First Look: KAMMOK Mantis UL All-in-one Hammock

25 responses to “First Look: KAMMOK Mantis UL All-in-one Hammock”

1. 

   Drew Boswell

   February 12, 2019

   Dimensions of the tarp? Dimensions of the hammock? If you gave them in the video, I missed it, and I’ve searched the Kickstarter page you linked to and don’t see dimensions for either anywhere. They give weight and packed dimensions, but not deployed. I’d like to know the size of both the hammock and the tarp, length and width. That’s the only way to fairly compare to existing products. Thanks.

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      February 12, 2019

      Great question. I was hoping Kammok would include it on their Kickstarter page. The hammock I received was a pre-production prototype, so what I list here is subject to change.

      The hammock measures at 10 feet long.

      The tarp has an 11-foot ridgeline and is 3 feet at the center point. The panels are longer on one end as there are catenary curves outward.

      Reply
2. 

   bill

   February 12, 2019

   Gotta have a sleeve on bottom that fits a mattress for me. For some reason that always works best my needs.

   Reply
3. 

   Kurt Papke

   February 12, 2019

   I like your 2-camera setup on the video. I’ve used that technique several times on my cooking videos. Also, the matter-of-fact/informal style you used was great, like it!

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      February 12, 2019

      Thanks Kurt! Just trying something new, and trying to get back into having “fun” with the hobby.

      Reply
4. 

   Jonathan C

   February 13, 2019

   In comparison to the asymmetrical design of the Hennessy hammock how does it compare in comfort?

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      February 13, 2019

      Just to clarify, the Hennessy hammock body is just as rectangular as any hammock. It’s the tie-outs and bug net that are asymmetric, which indicates the diagonal lay position. In that regard, the Mantis can be configured similarly with its pull outs but the foot pull out is in he right place for the mantis (Hennessy design is strictly asymmetrical, which puts the foot side pull out near the knee and puts more strain in the feet and legs).

      I think I’ll always have a place in my heart for Hennessy but it is an acquired taste. The hammock is small in comparison to the Mantis and the netting will feel more roomy. I think the Mantis is more comfortable in both leg hyperextension (a common issue wig Hennessy) and also head room with he bug net.

      Reply
      1. 

         Jonathan C

         February 14, 2019

         Thanks for the quick and detailed reply it helped me to decide on getting the Mantis. I had a Hennessy which I liked for comfort but the weight of the model that I had and the fact that you cant completely remove the bug netting where issues for me.

         Reply
5. 

   z det

   June 1, 2019

   How did you like the Python UL straps? They look like a twist on the Ultimate Strap Design by splitting the two halves rather than a widened section to go around the tree.

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      June 1, 2019

      Kammok actually purchased Ultimate Straps, the patent, and the company. Kammok is now the exclusive producer of these amazing straps! The UL version is really cool. Feels so light! You are correct about the design. It uses less material than the regular Python strap, so they split the strap to distribute the weight better.

      Reply
6. 

   Kim Kremer

   September 10, 2019

   I’ve used my Mantis UL about a half-dozen times this summer. I really like it. I didn’t think I’d want to give up my larger tarp, but it’s hard to argue against that lighter weight. My Mantis failed in the middle of the night the last time I used it — that seems to be a common complaint with all ultralight hammocks — and that was a good reminder to hang it so you’re sleeping relatively close to the ground. Kammok honored their lifetime warranty and replaced the Mantis UL after inquiries into how I’d used it, what happened when it failed, and my sending them pictures of the destroyed hammock. I can set the thing up as a spacious bivy if I cannot hang in it, so I’ll continue to carry it in the backcountry.

   I’m still not completely sold on the Python straps. I have another set of heavier & longer straps that I’ve held on to. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that I can always find trees that are just the right distance apart when I’m solo hiking. If there are two of us, I’ll carry the heavier straps because they’re rated for a lot more weight than the Python straps.

   I still haven’t figured out the advantage of tying out the bug netting to the sides. I’ve got a week-long hike coming up, so maybe I’ll play around with the thing & experiment with what I like best.

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   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      September 10, 2019

      Tell me more about what failed on the Mantis? Was it the body fabric?

      Reply
      1. 

         Kim

         July 24, 2020

         Sorry for the delay in my response – I had no idea you’d replied.

         Yes – the hammock itself split, perpendicular to the hanging axis. I’ve used its replacement at least a dozen times since then with no issues. In retrospect, I would probably take the weight penalty and get the regular Mantis. (I’m no where near the UL’s claimed max weight (I was about 170 when the Mantis UL split).)

         Reply
7. 

   Stephen Baggett

   September 20, 2019

   I bought a Mantis UL in June. Got around to setting it up in my backyard in early Sept. to orient myself with it before a long hike coming up in Oct. I noticed a small tear in it when I set it up. I took pictures, filed a claim and had a new Mantis UL from Kammock three days later. I did a day hike today with my new one, set it up and was laying in it for about 5 minutes and it ripped (about a 2 foot tear). I was just laying in it…nothing special. First use. No wear. I have real concerns about Kammock’s quality control at this point.

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      September 28, 2019

      Very strange. I’ve had two Mantis hammocks and both performed flawlessly. I’m not sure what would cause the issues you saw. Were the tears on the hammock body itself or the netting? I would reach out to customer service. Kammok has always been good to work with.

      Reply
      1. 

         Stephen Baggett

         September 28, 2019

         The tears were in the body. I contacted customer service and they’re great. Also, they confirmed that they’re seeing a spike in these failures. They think they have a bad batch of material. Sounded to me like they are aware and are addressing the quality issues. Good company. Good products.

         Reply
         1. 

            B

            June 13, 2020

            Except… here we are in June of 2020 and I just received mine and it did the same thing. I’m a 5’9” 140 lb woman and it had a 6 inch tear right when I laid in it.

            Reply
8. 

   Pablo

   September 27, 2019

   Does anybody have any preferences for underquilts with this hammock? I’m considering ugq zeppelin or CRO Convector and wondering about advantages since I had trouble staying on top of the sleeping pad during the night (which I thought would be the case). I think they are both great products. I am liking the hammock’s comfort and setup time though. I actually like the python straps, just added a ziploc to keep straps separate during packing for tree sap issues.

   Reply
   1. 

      Derek Hansen

      September 28, 2019

      I’ve used a few 3/4-length quilts and they all work fine. I don’t think you’ll have an issue using any under quilt on this hammock.

      Reply
   2. 

      Kim

      July 24, 2020

      After two seasons of trying to make an old down sleeping bag work, I bought an underquilt. I wanted to purchase one made in the US, so I went with HammockGear rather than buying Kammok’s underquilt. So far, I’ve been happy with it.

      I keep a ziplock bag in the pouch for the straps, too. Brilliant!

      Reply
9. 

   Riley Nelson

   February 5, 2020

   Derek,

   I recently bought your book, The Ultimate Hang 2 and it has been a great read so far. I camp quite a bit and have been wanting to get into the hammock camping for quite a while. I’m a member of Promotive which gives me a discount to some really great brands like Kammok. I can get a great deal on a Mantis and really like all that it offers as a kit. My only concern is that I’m 6′ 2″ tall and the Kammok is a 10ft hammock. I’m a thin guy at 165lbs and was wondering if you think I could get a good flat lay in the Mantis at my height or should I be looking at other options.

   Thanks for any insight you can give.

   Sincerely,
   Riley Nelson

   Reply
10. 

    Riley Nelson

    February 8, 2020

    Derek,

    I’m 6’ 2” and about 165. Do you think based on your knowledge and experience that I would be comfortable in the Mantis at my height?

    Thanks
    Riley

    Reply
    1. 

       Derek Hansen

       February 15, 2020

       Perhaps. Much depends on how you lay. I think it might be a little tight, but if you side sleep, you’ll be fine. I would first try to lay in a regular hammock and see what feels comfortable for you. Some folks feel fine in smaller hammocks.

       Reply
       1. 

          Riley

          February 15, 2020

          Thanks Derek

          I’m a side sleeper so I think I’ll give it a go.

          Reply
          1. 

             Derek Hansen

             February 16, 2020

             Awesome! Let me know how it goes!

             Reply