Sorry if this has been discussed before, the forum search doesn't seem to work?

Debating trading my 2 person tent (REI Half Dome 2) and sleeping pad (ProLite 4 Reg) for a hammock when backpacking without my wife. I am 6'4 so size is a big factor for me. Just wondering if anyone has used either. I have found two brands so far:

http://www.junglehammock.com/index.php
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

I am leaning towards the Clark North America, I'd save 4 lbs carrying it. Specifically I a wondering if anyone has weathered serious storms in one, or temps below freezing.

From the looks of this I might even be able to fit it in my day pack, just in case, http://www.junglehammock.com/models/northamerican/images/phase_09.jpg


I see some of reviews of the ultralight version of both hammocks but I an interested in the heavier ones for both size and heat reasons.

Thanks!

Hi,

The search does work, but you have to be logged in, and you have to use the Search button in the bar just above the main display area (between "Active Topics" and "FAQ"), not the drop down menu below "Where do you want to go on ETS?" at the top right of the screen. I got bitten by that too.

As to hammocks...

I just bought a Claytor Jungle Hammock and Fly for $130 from here:

http://mosquitohammock.com/

I haven't really used it yet, but it was cheaper than the Clark or the Hennessey and was well reviewed by other owners. I have set it up and lay in it and so far so good. I know it doesn't answer your question, but one of the reasons I chose this hammock was after reading the information about it and the others at the Hammock Forums website:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/?

You might get some useful replies on this site, but you should also go there because that's all they talk about...

HTH,

A

I spent a week in the Hennessy Hammock in the warm southern summertime.

Positives -

It was sufficiently cool and breezy in the summer. It shed rain well.

With the 'Snake Skins' it was fast to set up and take down.

There are larger models available for us larger guys. They're fairly roomy -- I didn't feel trapped.

It packs up small and quickly.

It doesn't need a level campsite -- frees up space when camping with a group in a small site.

Concerns -

It takes some practice to set up correctly. If it's too loosely attached, you find yourself sliding to the bottom frequently and spend part of each night pulling yourself back up.

You climb in from the bottom. I never fell out or lost any gear, but it was something I was concerned about.

It also takes practice learning to sleep crossways in it (like a brazilian hammock). If you don't sleep crossways, you end up sleeping like a banana.

I always felt like a bear taco / punching bag in it. Never experienced any real issues, but the scouts thought it funny to set it swinging late at night.

It is exposed on the bottom and has a lot of ventilation -- I don't think I would be comfortable with it in the winter. They make an add-on sling for the bottom that is supposed to offer additional insulation.

Summary -

It works. It's light. It has some downsides. There are lighter tents if you are just trying shed weight on solo hikes (like the Henry Shires Tarptents).

Good luck.