I got a couple of the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro hammock tents from Amazon a few weeks ago, and got a chance to test one of them while on a a trip last weekend. We visited our BOL and took the opportunity to setup and play. For any who aren't familiar with the product, it weighs in at about 1.5 lbs, comes in a pouch about the size of a football, and has an integral mosquito net. It is rated to hold up to 400# (more than enough to hold my fat a$$). First time out of the pouch, I was able to set it up in less than five minutes. And that was when completely unfamiliar with the setup. I've no doubt that I'll be able to cut that in half next time around. I set it up with nothing more than what was in the package this time, but I did discover that unless you can find a couple of trees that are just the right distance apart (about 12 - 15 ft), it might be a good idea to add some paracord to the pouch. Also, if you've never used a hammock tent, you'll want to add a tarp, or if you can afford it, a rainfly. I didn't need one, and I realize that if I had, it would have likely tripled my setup time. Nevertheless, this was an affordable, and very comfortable addition to my BOBs that tested out quite well.
The hammock is my favorite way to sleep when I camp. We have several threads on them here at the Survival Monkey. In a bug-out, I choose to sleep on the ground or make a shelter --I don't like the idea of being trapped in a cocoon if a fight goes down. A good hammock, tarp and a few stakes are all I bring for shelter when I camp.
LOL. My wife said it looked like a pretty good bear feeder, to her. Made me think about possible ways of getting it higher in the trees. Of course, the only way I can see to do that is to find a tree big enough to suspend the hammock directly under a large, mostly horizontal branch, and then drop down into the hammock from above (a tricky maneuver, I would think.)
The dog is the best part of that picture. I say this with love for the hammock tent too. What a nice looking pup!
Son has been using one in Alaska for a month. He moved out of his apartment to save up some much needed money.
Yep, she's a sweetheart. Loves it when we visit BOL. Lots of room to roam. She's part husky & part catahoula. Definitely strong pack instincts.
Only had one experience with a hammock. It was painful to say the least. My mom's ex had set one up in the backyard and I admit I didn't do proper PMCS on it so I was also to blame. Got into it and was doing okay, till the bent nail that he secured it to the tree with gave way and down I went. Tailbone hit a stob and my world lit up. Lol. Needless to say if I do it again, I will check it out before hand. As far as sleeping higher up, I have seen some videos of people sleeping off the sides of cliffs. Might give you some ideas on how to rig stuff for that. I find that I'm seeing pros and cons for hammock or ground. I think I'd go more to the ground sleeping even though I would have to watch out for critters. About the bear feeder thing, well if you are sleeping and get et by a bar then I guess it was meant to be. Lol. I'm sure your pup would warn you of that fact before it happened so that's good. And I do like the truck in the background.
I camp with a Jungle Hammock which also has built in mosquito netting. It does wonders for me as I have had 5 spine surgeries. It is very comfortable. The are 2 forums that I recommend: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/? http://www.tothewoods.net/ Both sites offer great camping/woodcraft/hammocking info. GB