Dream Hammock Darien - Ultralight Hammock Review 

Black Raven Survival Yeah, I like to keep a third world resistance fighter kind of look going (allied of course) ;)

Benjamin Brew ......there is no comparison.

Rich Allfieldnohit Thanks, Rich. Yeah, I was pretty hyped about it. Took it out in the woods for a few days recently and it worked out great. Leo, by the way :)

Ed the Travler I've read of guy's doing that, but haven't tried it myself. I think they use hiking poles to prop up the ends for some space inside as well.

+uptrail71 I love my Darien. The only downside to mine is that I ordered in as a 10 footer back before I knew that my preference was 10.5' to 11', but it's an awesome hammock. Plus, I got it as a single layer in the 1.0 fabric right before he stopped offering it that way. Collector's edition :)

Personally, I find hammocks to be hands down more comfortable. Weight wise, my Darien coupled with a Cuban tarp would run about 1.5 lbs for a price similar to many quality UL tents. Or run it with a Hennessy Hex tarp: 2.5 pounds, total cost $205

Alex Guerra I would absolutely recommend this for a first timer. You'll love it!

Kevin Bellamy Dutchwaregear.com

Thanks SmAk, Got that from another RU-vidr... they work great..

Yes, it's a standard 83% ridgeline. I'm sure you could always contact Randy at DH to discuss the possibility of customization though.

aklags Yeah, I got mine right before Randy stopped doing the UL single layer hammocks. I think some users had some unrealistic expectations and probably some failures from not treating them with a higher level of care, but that's just a guess. I remember him saying on the forums that there was going to still be one type of either 1.0 or 1.2 fabric that he felt was still acceptable for a single layer. It may be a special order though - I would call or e-mail Randy directly and see what he can do.

werm69 Yes, both my Hennessy tarps (stock as well as the larger deluxe model) should work fine with it. I started hanging my Hennessy tarps separate from the hammock, so switching between systems should be pretty simple.

Oh, well... I may have something a little lighter that matches that ACU camo quite nicely... stay tuned ;)

My top reason is really comfort and fun. The weight is certainly a factor, but if weight is the only concern, you can probably go lighter with a single person tarp-tent and a foam pad.

sintax77 thanks for the response. Just trying to weigh pros and cons with cost in mind too.

Underground Quilts makes UQ's that are basically modeled for the dream hammocks. They'll even mod your UQ for a few more dollars with a slot for the pullouts.

Kodiblack I had no problem transitioning from the Hennessy to the Dream Hammock and getting a nice diagonal lay. I think you'll like it a lot. One thing to keep in mind though, is that the Darien model doesn't have side pull-outs, which you may have gotten used to on your Hennessy. Personally, I had stopped using my pull-outs when I switched to using an underquilt, so it didn't bother me. Most of the other Dream Hammocks have pull-outs, so you could always check them out as well. One other thing to think about - I went with a 1.0 fabric, which reduced my weight dramatically compared to the Hennessy, but the lighter fabrics typically do have more stretch. I find it quite comfy, but if you prefer the feel of the heavier Hennessy fabric, there are a ton of fabric options on the Dream Hammock site, including double layer options. Enjoy the research! :)

sintax77 Thanks, thats good to hear. i think im going to do with the Darien with the 1.6oz diamond ripstop. and I had seen that you can add tie offs for like $10 which I think Ill do. not a bad price when compared to the hennessy ultra light which is what i was considering. Im thinking im going to order one and hopfully have it in time for a trip up the the boundary waters canoe area in late June. Thanks for the input, and keep the videos coming!! Very good to get outside opinions and ideas

I got mine as a single layer, but you can have any of the models made as a double layer as well.

I know them personally, the DREAM hammock guys.... they're awesome, the products awesome, and I own like 4 of their hammocks! Highly recommended!

+Northern Voyageur I love the Darien, it's been great. I have learned since buying it that I prefer longer hammocks. Either 11 foot or my favorite - 10.5'. I'm 5'11"

sintax77 Thanks! I am 5'9". I just ordered a 10' but in the robic xl 68" wide. I will throw up a video when I get it to show the lay.

Went with cinch buckles due to pure laziness. Just love the simplicity. Going to DIY whoopies one of these days though. I like giving everything a try : )

No, I haven't personally had that issue, but keep in mind that I'm using an underquilt with it, so that provides extra protection. A lot of people do seem to like the double layer hammocks for that very reason, though.

Thanks - I did not realize the double layer would be enough to stop them. I think some folks use Sawyer Permethrin Clothing and Fabric Insect Repellent - spray it on and it lasts 6 weeks. @@sintax77

Yes, it really is a great value. Suspension failure? - Thankfully, none so far!

Ah, glad to hear.

jim jones Actually, I've found that the underquilt works even easier without the pullouts. Once I hop in, it just sort of nests right down in there and makes for a pretty solid seal against the hammock body.

sintax77 thanks, I've seen in other videos were the under quilt attaches to the sling lines at the ends of the hammock. I'm starting to get the idea. On another subject do you mainly walk trails? The reason I ask this is your gear is very light and would most probably get damages having to push your way through the scrub. Where I'm from you make your own trails as there are few marked a cleared trails.

Colton D'Agostino The Darien is far less bulky than the Hennessy, so I don't see why not. You may have to thread the cinch buckle loops through the skins first, before attaching to the hammock - I don't think the cinch buckles will fit through the narrow end of the snakes skins.

I ordered a DH night-hawk so I am going to try! Thanks for the response! Lets hike the sierras!

bereantrb I came here to say exactly this. Surprised to see his Dutch clip incorrectly deployed.

***** Thanks, Rick. I read that on the Dream Hammock website while choosing which one to order - pretty cool stuff. Now, if only I can figure out how to get myself and the hammock down to Panama... ;)

Alexander Finlay Unless it's really hot out, you'll want either a pad or underquilt, since the down underneath you will compress and have minimal effect, resulting in a cold butt. For my first couple years of hammock camping, I just used my existing sleeping pad and and sleeping bagand it got the job done at no extra cost. That way, you can focus on the hammock system for now, and transition to quilts down the road.

I'll be a gentleman and let her carry the Dream Hammock. ...we may have to flip a coin to settle who sleeps in it though.