Beginner Hammock Camping Part 2 - Choosing a Hammock 

As soon as you demonstrated laying diagonal, I was stunned. Up to then, I could not figure out how anyone could enjoy sleeping like a banana. I paused the video to post this. Now I am hooked.

So grateful for your timing on this series as I am currently moving into hammock camping for AT hiking due to severe back pain issues. You are extremely thorough and well organized in your presentation. Looking forward to the next installment. Arnie

There is a lot of good information here. I have spent many nights sleeping in a hammock while hiking. I tell people who think they want to get into hammock camping that there is a learning curve. It takes a little while to figure it out. I by far prefer backpacking with a hammock.

I'm 6'-3" and my first hammock was a 9'-6" symmetrical parachute material hammock. Needless to say, I didn't sleep at all my first two outings. Miserable. The amount of money and troubles that I could've been spared by knowing what my actual needs were ahead of any purchases would've been worth pure gold. I hope this series helps lots of newbies, even if a little too late for me. LOL

Jason, Great information and highly professional. I've been hammock camping for about 5 years now and think I'm pretty dialed in on my hammock system, and I find your series is very much worth watch.

the parallelcuts between the different hammocks to compare while you finish the sentence is a VERY cool approach! as a viewer you stay at the topic and follow the points to discuss easily. NICE! :-)

So well presented, Jason. Perfect timing as I begin learning more about hammocks for a purchase. They have always been a mystery to me. Thanks so much.

Outstanding information. I've been researching hammocks for over a month. Your information has answered some questions I had. As a first time hammock-er I found so much to learn, which is part of the fun. Thanks for the video and I am looking forward to viewing the others.

Great job Jason... Can tell you really thought this thing out. Must have taken awhile to make. Thanks for taking that time for us beginners. 👍

Thank you for the posting of this series. I have been hammock camping for over a decade now but I am always looking to learn more. This is a well put together video that a person new to hammocking can get great information on how to start and someone with more experience can help dial in their enjoyment of the hammock a bit more. I have another theory on the ENO. ENO, and to a lesser extent Hennessey, are the "gateway drugs" to hammocking. These brands tend to be the first foray into the hammock world for most folks largely because they are in the Big Box stores like REI, are cheaper than most cottage industry hammocks, and if the store is like REI, the buyer can return the product if not to their liking. Most hammockers who have moved away from these brands are in a brand of hammock that is from a cottage industry. Many in the hammocking crowd start with their entry hammock, decide they like hammocking but realize there must be something better and move on to the cottage industry models. I love the term "calf ridge", I have experienced it but never really knew what to call it.

Another potential beginner idea: How you maintenance your hammocks. Like after a trip, how do you clean them and keep them in good shape and so forth. Great series so far, very informative.

Thanks for putting these series together!....I'm ordering myself a Darien out of the gates...1.2 Robic..your videos is where I get alot of info plus shug about the hammock life

Thanks Frozen for the detailed video. Much appreciated. I just recently purchased a hammock from warbonnet outdoors. These compilation videos are great for a beginner like me. I knew it was perfect when I spent the night in the hammock then the next morning laid in my own bed and felt the same.

Great video. I first camped in a hammock in about 1982, in either my father's or uncle's WW2 era Army surplus jungle hammock. Very comfortable and bug-free in Maine in August, but probably weighed fifteen pounds with its rope suspension and (little) rubberized canvas roof, and I wasn't over twelve years old. In the early nineties I purchased a Rothco imitation that had a coated nylon fly (also integral and undersized) with a very narrow canvas hammock. Okay if you are twenty-two or so, and it's not raining, and you left the sleeping bag at home. In the seventies (°F) overnight who would care? The answer is: you, unless you unless you want to sleep. I did learn how to lay on the diagonal, but the Rothco hammock was not much lighter than the original US Army one, and it still wasn't raining. In 2020 I got a cheap import camping hammock with a built-in mosquito net, a tarp, and a couple of daisy chain suspension units which I use with a couple of (non-climbing- level) but strong carabiners. I sleep better in this one than I do in my own bed, even if I miss my wife and kid sleeping a few yards away in a tent. After having numerous, if irregular, years of experience camping in jungle hammocks, I just learned s couple of things from this video and will watch more to learn more. (e.g.- I want to get lighter straps with buckles instead of the much heavier daisy chain) and the hammock (not tarp) ridgeline. I will try that or get another hammock with one made for it. I had the basics, but one can always learn more actually useful information, even from people much younger than oneself.

Absolutely love my hammock. I have a NHO and would put it in my bedroom if my wife allowed it. I get the best sleep in there.

This is an excellent start to your hammock series! Maybe the last video in your series could be about the errors one can make, ie sitting in the underquilt only (ouch!), suspension mistakes, things one can do in unexpected weather, etc.

I'm not new to hammocks, but I think it's good to check out opinions of others to learn more or get you to thinking about other things you may not have otherwise. This is excellent for newbies and experienced hangers alike. I really just started catching some of your videos, and look forward to seeing more.

Man, I'm glad I found your channel I love Hammocks but didn't know where to start Thank you!

Warbonnet Ridgerunner. Best of the best IMO.

Handy tip....if yer usein cinch buckel straps,dont tighten them all the way tight unless u have an adjustable ridgeline, i had ta cut my ridgeline when i tried.but now i have an adjustable so.... lol

Thinking of making the switch to hammock camping, I knew you'd have a video with all the info I needed :)

Great info. I cannot stress hammock length enough. My first hammock was right at 9' in length. After using it for 2 years I upgraded and got a 11'. I'm only 5'10" but the extra 2 feet was a huge difference in comfort.

This deserves way more views...

I really enjoyed this video. I learned quite a lot. I thank you for making it, and I am looking forward to the next episode in this series.

Great vid! Super informative to those new to hammock sleeping. Anyone looking for a two person option should check out a HOGS Gemini. It's an ingenious take on a two person hammock. And no...I don't work for HOGS...lol...I just have one of their hammocks and love it.

I bought a ridgeline from Whoopie Slings that pretty much solves most of my issues with my ENO Doublenest hammock. I think it cost me less than $10 shipping included. Easy fix. My only issue I have with the Doublenest now is a proper bug net, but for fall camping I don't even bother with a net anyway.

Very thorough and useful. Thank you for your work!

Excellent video. Like yourself I didn't do the research like should have. Just ordered the ultimate Hang 2 2 days ago. Now saving up either a blackird or a chameleon.

hey man, set up my dutchware chameleon for the first time today and this video was very helpful in explaining all the basics, thanks heaps!

Good honest tips & reviews - nice one 👍

Great video! Lots of good stuff in here...I learned the hard way, moving away from ENO after spending a decent chunk of change on ENO gear. Definitely a great watch was people just starting out!

Great video Frozen, answered a lot of questions I had. Can’t wait until the next episode

I have a ENO skylite bride hammock so comfy to sleep in I use the atlas Helios suspension setup with a DD super lightweight tarp and it’s amazing to sleep in

Great start to the series and very detailed. A lot of useful information. Thanks for covering asymmetrical vs. symmetrical

If you have lived in Florida you would not worry about losing the heat even at night because it’s like 85 degrees outside until after midnight but it’s never get to cold

you are the best informations giver about hammocks thank you

Great info. I have been debating trying a hammock. I just have to rid my unease of critters walking under me while I sleep.

I've been thinking about buying an inexpensive hammock off Amazon to try. I'm concerned about whether the cheap Amazon hammocks will be long enough for be to be comfortable in.I'm about 6' and most of the cheapo hammocks I've seen are less than 10' long.

Awesome video and great recommendation on the Ultimate Hang book!!!

Just Subscribed! I’m really enjoying your channel and thanks for making things simple 😅

Great video. Looking forward to the next one.

Great video with tons of useful info thanks so much

my brain's gonna explode with all this information but thank you!

Wow! You explained that stuff like you were born in a hammock...😁... No really, thank you for that great, clearly explained video, I also learned a lot.

Is the hammock body cut different between an asymmetrical hammock and a symmetrical hammock or does the bug net determine the difference?

Great video. Very informative and I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series. Wish your videos were available before I purchased my hammock system. I did not have good knowledge and now I wonder if I made correct choices. Live and learn.

Thanks for the great education.

Braddah you look like a fit 150lbs. Solid athlete. Your a big guy. 🏋🏻‍♂️🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🔥⛺️🌲🌲Definitely helpful I’ve got spinal injuries.

Good points Jason. You covered it well brother. I’ve never bothered with an asym before because o had no issues sleeping either way but seeing the little extra flatness you achieved has made me itch, lol Now the wifey is giving me that look... “You’re not seriously thinking about getting ANOTHER hammock. Haha. I got a guy up here in Canada that I may have to ply for a custom. Any hikes coming up? I prefer your solos. Though the one with Restless and Tim was good. Short. But good 🙂🤓 Be well my friend Craig

Is there a hammock on the market that you could use every single day or are they just meant for recreational only?

I wish you had did a tldw with the straight basics.

AWESOME! THANK YOU! BE SAFE!

Just purchased the Backpacker UL Asym Zip from Hennessey Hammocks and tried setting it up in my backyard earlier today. Definitely a huge learning curb involved! Finding trees that are the best length apart seems to be my biggest problem right now and I'm wondering how much of an issue that is when you're on trail?

See, at 10:35 you say we need to pick either asymmetrical or symmetrical based on personal preference, but besides saying you personally sleep better in asymmetrical and showing the shape differences between the two, how do we decide which we would prefer without going out and buying both/finding someone with both to test? I know asymmetrical is shaped specifically for a diagonal lay, but you also show how you can lay diagonally in a symmetrical hammock, so why choose asymmetrical if we can also lay flat in a symmetrical hammock? It seems like symmetrical wins because you can lay any which way--you aren't limited by the footbox and shoulder areas where you're supposed to lay in an asymmetrical. Is the difference that you can just lay a little more flat in an asymmetrical hammock? Is it a lot more flat? You get what I mean?

Thank you so much! This is a big help!

So I have watched the whole series and you didn’t cover it. How do you make a ridge line for a hammock that does not have one built in? So the hang is correct.

What is your opinion on dutchware versus DreamWorks? One thing drawing me to dutchware is all the options that you can add on. Would like to see a head-to-head video. Kind of looking at Dutch the new bridge hammock

Hey Jason, questtion here. Just getting into hanging, I've noticed that whenever you demonstrate, you are laying on your back. Can you side sleep in a hammock? Never could sleep on my back pretty much my entire life. Looking into hanging to see if it's as comfortable as everyone says, it's starting to get more and more uncomfortable for me to go to the ground. Love to tent camp but it's just getting more and more expensive to find things that work. At 66, i've started to get quite a collection of gear that works, find something that works and then they either discontinue or come out with the next gen. AHHHH. Frustrating. And expensive! Any help would be appreciated. Fellow NW PA hiker.

I know I'm a bit late on this video, but I"m just now learning about hammocks. I'm a backpacker who has always used a tent as my shelter. However, I will be moving into thru hiking and I've decided that I want a hammock for mid-day breaks/naps. Do you have a recommendation on a hammock for this purpose? It's tough b/c everything is listed for day use or shelter, but I feel like my need is kind of in the middle of those two.

I never thought about the length of the hammock! Thanks! These are custom made? Have you ever used a rectangle sleeping bag with a double zipper system and put the hammock through the sleeping bag? I’m thinking about that set up for winter camping. Any thoughts would be wonderful!

Great video. Should be very informative for ppl starting out.

Will talk about that in another video, will talk about that in a minute. My head is spinning now.

You did good with this video! 👍

how many ounces on a yard? sooo that translates to x*28.3gramms on a 0.9144meter sheet. i have no idea what that is. nice video though.

Well darn , after weeks and weeks of watching hammock vids on here . I pulled the trigger on a eno camonest xl , a bug rest and the xl atlas strap system. Am I now going to made fun of in the hicking/hammock camping community? Where I’ll be. Banned from every state for owning this gear? And not let in for my stupidity? I thought maybe it was a good way to start for under a $120 for all 3pieces combined. I’m just waiting on the rain fly to go on sale and snag it an be under the $200 mark for all my gear. Please don’t tell me I’m a complete idiot. Thanks Frozen for these vids And series. I’m going to watch them all.

Comfortable lays are the best lays

Hi, do you recommand double layer hammock to put pad between the layers ? Is it possible to use a single layer with a pad on the top and have goods nights sleep ?

Wouldn’t using a sleeping pad in a hammock eliminate ridge calf?

Interesting video it was very clear but if I would get serious it would take a couple of more views.

Thanks for this series. A question about the underquilt. I am a 61 y/o F with some difficulty getting off the ground (plus I don't want to pee all over myself in the morning trying to push up!!! tmi) and so I am seriously thinking about switching to a hammock. You generally use a 3/4 UQ. Do you have any thoughts on a full UQ? I would rather control my temp underneath and use a 3/4 quilt to dissipate any excess warmth. Anne P.S Come hike on the Pinhoti Trail sometime. You will climb Alabama's highest mountain.

Choose the hammock bliss skybed. Simple.

Great job sir. Now go get yourself an apple...........and some FRED. You've earned it.

Can you tell me your reasons for using an underquilt over a pad? I have an underquilt and it’s very bulky. I would think a pad would be less weight and bulk?

Most hammock manufacturers seem to offer options for two widths. I am specifically looking at Dutchware. I e-mailed Dutch and the recommendation from him was 6 feet or more / 220 or more, go for the wide. I am 5'10" and 230 lbs. So I am at opposite ends of the spectrum, so to speak. I wanna go double layer so I can use my Big Agnes inflatable pad. Every video I find on the subject just makes the wide look like a bunch of extra fabric flappin' in the breeze and is unnecessary. Thoughts? Recommendations?

I get the issues with buying a hammock that is too small, but is there a downside to buying one that is too big? Obviously extra weight, but is there any comfort issues while sleeping in one that is bigger than you need?

Question about testing the ridge line tension. The test is to bend the ridge line with your fingers.. Is that done while lying in the hammock or standing beside it? I would think lying in the hammock would put more strain on the ridge line making it harder to bend. Thanks for the info. Bruce from the City of Orange in Orange County Calif.

Hey Frozen, love the video! I recently purchased the Warbonnet blackbird and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for which sleeping pad to use with this hammock specifically or hammock camping in general? Thanks! Keep up the great content -Kosker

Thank you for the great info!! Are you taking your dream hammock Darien on the AT? If so any any winter cover also?

Hi Jason, I am looking to upgrade my silnylon tarp to a dyneema one. I noticed yours has doors. Are doors only necessary in the winter?

how do you determine the head end from the foot end of a hammock?

Umm canvas vs whatever those fabrics were?

Great job!

Do you know if Dutchwear has a show room that a person could try them before buying a hammock

You sir deserve a brohug tnx!

Where do you put your gear and shoes

What tarp do you use?

So a 108" is going to be way too small for me at 6'2" tall? Shit.

Great videos - What hammock with the bug net is that?

How do u install a ridgeline on a hammock?

You sold a double layer? Not your blackbird, I hope.

Are you trying to get me to switch to hammock camping with these videos? Or maybe I just need an excuse to get more gear...

How's Frank? Haven't seen him on the videos lately?

#TeamHeadRight lol great video my dude

they is very light asymetrical hammock ?

How much is a good budget for a hammock

Bugs I will pay millions to rid them.🌲🐿🌲🐿

"Not like a banana." Sorry, but you're definitely like a banana. Very fruity.