Hammock Camping 101 | 3 types of hammocks for 3 types of trips
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Hammock camping is awesome and I love it. But there is a bit of a learning curve in order to have a good experience with hammock camping. It also takes a bit more work at camp to get your shelter setup than a tent. However, I feel like the sleep I get out of a hammock is worth the extra time I spend on setting up my hammock. Plus, I'm one of those guys who likes to fiddle around with my hammock once I'm at camp. I'm always looking for ways to improve my camping experience. If this sounds like you then hammock camping may be right for you.
This video describes the three different types of hammocks I use, why I love each of these hammocks and how I select one for a backpacking trip.
1. Dutch Netless Hammock: This is my lightest weight hammock, coming in around 5-6 ounces. It is made of a new material from Dutch called Cloud 71. It is fantastic because it is lightweight and see-thru. It does feel like I am floating on a cloud when I hang in this hammock. However, because there is no bug net then you have to be mindful of the where you take this hammock. If it is a warm, dry environment or even if I am at a higher elevation and the bugs disappear once the temps drop then I will consider this hammock. This is ideal if you are trying to keep your base weight as low as possible.
2. Dutch Chameleon Hammock: This is my go-to hammock for most of my backpacking trips. I love this hammock so much because it is customizable. I can customize it for whatever the trip calls for. I can zip on or off my under quilt, bug net, shelf, side sling, which will impact the weight. But I typically leave all the stuff on this hammock because it helps me keep things organized at camp. This comes in around 20-21 ounces, so a little over a pound, which is competitive for ultralight trekking pole tents.
3. Dutch Banan Bridge Hammock: I get my best night of sleep out of this hammock. Because of the spreader bars, it achieves a true flat lay in the hammock, allowing me to sleep better than when I try to sleep at an angle in the other two hammocks. The only downside is the weight. This is close to two pounds. So, it is not ideal for backpacking trips where you will be covering big miles and trying to keep your base weight low. I typically use this hammock when I am either car camping and weight is not a concern or backpacking trips where I will be setting up a base camp and doing day hikes from camp, therefore not having to carry it every day.
You will notice that all three of my hammocks are Dutch hammocks. I am not sponsored by Dutch, I wish, but I love his hammocks and all the accessories that he sells that supports hammock camping. I believe when he hiked the AT he used a hammock, so he has a ton of experience, and his company makes great quality products.
I hope you find this video helpful. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Thanks for watching!
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Thumbs up- just because you have the dog in the video. 🙂
Awesome! I'll take it however I can get it. Not above using my dog to get some likes. 🙂
Great video!
the chameleon with its double sided access zipper system you can unzip it half way on both sides so only the bottom half is covered by the bug net keeping your pillow and quilt off onto the ground.
From Dutch's website, that Chameleon with a net, pockets and organizers is about five ounces less than a similarity equipped Banyan. Both are going to come in over 2X the weight of your tent when you include a 10 ounce tarp (and most tarps are well above that). With suspension, the lighter one is around 29 ounces, and the Banyan 34 ounces.
I tend to value quality of sleep and rest over weight. If I'm not sleeping well enough to be rested, the quality of my hike suffers.
Ounces might be precious, but sleep is too. I'd carry several pounds more if it meant I'd sleep better.
A tip is to try out Amok Draumr 5.0 hammock, it is very comfortable to both sit in and lie down flat in, it is a very well thought out system and easy to set up.
That's an option if you want something over double the weight of any of his hammocks won't work with most of his insulation.
Saw your other comment about making your own DESS, just wanted to point out the Dream-Hammock offer some pretty substantially larger DESSes than DW.
Good to know. I will check that out. Thanks!
Good info! That Cloud is insane!!! If I ever get our west, I'll add it to my fleet of Chameleons! I think the Half-Zip is a good lightweight hammock for buggy conditions. I have that, 2- 11 footers (one with double layer), and a 12' wide. I'm due for another - been thinking about he Bridge. I love the new sewn-on UQ, but might go for the zipper on instead. Gotta do some shopping!
Do you have the spreader bar top for the Chameleon? Love mine!
Cloud 71 is the best. I was hoping Dutch would make a chameleon out of that material but I'm assuming the zippers just don't work well on the fabric. I've used it out east a couple of times and it worked out great. I used it last year on my Linville Gorge trip, that was an awesome trip. And I used it the year before that when I did the Triple Crown in Virginia with McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs and Dragon's Tooth. That's another trip to add to your bucket list.
My son uses my old Hennessy Hammock which is a good lightweight half-zip option. It was my first backpacking hammock and it is still going strong.
As for the zip-on Jacks R Better underquilt on my Chameleon, I prefer having it zip on rather that sewed onto the hammock. I like having the flexibility of attaching a different underquilt if it is warmer or colder.
Spreader bar top for the Chameleon? I don't think I've seen that. I have spreader bars for my Bridge obviously but I don't think I've seen it for the Chameleon. Guess I need to go investigate a bit more. I'm always on the hunt for new gear!!
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker The spreader bar is great! Of course, you'll need a new top cover and bug net as the spreader bar goes in a built-in sleeve. Highly recommended!
There are soooooo many places I need to explore. There are many, MANY places I want, no...NEED to explore throughout the US, but UK and Iceland definitely have my attention on my backpacking bucket list! I'll need to get the Tensa Trekking Treez for those trips if I want to hang though.
Thanks for the reply! I enjoy your channel!
What kind of stuff sack do you have for your Chameleon with your zipped in JRB underquilt? Thanks
Great question! I haven't quite gotten that figured out yet. I tried using my stuff sack from my Banyan Bridge hammock since it was larger, but it didn't work. I'm thinking of making my own with an old stuff sack from something else, cutting a hold in the other end, and sliding a cinch cord to make it a double end stuff sack.
For my original underquilt, I never used a stuff sack. I simply shoved it in first at the bottom of my pack, followed by my top quilt because they would both compress very well. Then I would pack my hammock on top of that. So, after using the new JRB underquilt this past year I soon realized I needed to figure something out.
If you have any other thoughts or suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks for watching!
@@crimsonblaze_backpacker I believe Dutch has a compression sack called the Anaconda. I am currently stuffing my Chameleon, JRB, top quilt into my contractor’s bag. Thanks and Roll Tide
@@cottontalesfromthetrail5474 Roll Tide!!