Amok Draumr 5.0 hammock review: an innovative hammock that can transform into a chair

First impressions

The Amok Draumr 5.0 is a hammock with a difference. The Amok’s Norwegian bushcraft-enthusiast manufacturers have drawn on several Scandinavian preoccupations for their mould-breaking design: style, comfort and thwarting mosquitoes (though it always helps to have some of best insect repellents handy).

Rather than sleeping lengthwise between suspension points, as with the best hammocks in our guide, the Amok provides a fabric platform that hangs across its axis. It’s an innovative design that – using adjustable straps and an integral inflatable mat – allows you to sleep flat, sit-up or pull the platform into a comfortable, supporting lounger-chair shape for evening reading or contemplating the stars.

A ‘floor’ pocket takes the included inflatable mat or other firm insulation, there are numerous pockets to hold kit and there is a full zip-round bug net over an integral ridge line. Amok’s own shaped rain fly, or another tarp big enough to cover the configuration provides weather-proofing.

In the field

I assumed that I’d be able to work out how the Amok Draumr 5.0 works; how different from a traditional hammock could it be? Well, on first putting it up I got it mostly right, but missed out on the fine-tuning that the company’s website instructional videos provide; they are essential watching if you want to get the best out of what is a complex bit of kit. Hanging the Amok, as well as arranging your bedding and getting in are all well worth practising before you first use the set-up in anger.

Once I had the details worked out, though, it was more like having a suspended tent than a hammock, and with the brand’s own tarp, other accessories and enough know-how could be used to provide the basis for cosy winter camping. By adjusting straps one can reconfigure the platform into a ‘Z’ shaped chair with back and leg support, and still protected by the integral mosquito net if needed.

For lounging or reading I couldn’t have been much more comfortable in the outdoors, but it doesn’t allow for the easy use of the ground as a work surface for cooking or other tasks. There’s a weight and bulk penalty, too, but not that much if you’re canoe or cycle camping, or ski touring using a pulk, and want lie-back luxury in the wilderness.