I started out with a Hennessey Expedition Classic a few years ago. It was so much better than sleeping on the ground that I could have stopped right there and said I had found the perfect camping system. But I got sucked into reading and researching on here and started making a list of what I liked and disliked about the Hennessey and what other hammocks might work out better. I ended up buying a DH Raven 11' symmetric with removable bugnet and cover. Wow. I love the Raven. I've played around with a couple other hammocks since but find I always go back to the Raven. It is so comfortable and I like that the bugnet is removable. I have a fronkey-style bugnet I use with it sometimes. So for me, I lucked out with my second hammock.
I too use the donkey style bug not
Love it
No issues for me getting in and out
To get out I slide a leg out of hammock, hook it on the shock cord and slide my other leg out
Can also stand up inside the net and do tasks without bugs swarming
Only use it in summer , and the rest of year i use no net
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I started with a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro, used it on one trip, and was sold on hammocks at that point. Within 8 months, I purchased a Dream Hammock Raven, and have had no reason to look for a "better" hammock. I did purchase a Dream Hammock Darien though, for when I want to save a little more weight/bulk- and to also have a good option for when the wife camps with me.
I wouldn't say one is any "better" than the other, but both of my DH hammocks are far superior to the Grand Trunk. So, it really didn't take me long to find the "right" hammock for me.
Exactly two:
If I had never read more about hanging, I may never have abandoned my Hennessey. I really liked the bottom entry, and was comfy sleeping on a pad.
Hammock #2 is my WBBB. I'll try to wear it out so I can upgrade to the XLC, but see no need to collect more.
I think in this case, the best is the enemy of the good.
Turns out that my very first hammock was all I really needed, but I bought 5 more just to make sure I guess!
It’s all a learning process. My key lessons: I like a wide hammock. Good insulation is key to comfort - get at least 10-15 degree warmer that what you think you need. Less is more in terms of specialized hardware, complex straps, etc - keep it simple and it will just work. I prefer a separate bugnet for visibility, ease of use, and simplicity. Tarp doors are good. Dehydrated just add water meals are good. Sawyer squeeze and 2 bottles are great to manage water.
Good luck! I figure, don’t buy 6, but do some exploration. I tried different hammocks to see what I might like. Netted, netless, asym, heavy fabric, light fabric, long, short, etc.
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