I recently picked up an Eagles Nest Outfitters OneLink Sleep System for use during my gap year. A little background: Eagles Nest Outfitters hammocks are widely regarded as great for lounging and casual use (though I've seen in places like the subreddit for hammock camping, criticism including but not limited to: they're heavy, too expensive, and not long enough for a comfortable hang; I'll respond to the last criticism in particular later). The OneLink line of systems provides everything you need to hammock in almost any (warm) weather (a hammock, carabiners, tree straps, a rain fly, stakes, and a bug net with ridge line) in one convenient package. I opted for the version of the OneLink system that came with a Doublenest Hammock with insect shield (permethrin treated) because I'd like the option to lounge with another person and will be using it in Jamaica, where as much mosquito protection as possible helps greatly. It's worth noting here that no matter which hammock you buy (SingleNest, DoubleNest, or Double Deluxe) they all support the same amount of weight: 400 lbs. The only variable is the width of the hammock. ENO also creates some technical use hammocks, including one 'ultralight' one in particular, but most people opt for one of the three above. In addition to this, I choose a DryFly over a ProFly because it's more weather-proof for the same price and weight (22 oz.); judging from online photos of the two the only real difference is two additional flaps with tie outs at the midpoint of each long side of the DryFly, whereas the ProFly only has four tie outs, one at each corner.
After having used just the hammock to lounge and nap in a few times (and being very impressed by how comfortable it is), I took it on its first full camping trip to Allaire State Park for three nights, since my accompanying friends had a tent I could duck into if it was too uncomfortable for a full nights sleep. The first night, heavy thunderstorms were expected and came. I set up the fly low, on the same ridgeline as the bug net (be wary, the OneLink set up comes with only one ridgeline so if you want to set up your fly above your bugnet you're out of luck unless you bring another), with all tie outs staked into the ground fairly far out, to keep air circulating below the hammock. I found the hammock incredibly comfortable and ended up really enjoying the sound of rain on the fly, which kept me completely dry. It did take a little bit of getting used to, but once you figure out how to lay flat, it feels fantastic. A few things to note:
I intend to fully review this set up after using it more extensively in India and Jamaica, but right now, I'm satisfied with my purchase. For an entry level hammocker, this set up was comfortable and convenient, though pricey. There was consolation in the priceyness knowing that if I didn't end up liking hammock camping, I could use the hammock for lounging around camp and repurpose the other parts of the set (the DryFly proved to be a great tarp and I use it as I would a normal one outside of hammocking). However, there is a lot of merit in what people say about ENO being too expensive. If you already know you like hammocks and are on the taller side, I think DutchWare Gear and Warbonnet are highly worth looking in to. The one thing this experience taught me is simply go out and hammock. The people who faun about how comfortable it is? They're right.
After having used just the hammock to lounge and nap in a few times (and being very impressed by how comfortable it is), I took it on its first full camping trip to Allaire State Park for three nights, since my accompanying friends had a tent I could duck into if it was too uncomfortable for a full nights sleep. The first night, heavy thunderstorms were expected and came. I set up the fly low, on the same ridgeline as the bug net (be wary, the OneLink set up comes with only one ridgeline so if you want to set up your fly above your bugnet you're out of luck unless you bring another), with all tie outs staked into the ground fairly far out, to keep air circulating below the hammock. I found the hammock incredibly comfortable and ended up really enjoying the sound of rain on the fly, which kept me completely dry. It did take a little bit of getting used to, but once you figure out how to lay flat, it feels fantastic. A few things to note:
- I may be on the shorter side (5'8"), but I found the hammock extremely comfortable to lay in. Not too short at all.
- I like how one can store a water bottle and headlamp in the stuff sack attached to the hammock for easy access during the night.
- Set up and take down was a little bit more time intensive than a tent, primarily coming from tying up the ridgeline.
- The doublenest cocoons over one person to a degree some people might call uncomfortable because of its width. I didn't mind it at all.
- The bugnet worked great, keeping more than a few spiders off of me the third night (the only night where it didn't storm so I didn't set up the fly), and the insect shield also repelled mosquitoes beautifully.
- One morning, I woke up to go to the bathroom and when I came back, found the underside of the hammock a little uncomfortably cold from the air circulation under it. I just stuffed a cotton T Shirt under my back and was comfortable. I think if I was using this in anything but hot climates, however, a sleeping pad or underquilt would be really helpful if you don't want to layer too much (I like to sleep in less than a baselayer).
I intend to fully review this set up after using it more extensively in India and Jamaica, but right now, I'm satisfied with my purchase. For an entry level hammocker, this set up was comfortable and convenient, though pricey. There was consolation in the priceyness knowing that if I didn't end up liking hammock camping, I could use the hammock for lounging around camp and repurpose the other parts of the set (the DryFly proved to be a great tarp and I use it as I would a normal one outside of hammocking). However, there is a lot of merit in what people say about ENO being too expensive. If you already know you like hammocks and are on the taller side, I think DutchWare Gear and Warbonnet are highly worth looking in to. The one thing this experience taught me is simply go out and hammock. The people who faun about how comfortable it is? They're right.