DD Frontline and the Amok Hammock - A Beginners Guide / Comparative Review.
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- čas přidán 16. 02. 2021
- I've had a few people ask me about the two hammocks I use and the question usually arises 'which one would I recommend?'. It's a difficult question to answer as they are both great hammocks and both have different strong points, so I decided to do a back to back review of them both. Obviously this is a bit boring but it's lockdown and I'm scraping the barrel for content.
DD Hammocks - www.ddhammocks.com
Amok - www.amokequipment.eu
I use an Exped Synmat 7 LW in the Amok, but Amok do make their own air mattress and there are a number of others that will fit. I find the Exped mat excellent, it's really comfortable and has a rating down to -17 so it'll keep you warm, perfect for general camping here in the UK.
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Cheers everyone! - Krátké a kreslené filmy
I love my DD Frontline hammock!
My draumr 5.0 has turned me from a once a season camper to a 2-3 times a month camper, can't wait to see how it fares around the winterlite pads rating of 0°f in a few months and test how much some of the cheap mods like a space blanket under the pad help.
What mods did you do?
I saw a guy who tied a string to his zippers to make them easier to use. I just close the foot end zippers with my feet lol
I just ordered some - LightAF non slip camping mat. Should help me not slip around as much while inside the Draumr (I woke up on the foot/head end a couple times, and it's annoying). Thus far I've been using non-slip meshes that you'd use under a floor mat, and that works fine it's just a tad heavy for what you get. Plus the pad could be a sit pad, or even used as an emergency protection if I needed to camp on the ground with the Fjol pad.
Saw a fella who uses a 4m or so tarp to enclose the hammock. I got a 3x4M tarp too, but I havent tested that against my 3x3 tarp that i've used thus far. My idea is to eventually make a winter tarp like the one the HammockTent has.
To keep my pillow in place I use a magnet inside the pillow cover, and one in the pad slot, under the fabric ofc, which keeps my pillow in place all night.
Great comparison/demo of both tarps. Thanks!
This ideal!
After a trip to the forest last week, we’re thinking of hammock camping and this has answered a number of questions we had 👍🏼
Love my under blanket from dd. Great video as always. Hoping to get out in our swags this weekend in the garden.
Cheers Carleton, the weather should be a bit more agreeable for a garden camp this weekend 👍
Absolutely love my amok and It has turned me into a winter camper when I would have never before.My only complaint about the 5.0 is that the fabric on the pad pocket Is very slippery and and when inside your sleeping bag that has a slick surface it turns the amok into a sliding board when in chair mode or moving around.
I like the look of that under blanket. I have a thermarest one which struggles to stay up. I like the clips on the DD.
great review - I love my AMOK both the 4 and the 5. the 5 best. I have a small back issue so I sprung for the AMOK and as a side sleeper I will say it is absolutely the best for me. I love the fact that it makes into a chair (which by the way can make it easier for some to get in and out of in that mode. again great review👍
Allo Ken, your the first person with a back prob.
I’ve got nerve damage to S1/L4-5 lower back.
Ok I’m a kayaker an just can’t sleep on the floor or tents anymore.
I’d like to ask, how are these hammocks in the rain an wind?
I’ve tried a couple but not the best in crap weather. As you’ll know, bad backs an bad weather are not good freinds but, all the vids I’ve seen are winter an spring, summer. But as we know UK weather can change so fast it can leave ya head spinning.
Realy appreciate the feed back or if you can say a better one I’ll look at that.
Thanks for sharing
Paul 01.11 gmt Uk cheers
@@paulcoverdale8312 hey Paul. The sjold tarp is fine to cover you against mildly windy rain, but not against storms. For stormy weather you want something like a winter tarp with doors (see Warbonnet superfly or onewind tarp).
I have ordered the great DD XL MC to try and make an enclosing tarp for an amok but I’ve yet to see the results. There is although a CZcamsr who uses a 4x2,5 tarp which seems to do that wonderfully. Just look up amok custom tarp.
Ultimately it’s up to you. I suppose you could also use a groundsheet and pull it up once in the Draumr. Just get a cheap tarp from a hardware store and make sure it’s diagonal will cover the hammock from head to feet. Then lay it diagonally under it, meaning each corner facing the head and feet end. Pull two sides up to, or over the poles, and the other two attach them to the Draumr sides and their suspension system. It might be noisy but it should work a treat.
I’ve got the Frontline and Frontline XL also with whoopie slings, tree huggers, underblanket and the great hammock quilt. I’ve ridden out storms in these and sub zero temperatures and they are excellent. I’m sure the Amok hammocks are great if you want to spend closer to £500 on a full sleep system but I paid under £250 for the xl system with all the upgrades and have no complaints after many many nights in it. I was also the envy of every other leader, Explorer and Scout at every Scout camp and jamboree with two decent trees and had the best nights sleep of anyone every time - earplugs and a wee dram last thing might have helped a little as well.
Hi, after using them both for a while and eventually sold the Amok, I just couldn’t get on with it. Getting in and out was a pain and in the wind it would often dump by sleeping bag on the ground if I wasn’t sitting in it. I’ve still got the DD system, it’s a much better system, and as you say, it’s cheaper too! Thanks for watching 👍
I mean if you go proprietary yeah it comes in expensive, but you can outsource literally every accessory. I got the DD XL and it’s perfect for either hammock. For 75€ it’s a king size tarp with middle tie outs which suit the Draumr perfectly for giving you more room inside. But I could have gone with the solognac one for 45€
The decathlon sleeping pad is just 80€, and I can use it on the ground along with the tarp and my sleeping pad in case I need to. The Amok cost me 200€ yeah, but I didn’t have to buy an extra underquilt I could just use the much more versatile pad.
I find that getting in the Draumr on sitting mode is the easiest way, and it’s simply the best sleep I’ve had, only compares to a 4star hotel bed I had the luxury of trying.
Great job on the review.....found it very very useful! Thanks!
Cheers! Thanks for watching 👍
This is a great review. I've noticed that most of the vids about Amok on youtube are planted or have been given stuff for free. The Amok isn't cheap but it's uniqueness is worth the extra cash.
I think a hammock like the travel hammock coupled with a tarp can be the best compromise of functionality and weight for a good 4 season sleeping system. The ability to have a hammock with or without net and with or without the tarp. A bivvy with or without a tarp. And a tent all in the package of a 2 person tent is amazing. Even in heavy snow one can setup a wonderfully insulative bivvy/ tarp setup. Especially if you use natural insulation to make your floor. Its a great way to stay dry warm and unmolested by animals
I love the Amok Draumr. Mine did not come with the poles by default, but it was an option that we purchased.
great video and reveiw there, thanks for shareing. ive got the dd and happy with it. :)
Cheers Nell, you can't go wrong with the DD hammocks 👍
Excellent review, thank you.
Another good video, thanks. I've got the Amok XL and I've got entry and exit sussed! I've added a length of paracord to the bug net zip puller to make it easier to zip around the foot box. I also have a piece of tarp to put on the floor for rucksack, boots and standing on etc.
Ahh that paracord on the zip is a good idea, I did actually fasten the bug net for the first time whilst sitting in the Amok for this video but it didn't make the cut. It was definitely a little bit tricky, especially around the foot box. I'll be attaching some paracord for sure 👍
@@Adventure-Outdoors I don't bother running the bugnet line to the foot, just to the ridge line to keep it off my head. A stick in the foot box keeps it up enough to keep it off my feet. Can't wait to get out in the woods again!
Great video, very informative. I think my next hammock will be an Amok.
Cheers!
Great video! I have the DD frontline set up and I’m off out this afternoon for my first hammock overnighter up here in the Highlands. I chose the frontline for the reputation and the price but was sorely tempted by the Draumr being a side sleeper. If I enjoy the hammock camping I may spring for the Amok in the future. We moved up here last Autumn. The main reasons being legal wild camping, the scenery and wildlife, the cooler weather and of course the lack of people! Love it! Thanks for posting this 👍 ✌🏻
Cheers! Thanks for watching. The DD is a great hammock; I sold the Amok but kept the DD. Good luck for your hammock camp 👍
What an Awesome review!!! Thank you!
Thanks mate 👍
Enjoyed this informative video . I have the DD XL frontline hammock and I absolutely love it . Do like the features of the amok , especially the sitting up feature .
I eventually sold the Amok, I just couldn't get on with it. I still have the DD hammock though, for me it is the better of the two. Thanks for watching! 👍
Hammock, beer holders , I could see myself waking up on forest , informative video 👍🏴
Cheers!
New Amok was just brought out including the ultralight version, I did a video taking a look at it, loads of new features for the new design and the same features in the ultralight. All the best
I've just checked out your video Tim, the ultralight does look good. 👍
@@Adventure-Outdoors thanks pal much appreciated, it is very nice. All the best
Great video, thanks!
Great vid, the new Amoks don't come with the end poles last I checked. I get in and out pretty much the same as you but I grab the middle support on the opposite side to the bottle holder by the pocket, lean on that to steady it and as I fall in grab the bottle holder. I use a dd magic carpet underneath to store bag and boots and 3x3m dd ultralight tarp in diamond shape if pos but square still covers. I only had thermarest pads so got Amok's own brand pads (winter and regular) and they work really well with it as you'd expect. Also had issues with the front heavy issue on my first outing so I'm going to secure my sleeping bag/quilt with a bit of para cord, they have loops on them down the full length so shouldn't be an issue. Can't wait for restrictions to lift so I can chuck everything on the bike and get to Scotland or Wales.
Yeah that's the problem I have, I was using a DD Jura sleeping bag which has a waterproof foot box so its bottom heavy, when laid out on the Amok it just tips it out! They're great hammocks once you master getting in and out 😂. Hopefully we'll be allowed out soon mate, I've had enough of these lockdowns 👍
Two comments, try using a wool blanket under your dd , then put the under blanket up with the wool blanket inside it and clothes pin it all the way around talk about snuggle warm. It really ,really makes it warmer. I mean wonderful warm. I like both hammock and amok. But for overall comfort , nothing is as warm and cozy as the amok. Since I hurt my back I carry a cot with me. Car camping only of course. I bought the 2-inch Teton pad and a Coleman cot xl. It's better than my bed at home almost. Seriously. If I had known this earlier, you'd of seen a guy with a cot strapped to his back lol. You'll throw away your hammocks and tents and never go back either. You ever get a chance to try out the coleman XL cot and Teton 2 inch foam pad , I'll bet you hard cash it ruins you forever. I put up my tarp strap the pad down , put the flannel sheet on and blankets and I'm so happy. Heaven. Peace.
Sounds like a comfortable sleeping set up! I looked at cots last year for a canoe trip I went on, ended up just buying some bulky cheap ones which works OK but not great. In the future I think I'll look to get something more compact and comfortable. Thanks for watching 👍
Great video thanks for making it
Great video, very informative. Thanks a lot.
Thanks mate 👍
nice video m8! I would love a comparison video between the Amok & the Opeongo Aerial A1
You looked like the Spennymoor Mahatma Gandi sitting there cross-legged in the Amok.
Great video very fair comparison of both styles of hammock.
😂😂
Mate, love your vids and I have shock. Corded shock corded aluminium poles you can have for the Amok. They are from a thermarest chair but I reckon they'll be a perfect fit.... Better than sticks!
Thanks mate! I'll have a look at those, the sticks are useless, they usually just fall out as soon as you get in 👍
The new Amok Draumr 5.0 is just out , and has many new features. The 5.0 is also for people up to 2.10 mtr ;-)
Very helpful thanks. Had to click subscribe after watching that.
Cheers Joe, much appreciated 👍
I've had an Amok for 3-4yrs and would definitely recommend. The Exped pad is insulated, so no need for a separate under-quilt, and because there's no chill from below it's fine to simply use an unzipped sleeping-bag on top, or a Snugpak jungle blanket in the summer. I already had a Snugpak 3m square tarp which gives plenty of cover in diamond set-up, and with regards to getting in/out the technique demonstrated on the Amok website is far easier, ie fold-up the bottom third and just sit down, rather than rolling in from the side. The lounge option and the ability to sleep flat or face-down is the greatest advantage, and whilst my mates originally scoffed at the price, I'm not the one sleeping like a banana!!
Great video! I'm still laughing about you getting into the Amok in the Galloway forest :-) I bought the Amok btw. They sell the end poles separately because I guess a few people complained that they couldn't find suitable sticks to do the job (it would be a faff as well).
Hehe sounds like there was some 🍺🍺🍺🤠🔥🤌🏻😂, I really like the new 5.0 with it's upgrades. as well the aluminium end sticks, very convenient a quicker to use than recon for sticks. This year I will use the Draumr XL UL with complete kit UL, shall be interesting what I like it in comparison. So far I'm impressed even if the 5.0 is really great and feels more robust.
@@Braapncamp how is it doing 1 year later?
@@pedroclaro7822 Hi it's doing great! First year i used the UL all in for all travels. Last season i used the 4.0 (a special edition, colorwise). This season i will go back to the UL. Allready been out on a winter overnighter in february. I like them both!
Definitely got me thinking about getting the Amok. I was looking at the DD Frontline but I absolutely love the look of the Amok. The amount of space, the storage space and the way you can use it as a lounger has swayed me towards getting the Amok
What's your favourite things about the Anok?
I find the Amok to be more comfortable, especially if you like to sleep on your side. To be honest though, I tend to use the DD most of the time, I've just packed it in my bag for tomorrow, I just find it easier to set up and to get in and out (especially after a few beers!). If I was camping for more than one night, I take the Amok, but for quick overnighters I tend to use the DD. You can't go wrong with either tbh 👍
I like the amok my concern would be the coverage you get from the 3x3 compared to the normal hammock
Lone wolf on YT had a video using the onewind tarp over the amok. 3x3 would cover the amok fine. I bought the DD XL but it might be overkill unless you’re facing horizontal rain
Love the look of the Amok I just don’t think I can justify the cost.
Yeah it is a bit pricey, probably not great value compared to some of the other gear you can buy these days 👍
Thanks.
As always great vid matey,does the Amok not need some sort of under blanket then mate
Cheers mate, nah it doesn’t need it if you use an insulated sleeping mat. The one I have, the Exped Synmat, is rated to -17 and it’s like sleeping on a radiator. I think Amok produce their own insulated mat which is probably just as good 👍
Amok please!
I have the Amok XL and the main issues I have with it are 1.) The pad bunches up on the side of the pad and is kinda annoying when trying to sleep on my side. 2.) When getting in and out the head end rises up so much that it pulls out the stakes holding my park at the head area. You might not have that problem seeing how large your tarp is 😆. Otherwise it’s a nice kit.
Yeah I do have the same issues getting in and out, I've fallen out of it on multiple occasions 😂👍.
Please explain how you "park" the head area
@@golfish8589 Sorry I mistyped I meant the tarp. Unless I have a tree behind me that I can pull my tarp tight towards or perhaps a hiking pole if I stake it out the head end of the Amok lifts up so much when getting in and out of that it pulls my stakes out 🙄
@@MrBalas3 you could use the DD XL. It has tie outs in the middle which are perfect for the amok. The extra tarp weight is worth it for me since I can set it up without a pole to get it off my head and feet. It’s perfect if there’s a storm coming because it can enclose me like a tarp with doors. Otherwise yeah you have to place your tarp way above you so as not to touch it when swinging
That Amok looks like potential comedy gold. My problem with any hammock is that, at 6' 4" and about 105k, I end up with my arse on the ground unless I use climbing rope to suspend it.
😂😂 Amok make an XL version for those over 6’1, although I can imagine it would still be a struggle, I’ve fallen out of mine every time I’ve used it. Probs better off just kipping on the floor Chris!
Try a DD frontline XL....use it many months in a row a I often do long-distance walking projects
FB kayak cobber
And made suspension from dyneema with rope ladder knots
Could you fit the underquilt and hammock in the DD sleeve?
I don't know, I've never tried it. If I had to take a guess, I'd say no it won't fit.
Great video! Do you have the regular size Amok, or XL? And how tall are you?
Cheers! It's the normal size Amok, I'm 5ft 10 👍
What sleeping bag are you using when you use the hammocks?
I used the DD Jura sleeping bag for a while Jim, it's great for hammocks as it has a zip going down the middle. It's a bit on the heavy side and to be honest I found it quite cold during the winter so I upgraded to a Rab Ascent 700 Down bag, it was a bit pricey but it weighs almost half of the DD and is really warm. 👍
The woodland videos you do is this woodland you maintain and look after ? Job wise or maintain for a farmer ?
The woodland is owned by my family but I carry out the management plan pretty much on my own. I spend half my life there at the moment!
@@Adventure-Outdoors envious you can just get away some were like this when needed.
Got both lo e both tho the amok stops me snoring lol my mates lo e that .
Do you still generally use a sleeping bag with the underquilt?
I use a sleeping bag most of the year, if it's really warm I guess a light quilt/blanket would be fine 👍.
How's that Amok work out for you in terms of weight?
At over 3kg for the kit it isn't exactly lightweight that's for sure, I bought it originally for a canoe tour I was planning in Sweden......but I wouldn't want to carry it in a pack for too far.
my 1st hammock was DD but nooo..it started rip of from ridge line attachments on hammock..and i changed to different..now i bought Amok 5.0
How are you finding the Amok 5.0? Considering getting one. Was thinking about getting a DD but this video and others have definitely swayed my mind
@@grandadmiralthrawn9231 i have amok 5.0 and just got UL one too..difference material/belts and weight about almost 500gr between different,,1st amok 5.0 great..i sleep any type..a little bit hard part go in but started use to it..you have to hold reach line in out time..2nd hard part when you go in zipper head goes to feet area..when you are middle kind of hard to reach and when you reach easy to zip it..i think better make some thin rope to pull easy..beside this 2 thing very easy to setup..you need get their pad because need fits perfect small size kind of give problem..
air pad is god 2 spot leak after 2 times use..when you fill put in amok and zip the bug net give small open area and fill it otherwise you never know when gets damage..
i bought UL and i will try because soon i have 3 night 4 days backpacking and it is great to lower..
i don't use their tarp and recommend to you Dyneema tarp from hammockgear.com it is $265 but 6 oz only 10ftx12ft size..
@@grandadmiralthrawn9231 here is another using review..july 10/11 we were out for one night stay..area had no large tree..camped next to water source and i got amok UL too, so setup on ground..well worked..i have video on my Chanel you can see there
Which is warmer out of the two?
It depends, the Amok is really warm with an insulated air mat but it can be a bit exposed if there is a cold wind blowing. The DD is warm enough and it's easier to shape the tarp to provide more weather protection. I'd say it's six and two threes! 👍
@@Adventure-Outdoors thanks
What ideas do folks have to slow and stop the hammock from swinging?
Sleep in a tent or bivvy.
@@lioneljonson161 the Amok was designed for a far superior sleep than laying on the ground in a tent
@@golfish8589 yes it was. Did i write anything that said otherwise? The question is, is a £500 sleep necessary or is a £250 sleep enough when you’re outdoors roughing it anyway. I slept in my DD Frontline two nights ago and woke up smiling (but also needing a pee because I’m old haha).
@@lioneljonson161
I am 60 years old and already have a bad back and neck.
Even my 62 year old brother who never tries anything new is loving the better sleep.
Quit drinking fluids after 5pm.
Then get up a 4:45am to catch the topwater smallmouth bass.
What is a DD.....
@@golfish8589 haha no fluids after 5pm ruins beer o’clock. It would be kinder to have me put to S - L - E - E - P.
This is Mr Dave Canterbury showing the DD i have. There’s also a XL one I also have. czcams.com/video/d5wr9ph6OFQ/video.html
the Amok seems very unstable and tippy.
It is! I sold it in the end, I just kept falling out of it after a couple of beers 😂.
👏👏👍👌🐣⛺️🇳🇴. 😷
DD hammock go in out is not easy..when you are in not easy pull the zip too..so i don't recommend it..
Surprising. I’m a big chap and I’ve gotten in and out hundreds if not thousands of times from my DDs. Super easy, barely an inconvenience.
the Amok Hammock is for the gays out there^^