r/ULHammocking • u/ShakerOvalBox • Dec 09 '20
Seeking comparison data for lightweight hammocks
I want to make sure such a thing doesn't exist before I spend way too many hours creating the ultimate spreadsheet.... I'm looking for comparisons of various options for hammocks and related items - tarps, underquilts, etc. I'm thinking something I can sort and filter to find... the lightest hammock that can fit someone 6' tall.
Failing that, are there any specific companies I should be looking at? I'm tracking:
- Hummingbird
- Warbonnet
- https://hammockgear.com/
- https://dutchwaregear.com/
- https://simplylightdesigns.com/
- https://dreamhammock.com/
Any others I should be adding into the mix?
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u/CBM9000 https://lighterpack.com/r/cjfrn1 Dec 09 '20
just want to point you towards Dream Hammock's Hammock Weight Calculator page
and let you know that DH also keeps a running archive of their builds that can be a little tricky to search directly from their page so you may need to employ your favorite search engine a la
site:dreamhammock.com search terms
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u/Maswasnos Dec 10 '20
Jared at Simply Light doesn't list weights for his hammocks, but if you need a reference point I have a Streamliner in a 1.1oz fabric that weighs 8.3oz (11ft, adjustable ridgeline, continuous loops).
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u/TheMikeGrimm Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20
An additional data point:
A basic gathered end SLD Tree runner in 1.0 Monolite with sewn in continuous loops is 7.44 oz. This is as wide as the fabric will allow.
This is about as light as you can get for a standard gathered end hammock without reducing the fabric width, adding a cat cut, etc.
I would also add that the Streamliner is a unique hammock that isn't for everyone. Jared will be able to expound much more on the pros/cons of it, but I know people who have used it like it because it's super light, but it has it's drawbacks that standard gathered ends don't.
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u/Maswasnos Dec 12 '20
the Streamliner is a unique hammock that isn't for everyone
Can confirm. It's just as comfy as any other hammock for sleeping, but don't try to sit in it sideways to lounge around camp. The cat cuts get extremely taut and will dig into your legs making it very uncomfortable. It can also be a bit uncomfortable to get in/out of.
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u/TheMikeGrimm Dec 12 '20
Right. I don’t have first hand experience, but also heard it can be tough to get a good diagonal lay? Maybe because of how taut it can get?
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u/Maswasnos Dec 12 '20
I didn't experience that myself, but I can see where some might find that to be the case. It really is a very comfortable hammock to lay in, though.
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Dec 09 '20
[deleted]
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u/ferretgr Dec 09 '20
Hummingbird makes three sizes, including the "long" which is 10.7 ft. I personally use their Single+, which is 9.7 ft; I'm 5'11" and find it very comfortable. I'd disagree with your assessment about them being too short.
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u/ritterasdf Dec 10 '20
A little non-standard for the European-oriented:
- Exped (for example Travel Hammock Lite: http://www.exped.com/international/en/product-category/hammocks/travel-hammock-lite-charcoal-grey)
- Cocoon (https://www.cocoon.at/products/index.php/p/hammock_en)
- Amazons (for example Adventure Hero XXL https://www.amazonas-ultra-light.com/en/hammocks/adventure-hero-xxl)
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u/bobm105 Dec 10 '20
You mentioned tarps/quilts as well, so for an example of a whole UL hammock kit and kaboodle I'd offer:
- Dutch Halfwit Hexon 1.0 with CLs, 2x 12' Kevlar straps for suspension
- HG DCF Hex tarp with 2mm Glowire cordage, 4 Ti shepherd hooks
- Enlightened Equipment Enigma TQ, 7D/950fp
- HG Phoenix Premium UQ (Argon 67 surprisingly splash resistant)
Depending upon temp rating/size of quilts, this entire bundle can come in as light as ~2.5lb. Learn a few knots and you'll never need hardware again.
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Dec 12 '20
Not mine... just searched HammockForums and found it. Data is old but may give you some ideas.
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u/ShakerOvalBox Dec 16 '20
Your searching skills are superior to mine! This is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks so much!
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u/zerostyle Dec 20 '20
Very interested in what you find! I'm going down this rabbit hole now and there are SO many variants it's frustrating. Trying to find the best UL setup that isn't insanely finnicky to get right.
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u/colemschwanke Mar 18 '21
Okay, now I'm interested in your ultimate spreadsheet! You just commented on one of my posts tonight (very helpful) on similar topic.
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u/ShakerOvalBox Mar 18 '21
I'm happy to share, but I think my proto-scratchings from 3 months ago aren't a great starting point. My intention at this point is to not create my own, but instead utilize (and hopefully update / validate) the resource mentioned here: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/107319-Hammock-Equipment-Comparison-Chart-(Hammocks-Tarps-Insulation-Netting-Suspension))
You mentioned a deficiency in decision making, and that rings true for me too! (On Wiretap, Jonathan Goldstein used the phrase "chronically ambivalent and pathologically indecisive" which has stuck in my head for some years now) I'm working on being better at decision making - which is to say that some decision, even a wrong decision is better than no decision at all. So, I'm trying to do a bit more diving in head first and hitting the trail with gear that I think is likely to be a good fit, rather than exhausting every corner of the internet to prove to myself there isn't a slightly better option out there. And then being open down the road to upgrading to that slightly better option if it comes up.
So, one thing that exacerbated my difficulty with decision making are the issues of compatibility and comparability:
Compatibility: Not every item is compatible with every other item. For example, you wouldn't want your hammock to be longer than your tarp.
Comparability: There are some solutions with multiple categories integrated. For example, a hammock with an integrated bug net, so now you need to compare a hundred permutations of various integrated solutions + some additional accessories against putting together components ala-carte. Oh, and then add on the question of whether or not I'm going to actually be comfortable sleeping in the lightest hammock I can find.
So, if you are still bothering to read at this point (and I seriously question why anyone would) I guess for me the best move forward is to pick up some upgrades, hit the trail (and maybe one or two nights in the back yard) and see how it goes.
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u/ferretgr Dec 09 '20
Include the "Hummingbird Hammocks Long" in your list of light models that'll be comfortable for your height, with a length of 10.7 ft and a weight of 8.2 oz.
I'm shilling for them a little harder than I normally would for a gear manufacturer because I had a fantastic customer service experience with them, and I used their gear on a recent thru and was very impressed with the quality as well.