Behold Bungee Hammock
Product Description
The Bungee Hammock is an open, gathered-end hammock that uses thick bungee cords to collect the ends and create the nettles and clew. The hammock comes with wide webbing tree straps and a daisy chain suspension made from knotted Amsteel line. Most versions come with double-layer fabric that provides additional strength, a pad sleeve, and color varieties. Climbing-rated carabiners are integrated into the clew.
Overall Impressions and Updates
I saw a video of the bungee hammock and was happy for the chance to check out this very interesting and innovative hammock. The suspension and strap system work great and will be familiar enough for most people to get this hammock set up quickly.
One of the first things I do with a hammock is lay in it. I know that sounds obvious, but for me that means tweaking the hang angle and lay angle until I can get a solid, diagonal, ergonomic lay. It’s the one constant in the universe I look for in a hammock. The bungee hammock changes all that, for better or worse. In my case, I could not get a good lay in the hammock. That disappointed me at first because I was not able to sleep in this hammock at all.
The bungee cords are strong, but there is a lot more stretch than even I expected. I had to hang the hammock at more acute hang angles so I wouldn’t drop down too low.
When I took the hammock out for a field test, I was with a troop of Boy Scouts. The three other adult leaders who were with me, all of whom are new to hammocks, absolutely loved the bungee hammock and felt it was an improvement to the generic hammocks they’d been using. They cited the extra width and the ‘folding-up’ quality as benefits. Laying completely diagonal was not an issue for them.
Where this hammock really shines is as a chair and lounger. I had no problems relaxing in the hammock in chair mode, and everyone I’ve shared it with had a blast bouncing and rocking in the hammock. The width is perfect to support my back and head when in chair/lounger mode.
So, while this hammock is not something I would personally sleep in, I think it has great utility as a park lounger and recreational hammock.
That said, I really like the fabric. The HyperD ripstop nylon is probably my favorite fabric for a camping hammock. It has a subtle, smooth hand that is more comfortable than a straight nylon. The color combinations are fantastic.
Recommendations and Review
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension and Anchor System | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | The suspension is usable and works, although I think the Amsteel is misused when knotted. |
| Construction and Craftsmanship | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Quality workmanship throughout. |
| Modularity | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | It’s a great base model, especially considering the double-layer fabric pad sleeve. |
| Aesthetics | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Great color combinations and fabric choice. |
| Price and Value | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | The price seems a little high, but there are additional components and manufacturing compared with a generic hammock. |
- Manufacturer: Behold, LLC, made in USA
- MSRP: US$179–279
Available Features/Specifications
Features
- 1-person hammock
- Bungee nettles and clew
- Built-in climbing carabiners
- Adjustable suspension and tree webbing included
Specifications
- 1 in (2.5 cm) “seatbelt” style polyester webbing straps
- 7/64″ Amsteel suspension lines, knotted in intervals
- Climbing-rated carabiners
- Hammock: 96 × 59 in (244 × 150 cm)
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Weight
- Hammock: 32 oz (907 g)
Similar Products
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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.
Looks like fun! A little on the heavy side though!