Testing a hammock for backpacking and inexpensive tree hugger straps
July 15th, 2010 | by admin |
I have been considering a hammock for my backpacking gear. This is the first time I actually tried one. Not sure I could sleep in it all night??? I will give it more time but, I just may be a die hard, ground dweller 
14 Responses to “Testing a hammock for backpacking and inexpensive tree hugger straps”
By dnrulz11 on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
i love the straps but you need a larger hammock and dont hang it that tight. let it sag and lay diagonal, head on one side and feet on the other and instant comfort will find you.
By FishinKip on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the great tip on the tree hugger straps. I picked up a set today and tried out my home-made hammock.
By shampoovta on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
Hmmm,…
I use a Brazilian style, you lay cross ways and not length wise. Like a sling. Tie downs on L R side to spread the hammock open more.
shugemery is the hammock guy see his vids.
By MrCableguyken on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
@Woodenarrows Well dang, I must be getting old…cause I totally forgot that…lol
By Woodenarrows on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
@MrCableguyken – Ya, I am the one that ask you a couple of weeks ago, “now that you have had it for a while would buy another Skeeter Beeter”. Still trying to make up my mind though. Thought I would play with this one for a while. I can always use it for early spring and late fall when the skeeters are not around.
By MrBillTroop73 on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
@Woodenarrows two things going on there.
One is the “bridge” suspension system that allows you to lay completely flat, no bending or sagging.
The other is all of the extra pleated fabric to give you “wiggle room”.
By Woodenarrows on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
@MrBillTroop73 – Different. For the first few seconds I thought of someone in a traction bed
)
By medicjimr on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
Decision decisions I am still up in the air of being up in the air no pun intended
By MrBillTroop73 on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
Take a look at this one:
watch?v=LHIDrpJUCXs
By Woodenarrows on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
@Ggreenvideos Ya, I haven’t given up on it totally, yet. I will try it a couple more times playing more with the hang of the hammock.
By Ggreenvideos on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
I’d say you need a different suspension system for fine tuning your hang Jim. The hammock itself is a great hammock. you had it stretched too much, or not enough sag. Your looking for about a 95-100 inch ridgeline(distance from one end to the other) Once you get it figured out you’ll love it, I’m sure. But you will need some insulation under it. And good suspension… that’s the key
)
By Ggreenvideos on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
@ihikefar I’ve got that hammock and it’s a true backpackers hammock because it’s lite…only 12oz, 16 with the arrowhead suspension and very comfy. I’ve also got hennessy’s and I find the grand trunk much nicer with the Warbonnet superfly.
By MrCableguyken on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
Ill bet the tree hugger straps were for trees that needed support, and not for ahmmocks…lol great find. I have the Grand trunk skeeter beeter, great hammock, plenty of room, and comfy all night long….but the one I made is nicer….cause I made it..LOL welcome to the world of swingers.
By ihikefar on Jul 15, 2010 | Reply
I’m not sure that’s a good hammock to test. Seems like it would give you a totally different feel from a true backpacking hammock like a the Hennessey, Clark, or Warbonnet Blackbird. There’s a hammock forum on WhiteBlaze with lots of information.
I had a Hennessey but used an MSR Hubba one-person tent on my thru hike last year. Hammocks are “fickle” and tend to sleep cold. But they’re great in a downpour since the canopy allows you to pack up dry underneath- a real plus. You decide.