New Innovations in Hammocks

**Jimswms** · 09-28-2023, 16:46

Originally Posted by Tikker

draumr's and 90* hammocks are getting on 8 to 10 years old already!

At least. My hammocktent.com was developed by Luke at Exped probably 12 years ago at this point. Only thing amok does better is the beer mode option. Cross seems to be a direct evolution of Luke's design. His focus was UL backpacking, but if I considered another it might be a cross for the removable big net.

**cmc4free** · 09-28-2023, 20:02

Originally Posted by cmoulder

A .71osy material that is actually durable would be a good start!

That said, I'd be okay with the situation if 1.6osy were the lightest available. Doesn't 'break the bank' even in the UL realm.

I still would like to make a .7 Monolite / Cloud hammock to my specs, just to try one out.

I do have some 1.2 MTN XL that I plan to use to make a Darien clone when I have the time (would like a 10.5' x 64" but they won't do half foot increments). I planned to use .7 Monolite / Cloud for the netting, just because it's supposed to "breathe" better than .67 Noseeum. And I think the Dark Olive looks neat in the sun.

Speaking of 1.2 MTN XL, that's the hammock material I have the most faith in, in terms of the weight/durability compromise. My real Darien is the 1.3 osy version they made for about a year in 2019/20 before they transitioned to the current 1.2 osy version. That material seems downright rugged for its weight, compared to some of the 1.0 and 1.1 materials I've used that are still strong, but just not quite as confidence inspiring as the 1.2 MTN XL, PA6.6 material.

**cmc4free** · 09-29-2023, 17:09

Not a new innovation, but hanging a hammock inside a hot tent seems to be getting more popular. Warbonnet sells one now. Tsunami tarp, I think it's called.

**sideshowraheem** · 09-29-2023, 21:29

Originally Posted by iceman857

The company I work for is in the textile industry, and I can say that what we're all excited about right now is what might be possible with "Smart Fabric" (The Future Of Fabric: Programmable Weaving Unleashes Smart Fabric Potential (forbes.com)). Hate to say it, but it won't hit the hammock industry for probably another 10 years but there are definitely some great potential applications. Imagine a tarp that can convert solar energy into power so you can charge your devices, or a hammock that senses your pressure points and recommends shifting the height of the foot end to help you find a better sweet spot for YOU. Although it's fun to imagine, I doubt I'll see it in my lifetime.

Heck, the whole outdoor industry is currently "innovating" to create more non-PFAS/"forever"-chemical-free finishing products so we get great rain repellency without harming people and the environment. Why getting PFAS out of our products is so hard — and why it matters | PBS NewsHour

Thanks for the PFAS link, interesting stuff! I could see other cool uses for "smart" fabrics, like changing patterns to reflect what sort of terrain you're hanging in for camouflage.

I think hammock hot tents will become more popular too, I know I'm looking at a couple of different models. I picked up a titanium fold up wood stove dirt cheap and am now thinking of all the fun ways I could use it on a winter trip.

**PopcornFool** · 09-29-2023, 21:42

Originally Posted by jeff-oh

What new ground breaking innovations, if any, have come up in the last several years?

I've been less active on the forums since 2020 and I am out of the loop. Have there been any ground breaking new hammocks, bug nets, insulation, suspension, stands, methods, suppliers etc. in the last several years?

Last ones that broke into the scene I know of is the Tensa Stand.

Did you really just use "ground breaking" and "hammock" in the same sentence? Too funny!

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There was a thread (https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...166116-HangPad) early last month that discussed an innovative new hammock called the HangPad.
(Draw your own conclusions as to whether innovative = improvement.)

**Slackdaddy** · 11-03-2023, 05:13

Originally Posted by LowTech

Integrated hammock insulation may be a new thing if you haven't been following along. We have a few vendors now that that are going that direction.

"Sent w/o me knowing"

Besides Superior Hammock,, anyone else making integrated UQ hammocks?

**ScottS** · 11-03-2023, 07:06

Grand Trunk has an integrated hammock.

**LowTech** · 11-03-2023, 10:47

Originally Posted by Slackdaddy

Besides Superior Hammock,, anyone else making integrated UQ hammocks?

I'm pretty sure both Dutch and SLD have zip on versions but I haven't looked at quilts in a while as tarps have been the upgrade/replace item on my list and have been occupying my research.

"Sent w/o me knowing"

**cmc4free** · 11-03-2023, 11:20

Originally Posted by LowTech

I'm pretty sure both Dutch and SLD have zip on versions but I haven't looked at quilts in a while as tarps have been the upgrade/replace item on my list and have been occupying my research.

"Sent w/o me knowing"