It’s been seven years since I last reviewed the ENO JungleNest and a lot has changed. When I first reviewed the JungleNest, I compared it to other entry-level hammocks. Today, the JungleNest stands firmly with top-tier camping hammocks, including some of my favorite cottage vendors like Warbonnet, Dutchware, and DreamHammock. Yes, I was skeptical at first too, but when I first pulled the hammock out of the box, I knew something was up — it was so light!
From first to last, this hammock has surprised and delighted me. It’s just the right dimensions for superior comfort and it’s lightweight and packable for serious hammock camping, and it has just the right amount of features to be truly usable without pushing interesting, but useless gimmicks.
Listed Features
- Integrated, 99% removable / stowable bug net
- Integrated structural ridgeline
- Lightweight toggle suspension system
- Aluminum tent pole spreader bar
- Interior gear loft and side pocket
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 120 x 58 in (305 x 147 cm)
- Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Fabric: 40d ripstop nylon
- Weight: 20 oz (567 g)
By Comparison
| Hammock | Capacity | Fabric | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JungleNest 2.0 | 300 lbs | 40d | 120×58 | 20 oz (with tent pole) |
| JungleNest 1.0 | 400 lbs | 210d | 106×54 | 26 oz |
| Warbonnet | ~300 lbs | 40d | 120×60 | 16 oz |
| Warbonnet XLC | ~300 lbs | 40d | 132×62 | 22 oz |
| Hennessy Jungle Expedition | 250 lbs | 40d | 120×59 | 37 oz |
| Dream Hammock Dangerbird | ~300 lbs | 1.5 oz | 120×60 | 23 oz |
| Dutchware Chameleon | ~350 lbs | 1.6 oz | 132×57 | 21 oz |
My Impressions
I had such a great sleep in this hammock that I was shocked. I attribute this to the spot-on dimensions—not just the hammock body, but also the hang angle fixed by the integrated, structural ridgeline. There was no calf ridge, which mean not hyperextension under my knees. My ankles didn’t get pinned. My shoulders weren’t barreled. And to top it all off, the bug net stayed off my face without the need for side pull outs.
Let’s talk about that bug net for a bit. While it doesn’t have a dedicated asymmetric lay (you can sleep diagonal either head right, foot left, or head left, foot right), the bug net has been engineered and cut to save weight and be tapered for a perfect lay. The engineering is so tailored that I never noticed any saggy netting regardless of which direction I lay. The integrated ridgeline is perfectly measured to provide a perfect hang, even if you don’t care too much about hang angles (too tight, or just right). The ridgeline is also secured to the netting by a nylon strap so that when the DAC aluminum spreader bar / tent pole is affixed, the netting remains off my face. It’s delightful. In fact, I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have the netting off my face without having to resort to a side pull out. Don’t get me wrong, pull-outs are effective, but it’s just one more thing to stake out and one more thing to trip over or navigate around in order to get into a hammock. The more I hammock camp, the more I prefer simplicity, even preferring basic gathered-end hammocks to over-complicated camping hammocks just because it’s more to set up, trip over, and get tangled in.
The netting also provides a sort of Warbonnet-esque foot box, although the designs are very different. Just the way the netting has been tailored provides the right space for where my feet are angled so that calf pressure and ankle strain are minimized.
Seriously, the designers / engineers over at ENO deserve some credit for a job well done.
For a lightweight camper that I am, even the small details didn’t escape my notice. Take for example the zipper pulls — the metal pulls have been removed and replaced with simple string loops. The toggle and Whoopie Sling pairing includes a pull tab for easier removal but also doubles as a fantastic integrated drip line.
The zipper of all things was one of the best I’ve EVER SEEN. The tracking was SO SMOOTH I was simply stunned. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a hammock where I didn’t have some frustration with the zippers. But try as I might, the zippers on this new JungleNest were simply butter smooth.
Helios Hammock Straps
In addition to the hammock, ENO sent me a pair of their new Helios straps. They are a combination 1 in. wide webbing strap connected to a Whoopie Sling, but the locked brummel eye loop is the connection point with the hammock and the adjustable loop is connected to the strap. This may seem odd at first, as most vendors lock the eye to the strap. ENO’s set-up is actually pretty convenient as it puts the adjustable portion closer to the hammock for easier reach. The adjustable eye slides through an eye loop on the strap.
My Final Word
I’m sure I’ll get a lot of grief for saying this, but this new JungleNest has earned it’s place on the top of my go bag. It’s lightweight, feature full, comfortable, and simple. It’s a solid contender against cottage vendors, who typically understand the camping market better than anyone and make tailor-made hammocks to suit. ENO’s new JungleNest has enough features without getting overly complicated. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. Indeed, it hits that “Goldilocks Zone” of being just right.
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.
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