Overview
The UKHammocks Woodsman X Single Hammock, simply put, is a gathered-end hammock with a zippered bug net. But it sets itself apart in the details. The hammock uses a tailored bug net to reduce material and weight while still including a full-length zipper that allows me to neatly remove the bug net and store it in a pouch at the end of the hammock. The Woodsman also features a unique foot box area with an adjustable tensioner to tweak the pocket space. The ends channels are cinched and tied and then the suspension is whipped around the “knots” formed at the ends. This whipping style, along with the foot box tensioner, provide a great lay in the hammock, but UKHammock’s has also tailored the bug net and hammock body fabric into a unique trapezoidal shape that contours to match the human body more than by just a mathematically-defined asymmetric pull-outs. And the extra material in the foot area creates just the right space for my feet, and the bug net tapers to fit.
The ridgeline is set, and like other hammocks with tailored bug nets, is not adjustable because you could easily damage the bug netting. However, I found the length to be just perfect for the design. An organizer hangs from the ridgeline and completes the design.
The zippered bug net makes the Woodsman X a very versatile hammock, but I’ve found that keeping the bug netting on works year-round, even when bugs aren’t a problem, to help shape the hammock on the sides as well as keep my gear from falling out when I’m not inside.
The kit comes with appropriate webbing straps, whoopie sling suspension, and toggles, to tie up the fairly popular Marlinspike Hitch, but you can easily replace the suspension system with whatever works best for you. I took off the whoopie slings and installed continuous loops of Amsteel on the hammocks, which allows me to use nearly any suspension system available.
I have been secretly hoarding this hammock for a few years now as one of my favorite bug net backpacking hammocks, primarily because it has one of the most comfortable, flat, and unrestricted lays compared with other sculpted bug net hammocks. This hammock also packs down small, is light, and versatile enough to take on any camping trip. I love it.
The only piece missing from the kit would be an appropriate, matching rain fly, but it seems more common for hammock manufacturers now to sell the tarps separately.
Product Information
MANUFACTURER: UKHammocks
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: 2012, made in UK
MANUFACTURER’S WEBSITE: http://ukhammocks.co.uk
MSRP: £115 GBP ($183 USD)
LISTED FEATURES
- Fully zippered and removable/storable bug netting
- Adjustable/removable foot pocket
- Ridgeline with gear storage pocket
- Double-sided stuff sack
- Strong yet lightweight Dyneema cordage throughout
MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS
Weight limit 90 kg (198 lbs) and height 6’3″ (190 cm) tall.
MEASUREMENTS
Weight: 498 g (17.5 oz)
Dimensions:
- Ridgeline: 103 in (262 cm)
- Width: approximately 5 ft (152 cm)
MATERIAL
- Hammock: 1.5oz nylon
- Bug net: no-see-um netting (midge-proof)
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