Where to Find a Cheap, Good-Quality Hammock
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Where do I go to find a cheap, good-quality hammock? I have been looking all over the Internet but I can’t find one for under $100. Please help me.
— Sleepy Ryan, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
A. Hey Ryan. So, I’m guessing you’re talking about a hammock tent, right?
If so, I have exactly the thing you’re looking for, and it comes in just under $100. The Hennessy Hammocks Scout Classic ($99.95; hennessyhammock.com) is a good quality, basic camping hammock with built-in mosquito netting and a detachable rainfly to protect you from the elements. I’ve tested one and can tell you that it works really well; I slept like a baby in it. It’s lightweight too, weighing just 2 lbs. 6 oz., and is small enough for backpacking since it fits inside a stuff sack about the size of a bag of potato chips (and can be made even smaller inside a compression sack).
If you just want a hammock but aren’t worried about rain or insects, then check out the Eagles Nest Outfitters Single Nest ($50; eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com). It’s a super comfortable, easy to set-up hammock that weighs just 16 ounces.
Do you know of any quality ones for $30 or less?
Coghlin sells one for $8.00. That’s thrifty and nice. Weighs 6 oz too.
You can also try grand trunk hammocks..look for a website called the Clymb they offer outdoor gear at a discount and they have hammocks. That is where I got mine.
To add to that – Byer of Maine makes the Moskito Kakoon which has a built in bug next for about $70 – you might still need a tarp but any old tarp will work for rain protection as long as you think about your setup.
Note that you should really use tree straps (not rope) to set up your hammock. Rope damages the trees and get’s us Hammock’ers kicked out of parks.
For the Hennesy hammock, if you tell them you are a scout they will apply a 20% discount.
Can’t go wrong with the Hennessy. Saw my first one at the 2005 National Jamboree. I’ve had one for nearly 10 years and have used it on nearly every campout. Still in great shape. Worth the investment.
Remember, there are few things that are quality and CHEAP. If you invest in the right equipment the first time you will not have to replace it next year.
Yeah but the hennesy is quality stuff. It is great quality and fairly cheap. I have used this in Hawaiian mountain forests while it downpoured all night long. Also used it up in Alaska. Great stuff
Or… Do It Yourself or DIY also known as Make Your Own Gear or MYOG. Go to a fabric shop and purchase three yards of 60 inch wide rip-stop nylon (about $7/yd or about $21). Then pick up about 50 feet of rope that is rated at about 500 pounds (about $10). Mark the 25 foot mark on your 50 foot rope, then mark 3 feet 10 inches from the center mark in each direction. Next gather the ends of your fabric and tie into the two outside marks with a sheet bend. Next find two sturdy trees about 12 or more feet apart and tie up with a round turn and two half hitches. Final step: enjoy.
Awesome. ..gonna try this! Thanks for the info.