Getting a hammock stand

[nuvicee]

I love hanging, but there's always that one trip where the trees are either too far apart, too close together, or just not where I want them so yeah, a stand would solve that, but then there's the obvious downside… hauling around more gear. Some of the portable stands out there actually look pretty slick and claim to be lightweight enough for car camping or short hauls. But are they actually sturdy and comfy or will they end up being more of all this backyard only solution?

 

[cougarmeat]

An economic option is the TensaOutdoor Solo pole. You can see it used here:
https://tinyurl.com/mr2nccvw

You'll be trading the need for two trees for becoming more well-versed in anchoring a pole.

If you're car camping, I've had luck using one tree at the campsite and the kayak rack on the Jeep. Although a car might have a luggage rack, I've been warned that sometimes those luggage racks are just for show, or they are just designed to stabilize luggage, not withstand a heavy pull, like they are only held on by sheet metal screws. There are other solutions, like rolling opposite windows down a bit and running webbing through them and over the automobile roof.

Note that the Solo pole runs in the $100 range, and those self-supporting stands are closer to $400. The solo pole is also light enough (for me, anyway) to put in a backpack - though for transparency, I'm mostly a kayak camper.

 

[Hammock k1ng]

I love hanging, but there's always that one trip where the trees are either too far apart, too close together, or just not where I want them so yeah, a stand would solve that, but then there's the obvious downside… hauling around more gear. Some of the portable stands out there actually look pretty slick and claim to be lightweight enough for car camping or short hauls. But are they actually sturdy and comfy or will they end up being more of all this backyard only solution?

yeah, Tensa Solo pole is a great hybrid solution, it's lighter than a full stand, but still needs a solid anchor (the car, a rock, or a good stake).
however, the expensive ($300-$400) full, freestanding portable stands (like the ENO Nomad, Kammok Swiftlet, or YOBO stands) do solve the anchoring problem completely.
They are much heavier (15–20+ lbs), which makes them strictly car camping/backyard solutions, but they are fully self supported and genuinely sturdy.
if you need 100% setup flexibility on pavement, sand, or a deck, the big stands are the way to go. if you mostly have one tree or a solid car, the Solo Pole is the sweet spot

 

[cougarmeat]

> do solve the anchoring problem completely.
Sorta ... when setting up my Turtle Dog stand at home or when car camping, it's handy to put a Shepard hook stake in the feet - or have a helper. It's so easy, when dealing with one end, to pull the other end someplace where you don't want it to go.

That said, I've never staked the stand when setting it up. But each time I've set it up, at the end of the task, I tell myself, "Next time I'm going to stake one end before I mess with the other end.

If you had a partner, they could hold one end in place while you position the other end - easy peasy.

Once you set it up, you'll either want to put the hammock/tarp in sheaths, or take them off if you are not in the hammock and there's any wind. The Turtle Dog stand will blow over in a heartbeat.

The Solo pole, on the other hand, with solid anchors, can put up some resistance.

 

[LowTech]

The Solo pole, on the other hand, with solid anchors, can put up some resistance.

Some!? I constantly have my pole stands up in 20-40mph winds. It's really only ground anchor skill that's needed.