Hello from the Netherlands

**Martin_1** · 08-16-2015, 16:22

Hi folks. Just a "quick" introduction.

I am rather new to hammocking. When I was around 15, I bought a hammock which was woven (a bit like a fishing net) and used it a few times for fun. That's as far as my experience goes. When I was younger than I am now, I used to take my poncho to use it as as a simpel shelter and some blankets to lie on and under and camp out in the forest. Now I am 45 and my body won't allow me to do that anymore. So I thought about using a hammock, because I miss those days of just camping out. But I need a bit more comfort than the ground.

I have reasearched a lot (that's my thing) and watched loads and loads of YT video's, read the "The Ultimate Hang" by Derek J. Hansen and had a conversation via mail with him about hammocks and what would be a good choise for me. Derek is a great guy and very helpfull and was willing to take the time for me.

At the moment I have a cheap Chinese hammock with incorperated mosquito netting (220/250 cm. by 120 cm.) and a self made hammock from ripstop nylon (290/300 cm. by 150 cm). The Chinese version is a suprisingly good built, for something that only cost 12 Euro's. I expected a totall waste of money, but was pleasantly surprised. The only drawback is that it is to small. Mainly to narrow.

My self made hammock is nice and comfortable, but not a "real" hammock. It's just cloth with at the ends a knot tied into it, with continuous loops "hugging" the knot. I needed the knot, because without the knot the loop was sliding off (I fell down LOL. Glad I had it hanging above my bed so the fall was soft:-)).

I am reasonably tall 6.00-6.03 feet or 1.83-1.84 meters and don't way much (74 kg.).

After chatting with Derek, I think the best solution for me is buying either the Woodsman X or the Woodsman Xpedition from UKhammocks. I talked to Mat from UKhammocks a bit and he seems like a really nice guy as well and was very helpfull in answering a few of my questions.

If anyone has any questions. Feel free to ask!

Regards,

Martin

**Martin_1** · 08-21-2015, 14:10

Is there noone from the Netherlands here?

**Caminante** · 08-21-2015, 15:02

I've never been to the Netherlands, but welcome from NC, USA!

**ofuros** · 08-21-2015, 16:31

Welcome to the world of hammocks, Martin_1.

**gos** · 08-22-2015, 01:18

Welcome Martin_1
There are several people over here in the Netherlands with Hammocks, the group is growing.
Its difficult to find a perfect hanging spot because it's not allowed to wild camp.
The Rugzaklopers (backpackers club) has several hammockers (

). They organise every weekend (Friday to Sunday), 10/25 miles, hikes.

I have Jeremy's BoneFire hammock and love it.

IMG_5642.jpg

**Martin_1** · 08-22-2015, 18:43

Thanks for the welccome Caminante, ofuros and gos! Glad to be here :-).

I never heard of the Rugzaklopers. Where do you folks walk? I live in the north and often everything is much further south. That is a great looking hammock you have there gos! I just bought the Woodsman X from UKHammocks. http://ukhammocks.co.uk/collections/...ant=1055617964 :-).

**FireInMyBones** · 08-24-2015, 08:08

Originally Posted by Martin_1

Hi folks. Just a "quick" introduction.

I am rather new to hammocking. When I was around 15, I bought a hammock which was woven (a bit like a fishing net) and used it a few times for fun. That's as far as my experience goes. When I was younger than I am now, I used to take my poncho to use it as as a simpel shelter and some blankets to lie on and under and camp out in the forest. Now I am 45 and my body won't allow me to do that anymore. So I thought about using a hammock, because I miss those days of just camping out. But I need a bit more comfort than the ground.

I have reasearched a lot (that's my thing) and watched loads and loads of YT video's, read the "The Ultimate Hang" by Derek J. Hansen and had a conversation via mail with him about hammocks and what would be a good choise for me. Derek is a great guy and very helpfull and was willing to take the time for me.

At the moment I have a cheap Chinese hammock with incorperated mosquito netting (220/250 cm. by 120 cm.) and a self made hammock from ripstop nylon (290/300 cm. by 150 cm). The Chinese version is a suprisingly good built, for something that only cost 12 Euro's. I expected a totall waste of money, but was pleasantly surprised. The only drawback is that it is to small. Mainly to narrow.

My self made hammock is nice and comfortable, but not a "real" hammock. It's just cloth with at the ends a knot tied into it, with continuous loops "hugging" the knot. I needed the knot, because without the knot the loop was sliding off (I fell down LOL. Glad I had it hanging above my bed so the fall was soft:-)).

I am reasonably tall 6.00-6.03 feet or 1.83-1.84 meters and don't way much (74 kg.).

After chatting with Derek, I think the best solution for me is buying either the Woodsman X or the Woodsman Xpedition from UKhammocks. I talked to Mat from UKhammocks a bit and he seems like a really nice guy as well and was very helpfull in answering a few of my questions.

If anyone has any questions. Feel free to ask!

Regards,

Martin

Welcome to the forums! One of these days I'll make it across the pond. Until then, welcome from South Carolina, USA.

Originally Posted by gos

Welcome Martin_1
There are several people over here in the Netherlands with Hammocks, the group is growing.
Its difficult to find a perfect hanging spot because it's not allowed to wild camp.
The Rugzaklopers (backpackers club) has several hammockers (

). They organise every weekend (Friday to Sunday), 10/25 miles, hikes.

I have Jeremy's BoneFire hammock and love it.

IMG_5642.jpg

That's a great picture, Gos. I'm glad it is still working out for you.