Customer Reviews
I went camping for the first time with this hammock on a lake in the Cascades outside of Seattle in early in June. It rained all night the second night and I stayed dry, while my friends on the ground all got a bit wet due to problems with inadequate flys, etc. It was a noisy night with the rain hitting the hammock fly, but again very dry. I had some gear under the hammock that also stayed fairly well protected from the rain.
I have two gripes about the hammock. Both result from the fact that it is designed to allow for the fly and therefore to function like a tent. This all-in-one design requires the use of stretch bars at both ends of the hammock and these bars create a flatter surface than that of a traditional hammock. That flatter surface creates a couple of problems. It is a harder surface to sleep on. You need a pad for comfort and warmth even though you are not on the ground. And worst of all, the whole thing is vulnerable to flipping over if you move outside the center of gravity inside of the hammock when you turn over in the night. I found myself waking up needing to roll over and having to hang on to the side of the tent/hammock tightly as I gingerly repositioned myself.
Also, because is has a flatter surface, you can't lie at an angle or somewhat perpendicular to the line of the hammock to straighten out, and as a result your feet and head are always above the center of your body. Not a big deal, but does make for stiff knees in the morning (I am 58 years old). You need to attach another sleeping bag under the hammock to keep warm on chillier nights. This makes for more gear to haul around with you [1-2 pad(s), 2 sleeping bags, one for the under side of hammock, and one for inside, and the hammock itself]. I use a kayak or a canoe and do not backpack, so the extra weight is manageable, which would also be true for car camping.
My hammock was ordered in green but it arrived in camouflage material. The natural pattern is actually very pretty and blends in with the surroundings well. No complaints, unless you want your tent to be brightly colored for visibility in case of an emergency.
Overall, this hammock is affordable and much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground with a pad, or sleeping on a cot with a pad; neither of which work for me any more. So I am definitely going with this contraption over those two other options in the foreseeable future!
I have had the Lawson hammock (camo) for over a year now. I've taken it on at least 6 backpacking trips that usually last a couple nights. At 4.5 pounds, it is kind of heavy and large for backpacking, but for the price it is worth the extra weight. Many "lightweight" hammocks and tents are over $200 at least.
I probably will never use a ground tent again. As long as I can find 2 suitable trees, I have a place to sleep. I've slept on sloping terrain, above thorn bushes and tree roots, above creek rocks and even puddles. I've found it is much easier to find 2 good trees than it is to find perfect ground (plus you have less impact on the environment). No pressure points on your body or stubborn rocks under your body.
Set up is quick and fairly easy once you've learned how to do it. As with any new gear, you shouldn't set it up for the firt time when you're out in the wilderness. I've learned a few tips to make your night in this hammock great:
1. Ensure the hammock is centered between the trees so your not head high or feet high. Also reduces sliding.
2. Ensure the hammock is very tight. It will sag a little with your weight regardless and the hammock will be more comfortable if it is flat since it uses spreader bars.
3. Keep the rain fly tight and make sure the drip cords are proper. I've slept in it during storms and had little trouble.
4. It is tricky to keep your pack and other gear under the hammock but I have kept my boots inside with me. I recommend using a rain sack and hang the backpack on the tree or use the hip belt to secure it to the tree.
5. To keep warmer during cold weather, use 1/2 of an old sleeping bag or clip a military poncho liner to the bottom of the hammock.
6. When using the hammock as a tent, you'll want to have a couple tent poles to make it as tight and roomy as possible. I'm 6'3" at 195 pounds and I barely had enough room when used as a tent.
7. If you need more stability, simply tie a couple lines off each side to prevent the rocking.
I don't like the zipper (cheap yet it hasn't broken yet) and the fact that it didn't come with ropes/cordage to tie it off at the tree. You just get the hammock.
Overall-a very sturdy hammock despite the slight extra weight. You don't feel as secure as you do with a regular hammock that wraps all around you, but you have better ventilation and could easily hang a light for reading maps, books, etc. I've considered taking out the spreader bars to see how the hammock performs, but I haven't yet. If you have tried it, please comment
Product Description
Maximize your camping options by utilizing our 1 Rated (by publications such as Backpacker and Outside Magazines) Blue Ridge Camping Hammock by Lawson Hammock Company for any of your outdoor adventures. With our unique arch pole and spreader bar system, you can camp virtually anywhere because it enables our product to be used suspended as a hammock or on the ground as a traditional tent. This system also allows for more comfort by keeping the bed "taut", eliminating the "cocoon" effect. Easy to use and packs small (22in x 6in) and light (4.25 lbs)..no need to carry extra gear like sleeping pads or tarps. Comes with detachable rain fly and built in no-see-um netting for a dry, bug-free experience. Made of quality material including rip-stop nylon, has a 250 pound weight capacity, roomy interior (86in.x 42in.) and comes with a 1 year warranty. Live the Good Life with one of our hammocks!
Product Features
- 1 Rated Camping Hammock on the market by American Survival Guide as well as Backpacker and Outside Magazines
- Unique arch pole/spreader bar system allows for use suspended between two objects/trees as a hammock or on the ground as a tent.
- Comes with detachable rainfly and attached no-see-um bug netting
- Made of ripstop nylon with aluminum arch poles and spreaderbars
- Light weight at just over 4 pounds, easy to set up and break down
Price : $114.00
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