Tent Hammock

Product Description

Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock

A unique, hybrid tent-hammock that has been rated #1 on the market by leading publications like Backpacker and Outside.

The patented design allows for use suspended, as a hammock, or on the ground, as a tent, greatly increasing camping terrain options that are often limited by the type of shelter you’re using. The spreader bar and arch pole system also keep the bed of the hammock flatter and more taut, eliminating much of the uncomfortable “cocoon” and “banana” effect created by most hammocks.

The Blue Ridge Camping Hammock has attached no-see-um bug netting and a rainfly that attaches directly to the hammock, so no need for additional trees for tying off a tarp or staking. Lightweight, easy to set up and perfect for all types of camping or anyone looking for a comfortable, bug/water proof place to relax or sleep. Elevate your camping game with a Lawson Hammock!

Specifications:

• Total Weight: 4.25 lbs.
• Interior Length: 90 in.
• Interior Width: 42 in.
• Packing Size: Packs to: 22in x 6 in.
• Weight Limit: 275 lbs.
• Color: Forest Green

Construction:

• Hammock body made of ripstop-nylon and poly pack cloth.
• No-see-um net canopy keeps bugs out.
• Waterproof nylon border on the canopy protects against water blowing up under rain fly.
• Waterproof ripstop-nylon rain fly
• Strong spreader bars and shock-corded aluminum archpoles for canopy.

Additional Features:

• Two Interior Storage pockets, O-ring for hanging light, Stuff Sack

Top Reviews

Best Sleep on a Campsite
by Blaskotron (5 out of 5 stars)
June 17, 2013

This is my first time using a hammock for sleep and at a campsite. Have to summarize and say it was absolutely epic to be off the ground and to see the stars and fireflies as you're falling asleep. Took a few hours to fall asleep and get over the excitement. My friends slept on the ground and definitely wanted one after a wet and hard sleep on the ground. I did not need level ground and there was a tree stump right below me.

This is not really an ultra light hammock as it comes with a bug net, rain fly, shock cord poles, spreader bars and heavy gauge rope, but no tree straps. I swapped the heavy rope out with Dynaglide and that saves nearly half a pound but still around 4.25 lbs after that conversion. Each spreader bar is nearly a pound so I'm contemplating upgrading to some carbon fiber bars. Regardless, that weight may be heavy for a hammock but is very light for a tent and compared to all the other junk we carry. I used Kammock straps in the photos but may try lighter tree straps and whoopie slings which are pretty cheap on ebay. I also leave the sleeping bag in the hammock and roll the whole thing up into a larger stuff sack for pretty fast setup.

I will admit I did fall out of the hammock while slightly tipsy and reaching for my water bottle several feet away on the ground as seen in photos. But I had no issues with stability while sleeping or getting in and out several times in the night. There are corner holes for tying it up for more stability, you could easily just have one stake with four taut line hitch lines going to the corners and still have a fast setup. But then you sort of lose the ability to use it like a chair and swing. From the videos of this product I've seen, it only looks unstable when they have the hammock stretched too tight and that may be what others are experiencing.

The big inside pockets made a great drink holder and the spreader bars make it very wide and roomy.

For the tarp I leave it attached and throw it back halfway where I can reach out and pull it back when the sun comes up or if it starts to rain. When the tarp is over you there is more air insulation but the end mesh is still open for air to pass through.

You can use it as a mini tent on the ground if there are no trees though there will be much less interior space.

For the next model upgrade I would suggest it have lighter materials and loops inside the corners to hold the sleeping bag in place so there is less shifting around to get comfortable when you get in and out.

Pretty solid little package, and cheap compared to some of the high end hammocks.
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Ended my hammock search with the Lawson
by ARB (4 out of 5 stars)
June 12, 2012

I had been looking for a camping hammock for a long time and researched Clark, Hennessy, Jacks-R-Better, Warbonnet, etc., but settled on the Lawson. I have friends with expensive Clark and Hennessy hammocks, and I can say that the quality of the Lawson is not as high as theirs, but for a total delivered cost of $107, the Lawson is a good value. The Lawson is so spacious and comfortable, and I think it will serve me well on kayak and backpacking trips. I did make some modifications to the hammock bottom to secure my Big Agnes sleeping bag and pad to prevent them from sliding around. The weather shield survived a thunderstorm without any rain entering the hammock. It takes a little practice entering the hammock to prevent tipping, but once mastered, it's a breeze getting in and out.
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still a good hammock tent
by Ron PA (4 out of 5 stars)
May 13, 2010

I bought one of these about 10 years ago and used it frequently but the grommets are pulling loose so I just bought another.

Compared to the older one, the new one's hammock fabric seems about half the thickness and is now very slippery-(annoying); the steel end rings where all the lines join are replaced by loops of rope; the rain fly zipper is gone and you have to slip under the fly to unzip the mesh and enter and then try to reattach the velcro from inside-(annoying) and the mesh zipper is flimsier so I needed to use both hands to close it instead of just one in the older tent; the three piece fiberglass tent poles are replaced by shock corded aluminum ones and the sleeves are almost continuous instead of a bunch of separate loops-(great improvements); the rainflys brass hooks are now plastic, there's an extra storage pocket and a light-loop above your head; new camo pattern, a few strap tabs along one side to clip a foam mat to-(leak source);

The slipperiness was very annoying and I thinned some seam sealer and painted stripes across it to help.

I was in it through some heavy thunderstorms and like the old one the seam joining the top and bottom curves up to form a little gutter which somehow collects water even under the fly and I saw water drops forming on the short nylon strap pieces inside and rolling across the bottom, wetting my sleeping bag in the butt area. I had a similar problem with the old one but since I'm almost never in rain that intense, I never tried seam sealing the area. Lighter rain was never a problem.

Using it as a bivy; I side sleep and my shoulder presses against the roof, so I only use it as a hammock tent and sometimes just a hammock by leaving the poles out and flipping it upside-down if there's no bugs or dew to worry about.

I'm sticking with this hammock tent because of its simplicity, even though it's a bit heavy/bulky. I just wrap 1"x18' cam-straps around trees and through the end loops and tension them and insert the poles and sometimes put on the rainfly. Hennesys require a complicated mess of straps, lines and stakes and took one guy I was camping with a long time to get right and then one of the kids blundered into a guy line and tore a loop loose from his tarp.
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Great product- except for one detail
by S. Bowman (5 out of 5 stars)
January 17, 2011

I purchased a camouflage version of the Lawson Hammock. I camp regularly as a youth leader and while hunting. (12-20 times year) I also happen to suffer from some back problems so sleeping on the ground has never been comfortable unless I am car camping and bring a cot ad/or large air mattress. I have found that the Lawson is the best way to hike-camp when you need to pack light and still want a full shelter. There are other products ($) on the market but this hammock meets my needs and then some. I have no experience with some of the more expensive hammock shelters so I cannot compare. The quality of the Lawson is great. Because of the stresses placed on the material when the hammock is occupied I fear that the zipper could be the first to fail me, but to date, I have had no malfunctions. My biggest concern was the cold from under the hammock. However, I found a solution that may help others. Inflatable pads like the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core or the Therma Rest Neo Air are a great addition and add little weight to your pack. These products help to keep the cold off of your back and provide some added comfort. Keep in mind that the Lawson Hammock uses a tent material for the hammock and some have already mentioned the slick surface. I can confirm this. The Lawson design (similar to many back yard hammocks) does not create a cradle or mummy around you. The metal stays create a flatter surface. This is good for comfort but adds to the slip and slide sensation. I will admit this was an issue for me at first. Lawson provides metal clips to be attached inside the hammock around the inside perimeter. The included directions advise you to clip an emergency blanket or bed role inside the hammock to block out the cold. I didn't find this approach very useful as my emergency blanket tore free from the clips as I moved in the night. I have yet to find an inflatable mattress that fits lengthwise or widthwise so you are forced to clip it in on one side of the hammock of the other. This is not ideal because your weight is then not centered and you are pretty uncomfortable. (Feel like you are going to tip.) I have two things that help with this problem. The first was to attach 550 cords to each of the four corners of the hammock and use tent stakes to limit movement. (There are loops seemingly for this purpose at each corner but the cord is not provided.) The second solution was to take some non-adhesive tool chest drawer liner and place it under my Insulated Air Core. This completely eliminates any slipping in the hammock whether I am using a mattress or just a sleeping bag. I have camped in sub freezing temperatures with comfort with this set-up. Even if I move on the pad, the pad does not move and stays centered in the hammock. I couldn't be happier with the hammock. Great product! Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Air Mattress

Wonderliner Basic Non Slip Shelf/drawer Liner
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Good hammock, not quite lightweight
by Robert (4 out of 5 stars)
May 5, 2011

I have had the Lawson hammock (camo) for over a year now. I've taken it on at least 6 backpacking trips that usually last a couple nights. At 4.5 pounds, it is kind of heavy and large for backpacking, but for the price it is worth the extra weight. Many "lightweight" hammocks and tents are over $200 at least.

I probably will never use a ground tent again. As long as I can find 2 suitable trees, I have a place to sleep. I've slept on sloping terrain, above thorn bushes and tree roots, above creek rocks and even puddles. I've found it is much easier to find 2 good trees than it is to find perfect ground (plus you have less impact on the environment). No pressure points on your body or stubborn rocks under your body.

Set up is quick and fairly easy once you've learned how to do it. As with any new gear, you shouldn't set it up for the firt time when you're out in the wilderness. I've learned a few tips to make your night in this hammock great:
1. Ensure the hammock is centered between the trees so your not head high or feet high. Also reduces sliding.
2. Ensure the hammock is very tight. It will sag a little with your weight regardless and the hammock will be more comfortable if it is flat since it uses spreader bars.
3. Keep the rain fly tight and make sure the drip cords are proper. I've slept in it during storms and had little trouble.
4. It is tricky to keep your pack and other gear under the hammock but I have kept my boots inside with me. I recommend using a rain sack and hang the backpack on the tree or use the hip belt to secure it to the tree.
5. To keep warmer during cold weather, use 1/2 of an old sleeping bag or clip a military poncho liner to the bottom of the hammock.
6. When using the hammock as a tent, you'll want to have a couple tent poles to make it as tight and roomy as possible. I'm 6'3" at 195 pounds and I barely had enough room when used as a tent.
7. If you need more stability, simply tie a couple lines off each side to prevent the rocking.

I don't like the zipper (cheap yet it hasn't broken yet) and the fact that it didn't come with ropes/cordage to tie it off at the tree. You just get the hammock.

Overall-a very sturdy hammock despite the slight extra weight. You don't feel as secure as you do with a regular hammock that wraps all around you, but you have better ventilation and could easily hang a light for reading maps, books, etc. I've considered taking out the spreader bars to see how the hammock performs, but I haven't yet. If you have tried it, please comment!!
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Excellent camping hammock
by PSJ (4 out of 5 stars)
January 6, 2010

There are definitely some advantages to hammock camping such as being off the ground and not sleeping on a hard surface. I have no trouble with sleeping in the Lawson Hammock, but I have discovered a few setbacks about hammock camping in general. If privacy is required to change clothes, changing inside the hammock is tough but doable. You don't really have an area to store your gear while camping and especially while sleeping that a tent provides. It is extremely difficult to cold weather camp using a hammock. The process of positioning yourself in the hammock in a closed sleeping bag is tough due to the slick surfaces of both the nylon hammock and the bag. The fact of being suspended in the air (cold air)on a compressed sleeping bag does not allow the camper to retain body heat as compared to sleeping on a closed cell pad. To best use the Lawson Hammock as a bivy, the camper needs to be smaller than 6' and really a lean individual as the suspended roominess disappears once the hammock is on the ground.

All that being said, I'm still glad I bought the hammock. I will gladly use it in spring/fall conditions where sleeping under a bag or blanket will suffice. I did have an aluminum pole to snap which was replaced with no squabble under warranty.
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Worst Hammock Ever - Whatta Joke
by Lux Camper (1 out of 5 stars)
May 2, 2012

My first hammock was an ENO and now my main is a Hennessey, and I have used a Warbonnet Blackbird. So when I found this on clearance for $40, I thought it would be a nice backup hammock. Boy, was I wrong.

First, it is very "busy" to set up. Putting poles together, sliding through pockets, attaching rain fly etc. Alot of work compared to any other hammock. And the hammock is not ready out of the box; you have to buy ropes or webbing.

Second, trying to lay down, I flipped over, and over, and over. IF you find the perfect balance spot, DON'T MOVE. How's THAT for a good night's sleep?

This hammock isn't worth the $40 I paid, let along the ridiculous retail price of $140. You can buy a real, and reliable hammock which comes with everything right out of the box, with no extras to buy, for $140.

Hint: Hennessy, Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO), Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter. etc.

I looked at Amazon's reviews and must assume this is the first hammock these people have used. Shame.
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horrible
by joxo72 (1 out of 5 stars)
March 26, 2012

When I got this tent/hammock I noticed that it was of poor construction...but I gave it a try this weekend. Found it very hard to get in and out of. My sleeping bag slipped and slided out of the tent as I was it in. My son thought it was funny, but I did NOT. So, to sleep I put it on the ground and set it up that way. I had to snake into the opening and when laying down the screen was right on top of me, keeping me from be able to move/streach. I didn't sleep much at all and woke up with a sore shoulder and back from not being able to move. The tent is now for sale on Clist! Never buy a tent or camping product that you will need to depend on that's "Made in China".
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Great to be off the ground!
by Hawk (5 out of 5 stars)
June 4, 2013

The negative reviews I've read all seem like people that either don't know hammocks, don't use common sense (tie the corners off to add stability for chrisakes) or took this out without setting it up and getting familiar with it.

Yes it doesn't come with rope. $8 for 100 feet of 550 paracord come on! Yes, the cord that holds the ends isn't that great, but replaced by an aluminum add-a-link it will last forever and makes hanging quick and easy.

As far as slippery? A can of non slip spray (clear) used for step treads and such coating the inside bottom and everything stays nicely in place.

For added warmth in colder seasons I took a 5X7 tarp and a space blanket cut just a bit smaller. Some spray adhesive to adhere them together, laid out on the bottom shiny side up to reflect your body heat and you're quite cozy. Light and warm, no need for extra pads and such.

Used this in Colorado high country in constant drizzling rain and everything inside stayed dry for the entire weekend.

All in all I'm very happy to have found the hammock/bivy.

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