Greetings. This is my first post, having been referred here from Backpacking Light and various other camping blogs and websites. I hike and bikepack in the Northeast (NY, NJ, PA) and a friend suggested I look into a hammock to compliment my existing shelter which is a 38 ounce tarptent. Acting on the suggestion I purchased the least expensive ENO backyard model just to see if I’d even like lying in a hammock. Well, it certainly is better than the ground and it didn’t require an engineering degree to rig!
I need some specific direction as to where to look next in terms of a camping hammock that is both lightweight and packs down relatively small. By hammock, I mean the hammock with bug net, tarp etc. Honestly if it’s as big and bulky as my tent, I might just stick with the tent. I don’t need $$$ ultralight DCF fabrics, certainly not in a first purchase. I said “light-ish” in the title because I know there’s only so far you can go without getting very expensive. I’d prefer a kit but am willing to buy separate components if that will shed bulk. .
I’m 6 ft 2in, 210 pounds. Mostly a side sleeper. Not exactly graceful ( I see there are models with trap doors and can imagine falling through them!). I have the usual other sleep system items: quilt, thermarest pad, small pillow etc. I understand I will eventually need/want an underquilt.
I don’t think I’ve had a truly restful sleep in a tent in quite awhile, between cramped space and rocky uneven surfaces. So I’m willing to explore the options here.
Thank you in advance.
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