I have long thought about getting a hammock for camping and also just to rest in during the middle of the day while deer hunting. I know the Thompson Brothers used them with mosquito netting quite often and after reading the chapter on Siam Hammocks in Dr. Asbey's book "Now... Ramblings from the Old Derelict Bowhunter", I decided I needed one.
I started by contacting Mr. Watchara Lewpongsawat on the Siam Hammock facebook page. He ask me to send him the money for the hammock with mosquito netting, fly, and postage by Western Union and he would send them to me. To be honest, I was very concerned that I would never see my money or hear from him again but I went ahead and sent the money to him in Chiankhong Chiangrai, Thailand. It was surprising to get the hammock and fly in only eight days. It appears to be a great product and I can't wait to use it. The price was $55 for the hammock/with netting and $15 for the fly which also can be used as a poncho. The postage from Thailand was $60.
I thought this might be of some interest to those that have read Dr. Asbey's book.
There are a lot of American hammocks available but the good ones come at a price. I have been using a hammock for hunting back when i lived in the Philippines but haven't had a chance to use it here in North America. Very versatile . I need to getquilts now for cold weather and some Amsteel for lighter suspension.
I use one quite a bit, just a basic ENO but it's very light pack able and versitile , I often hunt out of a boat or hike in quite a ways and will use it if a mid day nap or rest is in order I keep one in my vehicle all the time and I use it a lot camping spring and summer
Love my camping hammocks. Use them for hunting and backpacking trips as well as lounging in the back yard. I prefer to buy from US based cottage vendors.
Gil, the underquilt and top quilt are extra nice and very light, especially the down versions.
For midday hunting naps, are you not able to sleep on the ground? Too wet or too many bugs?
After a hammock, those that love them, the ground can be uncomfortable. A short nap the ground is ok.
YosemiteSam, I can sleep pretty well on the ground but I'm hoping the hammock will be more comfortable.
Tried the hammock out today with the mosquito netting. It was easy to set up since the mosquito netting is sewn to the hammock. If you don't want the netting, you just flip the hammock over and lay on the side that doesn't have the netting. This hammock has the double bottom where you can put a blanket or even your hunting clothes for insulation during cold weather. The Siam hammock can also be used as a pup tent if there are no trees available. Weighing less than 3 pounds, I think it would be ideal for the hunters that stay after the elk and don't go back to a base camp.
This is my first hammock so I'm looking forward to trying it out during hunting season. A lot of my hunting is an hour or so from home so I hope to save some time by spending some of the nights in the hammock.
I used to use one of the rope hammocks hunting. In midday I would tie one end to a tree and flip my drop hitch on the truck over. The ring would fit over the nut. Pull the truck up to get it tight and ready for a nap.
That was after deciding to use a blanket on the ground. Now this is in September in SC. If I remember correctly I got about 40 chigger bites, they were Everywhere.
Hammock worked much better, especially in the early season.
I have an ENO hammock and a BearButt hammock. They are a similar design and made of the same materials but he Bearbutt is less than half the price. Both made in USA I believe. I sleep much better in a hammock than I do on the ground. (don't have to worry about cold much here on oahu.)
Msturm
I could see using it to pack out boned meat as well as a restful nap. I bought net hammocks for my grandkids, now you got me thinking.....
Been using hammock for years on hunting trips. Best thing ever ! I would put one in a spare bedroom at home if the wife would let me.