing as an eno. it worked as is, but the suspension left a lot to be desired. i went with some misc suspension(closed loop, and some cinch buckles and some webbing) and ended up all in for well under $35.

whoa, even better. now they come with the straps that have numerous loops... so you can skip the suspension upgrade for now and still have an adjustable setup.

https://smile.amazon.com/CUTEQUEEN-Ultralight-Outfitters-Parachute-Backpacking/dp/B00KR5M1I2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2Y0D2HV20HAG8&keywords=cutequeen+double+hammock&qid=1559156235&s=gateway&sprefix=double+hammock+cuteques%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-4

of course, those looped tree straps are heavy, so in the future, an upgrade wouldnt be a terrible thing.

Rainy Day Indoor net swing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007L76WVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_URSGxbJ32N3PV

I attached Lycra to two carabiners and hook it onto the loops as well. the Lycra provides enough pressure to help soothe my son while he rocks. We also have a trapeze bar and swing that go with it. He prefers the Lycra or the trapeze.

When he was younger we had this Jolly Jumper. It was a sanity saver for me, and for him it provided the sensory input he found most pleasurable.

Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JPYEJY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_HUSGxbSK4A5AH

I love my Cutequeen double that's held up to casual use for 3 years now. I've slept in it and use it outdoors regularly. Just bought the gf one last week and they've greatly improved quality and straps since my first purchase. I'm sure the singles have the same quality. Just make sure you retie the knots as they can be loose upon arrival. Can't beat it for sub 15 dollars.

https://www.amazon.com/CUTEQUEEN-TRADING-Single-Parachute-Hammock/dp/B01MRVUSDV/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1493836210&sr=1-3&keywords=cutequeen+hammock

Taking down and storing a hammock is only work when you've got a big, bulky hammock with spreader bars. The spreader bars force you to fold up the hammock and roll it around the bars, which makes a large, heavy, bulky and awkward bundle.

A parachute fabric camping hammock, however, is something you can stuff down into a little carry sack about the size of your shoe. Stuff it anyway you like; it won't hurt the hammock.

As a starter, amazon has basic camping hammocks like this one for under $25. I actually got that one for my Dad, for his birthday, for about $8 less when Amazon had it on sale. (Amazon Prime Day is coming up on July 11th, so it may be on sale again soon.) I chose that one for him because it's rated at 550 lbs, it has nice carabiners with twist locks on 'em, and it comes with hanging straps. It was a great deal, and it still is.

As for the hammock that I slept in for almost two years, I got one with a 9-foot collapsible frame, like this one, which is currently $56 with the frame. You can get the same hammock without the frame; it's currently $34, but I've seen them get down to $23 to $28. Again, no spreader bar means you can fold, roll, or ball up your hammock; it won't hurt the fabric. I take the one I have with the collapsible frame with me to the beach or when I'm travelling; I just stuff the hammock, a pillow, and some sheets into the carry bag with the rest of the frame and I'm good to go.

I really can't stress how much you're shooting yourself in the foot if you get a hammock with spreader bars.

It seems good to have a try. I have this hammock now, it is much cheaper, but the quality is good. I only use it when I go caming in my summer vacation with my friend. It is a 2 person hommock and can hold 330lbs, which is suitalbe for us.

Here's the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072ZV5KNP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lwtTAbZAB9SZP
It doesn't fold so much as it breaks apart to fit in a case without tools required (screws with knobs.) I don't know that I would backpack with it, as it's still decently heavy metal tubing, but I could easily break down my sleeping arrangement and fit it in my two door hatchback. This was not true of my wooden twin sized bed and matresss.
I can't make any promises or full on endorsements, but mine works well for me. Doesn't wobble. Fits in my 10x11 bedroom just fine.

I like how they try to insinuate that this thing is suitable for camping.

If you really want to find out if a bridge hammock is your style, I'd recommend starting with this hammock and just toss a blanket over it if the cotton ropes are uncomfortable. I started out with one of these, my parents still have it at their house. I moved on to making gathered end hammocks but am now working on a homemade bridge hammock to see if I like that better.

You can get a Yukon Outfitter hammock with bug net built-in (if you don't want it just flip the hammock over) for around $40-50s: https://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-Mosquito-Hammock/dp/B00BBY371S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468441131&sr=8-1&keywords=yukon+outfitters+hammock

You'll want a hammock tree strap which is REALLY handy. You won't need to do any knots or anything and it stays on there merely by tension with just one wraparound of the tree, and you won't need to worry about it not being sturdy enough compared to a cord. They're cheap, $8 dollars: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X2B14UO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then you can get a tarp around 10x10 feet for also around $30 (you might already have one since that's universal to tents and hammock). You don't need a heavy duty one, it's hanging in the air above your hammock barely coming into contact with anything, the one you linked in another comment looks heavy. You do want a big one in case of rain, so you'll have enough coverage b oth for your hammock and your gear. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AXV8VLU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1EF9OE38VX40W

Like isogreen42 said, just sleeping in a sleeping bag in a hammock will mean that you will quash the bottom of the sleeping bag, compressing the material and nullify the insulation, so you'll want an underquilt. You could just use an ultralight sleeping bag or a jungle blanket, and tie the 4 ends to a tree or the line from the hammock. I don't have a link for this one, I'm assuming you already have an ultralight sleeping bag. If you don't, any one you find on Amazon will do. I think I got mine around $15-30.

And then you'll be warm (unless it's down in the 30-40s) and you can just use another ultralight sleeping bag or jungle blanket as the top quilt / actual blanket. Again, $20-30s: https://www.amazon.com/SnugPak-92248-Snugpak-Jungle-Blanket/dp/B00CJFOAZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468441187&sr=8-1&keywords=jungle+blanket

And then you should be set! So you're looking at...around $130? Not too bad for an experiment.

You definitely should. I highly recommend this one along with the space saving stand. It literally takes about one minute to assemble it and it comes with a carrying case, so I just take it with me and set it up anywhere. After I posted my response to this thread I wondered why I'd never combined hammock and lakeside reading, so right now I'm laying in my hammock on a beach on the shore of Lake Michigan reading Moby Dick, and it's the best feeling ever. Next I'll have to try hammock on a boat.

Maybe you can buy this Hammock

[here] (https://www.amazon.com/Vivere-Brazilian-Style-Double-Hammock/dp/B00AXN3HEU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499284811&sr=8-2&keywords=vivere)

Zupapa 550LBS Weight Capacity Steel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072ZV5KNP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf