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Gear Reviews

The Hammock Lab

I have been fortunate to review a lot of hammock-related gear over the past few years and it is here that I post most of my thoughts and reactions to gear for the public. Most of my hammock gear testing is used as research for my book, but it has expanded to provide ongoing, relevant insight on gear throughout the year.

49 thoughts on “Gear Reviews”

  5. Ranjana
    Reply

    Hey Derek! Just wanted to know what is ur current favorite hammock at the moment? I know with time, different hammocks may pop up and favorites may be different. Thanks 🙂

    1. Derek
      Reply

      Whatever hammock I’m currently in 🙂

      In all seriousness, I do have some preferred hammocks, but they are usually trip based. There’s something to be said about kit hammocks that include the bug net, accessory pockets, suspension, and even tarps. These hammocks are what I pick for camping trips; the lighter versions for backpacking.

      Indoors, I use just about everything that will fit, but I prefer open hammocks because I don’t have to mess with all the accessories.

  7. Pingback: Upcoming Reviews for Early 2015 - The Ultimate Hang

  8. christophe berton
    Reply

    Hi,

    I don’t see a review on the exped hangmat. Is there a specific reason for that?
    Do you know other brands that make those out-of-centre systems.
    It would be nice to have a picture next to the tested gear ,that would scroll/look easier.
    thx

    1. Derek
      Reply

      Thanks for the ideas Christophe. All gathered end hammocks are designed to have a diagonal lay, it’s just not as obvious. The Hammock Bliss Sky Bed is one other hammock with a built-in diagonal construction.

    1. Derek
      Reply

      Yes! I actually have two hammocks, a tarp, suspension, and a bug net. Stay tuned! (I really need to update my list with all the new stuff!)

  14. Lindsey
    Reply

    Hey Derek!
    I was just wondering if your BooneDox Drifter review will be posted soon. I’m considering one for places hammocks aren’t allowed on trees. I’m intrigued by the weight vs. other stands I’ve looked and I like your insights.

  18. Peter
    Reply

    I’m new to this site and just getting started with hammock camping. Kinda surprised to not find a review on the ENO DoubleNest, which seems to be the favorite among “mainstream” hammock veterans I talk to. I know Hennessy and others appeal to hard core enthusiasts, but I’m looking for the best gear at a lower price point.

    1. Derek
      Reply

      Yes, I need to get my review of the DoubleNest, SingleNest, and ProNest published. Honestly, there isn’t much to say there as they are a very pedestrian hammock. If you are looking for a lower price point but with the same (or better) quality, I would look at Yukon Outfitters or even Ticket-to-the-Moon. ENO is a major hammock brand and their prices reflect their strong presence in the marketplace. Their hammocks are a little on the small size (length) compared to all the other brands in the market.

      1. Peter
        Reply

        Thanks very much. Looking to buy for myself and as gifts. I’m finding many teens and 20-somethings I know want a hammock if they don’t already have one. I was going to go with the DoubleNest simply due to its popularity, particularly on Amazon. Because of your timely reply I’ll research further. I hope recipients won’t be disappointed if I gift them a lesser known Yukon. They’re fortunately not brand label snobs. If they gripe I’ll tell them to bring their complaints to you. (Just a little joke.)

        Whatever happens I’ll sure turn them all on to this blog.

          1. Peter

            (I should point out that the OuterEQ came recommended by a college kid who uses it mainly for lounging around campus and in his dorm – not so much for camping. He’s never tried it as a double, but it’s sold as such.)

            1. Derek

              Double usually just means it’s wider than the single. Since they use the same fabric, a single and double will have the same weight rating.

            2. Peter

              I’ve ordered both a Yukon Double and the OuterEQ above. Whatever the comparison, I’m sure to find a willing taker for whichever I do not prefer. Any opinion you may offer will still be appreciated.

              1. Derek

                I’ve tested most of the Yukon products. They are good quality. Their made in the USA hammocks are a bit better all around.

              2. Derek

                No. But from appearances it looks like your basic parachute nylon hammock. Each company sets their own weight rating, but they generally range from 250 to 400 lbs.

      5. Eric
        Reply

        Hi Derek, this website is a great resource! I was wondering what you would recommend as far as getting a hammock with good back support? The typical hammocks I lay in start to hurt my back after about an hour.

          1. Eric
            Reply

            I haven’t tried to lay in a hammock that way. I will try it out! I imagine though that you wouldn’t be able to roll around and have to stay on your back. I usually change positions frequently at night.

          2. Eric
            Reply

            Ah! I think I answered my own question. I just read your review of the Maverick. I think I will try to figure out how the “ergonomic flat” of a regular hammock works for me before I try something like the Maverick. It’s good to know that those kind of hammocks exist though!

      7. Rebecca (trail name- trunch)
        Reply

        I have an AntiGravityGear Quiksilver Ultralight Hammock System and I absolutely LOVE it. Totally worth adding AntiGravityGear to your go to for super light gear. For me simplicity is perfection in the good old outdoors. And majority of AntiGravityGear is simple and light but gets the job done beautifully!

      9. Thomas geffroyd
        Reply

        Hi Derek, quick question for you. Just got into hammock and currently own a thermarest (with bugbest and tarp). I love it, however, I tend to be a “stomach” sleeper, or side. Back sleep is more for “siestas” 😀
        I read on your review of the Amok Draumer could do the trick, and so does the Ergo hammock combi (but this one is a bit overbudget for me).

        I would be interested in the Draumer, however I have read mixed reviews and am a bit worried about this.
        Would you have other suggestions? And I need bug nesting badly, Canadian forest are.. crowded.

        thanks in advance.

        1. Derek
          Reply

          The only hang up I have with the Draumr is the need for the pad. The hammock doesn’t work without it. It’s an investment but it works. The Hammock Tent 90° would also work and a regular therm-a-rest would be enough. I would give back sleeping a try. It seems odd to those of us used to mattress sleeping. Because the pressure points are removed I find I sleep on my back all night. It is actually the healthiest way to sleep for lots of reasons.

          1. Thomas geffroyd
            Reply

            Thanks a lot! I’ll try sleep in my therma rest another go as you suggest… Just pinged Amok to know if my current mattress would fit in (mondoking by thermarest).
            I am not doing long distances so a pad wouldn’t be a problem if this gets me hammock immaculate sleep.
            thanks for your site and reviews, they are very helpful.

      11. John Tobison
        Reply

        Hi Derek – I’m looking for a stand system compatible with backpacking in places without trees. I see that Handy Hammock is (at least temporarily) out of business. Do you know of any other similar lightweight, packable stands?

      13. Josh
        Reply

        I recently saw that ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) launched a lightweight portable hammock stand called the Nomad. Pretty sure it was less than 15 lbs and comes with a travel bag! Can’t wait to try one out.

      17. Coyote
        Reply

        For the Poortramps, such as myself, I bought a new 78″ wide (true double) Chinese ENO knock-off with 1″ hanging straps and biners for $17 and a separate full surround zippered bug net for $15 on ebay. I’ll put up the fabric and sewing to any of the popular American brands that sel for 400%-700% the cost and guess where they’re made? Uh-huh, China. Add to that a tarp/fly and the one I bought is the Hennessey Hex Asym for $65; all at under $100 and could be done cheaper with a 10′ X 10′ tarp from any number of ebay vendors in China. I’ve yet to use it, as I’ve to date used tents, but I wanted to see what all the flap’s about. Well, first I like the size, as my preferred Mountain Hardwear Drifter 2 weighs 6 lbs w/ stakes and lines and the whole hammock rig is 4.25. Add to that the versatility of ground camping without the hammock; just the bug net hung slack between two trekking poles with two large mylar emergency blankets, one on the ground and one inside the bug net, my Big Agnes Air Core Ultra insulated pad on top, and the Hennessey Hex tarp in foul weather; gets it down to 2.86 lbs. w/ stakes and guy lines. And it’s big enough for two with more than rain coverage to stow gear than the vestibules on the MH Drifter 2. I’m taking it on my next outing to try all configurations and in the event that it’s a wash (I doubt that), then I’m not out much and it would be relegated to the INCH bag for emergency use.

      18. David
        Reply

        Derek: Hello there. Thanks for what you’ve done for hanging! May I ask about the dream hammock custom item you shared you bought. I think you got it to be all the hyper lite fabric. I was wondering what made you think you’d prefer the top to be no see um. Thanks. David

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