Disclosure of material connection: My experience with the Ninox began by backing the project on Kickstarter. I don’t often jump on new hammock projects as there are a lot of copy-cat designs out there. Admittedly, I was wrapped up in the Ninox hype, thinking that maybe Sierra Madre Research had come up with something truly unique. In the end, it is a feature rich, modular, but otherwise “regular” gathered-end hammock, with a few quirks.
The Ninox is a very capable hammock, and it borrows some ideas from several established hammocks in the marketplace: a modular/removable bug net, an optional double-layer bed, symmetrical tie-outs, and multiple clip and tie-out points. The hammock also comes in a variety of color combinations. I purchased the Indigo (deep purple) with accents.
Detail of the ridgeline sewn to the hammock Close-up of the Bishop Bag end A view of the different hardware clips and devices used on the hammock Dual zipper pulls The collar on the stuff sack makes a perfect “safe space” for soiled suspension.
While I was a little disappointed to find out that the hammock didn’t have any unique design (e.g., fabric cut, special foot box, etc.), it didn’t disappoint in terms of comfort. The hammock is LARGE and has a deep sag, which means getting into a diagonal lay is easy and comfortable. Even with the stretch of the fabric, I slept fine in the hammock.
Speaking of fabric stretch, the only real thing to consider is to set the hammock a little higher than you might expect, maybe 12 inches or so, to accommodate the excess drop. On my trip to the Grand Tetons, what started out as chair / sit height turned into nearly touching the ground (my insulation / under quilt was touching).
The stuff sack is pretty cool. With collars on each end, there is extra space to store the suspension without it touching the hammock. In practice, I only used one side for this extra storage.
The original clip with the new spacer inserted Prototype v2 clip: note the new angled design
The hardware that came with my Ninox had a minor manufacturing glitch (the adjustable toggle easily fell out), but SMr has offered a mod to fix that issue and has a new design in the works to address it permanently. The other quirk on this hammock is the zipper design. Having owned several modular hammocks, this design is the hardest I’ve ever tried to remove and then re-attach the bug net. There are four zipper pulls, two on each side. The two opposing zippers meets at the end caps and overlap one another. This overlap creates a nice seal, but it also makes it very difficult to re-attach. I found that I had to lay one of the pull cords along the zipper and then really work to connect the zipper into the hardware. The zippers also meet in the middle, along the side of the hammock. While it is nice to have zippers on both sides of the hammock, it’s inconvient to have to pull both zippers together to close it up. Other hammocks with similar zipper configurations can be connected at any point along the edge, which can be much easier to work with.
The last “issue” I’ve had with this hammock is how deep it sags away from the ridgeline. There are a few other hammocks that do this, including many of the Dream Hammock models and Hammock Gear. However, the Ninox has the deepest I’ve ever been in, which translated in a difficulty in reaching and using the organizer that is clipped to the webbing. When the hammock fabric stretched, that sag is even deeper. While this isn’t a show stopper (there are pros of having a deep sag), it’s one of the reasons I’m considering a modification (see below) so I can better use some third party organizers with this hammock.
Recommendations
The Ninox is a great option for big and tall folks who are looking for extra leg room. It’s spacious and roomy and the bug net makes it a great choice for camping. The hardware suspension makes adjusting easy and is a good option for those new-to-hammocks without it being too intimidating.
Personal Mods
One thing I noticed about the hammock is that the webbing ridgeline is not connected to the suspension, but rather sewn onto the hammock. This puts a little extra strain on the fabric, and some users have reported popped seams. SMr has addressed these issues, but for me, I’m planning on changing the webbing into an Amsteel line that’s connected to the end loops. I’m also hoping this will make it easier to connect after market ridgeline organizers that will be easier to slide back and forth while in the hammock.
The other mod is to take the various shock cord pull outs that have two clip / line locks and remove one and tie a loop on on end. In the field, I found it impracticable to have two points of adjustment and the extra line lock sort of got in the way. Having a loop on one end was easier to connect to a tent stake or branch, etc., and then I could adjust the opposite end.
Specs
Here’s what I measured
- Hammock
- Fabric: 30d ripstop nylon
- Dimensions: 132 x 70 in (335 x 178 cm)
- Weight: 31 oz (868 g)
- Capacity: 350 lbs (160 kg)
- Straps
- 1 x 180 (2.5 x 457 cm)
- 7.6 oz (216 g)
- Dyneema
- Hardware
- Anodized aluminum
- 80 g (pair)
Derek, I’ve got an original Pares hammock from Sierra Madre Research with the Mark III Nube. I’m a totally side sleeper leaning towards my stomach. Contemplating buying the Ninox or the Dutchware Chameleon to replace the Pares. I’ve also considered the Dreamhammock Darian, Clark Jungle and Amok? I have to put comfort (good night’s sleep) over weight to a point, but without having all these available to test, I’m looking for input from the elite. Your thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated! I have spent 4-5 nights in the Pares, it just seemed to take longer than I expected to get to sleep, and I normally move from side to side during the night in bed. 6 foot 215pounds thanks in advance.
A bridge hammock is probably in your future. Even the REI half dome hammock might work for you. The Amok is also a good choice for side and stomach sleeping.
Hey Derek,
So, I have a Ninox on the way and now I’m second guessing it because of the ridgeline. I guess I could cut it out and replace it with my own, (for a little tighter lay), but from what you saw, is the bug net going to take the extra length a longer ridgeline would yield, or do you think it would put too much strain on it?
The problem with many hammocks with “fitted” and sewn-on bug netting is that you can’t really adjust and lengthen the ridgeline without straining and ripping the netting. The Ninox is no exception, unfortunately. It is a big hammock with a really deep sag, and the fabric is also really stretchy. I could barely reach the ridgeline when laying down.
Thanks Derek! That’s what I feared would be the case. I actually canceled my order. I’m actually going in the bridge hammock direction. I just ordered a Warbonnet RR.I really wanted to like the Ninox, but I don’t like the fact of how high I’d have to hang it and i want to hang my son’s hammock above mine and share the same tarp. I’m only 5’10” so I think what I’m looking at in the Ninox would be impossible. I hope they don’t have too much heartburn over it. Thanks again sir!
It has been a while since anyone has posted regarding the Ninox. I too was a Kickstarter backer, and I too found the hammock to be comfortable but too deep. I stumbled onto here looking for a way to lengthen the ridgeline and I’m glad I did. I hadn’t even thought of how the mosquito netting wouldn’t fit anymore. To get around the difficulty of reaching any ridgeline organizers, I prusiked the the gear hammock I got with it to the ridgeline. Now I just use it as a big stash above me. As an added benefit, there’s room to hang my pack on the ridgeline as well, keeping it under cover and accessible. Unfortunately it won’t work with my Trekking Treez poles. Just too much sag and stretch.
Thank you for your validating report!