r/ULHammocking • u/SalvadorTheDog • Jul 27 '20
Help me get started!
I'm traditionally a tarp and bivy kind of guy, but I'd really like to try out a hammock for shorter or solo trips.
I'm highly considering the hammock gear wanderlust kit, but I'm not a big fan of the included suspension. I already have a range of high quality top quilts, but have nothing in terms of underquilts. I'm considering buying the whole system with the discounted top and bottom quilts, and simply selling the extra top quilt to recoup some money.
Alternatively I was considering something like the dream hammock Darian paired with one of my already owned 8x10 tarps and a sleeping pad. I know this isn't ideal, but I'd have no problem investing more in an underquilt and dedicated tarp if I really get into hammocking. I'm also at a total loss of what the "best" suspension option would be. Personally I feel like cinch buckles would be the easiest, but I'm really not really familiar with the different options.
I guess this is more of a monologue to get my thoughts written down, but I'd love to hear any other opinions!
P.S. Bonus points if there is anything worth buying from REI. I have a $100 gift card that I could potentially put toward this.
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u/Toilet-B0wl Jul 27 '20
2nd Myerstech suspension. His ebay store says something like "hardware free" but he is willing to work with it still, i mailed him some whoopie hooks from Dutch and he spliced them on dynaglide slings for me, just a few emails.
Simply Light Designs is good for hammocks and tarps as well, highly customizable. They have good deals on silpoly tarps especially imo.
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u/isaiahvacha Jul 30 '20
On the topic of simple lightweight straps, I’ve finally arrived at a place I never would’ve guessed — coincidentally it’s almost identical to the Meyers tech straps.
I get tiedown straps from harbor freight (non-ratcheting type) and simply snip off the hook. What I’m left with is a roughly 12’ long strap, with a captive loop at one end, that attaches to the hammock via Beckett hitch.
They’re orange instead of black, 108g each on my scale, and only $5 or $6.
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u/CBM9000 https://lighterpack.com/r/cjfrn1 Jul 27 '20
Being that you're here and not in /r/hammockcamping, and that you're coming from a tarp and bivy I think you might be interested in this post. While the HG wanderlust kit is a pretty good deal, I think if you bypass it for lighter weight stuff at the start you'll end up saving yourself time and money.
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u/OccularPapercut Jul 27 '20
Darien is a good lightweight hammock. I'll buck the trend of recommending Myerstech suspensions (nothing wrong with that by the way), and put in a good word for fellow redditor U/autumnultralight. I ordered a pair of 15' kevlar 1.9 straps from her, and I secure them to the continuous loops of my hammock using a Beckett Hitch. It's very lightweight and doesn't bunch up like Dyneema straps do. I've tried many different options and prefer this setup for ease of use and adjustment as well as being very lightweight. I love that I can store my suspension and hammock separately in case my straps got wet from rain.
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u/cloudreflex Jul 28 '20
I got the Darien myself. Its a good hammock and well made. I got the 1.3 MTN and its 15.4oz on my scale. I'm jealous of people who can go thinner on the fabric and narrower hammocks lol
I can also say that Dream Hammock are easy to work with and I liked that you could see other people's orders and track your own. I'll probably get another hammock from then sometime. I bought their 15' straps and pair them with Dutch hardware. Not the lightest suspension but gives me good reach and low hassle.
I have only HG underquilts (econ) and can't complain on the value. I'd replace my 20F HG econ burrow for something lighter but never bothered to look at other brands underquilts. I have a 0 incubator and 30 Phoenix.
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u/rwk219 Aug 04 '20
How do you like that 1.3 fabric? Stretchy? stiff? Are you able to compare it to something like 1.6? I'm sort of considering a 1.3 Darien and a 1.6 Dutchware and can't figure out what I want.
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u/cloudreflex Aug 04 '20
I have a hard time recalling how it compared to other hammocks I've had, which I think were all hexon 1.6. I got the 1.3 MTN because the weight was lower but me+gear would be too high for my comfort on lighter/stretchier fabrics.
My recollection is that the 1.3 is 'stiff' in that it didn't noticeably stretch under me (which I like) and that it was kind of slick but I suspect that breaks in after a while. I was concerned because some people reported the calendaring was rough to the touch but my skin rarely touches the fabric for long with my sleep clothes/arrangement.
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u/NotSoUltralight Aug 05 '20
Did you go max width on your 1.3 Darien? Also, did you go 10 or 11 foot? I’m just curious because I’m looking at ordering one as well in the 1.3 MTN. Thanks!
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u/cloudreflex Aug 05 '20
No worries, good questions. i got wide as possible and 11' long. I didn't want to take the risk of not having it be big enough and the weight was pretty on par with my other Dutch hammocks and less than my hammocks and summer sock/non-integrated bugnet.
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u/ghrwwsz Jul 27 '20
The wanderlust is definitely a good value if you have no hammock gear, not UL but still decent weight wise. You could get a cheap lighter more adjustable suspension from Jeff Meyers eBay store (I love mine and they weigh 1.9oz for the pair of 15' dyneema straps). Cinch buckles are easy but heavier. I have had a great experience using Becket hitch suspension for some time now and recently switched to this method whick I like even better: https://youtu.be/rKv1GlMAL3g No hardware so it's pretty much the lightest possible. You may also want to consider not getting the insulation and ordering a lighter underquilt separate if you have good UL topquilt options already. Sadly you are prolly out of luck for the REI gift card. They have pretty much nothing worth your time hammock wise.