I’m enjoying this thread, my goal is to get a kit this fall so that I can debug it over the winter and early spring (Uhwarries are 90 min from here). While I’ll likely just throw money at it and get the HG wanderlust/wanderluxe to start, it’s great to see everyone’s ideas and especially shrug’s videos.
You might just have sold a Lair for Jared.Originally Posted by Canadark
Hope you have fun out there! I started watching some hammock videos recently and got swept into it pretty quickly; plus some coworkers were already heading out on trails whereas I only had half a sleep system from some scouting days. If you're committed to only a single layer then I think the fabric choice could make a 3-5oz difference, but make sure to keep an eye on the weight rating! I'm 6'1" 195 lbs and am sleeping quite comfortably in a standard width Hex 1.6 Chameleon. I believe dream-hammock's sizing chart would have recommended a wide instead, but I haven't had much problem getting comfortable. The fabric is very smooth and soft but this is my only piece of high end gear so I can't really offer a comparison, but maybe dream's page on fabrics would help. Weight savings seem to be more in the insulation and tarp choices to me. Good luck!
I know DH (Dream) offers a lot of custom options. I'm guessing(?) that SLD does also. SLD seems to have the greatest number of fabric options. Dutchware offers the most in modularity.
I doubt you would benefit from a 12' hammock and, I believe, 10' may well be too short. I'm 5'11" and have never felt the need for extra-wide. But, at over 6', maybe a bit of extra width could add comfort. Dunno.
Speaking of comfort, think about the degree of firmness you want. If you really like extra-firm, that would be a reason to not dismiss the idea of double-layer. Otherwise, yes, single-layer is the way to go.
There are many top-notch hammocks available and you may not find the absolute best match for you with the first purchase. In the direction your headed, you're almost certainly going to end up with something that is, at least, VERY good.
I personally currently have hammocks from 4 of the "better" vendors often discussed here. (I don't have one from Jared.) One is DL and can be switched from right to left. One is netless. One is symmetrical. The Chameleon could obviously be netted any number of ways.
If for some reason you need to eventually get something different (or additional) and you want to sell the first one, the market is great for the hammocks discussed here.
Last edited by TominMN; 08-28-2023 at 18:41.
I’m in Seattle and have a trail lair fully decked out which I’d be happy to show you. I also have one of Dutch’s netless (not. Chameleon) in Hexon 1.6. My TL is HyperD which I really like. I also have a Voyager in Hexon 1.6 which is a netless with fronkey style net.
Just to round things out, I’ve also got a Dream Hammock Free Bird in 70D which is one of my favorites. I find them all equally comfortable perhaps in slightly different ways. You can’t go wrong, it’s more of a what features do you want.
You can’t go wrong with the TL. It’s my goto camping hammock - I just keep all options attached and stuff it all in to the stuff sack. It weighs so little it’s not a concern for me / I like having the options or offers.
I’d be happy to meet you at Magnuson or Golden Gardens, string em up, and let you check them out. Only one rule - no shoes!.
@Tpatter I am ever grateful for your generous offer, unfortunately I have to decline. Right now I am in Europe, later on I will (probably as of right now) be on the east coast (Washington, but the wrong one)I’m in Seattle and have a trail lair fully decked out which I’d be happy to show you.
/.../
I’d be happy to meet you at Magnuson or Golden Gardens, string em up, and let you check them out. Only one rule - no shoes!
But none the less: thank you (these things makes this forum a great place)
Good point. I'm going single layer due to weight but maybe compensate w Hexon 1.6 rather than 1.2 to hold back on the 'give'?
I am one of those who love to sleep on a 2' bench with a thin but sturdy mattress - too soft and my back will remind me. Dunno if a fabric with less give will have any effect in the big picture, but food for thought. Thank you.
I used to sleep that way as well, now I full time in a hammock, probably close 500-600 nights outside in the last few years, and almost fear those situations where I'm not able to hang one.
I use the 1.6 because I use it constantly and packing is only a small part of its life. Well I do tend to move into my cotton Brazilian for the hot summers as the nylon is too sticky.
I do prefer an 11' hammock in the mid 60"s as it lets me get a bit more diagonal so no shoulder squeeze.
I don't have either of the hammocks that you're interested in though I do have multiple items from SLD and am super pleased w/ all of them. One of his hammocks is on my list for when I finally move up to something better.
"Sent w/o me knowing"
500-600 nights! My wife would kill meI used to sleep that way as well, now I full time in a hammock, probably close 500-600 nights outside in the last few years, and almost fear those situations where I'm not able to hang one.
I use the 1.6 because I use it constantly and packing is only a small part of its life. Well I do tend to move into my cotton Brazilian for the hot summers as the nylon is too sticky.
I do prefer an 11' hammock in the mid 60"s as it lets me get a bit more diagonal so no shoulder squeeze.
I don't have either of the hammocks that you're interested in though I do have multiple items from SLD and am super pleased w/ all of them. One of his hammocks is on my list for when I finally move up to something better.
"Sent w/o me knowing"
Checking weight difference for 1.2 and 1.6 on a regular 11’ Chameleon: 2,5oz ish, def worth it.
And wide design to lower shoulder squeeze, smart. I have only done so much hangin' in slouch-around-hammocks but shoulder squeeze is not happy-fun-time in my book. I was napping, It was slightly cool and I woke up when the wind picked up - my joints hurt.
After reading this post I decided to take a moment and gain momentum by using a stepping stone (cheap 'Amazon' 11' entry model or similar). Unfortunately I realized this juuust too late as DW had a flash sale of 11' netless from 30$ and juuust emptied their stock - doh!
Anyhow, cheap entry+'expensive' UQ seems to be the explorative study for preferences (assy, width, length, rigidity, what have you variables) and the path to salvation.
For now.
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