Should You Buy A Budget Hammock? - Backpacking

Buying your first backpacking hammock can be a daunting task. It is easy to be enticed by the low priced hammock options on the market. However, you will soon be disappointed by it's poor performance and the lack of sleep you will get! In this video, I will go over some basics on what to look for when buying your first hammock. I'll help you find the best backpacking hammock to get.

Hammocks Mentioned:
Yukon Outfitters (Could not find it online. May no longer be available!)

My Camera Gear:

[koofdome]

A trick to help a cheap hammock lay better with you flat is I tie a ridge line between the two Carabiners. This lets the actual fabric of the hammock droop while the straps are at a proper 45degree angle. When you get in, you notice an immediate difference.

Try doing a ridge line between the clips

[ShinyNickelBlades]

I disagree, I started out in a $20-30 Wal-Mart hammock with no under quilt, no bug net, and no tarp, and I love hammock camping now.

[shakyarcher]

I'll have to say that if someone just wants to get into hammock camping without having to mess around with a bunch of stuff, it's best to go with a more expensive setup like the Blackbird. But, if budget is a major factor, it is entirely possible to be just as comfortable going the cheap route. If you make sure to get a hammock that's at least 11 feet long, an average height guy (6ft) shouldn't have a problem getting a flat, diagonal lay. Also, you can get enough Amsteel for $6 to make a set of whoopee slings for your suspension, and they are very simple to make. For that same $6, you can add an Amsteel structural ridgeline to your budget 11' Amazon hammock, just like the Warbonnet has. You can even make your own hammock! If you have a couple of hours, access to a sewing machine and basic sewing skills (or the desire to learn), or know someone who does, you can get a hammock kit with absolutely everything you need to make a hammock for less than $30.
Basically, it all depends on how important it is to save money & what you're willing to do to save it. Honestly, I think the skills learned in making or modifying your gear is good, because in the event that your gear fails on the trail, you'll already have the necessary skills to repair it.

That's my two cents.

[kdph]

Don't all hammocks have banana lay if you don't lay at an angle? I bought a amazon hammock with straps and then bought a adjustable ridgeline off a cottage supplier. all of this for less than $30.00. And its very comfortable. If you were hiking the AT I would suggest a name brand quality hammock. For the casual to moderate hiker I would say most but not all amazon hammocks are fine. I would also recommend that if you are going to drop a good amount of money do it on your underquilt. Sleeping pads in a hammock are doable and certain people prefer that. Its ok because everyone has to find what works for them. If a $10 hammock works for you in the woods then enjoy it...if $100 hammock works for you then enjoy it. Now on the flip side if the $100 hammock wasn't for you then you are sol....some people find out hammock camping isn't for them. I would bet on the simple fact it comes down to them not having the knowledge of a underquilt or sleeping pad. And not setting up their hammock properly while laying in it at the proper angle.

[pinchonalizo]

Budget hammock + good insulation has provided me great sleep on my backpacking trips.

[DangerDad]

Huh. Bought a 7 dollar hammock on sale. Same materials... lay at an angle and used a yoga mat with a light weight fleece blanket. Warm and hands down the most comfortable sleep I've ever had in the bush. Also, if you want the Ridgeline. Just add one...

[johngalt]

Been to the Rockies about 15 times in my younger days and did a ton of car camping in the Minnesota and Wisconsin forests. Now I'm retired. After a long absence from camping I quickly realized that I now hated tents. Way too much crawling and laying on the ground. I especially hated bending all the way over while pounding in a dozen or so stakes and guy lines. Then huffing and puffing to fill up a mattress that wasn't all that comfortable.

Hammocks really changed that for me. The setup is rather easy with only four stakes needed for the tarp. The rest of the setup and takedown can be done standing up. I sleep great in a hammock which is the biggest reason to go the hammock route, regardless of age. Dan made a great point about underquilts, just get one. Preferably down if the temps are dipping down to freezing or below.

Lastly, hammocks are not for everybody. Some people will not like a hammock no matter what. Do make sure you have a decent outdoor outfitter or friends available that can demonstrate a properly setup hammock. Then make your decision.

[cmwontner]

I use a well used an stretched out paracord hammock..

For an under quilt I use a cheap 2m x 1m tarp and tie it on hanging loose enough to trap a layer of air and made a small condensation drainage hole centre bottom.

The undrquilt can be stuffed with any insulating material in winter.

I use 2 side by side ridge lines separated by wood braces with notched grooves and a 3rd ridge line above to create a traditional loft/attic space.
The braces and ridgelines can all be used to hang useful items I keep to hand and once I fit my tarp I can use the tension between the tarp and ridge lines at the sides to slide items such as tobacco, lighter and other lightweight stuff.

I hang damp socks to dry from ridge lines etc.

Kit bag either stowed in ceiling space supported by the roof braces or emptied of valuables and hung from hammock (climbing) karabiner at head or foot end.

Small kit bags and keys/knives/torches etc all hung from s hooks/karibiners on braces or ridge lines.. (even a whole big full kit bag can fit along top of strong wooden braces if needs be.)

I hang thin wool blankets from the side ridge lines for extra breathable insulation and to create privacy and insect protection

I also hang water bottles by their top lip just by wedging it up in the outside of hammock strings near top on the outside.

It is a v homely setup! I prefer it to my king-size bed (much to my neighbours bafflement and my wife's pleasure!)

I enjoy this as my year round man cave in the back garden with a sleeping bag to lie on or in and dont feel the knots or cold without need for anything else to lie on. (Additional wool blankets on top if sub zero)

Cushion/pillows hold themselves in place by poking corners through string hammock holes. I use a thin travel pillow for lower back, a cushion under knees, a few travel pillows under/around head.

Bliss!

[saraallgood]

Thank you for convincing me to do more research before hitting the 'order' button on an Amazon hammock that I wasn't too sure about! I have one on the way now I feel fairly confident with.

[adamfleck]

that is why you lay at an angle, or put a pillow or your extra clothes under your legs! I have over ten hammocks, some are top end and some are $20 dollar ones as well. Even with the cheap ones if you have the right technique it can still be very comfortable!

[trudge]

I'm a tent guy but this is an informative video for anyone looking to break into hammocks.

[dmblackbelt]

I started with the ENO from Wal-Mart. Too short. I bought a One Wind setup with ridge line and bug net. Straps included. Big difference.

[billschaubel]

Im going to call foul on this one! I watch alot of your videos and find them very informative. My main concentration is being part of a FD Search and Rescue team in north Georgia and responsible for a good portion of the Appalachian trail. As you can imagine we get any number of calls for service from injured day hikers to lost hikers and being having no business in the woods!! As such I have to be prepared for a short day hike to a sprained ankle to a potential multi night stay for a lost person or worse a recovery. I noticed when you got into the Yukon hammock, you just stayed in the Banana position and did not even try to assume the angle allowing you to spread out! It seems like you were just trying to make a point and did not really even attempt to show if the hammock worked or not. Unfortunately I dont have the means to spend several hundred dollars one a single piece of equipment and sometimes have to make due with what I have as the dept. does not equip individuals. I may be wrong but your presentation certainly looked skewed if you compare your review of the Yukon Vs the War Bonnet!!!

[timgoward]

Sleeping in a hammock is by far the best way to sleep in the woods. The problem is getting a set up that works for you and investing time and money into getting it right. As hammock camping gets more popular videos like yours will help the newbies out. You got a good channel, keep up the good work.

[dragon]

What I appreciate about this video is the fact that even though lot of people know about hammocks...there are a lot of new comers out there just learning and this video is perfect for them. I watch all sorts of channels about camping and the like, . People trash these videos because they have knowledge, but there are a hole lot of people just learning the basics. So with that said. .thankyou my friend

[philinthephilippines]

Great review! I've practically lived in my warbonnet Blackbird xlc for a year I highly recommend.

[BogeySighted]

Thank you for showing me that option! I think ill love this Campingtechnique!

[ParanoidPixel]

8:31... Bro there ain't nothing "flat" about you laying in any hammock, let alone that one.

[bigw]

Your height will also make a difference. I'm 6'4" and I don't fit comfortably in a Warbonnet. I also purchased a Hennessy Ultralight Explorer Zip XL (3 pounds w/tarp) rated to 7' and it's snug. I had to upgrade to the Hennessy Safari Deluxe Zip XXL (5 pounds w/tarp) and it's very comfortable and pretty heavy. I've slept in a $23.99 Amazon hammock. It came with everything including tarp and straps. All I had to do is add a ridgeline. It wasn't comfortable for me, but it got me in the woods. I've tried many hammocks with different results. Length and width plays a factor when I buy a hammock now. I'm currently trying the Dutchware Chameleon Wide

[robert.j.forrest]

I LOVE the plug for your son's channel