Three panel versus single panel camping hammocks.

[Robert Shirley]

Many premium camping hammocks are constructed with three panels, a broad central panel and two narrow panels on each side. I assume this was done to cut manufacturing costs or because wider fabric panels were unavailable. My first camping hammock had this construction.
After many nights of trying to adjust to the uncomfortable seam of the two lateral panels, I started looking for a hammock of sufficient width ( for me, 6ft or wider ) made with a single piece of fabric and length (11ft )
When I finally scored such a prize from one of the cottage vendors, I was forever converted to this type of construction.
So, have others had to make this choice, or has the three panel construction worked out just fine for all-night comfort?

[GadgetUK437]

Many premium camping hammocks are constructed with three panels

Premium??



--
Gadget

[rweb82]

Single panel is surely the best. The three-panel design does not allow the hammock to spread out like a single piece of fabric. This makes it more difficult to achieve a good diagonal lay. Also, as you mentioned, the seams can be uncomfortable; and- in my opinion, are just another potential point of failure for the hammock. I would hesitate to label the three-panel hammocks as "premium," however.

[XJ35S]

My experience was some serious floppy sides in my face. Always. Lots of adjustments, and I know a knotty mod would have helped. I've moved on to single piece.

[Equalizer]

I've been trying to decide if I should go that route too.
Mainly because I like a particular print available only as a 3 piece hammock.
In all fairness, the vast majority of reviews have been very positive. Surprised by that.
It might have to do with the lack of stretch. Grand trunk tells me it's nylon, which tends to stretch, but everyone says it doesn't. My view is if a fabric is triple layer as in a seem, it would stretch everywhere else, hence you'd feel a ridge. Non stretch poly and heavier micro diamond ripstop (nylon?) would not have as much if any seem issues.... From what I've been reading.

Does that make sense?

[Tikker]

So, have others had to make this choice, or has the three panel construction worked out just fine for all-night comfort?

I'm going to say that the vast majority who've had the chance to lay in the 3-panel hammocks, vs the cottage vendor hammocks, they've not gone back to the ENOs


ENO makes a fine lounging product, and good on them for spreading the hammock word, but I don't see many out in the woods. lots in the park, but not in the woods

[dakotaross]

Many premium camping hammocks are constructed with three panels, a broad central panel and two narrow panels on each side. I assume this was done to cut manufacturing costs or because wider fabric panels were unavailable. My first camping hammock had this construction.
After many nights of trying to adjust to the uncomfortable seam of the two lateral panels, I started looking for a hammock of sufficient width ( for me, 6ft or wider ) made with a single piece of fabric and length (11ft )
When I finally scored such a prize from one of the cottage vendors, I was forever converted to this type of construction.
So, have others had to make this choice, or has the three panel construction worked out just fine for all-night comfort?

So, I can call you Shirley!?!

As others have also surmised, you must be talking about ENO or one of many ENO knockoffs. ENO got their start by putting their product exclusively in outfitter stores - I'm not sure if that's because they considered their product a camping hammock, or that it became known as a camping hammock because of the association with outfitters. This was a little before the internet was so widely accessed. Point is, whether its marketing or association, there really isn't a camping hammock. Hammock is a hammock, though certain elements make it easier to lounge in or to spend a night in. Looks like you've found one of the aspects of a hammock that can be an issue for spending a long time in one (the seams and size).

Many start out with ENOs due to their popularity, but not all. Other hammocks were available and all were single piece hammocks. And perhaps newer hangers were fortunate to get their first hammock from a cottage vendor. Point is that its a bit hard to say anything about the satisfaction of ENO's panel construction with seams, or for that matter the shortness of the hammock, other than to say that by evidence here on this forum there are many who used to use an ENO and don't anymore - like you. There are many, though, that have ENOs and love them, so clearly its working out for them. I get the distinct impression, though, that most of those folks have never used any other hammock. Apologies for the broad generalization.

[SilvrSurfr]

Many premium camping hammocks are constructed with three panels, a broad central panel and two narrow panels on each side.

I think most HF members consider a three-panel hammock to be a "beginner" hammock, not a "premium" hammock. ENO has popularized the three-panel construction, and even the $15 Amazon knockoffs have that three-panel construction. ENO and their knockoffs usually are short (9 ft.) and often wide (like the Doublenest, which is 6 ft. wide and laughably advertised as a "hammock for two" - it's a hammock for two if you're both masochists).

It sounds like you found a "premium" hammock from one of our cottage vendors - enjoy!

[wolfe]

and so say all of us hip hip hooray LOL!!!

[Bubba]

I cut off the panels on both of my 3 panel hammocks. I use them for lounging or loaning.