is kammok gear worth the markup?

[EternalHawwwa]

I keep seeing Kammok hammocks priced way higher than most setups I come across, and I can't tell if the extra cost is actually justified. On paper, they don't look that different from what Dutchware, Warbonnet, or Dream Hammock are putting out, and in some cases those cottage companies seem to offer more customization. For anyone who's bought a Kammok: was the design and build actually worth the premium, or do you feel like you paid for branding? I'm fine spending the money if the gear really is better, but I'd rather not overpay for something I could get elsewhere.

 

[cougarmeat]

EteernalHawwwa, Welcome to the forum.

I think you'd be happy with a camping hammock from DutchWare, WarBonnet, or Dream Hammock. Don't think of it like, "I need the best hammock for the best deal." Think of it more like a starting point. Just consider anything you've started new - a year or two later, would you make the same decisions? It doesn't mean the initial choices were wrong; they just get refined as you gain experience, seeing what works best for you.

Before I shifted to other suspension, I used Kammok's Python straps a lot - and still toss them in the car for a lake-side outing. I believe I have one Kammock hammock - these "odd" models are in a seldom-accessed storage tub - and it was okay; a basic hammock I'd use on a day hike.

It didn't have the bug netting for camping or other handy features you'd find on hammocks from the vendors you mentioned. And Kammock appears to run on the short side. Their Roo is only 8.3ft long.

It looks like they aren't too concerned about spec accuracy, stating their double roo (on Amazon) weighs 15 lbs (probably meant 1.5lbs).

But ... you gotta start somewhere. I started with a nylon "knit" hammock from the Dollar Store, then I moved to a Hennessy Explorer bought during and REI 20% off sale. From there, I migrated to a Warbonnet BlackBird and onward from there. A lot of the vendors of my collection are gone now: WildernessLogics, ButtInASling, Hammeck. Probably 50% of my gear was purchased used and was good as new.

11 ft is pretty much the standard camping hammock size. The BlackBird, Trail Lair, and Chameleon all have their fans. Then you have bridge hammocks, which have their own following (Warbonnet, DutchWare, ThisGearsForYou,).

This photo was taken at Vargas Island, a bit north of Tofino B.C. At this point (2006), I probably had about 35 minutes of experience with "hammock camping".

I didn't know about the diagonal lie, but given how narrow it was - and WE LIKED IT - I couldn't shift anyway, and it was fine for an afternoon nap. Nowadays, for day hikes. I'd probably use a GrandTrunk Nano, Hammeck Breezy, or, if I'm feeling experimental, a DutchWare Cloud 71. But I'm short, so I can get away with those smaller sizes and not suffer from shoulder squeeze.

G

 

[mock.star]

It pretty much comes down to whether you want premium polish or max value bec cottage makers like Dutchware or Warbonnet give you more customization for the price

 

[relaxN3njoy]

yeah, I got a few Kammock products, it's great, easy and fast to set up, especially if you like car camping. but I also have a couple of hammocks from Warbonnet, they're my favorite too