Re: [Paddlewise] Where to purchase hammock materials?

> The latest SK has a comparison of hammocks. I curious: how comfortable are
> they to sleep on for a whole night rather than just an afternoon nap? Is
it
> possible to sleep on one's side or is the back the only way?

For years I slept in jungle hammocks, starting with the old military units
advertised in comic books and eventually working up to a Waters hammock,
which was an excellent piece of equipment.  However, back in '84 I slept in
the Waters hammock about 30 nights one summer and did an exceptional amount
of paddling and bicycling.  By the end of the season, I hurt so bad that I
couldn't tell if I had lower back problems or stomach problems -- couldn't
even sit at a desk to work.  I wound up doing six months of floor and
stretching exercises before I could sit in a kayak again.  Can't say what
part the hammock played, but it was so scary that I never slept in a hammock
again.

I found hammocks comfortable (if used in moderation).  Sleeping on my back
or side or side were both comfortable.  There was some curvature, however,
because those hammocks were not designed for diagonal sleeping.  The perfect
hammock might be one that can also be set up on the ground as a bivy tent,
so that it can be used where there are no trees or can give one an
occasional night "on the flat."

Recently I bought a Hennesey Hammock thinking it would be the perfect
light-weight shelter and determined to try hammocking again. I cannot
imagine how one could actually sleep in this unit and question whether the
SK reviewer actually did so.  The hammock is so thin that cold soaks through
the bottom.  I tried the space blanket pinned to the outside , but that
wasn't wholly effective and attaching the blanket was a pain in the neck.
It was impossible to position a pad inside.  It was terribly difficult to
get into a sleeping bag inside the hammock and nearly impossible to turn
over.  The entrance, while a great idea on paper, was hard to access from
inside the hammock, especially once I managed to get into the bag.

I am about get rid of the Hennesey but wonder if I am missing something
here.  Most equipment has more redeeming features than the Hennesey Hammock.
Is this just me, or do others have the same problems?

Rick

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