I've owned a few hammocks, and have taken them camping regularly for a few years. They're great for backpacking or camping out on a long motorcycle ride. This is my favorite, and the best hammock I've owned.
The hammock is strong, light, and comfortable. The net is quality, and was a lot stronger than I expected. The hammock is large enough to be comfortable and spacious, yet small enough to be packed efficiently. The lines to string up the net held very well on my last camping trip, and the hammock performed wonderfully, in combination with a tarp, when we were hit with a thunderstorm last weekend. I slept right through it. My buddy has an REI hammock setup, easily worth over $400, and fared worse than I did. He was, needless to say, impressed and angry.
I like the pockets inside of the net, perfect for keeping a light handy without unzipping the net.
Setting it up, you'll have a few considerations:
1. Grab a length of quality to rope to help give you some flexibility as to where you can set up. The lines it comes with are pretty short.
2. Grab a set of "Night Eyes" figure 9 caribeaners, it makes the set-up, and more importantly, the break-down a breeze.
3. Grab a poncho or a small tarp for the sun or rain. I usually string up a line of 550 cord above the net for the poncho, then twist a stick into the line on either side of the poncho to help divert water, so it doesn't travel down the line and into the hammock.
4. You're going to want a good quality sleeping bag in this. Hammocks are notoriously cold against the body.I bring my 20 degree sleeping bag, even when the nighttime lows are in the 70's, just in case I get cold. Trust me, you'd be surprised. Without something to wrap around you, anything below 70 degrees will get cold and leave you miserable without another option.
5. I usually set this up at about chest level to allow for settling. Make sure it is rigged up level, or you'll find yourself cramped into the lower-hanging end.
I list these things because when these are properly set up, they are excellent.
A great buy and well worth the price, this hammock comes highly recommended from an experienced hammock-packing camper.
-Update: No problems at all, 15 trips in, and performing wonderfully.
I was skeptical when I first puchased the Hammock sleep system in place of my traditional light backpacking tent system. Would I truly save pack weight? Would it be comfortable to sleep in a whole night? Would it be as warm as a sleep system? YES - to all the above!!
I first took the Hammock system out on a test weekend in preparation for a 50 mile backpacking trip to follow. I camped at the 9,000 ft elevation each night, so the temperatures definitely drop to the low 40's. The first night I was actually a little nervous about getting in the Hammock, and deferred sleep around the campfire. Finally, when I was too tired to say no, I went for it. I climbed into the Hammock and my sleeping back, zipped up the netting, moved around to get comfortable, and then opened my eyes. WOW!! A million stars were above, wrapped in the coziest cocoon I could ever imagine. And I had purchased a light self-inflating Therma-rest mat to place underneath, which worked perfect to keep me warm the whole night!
I slept perfectly that night, and knew that this was a game changer. But that's not where the Hammock stopped performing.
The following day I hiked to a higher camp based on a lake. Instead of having to confrom my camp site to a pre-exisiting tent space, I was able to tie my Hammock to two trees over looking the lake. A WOW view that could not have been accomplished by a tent system. And there I perched and relaxed the entire afternoon, swigning lightly in the Hammock. This was a camping experience I had never enjoyed before.
The Hammock, like all other reviews note, is very well made. You will need extra light rope, as well as the tree lines this manufacturer sells. It all stuffs easily into the attached stuff sack. And breaking and making camp is done in minutes.
I highly recommend this Hammock system!!
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to use this hammock over the weekend for the first time. My setup is as follows - this hammock, Omega Pacific D carabiners, and ENO Atlas Straps. On the inside was my 50 degree sleeping bag, USGI bivy sack, and the Klymit Static V inflatable pad. (All here on Amazon)
I chose this hammock because of the fantastic price point, and the included bug-net. After some work choosing the correct trees and adjusting the strapping accordingly, my setup was complete well before the tents of my companions. Note on the ropes: I didn't trust the manufacturers crappy knot guide picture, so I just made a figure-8 to loop into the carabiners which then easily clip to the Atlas straps. The hammock did not sag at all - but it does take some effort lining up length and height of the setup.
The night low was 46 degrees so the sleeping pad was a must - sleeping directly on the hammock at that temperature is a sure way to wake up cold. I suggest putting the pad inside a bivy as it had a tendency to shift when I moved.
As for my own experience - I slept GREAT! I was nice and toasty all night with bag, bivy, and pad. While my friends came disheveled out of their tent complaining of back aches, I woke up blissfully looking up at the trees. I will likely never use a tent again if I can help it. Also, every spider and mosquito found their way into the tents - they were no match for my bug net! Side note - it did not rain, but I brought a cheap military tarp along which ties to the carabiners perfectly as well. I don't see a reason to pay extra for a special "rain-fly."
I can't recommend this enough if you are looking for a hammock to camp in.
Totally Awesome Hammock! Very big, sturdy, and well made. Throw a tarp over it and it's good for any conditions. Have even slept comfortably in snow with insulated inflatable pad and some of that stuff that keeps pad from slipping. I would recommend pulling through different rope. I put maybe 20' of 3/4" webbing on each end and can set it up almost anywhere and webbing holds on trees and rocks better than included rope. Practice your pitch, your comfort really depends on how taught/ loose and level pitch is.... I like it pretty tight and a little higher on the head side..... Just Sayn'
I have bought two of these just because I liked the first on so much. It is a large strong hammock the quality is outstanding for the price. The zippers are high quality, it packs small, it is light weight, and I sleep great in it. The mesh is great and very strong. The lines for the mesh screen tuck into pouches for storage. It can be used without the mesh just by flipping it over. Be sure to use an under-quilt or sleeping bag. The parachute material provides no insulation and compression from laying causes you to get chilly when its cools (all hammocks do this). Bugs can and will bite through the bottom so a blanket on bottom also helps with this. Slept in it last night, wake up with no aches or pains like when sleeping in a tent on the ground. I have a pop up camper and would rather camp in this. Its like being in a little cocoon swaying in the breeze. I would be camping out at my fishing spot again tonight in it if the wife would let me. My kids also love to sit in it and swing. Great item hope this review helps.
Feature Product
- BUG PROOF NETTING - 2100 Holes Per Square Inch NoSeeUm Netting Keeps Out Sandflies, Fleas, Gnats, Mosquitoes, & No-See-Ums - Netting is Super Strong To Resist Abrasion
- LARGE BED SPACE - Length 118" x 59 " (300cm x 150 cm) Soft & Breathable Parachute Material Conforms To Your Body for Incredible Comfort
- POCKETS + ROPE + LOOPS - 4 Pockets Inside Net + 4 Utility Loops Inside The Netting To Hang Gear - Hammock Complete With Its Own Suspension System - 100" / 250 cm of Super Strength Climbing Rope Included Per Side For Easy Hammock Set Up
- FULLY REVERSIBLE - Just Flip To Use As A Regular Hammock - No See Um Netting Is Supported By 100" / 250 cm Of Attached Cord On Each Side - YKK Double Pull Zippers For Easy Access
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT - Weighs Only 28 oz / 800 grams - Strength Tested To 350 Pounds / 160 kg - Machine Washable and Dryable
Description
Change the way you camp forever with our No-See-Um No More Hammock Bliss - the ideal hammock when pesky insects are a problem. Our 2100 holes per square inch no-see-um netting offers the utmost in protection as the netting is so fine, even the tiniest creatures cannot penetrate including sand flies, fleas, gnats, midges, mosquitoes & no-see-ums. This extremely durable netting is attached to the entire length of the hammock and is supported by 100” of cord per side, allowing the net to hang well above the sleeping area. The hammock comes complete with 100 inches of 6mm climbing rope per side for easy set up on the go. Hang your gear inside the hammock with one of the 4 utility loops or store your gear in one of the 4 pockets on the net. The No See Um No More is fully reversible – just flip to use a regular hammock. Double pull YKK zippers make it a snap to enter or exit your insect free space. Hang the Waterproof Shelter above your hammock and kiss your tent goodbye. Lay back, let go and relax in bug free bliss.
I've owned this hammock for nearly 3 years and have taken it on countless multi-day hikes as well as numerous family camping trips and outings. The No-see-um bug net really makes this hammock stand out, I live in the midwest and bugs are crazy in the summer months, but with this hammock and the built in bug net it makes capming more enjoyable. The only real complaint I have about this hammock is that when you first get it, the ends of the hammock have a loop of rope coming out to attach it to trees, I cut the ropes down and tied them into a smaller loop and added a couple Kammok Kanga claws for faster setup and take down.
Used it 3 weeks ago at Lk. Kissimmee, GREAT protection from the mosquitoes (get some bug spray on the underside, they can bite through the nylon!) and didn't have a problem with setup. Doesn't come with any tree straps and you really want to stay away from nylon, so make sure you get some poly straps . The link will get you to some sources, although, admittedly, I used a pair of China-Marts heavy duty ratchet straps when I was still a green horn (they worked but wow, the extra weight!!!!) Best nights sleep I have gotten for as long as I can remember. I was using a heavy China-Mart tarp but have since gotten the large size Aqua Quest tarp and will be using it this weekend (16th. and 17th.) at the lake with the Hammock Bliss. It's going to be in the low 40's but I know I'll sleep just fine.
I have gotten into hiking and wanted to replace my tent to cut weight and actually get a decent nights sleep for a change. After reviewing about every hammock out there I purchased the Hammock Bliss. I got it fairly quickly but was worried about set up as I had no time to practice before my trip this past weekend. We went to Stone Mtn NC with 3 other guys and the daytime temp was 74 and the nighttime was supposed to be around 50. I was worried that it would be cold at night so I decided to take a car reflective sun shield for my pad and my 30 degree mummy bag and a tarp (rain wasnt in the forcast but wanted to see what it would be like with the tarp). I found two trees about 8-10 ft apart that were medium size that also had some bark and werent slick. This is ideal as you dont have a ton of extra rope. I had brought extra for the tarp just in case as well but I would suggest bringing extra and know how to tie overhand knots or other knots to join the two pieces. I used the bowline knot and tied an overhand with the extra on both sides and it didnt budge. You want to hang it at chair level normally, but hang it a little high the first time as it will sag with your body weight on the first few uses. Next I set up the guy lines for the bug net and that was easy as well. So with no practice, I was able to get set up in no time at all. I had my dinner cooking while setting up and it was hot and ready by the time I finished with the tarp up. I like the tarp not being included as I would rather provide my own and have the hammock at a lower price. Plus there are tons of different tarps on the market so to me its a plus to be able to customize your setup. Now to how I slept, I am a big guy at 250 and it held my weight fine getting in and out. Luckily it wasnt windy at all which is surprising being on top the mtn. I started off with laying on the reflector and using my bag as a quilt. I had slept about an hour and woke at 11.15 and my shoulders were freezing as they were touching the hammock. I should have got out and repositioned everything but I wiggled in my sleeping bag and eventually got it zipped up. Slept straight till 4.15 and had to readjust again and slept till 7. I slept and felt great in the morning and wasnt stiff at all. I wondered about being claustrophobic as well but in the end I really enjoyed the closed in feeling. I really think if it had been windy I may have had to share a tent though as it did get down to 45. I will be experimenting with other setups (like an underquilt) and will update what works best, but can tell you I am not going back to sleeping on rocks and stumps. I hope this helps Comment | Permalink
So far I have only tried this hammock out on the back deck in 40F weather. I am 5'11" and 240lbs.
When selecting a hammock, I went through all the mosquito net-equipped models available on Amazon and read the reviews. What stuck out for me about the Hammock Bliss was the fact that all the 1-star reviews were regarding shipping mistakes, not anything to do with the product.
On the $40 hammocks, there were comments regarding build quality. The Hammock Bliss seems very well constructed. All seams are finished properly, the mosquito netting seems to be of good quality, and the parachute fabric easily held my build. There was plenty of room for my stocky frame and I spent my first night feeling pleasantly swaddled.
The hammock comes with rope to attach to trees, however I purchased LiteSpeed Hammock Tree Straps. The tree straps easily fit into the stuff sack attached to the hammock. They give you considerably more reach and options for larger/farther-spaced trees. They also make setup take about 30 seconds.
I would highly recommend this hammock to anyone. Be sure to have a good sleeping bag and air mattress if you are going to be out in cold weather however; it's true what people say about how cold hammocks get!
Have owned this product for several years. Recommend to anyone who has issues sleeping on the hard ground, or with back problems. Once you get used to this, you'll never go into the woods again, without it. Does not come with overhead cover, but there are plenty on the market to choose from. Personally, I use a tent fly from an old tent that provides more than enough coverage. I have made several mistakes along the way: Don't try to use an Army poncho (it's not big enough). It took multiple tries with 2 Army ponchos (and the rest of my dry clothes) until I got the ponchos watertight. But even with that, I had it tied between two trees on the side of a hill, and slept like a baby. The hammock is wide enough to sit in, during the day, sideways; and to sleep diagonally, at night. There are plenty of good books out there on hammock camping. I recommend reading one. I fixed a lot of my mistakes after I read one.
Bottom Line: Love it, mean it. Bought it three and a half years ago and it's never let me down.
Update: Continue to use. Best part of this system is the versatility. Use with the netting side up, during the hotter months when bugs are an issue. Use netting side down during the cooler months. During the cooler months, I use the netting side down as a sleeve, for insulation purposes. You use an extra blanket to provide additional warmth; and it doesn't lose its insulating properties due to compression; like it would if you just slept on top of it.
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