Originally Posted by
ljane
When I was hoping to test the hammock camping waters as inexpensively as possible, I ended up with a 9-foot hammock with an integrated bug net. I figured I’d upgrade if necessary, but it’s been over a year and I’m still in the same rig. It probably doesn’t help that I’m REALLY picky and don’t want to end up with a pile of gear I don’t use. For context, I’m 5’2”, 120#, and can sleep in just about any position, so I can always find a good way to lay regardless of variable conditions (distance between trees, etc.). And I actually find the calf ridge to be a good place to rest my feet!
If I could find the perfect next hammock, these are the things I’m considering:
-definitely a gathered end. I laid in a bridge hammock, and while I wasn’t worried I was going to fall out, it did feel quite a bit more “twitchy” or reactive to any movement. Since there are people who swear by their bridge hammocks, I’m guessing this is something you adapt to pretty quickly.
-I love the Chameleon’s peak shelf and am planning to make something similar for my hammock. (You can also buy them on Dutch’s site.) I don’t have any experience with Warbonnet’s footbox but imagine it adds similar functionality. Storage is key in a gathered end hammock, since everything that isn’t neatly packed away somewhere slides down to the lowest point. (Thank goodness my kindle has a sturdy cover!)
-possibly longer, though only because people say longer is more comfortable, so I don’t know whether it would matter to me. I did sleep a couple nights in a Chameleon (11’) and felt suffocated by all the fabric. Since that could have to do with the cut, I’d want to try other longer (rectangular?) hammocks for a comparison. If I don’t need to add the extra weight I won’t.
-removable bug net. Mine is sewn in, and since I don’t generally use the spreader bars that came with it, I sometimes end up breathing in a mouthful of net. Plus it might be nice to see the stars more clearly.
-I like the idea of a solid over-cover for cooler weather, though I’ve been comfy in my current hammock down to high single digits with my 0 degree quilts.
I was looking seriously at something from Dream Hammock, but I haven’t determined for sure that I’m a left lay. The fact that you can switch the lay on the Chameleon was appealing (plus the removable bug net and over-cover), but after the experience noted above, it’s no longer in the running.
Laura
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