Overview
Amok has just released their newest hammock in their lineup, the Draumr XL. Built off the foundation of their award-winning Draumr, the XL is longer, roomer, and sports a few other features maximum comfort for big and tall folks. The hammock design is a unique hybrid, starting with the familiar Draumr 90-degree lay off the hang point. Made in Norway, the Draumr is one of the most engineered hammocks I’ve ever tested.
The XL has all the basic features of it’s smaller brother, with the flat lay, no shoulder squeeze, chair mode, removable bug netting, etc. It does boast large storage shelves at the apex of each end. The suspension is new, and is detachable. It’s a departure from the typical Amok design where everything is integrated, but I think it’s a good move. It eliminates the need for the carabiners on the straps, but the quick adjust and release still works like the older system. The foot box is all but eliminated, with more room around the foot area for netting. There’s also two pole pockets on the head end where a short pole or stick can be placed to prop open the head area, creating a roomy interior. No pole is included with the hammock. The hammock requires a large pad in order to create the structure. Amok now manufactures their own insulated pad that matches the requirements of the Draumr.
Specs
- Fabric: 70D ripstop nylon
- Weight:
XL – 53 oz (1495 g)
Tarp: 24.2 oz (685 g)
Pad: 35.8 oz (1016 g) - Bed Dimensions: 83 × 28 in (210 × 70 cm)
- Capacity: 400 lbs (180 kg)
- Max Height: 6 ft 10 in (210 cm)
- MSRP: US$217
Thoughts
I’m just tall enough that the regular Draumr fits me just fine. The XL, by comparison, feels really roomy, especially in the head and foot area. The design change to wrap the bug net over the ridgeline instead of clipping to it was a much better decision.The extra space above my head is a winning feature alone, as I’ve struggled with the Draumr 3.0 to keep the netting completely off my head. The XL solves all of those issues with it’s pole pockets on the head end, although it’s a shame Amok doesn’t include a mini pole with the hammock. In every other respect, it’s a beautifully-crafted hammock that is well-engineered.
Getting in is probably the trickiest part, but with a little practice it comes fairly easy. Sometimes it can feel a little imbalanced when you get in until you find your center point. When I tested the hammock this summer over a few weeks, my relatives (who are much taller than I) got a good taste for the roomier interior. Everyone was begging to use the hammock as it was really comfortable and unlike regular gathered-end hammocks. My relatives were over 6 ft tall and had room to spare.
I was a little shocked that the traditionally all-in-one suspension on previous models was abandoned for a separate system. The suspension is still included, but the system was simplified, removing the need for the carabiners and opting for a cinch / buckle / tri-glide system. It’s very similar to previous models, only you can disconnect the buckle from the hammock and pack the straps separately.
Probably the best compliment I received on the XL was from my cousin’s wife. She isn’t a huge fan of camping, and while her husband loves hammocks, she’s not yet converted. After getting the Draumr set up, she decided to try it out one night. The next morning when I came to see how she slept, I was greeted immediately with a big hug, thanking me for the opportunity to sleep in the hammock. She had the best night camping she’s ever had and absolutely loved the lay!
Ninety-degree hammocks aren’t perfect for everyone, but they do offer what a lot of people are looking for: a more Western-style bed experience with a flat lay that allows you to easily roll and side sleep, stomach sleep, or back sleep without any strain.
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension and Anchor System | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Amok has done an amazing job keeping the suspension an integrated part of the design. The XL features separated suspension, which still adjusts as easily as earlier models. |
| Construction and Craftsmanship | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | One of the most well-engineered hammocks I’ve tested, with thoughtful design and impeccable quality. |
| Modularity | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | Switching from hammock to chair mode to lounger is easily modified by pulling on straps inside the hammock. |
| Aesthetics | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Simple but attractive color schemes with well-thought-out features and design. |
| Price and Value | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | For an imported hammock with all its features (and free US shipping), it’s not a bad deal for a complete jungle hammock kit, but it is more expensive than other all-in-one hammocks. Still, if you’re looking for a simple, flat lay hammock, the XL makes a compelling argument. |
Thank you for this review. I have a quick question. Do you think that the extra room adds comfort for persons who are under 6 foot 1 inch (the maximum height recommended for the shorter version)? I am 5 foot 10 inches and am wondering if the extra room is a benefit for a person my size. It appears that the sleeping width is exactly the same between the two sizes, only the length increases. Thanks again.
Absolutely! The larger room is super convenient. It’s like moving from Economy to First Class. Use the extra room and fill it with gear or just yourself.
Will a 30″ wide mattress like a Thermarest fit in the pocket? If not, could it be used outside the pocket and the hammock still work as designed?
I would only recommend those pads that Amok recommends. The baffles and size are both important aspects to making the structure work.
I have a Draumr (not theXL) and I love it! I didn’t go with the XL because I wasn’t sure if the balance would be off or not. But I may still get one and try it…🤔 I have mine set up in my back yard, but it will definitely go with me on my next trip. I love all the extra pockets, recliner mode, chair mode, and especially how it doesn’t squish my shoulders in together. It also offers up some of the most room (Sierra Madre Research offers a really good hammock tarp/bug net system too) that you can get from a hammock. I currently use a 12×12 Chill Gorilla 🦍 tarp for the Draumr in the diamond ♦️ formation. It offers a ton of protection. I will probably buy the Borg tarp before I go on my next hiking trip. I like that all of the guy lines are attached to the tarp already. 👍
I am 6’3″ 330lbs and have the XL. I sleep reclined not flat. I find my head touches the top and feet touch the foot box but I think that is solely due to the recline causing a bend. The flatter you sleep the longer it gets.
In response to the question about the Thermarest, no it will not work. Your mattress MUST have vertical chambers. Every Thermarest I have seen has horizontal chambers. Horizontal chambers will not provide the structure needed to support the hammock, let alone a person sleeping in it.
I can honestly say I have had the most comfortable night of sleep every camping. We even had a very big thunderstorm come up and I stayed bone dry.
The only bad thing I will say about this system is it is heavy for backpacking. The Hammok, Tarp, and mattress, and suspension system total up to about 6 1/2 lbs
Thanks for the review. I have two questions;
1) I recently found out that the tarp for both the regular size and XL are the same. Does it give enough coverage for the XL? where I intend on using it rains a lot and from all the pics I see, it looks like you would get wet if there was any form of wind.
2) I see you mentioned the MSRP is $217us. Where can I get it at that price?
I should ALWAYS caveat my posts that the specs and prices are relevant at the time of the post, but I cannot be accountable if the MSRP changes 🙂 So, I don’t know where you can get it at the price I listed at the time, but occasionally they do have sales.
Yes, the tarps can be challenging for this style of hang. Doors would be nice. Be sure to pitch so you don’t have an opening to the wind, or find a larger tarp.
Just priced the XL today 2/22/20 on Amok’s website…
Hammock $219
Fjol $99
Borg $99
I am just over 2 meters tall (about 80 inches) and I weigh 113 kilo (250 pounds). How well will I fit? Additionally I live in an Alaskan Rainforest, how does the hammock hand heavy rain?
The XL will be just fine for your height.
As for rain, — aaah Alaska — you should be fine with the stock tarp, but I recommend a bigger tarp and/or doors for best storm protection. One of the quirks of this hammocks is the transverse lay, which really eats up the vestibule and head room on one side, but does mean you don’t need as LONG a tarp either. If you get some doors, you can really seal off the tarp well.
Hi Derek – thanks for keeping the page running through the lockdown – we’re slowly emerging here in the UK and whilst I haven’t been able to get out much, it’s nice to read your tips and reviews! I’ve had my Amok for 3-4yrs and would warn your readers to expect some flack from fellow hangers regarding the cost, but to be reassured that once they’ve tried it, they’ll appreciate the build quality, the value of lying flat with pockets for essentials and the benefits of an elevated bug-net! I also have a super-light ENO Sub 6 which is absolutely fantastic for a day-rest but no contest when it comes to a decent night’s sleep…..Daniel, North Yorkshire, UK
you need straight baffles from head to toe. Any side or celled baffles will not work with this hammock
How wide of trees do you need for this to work? …or rather how narrow can you go and it still work well?
If you mean the girth or thickness of the tree trunk, the ideal is to use your hand as your guide. Spread your hand and if the trunk is as wide as your pinky-to-thumb, you’re good. This scales well for kids to adults 🙂
Of course, with this hammock, the Draumr, I’m guessing you’re talking about the hang distance — the distance between the anchor points / trees. The ideal is between 2.5 and 6 m (8-20 feet).
Hi,
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
I have been contemplating the Draumr for a while now and bought an Exped Synmat as a multi-purpose mat to potentially use with the Draumr.
You mention a tarp with doors, do you have a reference?
What I am really after is a suitable setup for winter; ideally a hot tarp. I saw that Lonewolf 902 tested a hot tarp setup but mentioned that specifically that it wasn’t suitable for the Draumr.
Thanks,
Felix