I just ran across a forgotten catalog from New Tribe, the website is www.newtribe.com

There is an interesting tree-tent that would make an Ewok jealous. It is called a “Treeboat”, and looks to be an interesting design. There have been times when I wished I could just find a flat spot when hiking, and this would do it.

I’m not sure how this would compare to a “Hennesy Hammock”, but I believe the latter has no-see-um netting included in the initial purchase while the treeboat looks to be more versatile in a variety of weather conditions.

Any feedback on these or other hammock-tents would be welcome. I have only rested in a hammock-- and didn’t find it a very comfortable time-- I didn’t like the way I had to assume the “banana shape”.

I thought this would be more approp. around the campfire.

Tx, Tim H./9fingers

I bought a Hennessy hammock last year, but have yet to spend a night in it. I did try it out in the store before I bought it. The trick is to sleep diagonally in it, i.e. with your feet on one side of the centreline and your head in the other, in which case you lie almost flat. Now personally, I like to sleep on my side and I'm a fairly restless sleeper, so I don't know whether I'll be able to actually sleep in it.

My intent when I bought it was to sleep in it one night and, if I couldn't stand it, return it to the store for a refund. (They suggested this, by the way - better business for them.) Well, I couldn't find a place to sling it that weekend, one thing led to another, fall turned into winter, and I'm not sure how comfortable it will be going winter camping in this thing. It's certainly not a "four season" tent, or even a three season one.

I bought it after reading a review in Backpacker magazine - that reviewer also hated "the banana position" inflicted by most hammocks, but he swore by the Hennessy hammock.

My estimate: probably great for solo backpacking, but likely not for survival situations.

The Treeboat looked very much like it would inflict a "banana position" on its occupants, but I've never tried one. I suppose because of the (rigid?) frame, you could fill it with padding to get a flat surface, but otherwise it looks like it would be fairly uncomfy after a while.

I own and have used a hennessy hammock. It's great for use in the tropical weather here and I like the fact that it is bug proof as I use it mainly while out on field exercises (usu in the jungle!)
No more sleeping on the buggy floor for me! <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

You are most fortunate to have trees where you live. Yes, I have backpacked with different hammocks over the years and new products are always coming out. This is an aquired skill, tying knots, eyeballing the distance between trees, tying a tarp over the whole thing makes for comfort. The Army surplus jungle hammocks were great, with double bed liners and netting to keep bugs from biting your $#@%...Even when cross country skiing, the hammock slings you off the snow for a much deserved rest. Slung near the ground, with an overhead tarp you can use it as a chair and cook your meals without fear of burning your tent down... it takes a little patience and planning to set it up , then soon Mr. Sandman will confirm your wisdom....M