Great quality and craftsmanship, and their customer service is phenomenal! Until now, anyway. The weight capacity is somewhat low at 250 pounds, but the fabric feels ready to withstand more abrasion than others. After two amazing nights of sleep under the stars, this product deserves all the praise it gets. The absolute best part about this tarp is that it offers a completely knotless setup. Genius eCommerce by 1Digital, Additional option to receive a wide version of the Economy Burrow, The Wanderlust complete hammock setup includes our ultra soft, low stretch, eleven foot long. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. You will want to practice setting these models up before going out into the backcountry. We feel that the netting would benefit from a slightly more durable material as it does drag on the ground. ENO changes the game of portable hanging with the Skyloft. While you can find a plethora of other very similar slings available, it's hard to beat the value of this model. Read our ENO SubLink Hammock Shelter Review., The Hennessy Hammocks Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip, The Dutchware Wide Netted Hammock Package, The Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip Hammock, How to Stop Your Superfeet Insoles from Squeaking, BearVault New Canister Sizes: BV425 & BV475, Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 Backpack Review, 10 Most Durable Lightweight Backpacks of 2022, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru-Gaiter Review, Hiking Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette in July, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Please note that the only customization options available with The Wanderlust are selecting the color of your hammock and tarp, as well as upgrading to a wide width Burrow top quilt as opposed to the standard width base insulation option. While many manufacturers sell compatible suspension systems, several options don't have suspension systems factored into the cost. The tarp is more than sufficient for complete coverage, and kept me dry and shielded from the wind. Offering selective campers the ability to choose size, fabric, color, suspension, and features, the Dream Hammock Sparrow is almost twins with the Chameleon. This hammock ships fully equipped and "ready to hang", featuring spectra continuous loops and ridgeline, carabiners, and a ten foot pair of our ultralight daisy chain tree straps. We were able to select our fabric weights and colors, style of bug netting, type of suspension, and more. Most backpackers and travelers opt for a lightweight sleeping option, which is why we made weight a high priority on the list. It worked great! Shelter falls into the most basic level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, so if you're planning on using your 'mock as your backcountry home, you will want to make sure it provides adequate protection from the elements to expect to encounter. If you plan to use one of the above hammock tent systems in hot or humid weather, consider getting one with an adjustable air gap between the tarp/rain cover and the hammock. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested the best hammocks from Warbonnet, ENO, Sea to Summit, and others. One less thing to break right? One designed to be your backcountry shelter may hold more value even when priced over three times more than a model designed for day use. I will be monitoring for durability as the Summer progresses but so far we are very please with the features and function! The tarp is a unique 5 point design that can be pitched with the broader side into the wind for protection and retain a more open view on the leeward side. The nice thing about all of the kits listed here is that they include everything you need to sleep in a hammock, soup to nuts, without having to acquire additional components. light weight The hammock is comfortable, durable and well made. All three work fine and the only real difference between them is usually gear weight, with the Whoopie sling being the lightest weight system. Well made However, these latter two systems have the bonus of versatility. We also looked at options offered for insulation. I've been backpacking since I carried canvas tent halves as a Boy Scout in the 1970s. The quilts are highest quality I have ever camped with. Simply hook the loop end around your stake and pull the top line to tension your tarp's pitch perfectly. A comfortable hang is a top priority, but most of us want to consider our wallet to some extent. Roomier models tend to sleep a bit better, while some lighter designs sacrifice comfort for a compact size that feels great in the pack but can impact your sleep quality. The ounces and grams can be more or less important based on your personal preferences, so we consider both the end-use and the hammock's weight together in this metric. The same goes for the Sea to Summit Pro Double. The flattest, most comfortable sleeping surface, Bug net and double-layered bottom optional, Large pockets all around to keep you organized. But for someone not willing to sacrifice comfort or carry the extra ounces, this system is sure to make you smile. Not only can you select options, but you can also request personal customization directly from this small business. Most travel 'mocks are a variation on a theme lightweight fabric tied to a tree. The Warbonnet hammocks are the go-to spot to weather the storm. Some of the models required more of a learning curve than others. Its really nice to have a pocket or two for internal gear storage in a hammock, even if its just for your keys and a smartphone. It is also lightweight, waterproof, and resists both sag and water absorption much better than traditional nylon tarps and tents. Not a huge fan. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Ultralight Hammock Suspension: Continuous Loops, Ridgeline, Carabiners, Ultralight Daisy Chain tree straps, Quest Tarp: Knotless hardware and color coded guyline for effortless setup, Stuff Sack for storing all this gear in one convenient place. Thanks Hammock Gear for making suck amazing gear!! Setting up a 'mock is essentially tying it to a tree, but the well-thought-out suspension systems on the market these days make hanging with a rope seem like a complicated and time-consuming task. Warbonnet also a great choice. I'm looking forward to a two night trip this weekend. Be prepared that you will need to purchase the manufacturer's suspension straps when buying this model because the unique buckle attachment won't work with other brands. I was so warm and cozy all night long! The inflatable pillow? I bought the wanderlust complete kit at the end of last year and have been itching to try it out. The Sea to Summit Pro Double and its accessories and the ENO Sublink package were next in line but are 10 ounces heavier than the Hennessy Ultralite. However, with a little practice, we were able to master the setup with confidence and ease. I love it, just wish I had gotten a discounted UQ when I had the chance. Buying a complete hammock shelter system is a quick way to try hammock camping and backpacking to see if its right for you. The design is well thought out, with every component working precisely with the others. This tipsiness makes for excellent physical comedy with new users but cuts down on relaxation until you have some practice. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Free Shipping and Returns. I loved being able to sit in the hammock while my dinner cooked. Other than the price tag, the only thing we don't love is that because the bug netting isn't removable, lounging sideways in the Blackbird isn't a great option. It's like laying in a floating cot made out of top-of-the-line materials. We hung around in the backcountry, testing in a variety of weather conditions. Unfortunately, two adults will almost always overload the 250-pound weight capacity. All Rights Reserved. This is truly the highest quality product on the market. - its supposed to get colder up here in NE. The Kootek has the longest straps with the most loops, providing plenty of attachment options. Still woke up with a stiff back/neck. Most people need insulation under their backs when sleeping in a hammock if its; less than 70 degrees outside. The heavier nylon material feels durable enough to stand up to visits from excited dogs and wayward belt buckles alike. This kit also includes four aluminum y-stakes and matching silpoly stake stuff sack to keep your dirty stakes safely separated from the rest of your gear. But the extra fabric layer on double layer hammocks does add to their weight. Very happy purchase, Posted by Richard Schnell on 14th Mar 2021. Check for the latest price at: Kammok | REI, Check for the latest price at: Hammock Gear, Check for the latest price at: REI | Amazon, Check for the latest price at: REI |Amazon, Check for the latest price at: REI | Hennessy Hammock, Check for the latest price at: Lawson Hammock | Campmor. Good airflow is necessary to combat the transfer of condensation from your tarp into the hammock and onto your sleeping insulation. Some are labeled "double," but in the tested options, none were really all that comfortable for two people to sleep in, but they fit two day-loungers better than a single, and sleep one very comfortably. I know this first-hand. Let us know! 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. The biggest advantage of buying an all-in-one hammock tent is that all the components fit together and you can take them out on the trail having confidence that they will work together as intended. And when you don't need a fully-featured shelter, we just loved the full comfort of the Kootek. Here are 10 Best All-in-One Hammock Tent Systems we recommend: The advantage of sleeping in a hammock is that makes it much easier to find great campsites on the fly, particularly in heavily forested or mountainous terrain, where flat open campsites are few and far between. The quality of the carabiners is the only thing we don't particularly love. Even though the Hennessy isn't among the larger interiors, the integrated ridgeline and included storage pocket add to the livability of the space. Some of the most comfortable day models were also some of the least expensive, such as the Kootek. My wife and I decided this was the year we really went after the sleeping outdoors adventure and we bought her the kit instead of trying to piece together items from different brands. During many times of the year, the bug net will be unnecessary saving you a full 13 ounces in your shelter system! The Wonderlust performed very well. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Nah. Our testers felt comfortable and well protected in the cozy cocoon of the Hennessy Expedition. Great customer service as well. Accessories that may be essential for your setup are underquilts for colder temperatures, top quilts for cozy insulation that is lighter than a sleeping bag, and different styles of bug nets and rain flies. However, by adding either a little weight and/or a little money, you can find a much better night's sleep in roomier models such as the Warbonnet Blackbird, the Dutchware Chameleon, the Dream Hammock Sparrow, or the less pricey Hennessy Backpacker Ultralite or Expedition. Double layer hammocks have an internal sleeve under the sleeping surface, so you can tuck a sleeping pad into it to keep it out of the living space. This economical bundle of gear gives you the opportunity to include our industry leading line of American made economy insulation, at a steep discount that is only made available with this package. You get the idea. When thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Elizabeth spent four months sleeping in her homemade 'mock, so she has some serious expertise about what features to look for or to avoid when buying your own. This is truly a complete kit offering everything you need to get hammocking. Still, in the end, the comfort of the more spacious Sea to Summit beat the ENO. Hammock systems designed for backpacking are usually lighter weight than those designed for base camping or car camping. No hammocks that we have tested do a whole lot to block the wind beneath you but some, like the Nano 7, are so thin that you want to give them extra care. Like other top straps on the market, it uses heavy-duty webbing and is triple bar-tacked for durability. Super easy to use! And some of the priciest models, like the Warbonnet Blackbird, held tremendous value due to the excellent comfort, protection from rain, wind, bugs, and features needed in a full shelter. To find the best model for each user, we've tested the top contenders and rated their comfort, versatility, durability, protection, weight, and ease of use. Required fields are marked *. Many options come with straps, while others have to be purchased separately, so you can choose whether you put more importance on the weight of your straps, their price, or their ease of setup. Depending on your needs, you can spend more or less. 10 stars in my book. At the end of a long day, a tired thru-hiker can nap reasonably well in even the most minimalist design; however, the lack of comfort is likely to become a frustration and impact your sleep quality quickly. Our weight metric scores take into account the hammocks themselves as well as their components. Because we tested the Sub6 as part of the SubLink Shelter System, which provided us with a tarp and bug net, so we scored it a bit higher. These systems aren't cheap, though, compared to some of the other models we tested. In most cases, you can use any suspension system with any model without issue. How can we improve GearLab? When I received my kit I was a little skeptical, I had never hammock camped and. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! We selected the Chameleon as our favorite customizable hammock but also want to be fair and say that the Dream Hammock Sparrow was so similar in all features and customization options that it was almost splitting hairs to pick between them. Not fun. Most of the hammock tarps listed above have a knotless setup, with cord tensioners at the ends of the ridgeline and on the side guy-lines for setup. It has spreader bars that help create the flattest lay possible, so flat our testers could get comfortable on their backs, both sides, and even on their stomachs. She shares her love for adventure with her two kids in epic travels ranging from multi-week pack rafting trips in southern Utah to climbing the classic moderates of North Carolina to a rugged thru-hike of the Vermont Long Trail. We like that both sides of the Hammock are zippered and HG even thought to put glow in the dark pull tabs on them. Why are you even in that swath of fabric dangling above the ground if you can't get comfy or get a good night's sleep? The Ridgerunner also has an optional integrated bug net. Laying around in the backcountry, additional testers Maggie Nicholsand Penney Garrett provide expert advice on which 'mocks are best for you. With just minor adjustments of the under-quilt, I prevented drafts. As you can probably guess, the ultralight models offered the least protection and durability. Bring the 13 ounces Guardian SL Bug Net and ditch the tarp (the heaviest component, at 16 ounces). Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. We sat in them, laid in them, slept overnight in each backcountry model, put sleeping bags and pads in them, and even tested their capacity for adding a friend. Most brands offer a plethora of add-ons giving you the options to tailor your setup to your needs. We considered how flat we could position our bodies, headspace when sitting up, and overall size and roominess for each model. The ease of setup for most basic models depends on simply wrapping webbing around a tree and clipping a carabiner to a loop. Grab the Sub6 and the 4.1-ounce Helios Suspension System that comes with the system, and you're good to go. The quilts are wonderful and fully adjustable, are light and pack down small. The WanderLust is by far our most popular hammock sleep system! Shop our wide selection now! copyright 2022 Hammock Gear. While the higher price tags typically translated to a better design, more comfort, less weight, and helpful features, we also found budget models that offered better than average comfort for a fraction of the price. The addition of spreader bars in the Ridgerunner creates a wider, flatter sleeping surface that is comfortable for side sleepers too. This wrapping action provides a bit of protection from sun or bugs, so we awarded those models a middle-of-the-road rating. The sleeve can also hold a foam or an inflatable sleeping pad. The Dutchware Chameleon provides discerning hammockers the options to design theirs just the way they want. It was very simple and fast to set up, even for someone like me with absolutely no experience with hammocks. Here is one of our tiny friends coming for a visit in the Skyloft. While comfort is paramount, we also evaluated each model's versatility, portability, and how easy they are to set up and take down. One downside: hanging the Hennessy isn't the most intuitive process. When it comes to day use hammocks, you may not be entirely focused on weight, but the ability to stuff a small, light package into your backpack has its advantages. The noisy ultralight inflatable pad didn't do it. Available in our most popular color combination featuring Moroccan blue outer shells and black inner shells, these quilts are suitable for three season camping in most regions! I watched a few Shug Emery videos so I had some clues about getting comfortable. Many expedition models, such as the Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker and Expedition, and the ENO SubLink Shelter System, come with suspension systems (though the Sub6 hammock does not if you buy it on its own). We scoured the market, bought the best products at full price, then tested them to get an unbiased review of each. Pink clouds means it's time to settle in for another night's sleep in our suspended cocoons. These are fine and are what I started with many years ago. Also, it is disconcertingly easy to tip over compared to models without spreader bars. The Blackbird has a roomy feel and gives you the freedom to move around and find your sweet spot. Are you heading to a buggy area? Certain models proved to be accommodating of everything from extended use as a shelter to casual campus hangs. Super easy to set up and adjust. Kept me warm dry and comfortable in Rain, Snow, Hail and Sleet! I had doubts that the hammock could hold me. Enter the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, our choice for ultimate comfort. It isn't always apples to apples when comparing 'mocks, so we get into details about best uses and how the performance stacks up against the price. A narrower profile at only 3 feet, combined with a 250-pound capacity, makes the Skyloft poorly suited to snuggle up in with a buddy lengthwise. This hammock camping kit was designed to function at pro-level with a price that invites everyone to get the best sleep under the stars! It was dead simple to put up. We also keep our eyes on the market and test new contenders as they appear, ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date info at your fingertips. The enormous 6 feet, 3-inch width of the DoubleNest gives plenty of space for cuddling with a buddy or cocooning up to escape the bugs or a cool breeze. I fell asleep in 5 minutes. All in all this kit is a remarkable value - and the chatter around how comfortably you sleep in a hammock is actually true. I've had my Wanderlust hammock out exactly one night, so take this with a grain of salt. If you want Imported gear, you can buy all of these components individually at Walmart for around $100. The benefit of the lashing system? This model is also on the heavy end of the spectrum at 52 ounces for the whole system, making it less ideal for lightweight backcountry adventures. But how do you find one that doesn't sacrifice comfort, versatility, and durability among all of the nearly identical options online? This weight doesn't include suspension, but ENO offers a whoopie sling suspension for only 4.1 ounces. All of the instructions are printed directly on the bag, but it reads a bit like a Dr. Bronner's label wordy. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Measured Weight - Hammock and Suspension (ounces), Measured Weight - Shelter System (no stakes). Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. We considered the thickness of the fabric, the presence of ripstop materials, and the redundancy of stitching in both the fabric and the suspension when rating the durability. I highly recommend it! We guarantee you aren't thinking much about the ease of setup and the killer deal you scored if you are tossing and turning at 3 am with hyperextended knees. I am totally pleased with my purchase. Don't be afraid to mix and match. Your email address will not be published. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. I absolutely loved being able to see the night sky from my hammock. During our research, we read more than a few stories of folks being woken up by a smack on the back to find themselves outside on the ground with shreds of fabric hanging above them. Are you going out in the middle of the summer for just one night and no rain in the forecast? The two ridgeline tie-outs feature twelve foot long neon green reflective cords, while the four perimeter tie-outs feature six foot long neon orange reflective cords; offering high contrast colors to increase visibility during both day and night. It has seemingly identical fabric to similar models we tested, has triple-stitched seams, and boasts one of the highest weight capacities at 500 pounds. While sitting sideways is still pretty comfy, you aren't able to lean your head back like you would in a wider model. Easy setup You would still need a sleeping pad or an underquilt for cool nights, but at least we were protected from the rain and creepy crawlies. Long (length) gathered end hammocks are better than shorter ones if you prefer sleeping flat, like you would on a bed, rather than with a back curved like a banana. An 11 foot long hammock is considered long, while a 9 hammock would be considered moderately short. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a37574477b33ba76fb2ab13d00a7d5fb" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. It's also among the largest in overall size, meaning finding comfort is a cinch whether you're 4 feet, 2 inches tall and reading a book, or 6 feet, 5 inches tall and snoozing in a sleeping bag or snuggling with the kids. The Hennessy Expedition Asym balances comfort, weight, and price better than any other tested models. As they require more work to put on and off the 'mock as you pitch and take it down, bug nets that cinch at either end aren't our favorite option, but we do like that this one has a zippered entry for easy access. As far as this list goes Hammock Gear and Dutchware make high quality American made gear. Overall, we found the most comfortable hangs were the Warbonnets and the ENO Skyloft, though for different reasons. Never once slept in a hammock. For protection, we assessed how well the netting would keep out bugs, the size and shape of the tarp, and the fabric's resistance to wind. As it isn't as wide as some of the models we tested, therefore feeling a bit less spacious, the almost 11-foot length of the Chameleon makes up for what it lacks in width, allowing the fabric to spread more easily as you get closer to the ends. We have already discussed many of these uses, such as lightweight models for folks eager to cut down on pack weight and highly comfortable options for those who prioritize a solid night's sleep over all else. The symmetry of the 'mock and reversible asymmetric bug net gives new campers the ability to figure out which direction is most comfortable for them rather than committing to "head left" or "head right" and retains the comfort and space of an asymmetric setup. While many of the hammocks we tested have room for two people to sit in together, you have to be really, REALLY into snuggling to overnight in one as a pair. To get useful comparisons, we weighed the hammocks alone, with suspension straps, and, when applicable, as entire shelter systems. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. It's easier than ever to find affordable 'mocks. The Sea to Summit Pro Double is sold without the accessories, but we love the combo we put together with their components so much that we feel it should be included as a package. Not only is this our lightest weight suspension option, but it is also our most simple to use. Comparing them side-by-side, we look at essential metrics like comfort, weight, and features offered. Elizabeth Paashaus has spent many backcountry nights and many backyard days just hanging around in various types of hammocks. We like that it uses more durable feeling nylon than other lightweight shelters. Even the most expensive system tested, our pick for Ultralight Versatility, Sea to Summit Pro Double held value to those looking for the ultimate versatile combination of low weight, comfort for overnight sleeping, and simplicity for day use. The thinner fabric of these models also led to a lower durability rating because a slight snag could tear a hole. Thank you Hammock Gear! All trademarks property of their respective owners That can be a tricky process when youre new to hammocking and you can end up buying some incompatible gear. While each person will find comfort differently, extra space and features that lend themselves to getting fully relaxed are rarely bad. You can get a flat lay on a long hammock without having to lug around all the weight they require. I was pleasantly surprised to remain so warm, in spite of the cool windy night. Very happy; what a deal! We had temps in the low 50s, and quite a bit of wind coming from the lake. Ripstop nylon, double interlocking stitching, 27 colors, 3 fabric layering configurations, 2 sizes/9 colors/3 fabrics, 31 printed patterns, 1 size /5 colors, customizable options available, Rain flies, bug net, carabiners, fish hooks, under quilts, top quilts, suspension systems, Suspension straps, rain fly, bug net, top cover, side car pockets, ridgeline pockets, Suspension straps, rain fly, top cover, side car pockets, ridgeline pockets, tree straps, underquilts, top quilts. No matter what you're using yours for, comfort is king. For expeditions where you can stand to bring a few extra ounces, models like the Sparrow, Chameleon, and Blackbird offer comfort and protection in all kinds of weather for an additional 8 ounces or so. Understand that if you elect to order custom insulation, it is not eligible to receive the kit discount and the ship date of your Wanderlust camping package is subject to the declared lead time for custom insulation. This kit is everything it is advertised to be. When it's hard to find a dry place to land, stringing up a comfy hammock is one of life's great joys. This will be my go-to shelter for camping from now on! If you have a single-layer hammock you can sleep on top of a foam pad or suspend an underquilt underneath the hammock body. Still, none gave us the ability to customize almost everything about the system while also being extremely functional and comfortable. Contenders that stood out in this category were the Dutchware Chameleon, the Dream Hammock Sparrow, the Sea to Summit Pro with accessories, and the ENO SubLink Shelter System. No additional customization and or substitutes can be made to any components included in The Wanderlust Kit. We took into consideration the intended end-use for each model when considering its value. Also, when practicing setting this up near my home, I had some questions-- the customer service department responded very quickly (within 30 minutes) to each question. Except for the ENO Sublink and Kammok Mantis, none of the models included stakes needed for a full setup. But if you want a shelter system for a great price, it's the highly comfortable and very reasonably priced Hennessy Expedition. One of the heaviest options, weighing a little over two pounds (35 ounces) without any detachable accessories, is the Warbonnet Ridgerunner. The Warbonnet Blackbird is made of soft nylon and is quite wide with a built-in foot box, allowing a wide range of comfortable sleeping positions. My only suggestion would be to put up some instructional videos people can watch because there are so many great features and functions its easy to miss some of them or not take full advantage. In that case, a roomy design that chooses comfort over ounces will be a more suitable choice.