Ground mats, Cots, and Hammocks, oh my!

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yohavos

yohavos

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Was just wondering if anyone had any specific feedback on any hiking/camping style hammocks that they've used!

I'm talking mini/uber-portable type deals that can be thrown in the day pack but are sturdy enough to be "the sleeping plan" even when camping out of my LC.

I've scored some GI cots (aluminum framed) that I throw in the back of the 40 but I'm really not a huge fan of setting them up. I was looking at some hiking hammocks and have been tempted to pick one up but haven't heard of anyone enjoying/disliking them too much. I want one!

Any comments?

I'm a bigger guy (6'2", 220 lbs.) and I think the thought that a hammock that fits in my back pocket might not support me very well has always kind of eased me away.


I'm not sure what my aversion to cots is. New ones seem expensive, the GI ones I have right now are functional but not ideal (cumbersome to pack in the 40) and though I've spent many nights sleeping on the ground, I'd prefer to stay elevated if possible.

I wheel/camp in Western Washington so trees to tie off to aren't really an issue for me. You can't find a trail anywhere around there without trees. (Just look at my fenders if you don't believe me :whoops:)


Right now I'm looking at this guy:

Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammock

It's a bit pricey for what I'm looking at, but I get 10% off at that site.

Thoughts? Innovative/eye opening ideas?
 
i love hammocks. i used to have a military jungle hammock . veitnam era that thing had a bug screen and roof fly.. it was cool eventually it just fell apart.. the only complaint i had was it was too narrow.. im not a big guy.. 5'9'' 170 # there was no room to roll over and if you didnt sleep perfectly still you could end up falling out except the bug netting would hold you in .. it was like a comedy act if you got twisted up.. . i fell out of that thing a few times .. i have been looking for another hammock that style but .. aint found one that i like yet
 
I once had a handmade mayan hammock that I bought off a prison in Yucatan which was the most comfortable one you could hope for. These guys know what they are doing. And know how to sleep in a real hammock. (Not like what the gringos do.) Unfortunately, mayans are short. Lost it in a house fire unfortunately.


Also had a jungle hammock which I used for tropical island backpacking but was pretty heavy IIRC.


Hammocks are sure nice to have if price is at a premium. For treeless desert runs you'll need roof racks or attachments or some sorts and that kind of crimps your style.
 
I've rocked the Wallyworld style nylon crossbar hammocks on long fire assignments: great for the afternoon OSHA safety nap. Didn't carry it on IA, so no data on overnight use... might get kinda chilly here in the mountains of the SW.
 
My experience with anything that elevates you off the ground is that you will still need a mat. The cold air under you will suck almost as much heat out as the ground, maybe more if there is a cold breeze. A good sleeping mat should insulate you as much as cushion you. IMHO if you are only taking one thing it would be a mat. I use a Big Agness holo filled air mattress, there are more expensive choices that are filled with down.
 
Although I've never used one myself I suggest this, as it's the one I plan on picking up in the next few months. I've talked to someone who has one and I've read plenty of good reviews, there's even videos on youtube about it. Seems like pretty sweet deals to me.


If you're from the states I don't think you can order from MEC directly but I'm sure you can find this somewhere down there.
 
Definitely need a pad!

rusty_tlc said:
My experience with anything that elevates you off the ground is that you will still need a mat. The cold air under you will suck almost as much heat out as the ground, maybe more if there is a cold breeze. A good sleeping mat should insulate you as much as cushion you. IMHO if you are only taking one thing it would be a mat. I use a Big Agness holo filled air mattress, there are more expensive choices that are filled with down.
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Definitely tracking that, I sleep on a cot every night as it is right now and I've got an extra sleeping bag laid down under me for insulation.

I've got an old Z-Rest [Cascade Designs, Inc. : Error] (From Cascade Designs, same people that make Therma Rests) that I usually throw down on my cot. Other options (more weight/space conscience, I suppose) could be a decent space blanket.

No such thing as cold coming in... just heat going out!

Looking through the links, I think the idea of a cover/fly is growing on me too. The Hennessy Expedition Hammock looks great, which means it's probably not available in the US :rolleyes:, but you never know.

I do need to quote a line from one of the reviews on that particular hammock:

"don't recommend taking this to the Pinery in Grand Bend, raccoons are very aggressive, felt a little vulnerable with my back exposed"

Not to downplay the seriousness of raccoons and their innate aggression or anything, but is this guy on to something here?

:hhmm:

Anyone ever been attacked by a raccoon while sleeping in this particular brand of hammock?

Anyone know of any brands less prone to aggressive varmints?

Apparantly these are the questions I really need to be asking :D
 
new at this said:
Although I've never used one myself I suggest this, as it's the one I plan on picking up in the next few months. I've talked to someone who has one and I've read plenty of good reviews, there's even videos on youtube about it. Seems like pretty sweet deals to me.


If you're from the states I don't think you can order from MEC directly but I'm sure you can find this somewhere down there.
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This one looks like the way to go compared to others out there.
 
I just got back from a weekend on the appalachian trail and spent the whole thing in a hammock. Last night was 33 deg. F. Unless you know exactly what purpose you wish your hammock to serve, and purchase appropriately, you will be miserable in it. Hennesys are light and relatively popular but their style of entry has its drawbacks.

You will find that with hammocks, just like almost everything, you get what you pay for.

If you plan to spend one or more nights in a hammock and be guaranteed comfort you are going to need more than just a hammock.

If you're out in buggy season you need a bugnet. As others mentioned, it takes surprisingly little cool air moving under you to make you too cold to sleep. So you need a mat of some sort. Don't count on your 0 degree sleeping bag to do the trick because the bottom will compress under your weight and lose all its insulation properties. You'll also need a rainfly because rain will, well, make you all wet and unable to sleep.


A hammock "sounds" like a great idea but if you aren't prepared for that specific style of campout you are setting yourself up for a miserable experience.
 
I've used a Grand Trunk heavy hammock (two people, 400lb max). its bulky, but much smaller than a sleeping pad. Thankfully, on the colder nights i have been able to snag an extra sleeping pad. Its huge and has been plenty durable! plus, i snagged it for 32.00 w/ free replacement locally!
 
Hennessy hammock for sure in my climate (Australia - temperate). My Ultralight Backpacker Asym scrunches down into a military canteen pouch - with fly. As you would have seen if you've visited Hammock Forums, there are all sorts of weird and wonderful insulation systems available. I would say that in cooler climates than mine these are a necessity. Here I just use a cheap fleece blanket or a poncho liner under my sleeping bag.

In a warm climate a hammock with a bug net will give you the best, most relaxing sleep you'll ever have in the boonies. Just make sure you lie diagonal in the hammock so you lie flat.
 
Go Time

I'd have to say that in a base camp type of situation, the 'ole military cots are the way to go. Yes it sucks to set up and break down but they are sturdy and I don't see any rascally raccoons getting to your backside through one of these. However, they are big, bulky and heavy so definitely not the way to go if you plan on hiking. Something small, compact and light would be preferred but finding one that would support us bigger guys may be a gamble. I'm all about comic relief but being tangled up in a hammock while my buddies laugh at me isn't my idea of a good joke. I'm gonna be camping and hiking a bit this summer. If I find something that is worthy, I will definitely share those details with you guys and hope you do the same. Good luck and beware the always elusive raccoon!!!:D
 
JackZilla said:
I'd have to say that in a base camp type of situation, the 'ole military cots are the way to go. Yes it sucks to set up and break down but they are sturdy and I don't see any rascally raccoons getting to your backside through one of these. However, they are big, bulky and heavy so definitely not the way to go if you plan on hiking. Something small, compact and light would be preferred but finding one that would support us bigger guys may be a gamble. I'm all about comic relief but being tangled up in a hammock while my buddies laugh at me isn't my idea of a good joke. I'm gonna be camping and hiking a bit this summer. If I find something that is worthy, I will definitely share those details with you guys and hope you do the same. Good luck and beware the always elusive raccoon!!!:D
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What raccoons are messing with people to?! I know, last time they messed with my pepperoni brakefast :bang: !
 
CowboyUp said:
What raccoons are messing with people to?! I know, last time they messed with my pepperoni brakefast :bang: !
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The rabid ones...:eek:

Actually a friend had a non rabid raccoon enter one of those floor less hunting lodge type tents by going under the side.
 
I know this is a fairly old post but since it's been revised I thought I'd offer up the sleeping mats I acquired from the USAF. Not sure but I think they are made out of a closed cell form which makes them moisture resistant and are approx. 73"x 23.5" and weigh about a pound, gray in color. Shipping can be at cost which I would imagine to be about 12 bux if it can fit in a flatrate box and I'm asking 5 bux each. If you know of a cheaper shipping method please let me know.
PM me at nspctr1@att.net

Sorry to hijack
 
Cabela's Alaskan Guide® Cot

I have two of these. It is really nice on uneven ground, just put rocks under the legs to level. It is also nice in the desert which lack treees for a hammock, and in hot weather. I recommended a pad for insulation purposes. Also, the fabric is very taut, and the pad will make it very comfy.

As for the hammock, my back got stiff and sore just looking at those things.
 
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