Expedition/self support kayaking absolutely benefits from very light, very compressible hammocks. Especially in whitewater trips due to the rigors of the sport, the wild locations, and the limited amount of space to store everything required from A to B. This is the only reason I ever thought to try one. Anybody can strap a tent to a car or backpack, but set one up on a ravine wall above a raging river...I'll wait
Good video. I guess I am in the minority, but like the ridge runner by warbonnet. Might be a Cadillac of a bridge hammock but is most comfortable hammock every sleeper in. Might by 36 ounces with poles but worth carrying a few extra pounds on your back for a good nights sleep.
I think it may be in part that bridge hammocks were not as available as the Gathered End style in the market for a long time, or they were heavy and expensive in comparison. The gathered end is also an easy DIY. I really think that the ENO company was the first to really flood the market with the GE, along with Hennessy and Warbonnet all with mainly the gathered end hammock. From what I have seen or felt, the bridge is becoming more popular, especially with those that aren't going far in the back country. Plus the bridge is getting lighter and less expensive. I will try and do this same survey in a year so we can see if there are any trends.
B.c majority are backpackers and are counting ounces. That initial question kind of puts every other in perspective. I'm with the majority in my Hennessy UL Asym backpacker Hammock. First and only hammock I've been using for roughly 7 years
Great. You will love it if you haven't done it. My biggest advice if you choose a gathered end style is to give into the diagonal lay as soon as possible. I was just at a hangcon and there were a few there that hadn't tried it yet and wondered why they kept falling out so we fixed them up. That and eventually you will get an underquilt, the sooner the better. Have fun
Thanks Al. It was a lot of fun and I didn't know what the results would be so that made it really interesting. I had some ideas that I was a little surprised about.
Bridge hammocks will come into more prominence as they are discovered by the aging population. I am 71, physically challenged and love my Warbonnet Ridge Runners. Yes, plural. One for indoors and one for outdoors. I have spent the last several months outdoors, admittedly mostly my screened back porch. Just on the edge of woods and enjoy the sounds of birds and animals. Next choice is long closed end version...at least 10 feet. the longer the better. Diagonal lay!
The ridgerunner is on the list. I agree on the changes and will do this again next year. I think there will be some impacts in the bridge and the length.
Nature Calls Backpacking At the time I did pre-purchase research the ridge-runner had the widest shoulder spread of the leading brand bridge hammocks the wider the better as far as I’m concerned 🙂
Was hoping for the final result: "10-11 ft, gathered end hammock with an integrated bug net and ridgeline, laying diagonally with a pillow..." I'm sure I missed something. Great overall.
With regard to the favorite style hammock question. I think it's likely most of the 91% who claim the gathered end is their favorite, have never slept in a bridge hammock, or ever even laid in one.
The one in the video is the REI Quarterdome Air Hammock, I also have a Helsdon Chrysalis, there is also the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, JacksRBetter Jarbridge, Then there is Lawson and Clark but people debate me on whether or not they are bridges. There may be others as well, but that is what I am aware of.
Me="OTHER", Motorcycle camping. Me=Gathered end/double wide, I've only tried a 10' er. I'm going to make a 11' er this spring, just to see the diff. Me=Sleep Diagonal Adding a ridgeline changed the experience for me, completely!! Bugnet: Modified Fronkie-bottom entry (I added velcro on one end, for easy removal) Pillow: I use a horseshoe neck pillow. (major neck issues) Thanks Bruce, Very Interesting!!
The best for me is ones that protect you from the mosquitoes. I canoe camp all over the states and backpack in Central Florida where we have mosquitoes and lots of them. After trying several different jungle hammocks I found two that work for me. The Clark Tropical or the Warbonnet Blackbird which are 100 % bug proof. The netting over the top protects me and the bottom material they can not bit threw. The Clark Tropical is a straight lay. The Blackbird is a diagonal lay and no mosquito from the outside has snacked on mr when I am in either one. .
I have the Clark on the future buy list. They look great. We have to use underquilts up here so the mosquitoes have to be pretty big to get through that. The Blackbird is another great hammock.
Interesting approach through stats. But its another title to catch views as the answer is not given, other than the obvious "HYOH". Generally it must be said that the now so common chinese hammock, incl. ENO is a wrong start for most as it is short (usually 9 ft). I also started with 9 ft (DD hammock), then tried 10 ft and settled at 11ft. Width is also important - if you can get material with 72'' width take it. The nice thing about self made gathered end hammocks is that you can technically start with a 12ft or 13 ft lenght and make it shorter after trying. I am currently trying the bridge hammock and I really want to like it, but I am struggeling with the extra tippiness
You sound like we have taken the same path in the hammock world. As far as bridge hammocks I find that you need to commit to laying flat, head back and settled in, then the hammock is super stable.
@@naturecallsoutdoors Possibly, but it kind of defeats the reason why I try the bridge hammock - I am a side sleeper and I don't want to concentrate on my laying position when falling asleep ;-) ... otherwise I can stick to the gathered end hammock, with all the advantages (less bulk, less weight, easier to hang, shorter tarp)
Dutchwzre gathered end, the old school 11' cost 35$. Amsteel whoolie sling light weight polyester tree slings, weight 14 oz complete with 2 hikers. Diagonal lay but really things are up in the air, lol.
Yes. I hope this conveys that there is a lot of ways and variations. I feel sometimes, not a lot, that there is some shaming if you don't have a particular model.
Nature Calls Backpacking no I just missed your survey and was staying what I had. The only shame should be the emo hammock. I really want to try a bridge hammock but don't have the money to waste to try one I like my set up.. But hardly use it.
Great info. I was a gathered end and bridge hammock guy but after a good long 2 years while using my Amok I decided it’s my favorite. I still use all of them but if I can I’ll bring the 90 degree hammock! It opens up backup options as well!
Thanks Bill. I had a feeling that there were a lot of ways people hung so finding out all the ways was my favorite question and helps make all the others make sense. Or at least I hope it makes everyone feel ok that they don't have to scale a mountain.
Great Video Bruce! I like that this discussion on the best hammock is not centered around trying to sell a certain hammock. I like a longer hammock myself even though I fairly short. I like how you presented your different questions with the various hammocks. Very good video and full of good info! I look forward to the next video!
Thanks Tim. Yes the hammock community is a very helpful and sharing group. The survey was fun. I did graphs right away, then updated them right before and it was nice to see that the sample really didn't change too much. Next year I think there will be some changes though.
That was the funny part. I had an other selection and there was a ton of people saying they kayak, canoe, bike, motorcycle. Next years survey will include.
Very cool set of data. I hit every category of the majority except on length. Where I would prefer to go longer almost all the time, but practically take a 11fter because hang options seem better that way
Expedition/self support kayaking absolutely benefits from very light, very compressible hammocks. Especially in whitewater trips due to the rigors of the sport, the wild locations, and the limited amount of space to store everything required from A to B. This is the only reason I ever thought to try one. Anybody can strap a tent to a car or backpack, but set one up on a ravine wall above a raging river...I'll wait
Good video. I guess I am in the minority, but like the ridge runner by warbonnet. Might be a Cadillac of a bridge hammock but is most comfortable hammock every sleeper in. Might by 36 ounces with poles but worth carrying a few extra pounds on your back for a good nights sleep.
Thanks Daryl. I do need to update the survey as I think there a lot more bridge hangers now. I do need to get a Ridge Runner soon
Was there a reason why people didn't use a bridge hammock?
I think it may be in part that bridge hammocks were not as available as the Gathered End style in the market for a long time, or they were heavy and expensive in comparison. The gathered end is also an easy DIY. I really think that the ENO company was the first to really flood the market with the GE, along with Hennessy and Warbonnet all with mainly the gathered end hammock. From what I have seen or felt, the bridge is becoming more popular, especially with those that aren't going far in the back country. Plus the bridge is getting lighter and less expensive. I will try and do this same survey in a year so we can see if there are any trends.
B.c majority are backpackers and are counting ounces. That initial question kind of puts every other in perspective. I'm with the majority in my Hennessy UL Asym backpacker Hammock. First and only hammock I've been using for roughly 7 years
I'm just now shopping for one. Your video was very informative. Thank you so much!
Great. You will love it if you haven't done it. My biggest advice if you choose a gathered end style is to give into the diagonal lay as soon as possible. I was just at a hangcon and there were a few there that hadn't tried it yet and wondered why they kept falling out so we fixed them up. That and eventually you will get an underquilt, the sooner the better. Have fun
Great survey, great video and very interesting Bruce!!! Keep doing these great jobs!!!
Thanks a ton. Luckily the hammock community is all about helping and giving information. Will try and do next year and see if there are any changes.
Very nice and informative. Looking forward to your next video. Take care, Al
Thanks Al. It was a lot of fun and I didn't know what the results would be so that made it really interesting. I had some ideas that I was a little surprised about.
Bridge hammocks will come into more prominence as they are discovered by the aging population. I am 71, physically challenged and love my Warbonnet Ridge Runners. Yes, plural. One for indoors and one for outdoors. I have spent the last several months outdoors, admittedly mostly my screened back porch. Just on the edge of woods and enjoy the sounds of birds and animals. Next choice is long closed end version...at least 10 feet. the longer the better. Diagonal lay!
The ridgerunner is on the list. I agree on the changes and will do this again next year. I think there will be some impacts in the bridge and the length.
Nature Calls Backpacking At the time I did pre-purchase research the ridge-runner had the widest shoulder spread of the leading brand bridge hammocks the wider the better as far as I’m concerned 🙂
Love my WBRR, going on 2 yrs with it.
Thanks for the info. I'm super excited to get our own hammock setup (hopefully) soon. Great videos! Subscribing!
Was hoping for the final result: "10-11 ft, gathered end hammock with an integrated bug net and ridgeline, laying diagonally with a pillow..." I'm sure I missed something. Great overall.
With regard to the favorite style hammock question. I think it's likely most of the 91% who claim the gathered end is their favorite, have never slept in a bridge hammock, or ever even laid in one.
Wow... not sure how I miss this video. Great information.
I was just talking about getting a hammock too.
Thanks for the video
I will get you out one of these days and you can try all the different styles. I think you would love it.
I might be getting a hammock here within the next week or so.
Great data! Thanks for pulling this together.
Thanks. I hope I can do this again next year. I think we will see some changes.
seeing those muddy shoes inside the hammock gave me anxiety xD
Thank you! Much appreciated information and very nice hammocks indeed.
Thank Iraya. It was fun to put up a bunch of hammocks. I had to find just the right set of trees to do it. Will do it again next year.
I love your equipment videos. Hope you can make something on choosing some good down sleeping bags. Thanks
Bruce, what are some of the bridge hammock brands?
The one in the video is the REI Quarterdome Air Hammock, I also have a Helsdon Chrysalis, there is also the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, JacksRBetter Jarbridge, Then there is Lawson and Clark but people debate me on whether or not they are bridges. There may be others as well, but that is what I am aware of.
Me="OTHER", Motorcycle camping.
Me=Gathered end/double wide,
I've only tried a 10' er. I'm going to make a 11' er this spring, just to see the diff.
Me=Sleep Diagonal
Adding a ridgeline changed the experience for me, completely!!
Bugnet: Modified Fronkie-bottom entry (I added velcro on one end, for easy removal)
Pillow: I use a horseshoe neck pillow. (major neck issues)
Thanks Bruce, Very Interesting!!
Pretty much exactly like me. And the motorcycling. I have heard from a few bikers, so that will be an option next year.
Hi can you review the flying-tent?
Yes. My production crew was on strike. Damn union
Very informative video. I had my Hennessy Expedition Zip out last weekend.
The best for me is ones that protect you from the mosquitoes. I canoe camp all over the states and backpack in Central Florida where we have mosquitoes and lots of them. After trying several different jungle hammocks I found two that work for me. The Clark Tropical or the Warbonnet Blackbird which are 100 % bug proof. The netting over the top protects me and the bottom material they can not bit threw. The Clark Tropical is a straight lay. The Blackbird is a diagonal lay and no mosquito from the outside has snacked on mr when I am in either one. .
I have the Clark on the future buy list. They look great. We have to use underquilts up here so the mosquitoes have to be pretty big to get through that. The Blackbird is another great hammock.
Glad I found your video. Great information and statistical data. Keep up the good work and I have subscribed to see what else you are sharing.
Some of the best hammock questions and answers I have seen ... of course 10*
Thanks John. I am digesting your latest emails by the way. You are so smart and it takes me a while to make sure I understand everything.
2 - 25 ft John-cord (1100 paracord) are ready when you are ready for sending. Let me know if you want a third for a ridgeline.
What a freaking outstanding video brother! Putting some real data in it! Love it! Cheers, Marc
Thanks Marc. It was fun and I was surprised on a few of them for sure. Hope to do it again next year and see what happens.
You should explain how tall should use how long hammock, not misleading saying how much percent people like 9, 10 or 11 feet hammock
Very Good! I like how you did the statistics.
Thanks. The graphics were a little bit of work to get them to be clear. But was a fun edit to do. And I got to hang a bunch of hammocks.
Interesting approach through stats. But its another title to catch views as the answer is not given, other than the obvious "HYOH". Generally it must be said that the now so common chinese hammock, incl. ENO is a wrong start for most as it is short (usually 9 ft). I also started with 9 ft (DD hammock), then tried 10 ft and settled at 11ft. Width is also important - if you can get material with 72'' width take it. The nice thing about self made gathered end hammocks is that you can technically start with a 12ft or 13 ft lenght and make it shorter after trying. I am currently trying the bridge hammock and I really want to like it, but I am struggeling with the extra tippiness
You sound like we have taken the same path in the hammock world. As far as bridge hammocks I find that you need to commit to laying flat, head back and settled in, then the hammock is super stable.
@@naturecallsoutdoors Possibly, but it kind of defeats the reason why I try the bridge hammock - I am a side sleeper and I don't want to concentrate on my laying position when falling asleep ;-) ... otherwise I can stick to the gathered end hammock, with all the advantages (less bulk, less weight, easier to hang, shorter tarp)
Dutchwzre gathered end, the old school 11' cost 35$. Amsteel whoolie sling light weight polyester tree slings, weight 14 oz complete with 2 hikers. Diagonal lay but really things are up in the air, lol.
Yes. I hope this conveys that there is a lot of ways and variations. I feel sometimes, not a lot, that there is some shaming if you don't have a particular model.
Nature Calls Backpacking no I just missed your survey and was staying what I had. The only shame should be the emo hammock. I really want to try a bridge hammock but don't have the money to waste to try one
I like my set up.. But hardly use it.
Very informative! Thanks Bruce. Keep up the good work sir!
Thanks. I had a lot of help luckily on the input of the survey. And it was fun to hang up a bunch of hammocks.
Great info. I was a gathered end and bridge hammock guy but after a good long 2 years while using my Amok I decided it’s my favorite. I still use all of them but if I can I’ll bring the 90 degree hammock! It opens up backup options as well!
I am saving up for the Amok now. What are the have to haves with one of those?
Excellent survey and data Bruce. It will be helpful to all looking at hammock options.
Thanks Bill. I had a feeling that there were a lot of ways people hung so finding out all the ways was my favorite question and helps make all the others make sense. Or at least I hope it makes everyone feel ok that they don't have to scale a mountain.
Great Video Bruce! I like that this discussion on the best hammock is not centered around trying to sell a certain hammock. I like a longer hammock myself even though I fairly short. I like how you presented your different questions with the various hammocks. Very good video and full of good info! I look forward to the next video!
Thanks Lee. That was exactly what I was trying to convey. More if you get into it there is some basic opinions that we can measure.
Awesome!😀😀😀😀
Thanks Spider. I need to do an updated survey soon.
Great job!
Thanks. I had a lot of fun seeing the data come together as I didn't know either. Next year I think we will see changes too.
Thank you Bruce,very good and informative as always.
Thanks. A great community that is very willing to share help a lot. I personally liked seeing the data as well.
Great that Bruce, really well put together and informative.:-)
Thanks Mike. One of the better things about everyone wanting to give their opinion. I got some pretty good data, pretty easily.
Great video! I enjoy how you did all your research and had the stats.
Thanks Nathan. I need to do an update to see if anything has changed.
First and best trick is to take your shoes off
Great overview and presenting those results Bruce. I responded to those questions! 👍
Thanks Tim. Yes the hammock community is a very helpful and sharing group. The survey was fun. I did graphs right away, then updated them right before and it was nice to see that the sample really didn't change too much. Next year I think there will be some changes though.
Guess MC camping is down in the single digits somewhere...lol.
That was the funny part. I had an other selection and there was a ton of people saying they kayak, canoe, bike, motorcycle. Next years survey will include.
Warbonet Ridge Runner for me
Very cool set of data. I hit every category of the majority except on length. Where I would prefer to go longer almost all the time, but practically take a 11fter because hang options seem better that way
I am the same. I find there is a direct correlation to how long my hammock can be by how high I can reach up to put the tree huggers.