Original Camper, Made in Thailand.
Dimensions: 240 x 120 cm (94 x 47 in)
Weight: 746 g (26.3 oz)
Capacity: 150 kg (330 lbs)
MSRP: US$40
Overview
The Original Camper double-layer Jungle Hammock is a new hammock from Thailand. There are actually two versions of this hammock, one with a double-layer bottom, and one with an insulated bottom that appears to be similar to a military poncho liner in construction. I wasn’t able to look at the insulated hammock, but the listed dimension are similar to the double-layer version that I was able to review.
The Jungle Hammock has a double-layer bottom, which helps to thwart biting insects who can often poke through a single layer of fabric. The zippered bug net above provides a bug-free enclosure. The zipper is full-length, which helps reduce strain on the seams and fabric when entering and exiting. Small, hollow plastic tubes are used as spreader bars to hold apart the bug netting. These tubes are easily removable and are not essential to the hammock but do help make a more open space inside. Webbing loops sewn around the spreader bars are used to pull up the insect netting. The netting is not fitted or shaped like some hammocks so it can be flipped over to convert the hammock into a “net-less” mode when bugs aren’t a problem.
The double-layer fabric is not open, so it is not possible to slide a pad or other insulation between the layers.
The hammock has a unique way to gather the ends together. A webbing strap is sewn in the middle of the end channel which doubles as the hammock suspension and triples as the anchor point, at least in design. In practice, the webbing straps aren’t very long, which limits the types of trees and the spacing where this hammock would work.
The hammock I was sent had a few construction issues. The webbing straps used in each end channel had been accidentally sewn, in several places, into the hammock, which prevented me from gathering up the ends. I had to unpick the seams in a few places to get the strap to work as designed
Recommendations
This hammock is inexpensive, which may attract some who are looking for an entry-level, jungle hammock, but the construction anomalies could mean that you’ll need to invest some DIY time to repair or reinforce some of the stitching.
Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear. I was under no obligation to publish a review of this item.
I am no expert on hammocks but it is hard to beat the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter for an inexpensive, well-made hammock.
That is a good one!
I read your review and posted my thoughts on the Thai hammock above. Later, after watching the video you produced on the Thai hammock I thought maybe there is a purpose for it. Your son in the hammock basically shows the purpose. 1. Smaller, lighter, people. 2. People who may not use or need a higher quality hammock because they do not use one that often. If those were the “requirements” then the Thai hammock may serve a customer well enough….if, as you already pointed out, they do not mind waiting for it and the shipping is not to much.
Mr Hansen, I appreciate what you do and always enjoy reading your reviews. Thanks.
LW
I’ve used a couple of hammocks but honestly I didn’t know that there was more to them than just the fibers, though it’s my husband hanging them up. I’ll be reading through your reviews to get past my beginner knowledge the next couple of days.
I have two of these hammocks. I bought the first a few years ago It was in rip stop fabric, it differs from those currently provided. This first hammock served me a lot of times in several years, and it is even the one I use the most to spend nights in the forest. I had a problem with the seams I remade with son for sewing boat sails (I have not had another problems since). It seems that on recent versions seams were strengthened. I use it a lot because it is small, and light fastening system really simple and fast (the straps are actually a little bit short, but you can add or change for larger).
Ok! I have watched your video now! I fix this hammock by passing a large string or strap through the loops, (my first hammock was originally with large straps), then I just take the two ends on one side and pass several times round a tree trunk, I end up with a shoe knot. I do the same thing at the other end of the hammock by adjusting the length and detention. There you go!
Thank you for your blog and your book, it is great, I really enjoyed it. You will write a second Volume?
Yes, a second edition is in the works! It’s a pretty big endeavor, but it’s coming along.
Super you also made hoods! Personally, the models I realize some years ago, were a little more complex, less “square”. And I had split legs that cover the upper back and torce, very nice against the cold!
Hi Derek!
Great video and very helpful!
Im looking to buy a couple hammocks myself, do you know of any other hammocks of this kind (the portable, foldable type) that is made in Thailand? Perhaps of a better quality?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
There may be many vendors represented in Thailand but I won’t know for sure. Check for the Grand Trunk skeeter beeter or the Byer of Maine Moskito Kakoon or the Hammock Bliss No see um no more.
Thank you very much for your tips! Will be sure to check into each of those, you can never have too many options 🙂