Hammock campers?

I have recently gotten into hammock camping. It can be the most expensive way to camp for sure, especially if you're a gear whore like most campers. I won't sleep on the ground ever again unless the wife and dogs are with me. Still working on trying to get her to sleep in a separate hammock, but she's not too keen on the idea.

My setup right now is:

Kammok Roo hammock with an adjustable ridgeline I made from paracord
Kammok Python straps (best straps I've ever used. They are tubular webbing, so they don't stretch like the ENO. The way they are sewn together provides a ton of adjustment.)
Kammok Dragonfly bug net ( it is very nice quality, but there are a lot more options now from different companies with built in nets which would reduce setup time.)
Hammock Gear Incubator 0* for the underquilt
Hammock Gear Burrow 20* for the topquilt
Warbonnet Superfly tarp (love this thing)

The Hammock Gear stuff is expensive but well worth it. I've slept outside last year when it snowed at around 30 degrees and I got hot and had to pull the topquilt down a bit. For warmer weather I usually just bring a wool blanket instead of the topquilt. My thought is you want the most insulation under you that you can get, and vary the top covering relative to the temperature. I would like to get a Burrow 40* or 50* for fall/spring nights. I have just been using my 20*, but it gets annoying having to keep pulling it up and down all night as I get hot and cold. This is something I didn't really think about before I started. You really need the correct insulation for the temperature to be comfortable.

Believe it or not, if you take everything out of their individual bags, this all fits in an 15L Outdoor Research air purge compression sack. I tie this onto the bottom of my Maxpedition Condor II, which leaves the entire pack for other things. I really want to invest in a bigger pack with a frame. By the time the maxpedition is loaded down, I've got gear tied all over the outside, inside full, and not very comfortable to carry very far at all.
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BurnedOutGeek How do you like the Ridgerunner? I have a buddy that loves to camp, but I'm trying to get him into hammock camping. Last time we went, he brought his ENO single and ended up hiking back to the car and sleeping in his 4runner. It's too small for him (6' tall) and he is really curved when he lays in it. I told him to try a wider and longer hammock, so that he can hang on the diagonal. I think the Ridgerunner might be a solution for him as he doesn't like the burrito effect of a hammock either.
 
RockRiver;n41944 said:
I have recently gotten into hammock camping. It can be the most expensive way to camp for sure, especially if you're a gear whore like most campers. I won't sleep on the ground ever again unless the wife and dogs are with me. Still working on trying to get her to sleep in a separate hammock, but she's not too keen on the idea.

My setup right now is:

Kammok Roo hammock with an adjustable ridgeline I made from paracord
Kammok Python straps (best straps I've ever used. They are tubular webbing, so they don't stretch like the ENO. The way they are sewn together provides a ton of adjustment.)
Kammok Dragonfly bug net ( it is very nice quality, but there are a lot more options now from different companies with built in nets which would reduce setup time.)
Hammock Gear Incubator 0* for the underquilt
Hammock Gear Burrow 20* for the topquilt
Warbonnet Superfly tarp (love this thing)

The Hammock Gear stuff is expensive but well worth it. I've slept outside last year when it snowed at around 30 degrees and I got hot and had to pull the topquilt down a bit. For warmer weather I usually just bring a wool blanket instead of the topquilt. My thought is you want the most insulation under you that you can get, and vary the top covering relative to the temperature. I would like to get a Burrow 40* or 50* for fall/spring nights. I have just been using my 20*, but it gets annoying having to keep pulling it up and down all night as I get hot and cold. This is something I didn't really think about before I started. You really need the correct insulation for the temperature to be comfortable.

Believe it or not, if you take everything out of their individual bags, this all fits in an 15L Outdoor Research air purge compression sack. I tie this onto the bottom of my Maxpedition Condor II, which leaves the entire pack for other things. I really want to invest in a bigger pack with a frame. By the time the maxpedition is loaded down, I've got gear tied all over the outside, inside full, and not very comfortable to carry very far at all.
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If I can make a suggestion on your ridgeline; Paracord sucks for this especially if it gets wet... Get some "zing-it" or "lash-it", super strong and doesn't stretch.

You're right on the compression and weight savings. I've got a pic here somewhere with my last load out that was under 13 pounds total when we did our Wilson Creek trip.

Sorry about the toes. LOL

I used the hiking poles as spreader bars as to not have to carry extra poles for the ridgerunner setup. The garbage bag has my entire hammock setup/sleep system, straps, underquilt, and topquilt in it. The black bag has the superfly (tarp) and the poles for the mod are next to it. Camp chair in the plaid bag, food in the bag under the spoon, and extra clothes in the blue bag."
 
RockRiver;n41951 said:
BurnedOutGeek How do you like the Ridgerunner? I have a buddy that loves to camp, but I'm trying to get him into hammock camping. Last time we went, he brought his ENO single and ended up hiking back to the car and sleeping in his 4runner. It's too small for him (6' tall) and he is really curved when he lays in it. I told him to try a wider and longer hammock, so that he can hang on the diagonal. I think the Ridgerunner might be a solution for him as he doesn't like the burrito effect of a hammock either.
Click to expand...

The RR is awesome!

I'm a side sleeper and it made a huge difference in sleeping for me. I used to wake up toss around a bit, now I have to set an alarm to wake up before the boys and sleep like a rock. If you get the hiking poles to use for spreader bars it actually packs down as small as a gathered end setup.
 
BurnedOutGeek;n41964 said:
If I can make a suggestion on your ridgeline; Paracord sucks for this especially if it gets wet... Get some "zing-it" or "lash-it", super strong and doesn't stretch.

You're right on the compression and weight savings. I've got a pic here somewhere with my last load out that was under 13 pounds total when we did our Wilson Creek trip.

Sorry about the toes. LOL

I used the hiking poles as spreader bars as to not have to carry extra poles for the ridgerunner setup. The garbage bag has my entire hammock setup/sleep system, straps, underquilt, and topquilt in it. The black bag has the superfly (tarp) and the poles for the mod are next to it. Camp chair in the plaid bag, food in the bag under the spoon, and extra clothes in the blue bag. [IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i774.photobucket.com\/albums\/yy28\/wcourter\/camp\/20160908_083728_zpsjy7lecgv.jpg"}[/IMG2]
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i774.photobucket.com\/albums\/yy28\/wcourter\/camp\/20160908_112359_zpsbknmlmiq.jpg"}[/IMG2]
Click to expand...

Damn that is minimalist right there! You would laugh at all the crap I bring. Although I haven't really hiked more than a 1/2 mile from the car before so I'm sure if I did it would force me to leave a lot of the comfort items. What kind of food is in the bag? Were you going for 2 hours lol?

Good idea on the ridgeline, I will do that. I didn't really think about the ridgeline stretching.
 
RockRiver;n42052 said:
Damn that is minimalist right there! You would laugh at all the crap I bring. Although I haven't really hiked more than a 1/2 mile from the car before so I'm sure if I did it would force me to leave a lot of the comfort items. What kind of food is in the bag? Were you going for 2 hours lol?

Good idea on the ridgeline, I will do that. I didn't really think about the ridgeline stretching.
Click to expand...

If you send me the length you need, I've got some that I can send you just PM me your address. It's a bit spendy for a roll of the stuff.

That was for a hike we did in Wilson Creek for a weekend, was supposed to be 7 miles, but I think we turned it into closer to 10 - LOL

Food was mostly snack stuff, a couple XMRE entrees and that was about it.

I'm a major gear whore and usually pack too much. Over the years I've been getting my bags straightened out and keep the GHB in the truck which serves as my scout pack as well. This trip I had time to plan and that's why I decided to try the minimalist approach to see how it worked. It was awesome by the way. Normal pack weight is right around 32 pounds, that one felt like I wasn't carrying anything and made the rest of the troop a bit jealous. ;)
 
The pack did not include the surge I keep on my hip, and mini kit I keep in a cargo pocket. Firs aid kit, meds, doo-dads, etc...

20161205_152837_zps0sd455nb.jpg
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
RockRiver;n42052 said:
Damn that is minimalist right there! You would laugh at all the crap I bring. Although I haven't really hiked more than a 1/2 mile from the car before so I'm sure if I did it would force me to leave a lot of the comfort items. What kind of food is in the bag? Were you going for 2 hours lol?

Good idea on the ridgeline, I will do that. I didn't really think about the ridgeline stretching.
Click to expand...

If you send me the length you need, I've got some that I can send you just PM me your address. It's a bit spendy for a roll of the stuff.

That was for a hike we did in Wilson Creek for a weekend, was supposed to be 7 miles, but I think we turned it into closer to 10 - LOL

Food was mostly snack stuff, a couple XMRE entrees and that was about it.

I'm a major gear whore and usually pack too much. Over the years I've been getting my bags straightened out and keep the GHB in the truck which serves as my scout pack as well. This trip I had time to plan and that's why I decided to try the minimalist approach to see how it worked. It was awesome by the way. Normal pack weight is right around 32 pounds, that one felt like I wasn't carrying anything and made the rest of the troop a bit jealous. ;)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer! I'll drag out my stuff and see what length it is, I cant remember off the top of my head. I've kind of gone that route too with my GHB. I tend to think of it and stock it as both, so that when I go camping I just grab it and go. That way I am testing it and improving it each time. Last time I went camping I ended up "improving" it by removing a lot of stuff I didn't use.
 
Well, turns out I didn't get an ENO lol

It's an Infinity Outfitter's double hammock, can't look it up because their page seems to be down. I got their strap system as well.
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
RockRiver;n42052 said:
Damn that is minimalist right there! You would laugh at all the crap I bring. Although I haven't really hiked more than a 1/2 mile from the car before so I'm sure if I did it would force me to leave a lot of the comfort items. What kind of food is in the bag? Were you going for 2 hours lol?

Good idea on the ridgeline, I will do that. I didn't really think about the ridgeline stretching.
Click to expand...

If you send me the length you need, I've got some that I can send you just PM me your address. It's a bit spendy for a roll of the stuff.

That was for a hike we did in Wilson Creek for a weekend, was supposed to be 7 miles, but I think we turned it into closer to 10 - LOL

Food was mostly snack stuff, a couple XMRE entrees and that was about it.

I'm a major gear whore and usually pack too much. Over the years I've been getting my bags straightened out and keep the GHB in the truck which serves as my scout pack as well. This trip I had time to plan and that's why I decided to try the minimalist approach to see how it worked. It was awesome by the way. Normal pack weight is right around 32 pounds, that one felt like I wasn't carrying anything and made the rest of the troop a bit jealous. ;)
Click to expand...
I'm "that guy" trucking around with the 50 pound pack. Because go big or go home hasn't registered to me as a bad idea when applied to camping.
 
Tubular webbing makes good ridge lines and straps. Para cord stretches way too much. I would tinker with the amsteel blue if I did this more or was having to pack it in. BTW, it's only expensive if you don't want to DIY it. My ripstop hammock has made it several years now. Gathered end hammocks could not be easier to make on your own.
 
https://m.youtube.com/user/shugemery

For noobs and veteran hammock campers ..Check out his channel. Even if you never intend to do the hammock thing, this guy is a wealth of knowledge and has forgotten more about hammock camping than most will ever know...plus he is one hilarious dude. Sean Emery is an EX- Ringling Brothers clown, juggler, and an exceedingly talented individual.
 
BurnedOutGeek;n45456 said:
Where in the heck is MacEntyre

We need some pics of his gear box.
Click to expand...

Here I am! Kinda overwhelmed with this new site... thanks for shoutin' out!

The Molly Mac Gear Box is the most popular item I make. It's a 4' long waterproof Gear Hammock with a lid that closes over the whole thing. It was originally made from silnylon, but now it's done using ultralight polysil. It packs into it's own pocket, and weighs just 4 oz.

The way you use the Gear Box is when you are hiking, and it's raining, and you want to stop... pull out yer Gear Box, hang it 'tween two trees, and dump yer pack right in it! There's plenty of room, and it will hold more'n you can carry.

Ever seen folks that make a "gear explosion" on a ground cloth under their hammock? That approach works, but it looks like a train wreck! Instead, unpack yer gear right inside the Gear Box, and pack it up in there, too, when you are ready to go again.

You can hang a Gear Box alongside yer hammock, or outside your tarp entyrely.

This video is old... needs to be replaced, but the Gear Box is essentially the same as shown.

http://www.mollymacgear.com/molly-mac-gear-box-ultralight-waterproof-gear-hammock/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUAgaBdrIbE
 
Geerubb said:
I've switched to hammock camping-ish. Whenever I go, it's usually with my dad, so I have a place to store my bag. My tarp just isn't big enough to fit stuff under my hammock. And i'm always afraid of getting enough rain that it starts puddling up where my stuff would be.
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I simply hang my back pack on my hammock straps. I use a tarp for cover. Everything stays dry.
 
MacEntyre said:
BurnedOutGeek;n45456 said:
Where in the heck is MacEntyre

We need some pics of his gear box.
Click to expand...

Here I am! Kinda overwhelmed with this new site... thanks for shoutin' out!

The Molly Mac Gear Box is the most popular item I make. It's a 4' long waterproof Gear Hammock with a lid that closes over the whole thing. It was originally made from silnylon, but now it's done using ultralight polysil. It packs into it's own pocket, and weighs just 4 oz.

The way you use the Gear Box is when you are hiking, and it's raining, and you want to stop... pull out yer Gear Box, hang it 'tween two trees, and dump yer pack right in it! There's plenty of room, and it will hold more'n you can carry.

Ever seen folks that make a "gear explosion" on a ground cloth under their hammock? That approach works, but it looks like a train wreck! Instead, unpack yer gear right inside the Gear Box, and pack it up in there, too, when you are ready to go again.

You can hang a Gear Box alongside yer hammock, or outside your tarp entyrely.

This video is old... needs to be replaced, but the Gear Box is essentially the same as shown.

http://www.mollymacgear.com/molly-mac-gear-box-ultralight-waterproof-gear-hammock/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUAgaBdrIbE
Click to expand...
It's a hammock fro your gear! Video is crazy quiet though.
 
MacEntyre said:
BurnedOutGeek;n45456 said:
Where in the heck is MacEntyre

We need some pics of his gear box.
Click to expand...

Here I am! Kinda overwhelmed with this new site... thanks for shoutin' out!

The Molly Mac Gear Box is the most popular item I make. It's a 4' long waterproof Gear Hammock with a lid that closes over the whole thing. It was originally made from silnylon, but now it's done using ultralight polysil. It packs into it's own pocket, and weighs just 4 oz.

The way you use the Gear Box is when you are hiking, and it's raining, and you want to stop... pull out yer Gear Box, hang it 'tween two trees, and dump yer pack right in it! There's plenty of room, and it will hold more'n you can carry.

Ever seen folks that make a "gear explosion" on a ground cloth under their hammock? That approach works, but it looks like a train wreck! Instead, unpack yer gear right inside the Gear Box, and pack it up in there, too, when you are ready to go again.

You can hang a Gear Box alongside yer hammock, or outside your tarp entyrely.

This video is old... needs to be replaced, but the Gear Box is essentially the same as shown.

http://www.mollymacgear.com/molly-mac-gear-box-ultralight-waterproof-gear-hammock/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUAgaBdrIbE
Click to expand...
I need a new camera... it's waterproof, and that makes the audio poor.
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
The pack did not include the surge I keep on my hip, and mini kit I keep in a cargo pocket. Firs aid kit, meds, doo-dads, etc...

20161205_152837_zps0sd455nb.jpg
Click to expand...
What is that object the bankline is wrapped around?
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
The pack did not include the surge I keep on my hip, and mini kit I keep in a cargo pocket. Firs aid kit, meds, doo-dads, etc...

20161205_152837_zps0sd455nb.jpg
Click to expand...
There are somethings you really don't want to know the answer to...
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
The pack did not include the surge I keep on my hip, and mini kit I keep in a cargo pocket. Firs aid kit, meds, doo-dads, etc...

20161205_152837_zps0sd455nb.jpg
Click to expand...
Ha!

It's for getting fires going. Just a hollow tube that you can blow threw to focus air to certain spots called "pocket bellows". They're awesome. thrillhill carries them in the store.
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
The pack did not include the surge I keep on my hip, and mini kit I keep in a cargo pocket. Firs aid kit, meds, doo-dads, etc...

20161205_152837_zps0sd455nb.jpg
Click to expand...
"Just a hollow tube that you can blow" he says...
 
BurnedOutGeek said:
The pack did not include the surge I keep on my hip, and mini kit I keep in a cargo pocket. Firs aid kit, meds, doo-dads, etc...

20161205_152837_zps0sd455nb.jpg
Click to expand...
You know after I typed it and hit send I figured you'd have something to say about it... lol
 
So, I'm looking to upgrade from my Grand Trunk Skeater Beater Pro. Thinking about the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC double layer 1.1 but wanted to see if there were other options I should be looking at.

First, I am a side sleeper. Second, I am 6'3" and (currently) 260 lbs. Third, and finally, I want an integrated bug net since most of my camping is at off-road parks and Portsmouth Island in the warmer months. I already have a rain fly and top and under quilts, so I'm good there. Thanks.
 
fsj80;n60036 said:
So, I'm looking to upgrade from my Grand Trunk Skeater Beater Pro. Thinking about the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC double layer 1.1 but wanted to see if there were other options I should be looking at.

First, I am a side sleeper. Second, I am 6'3" and (currently) 260 lbs. Third, and finally, I want an integrated bug net since most of my camping is at off-road parks and Portsmouth Island in the warmer months. I already have a rain fly and top and under quilts, so I'm good there. Thanks.
Click to expand...

If you're a side sleeper (so am I) take a serious look at bridge style hammocks. I'm absolutely in love with my ridgerunner. I got the double layer with bug net which you can unzip all the way down and roll up into a pocket at the foot end to keep it out of your way. You can also slide a pad between the layers and not have to fight to stay on it like a gathered end.

After one night you'll wonder why you hadn't bought it first.
 
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BurnedOutGeek;n60096 said:
If you're a side sleeper (so am I) take a serious look at bridge style hammocks. I'm absolutely in love with my ridgerunner. I got the double layer with bug net which you can unzip all the way down and roll up into a pocket at the foot end to keep it out of your way. You can also slide a pad between the layers and not have to fight to stay on it like a gathered end.

After one night you'll wonder why you hadn't bought it first.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I did look at those but I wondered how well they would work with my Snug Pak underquilt. Seems like the width and shallow depth would make using an underquilt challenging. But that could just be due to my lack of knowledge and experience
 
fsj80;n60165 said:
Thanks! I did look at those but I wondered how well they would work with my Snug Pak underquilt. Seems like the width and shallow depth would make using an underquilt challenging. But that could just be due to my lack of knowledge and experience
Click to expand...

They make a underquilt specifically for it called a "Lynx".

The regular gathered end don't work for the bridge style
 
BurnedOutGeek;n60173 said:
They make a underquilt specifically for it called a "Lynx".

The regular gathered end don't work for the bridge style
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll look at bridge-specific underquilt if I go this route
 
fsj80;n60981 said:
Thanks. I'll look at bridge-specific underquilt if I go this route
Click to expand...

If you're nearby and want to take a test run give me shout and we'll set it up
 
I"ve been wanting to get one of the Eno hammocks for a long time. I've heard a lot of good things about them.
 
BurnedOutGeek;n60988 said:
If you're nearby and want to take a test run give me shout and we'll set it up
Click to expand...

Not nearby but might be worth the time regardless. Between this and my new Scorpion, I'm bound to be making the trip to you haha
 
fsj80;n61126 said:
Not nearby but might be worth the time regardless. Between this and my new Scorpion, I'm bound to be making the trip to you haha
Click to expand...

Sounds like a plan
 
RedneckFur;n61030 said:
I"ve been wanting to get one of the Eno hammocks for a long time. I've heard a lot of good things about them.
Click to expand...

The hammocks I make are less expensive, and far more comfortable. Just sayin'...
 
Well, a hammock is difficult to photograph... you really have to get in it to get to know it. Here is one that is in my den.

Molly Mac Gear Hammocks are not on our web site yet. They are made from Robic XL, which is an extra wide, diamond pattern ripstop nylon, available from our Durham, NC, friends RipStopByTheRoll.com. Being 5.5' wide and 11' long, you can get a most comfortable diagonal, without any longitudinal seams. Robic XL is lightweight, being a true 1.0 oz ripstop. It is also strong; one layer will support someone weighing 275 lbs. The hammock weighs about 4 oz, not including suspension. We provide a polyester webbing suspension, 10' on each end. My YouTube channel includes a video on the Non-Inverting Slippery Bowline that we recommend. The hammock with suspension costs $50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9JUS4Q2Fzs
 
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MacEntyre;n66707 said:
Well, a hammock is difficult to photograph... you really have to get in it to get to know it. Here is one that is in my den.

Molly Mac Gear Hammocks are not on our web site yet. They are made from Robic XL, which is an extra wide, diamond pattern ripstop nylon, available from our Durham, NC, friends RipStopByTheRoll.com. Being 5.5' wide and 11' long, you can get a most comfortable diagonal, without any longitudinal seams. Robic XL is lightweight, being a true 1.0 oz ripstop. It is also strong; one layer will support someone weighing 275 lbs. The hammock weighs about 4 oz, not including suspension. We provide a polyester webbing suspension, 10' on each end. My YouTube channel includes a video on the Non-Inverting Slippery Bowline that we recommend. The hammock with suspension costs $50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9JUS4Q2Fzs
Click to expand...

thats an interesting painting...
 
I just found the Snugpak quilt, underquilt and cocoon so I'm now horribly tempted to drop money for all three.....
 
NCLivingBrit;n85066 said:
I just found the Snugpak quilt, underquilt and cocoon so I'm now horribly tempted to drop money for all three.....
Click to expand...

I have not been able to do my full review on the cocoon, but I did get a short nap in it. It could stand to be a bit wider in the shoulder area when zipped up
 
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