Advnture Verdict
This hammock is so compact it can be used as a primary super-light sleep-out option, or added to any sleeping set-up to provide more options.
Pros
- +
Ultra light
- +
Tiny when packed
- +
Generous sizing when suspended
- +
Compression sack reduces packed size further
Cons
- -
Lightweight fabric requires careful use
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First impressions
With the Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock, clever design and high-tech materials have been used to create one of the best hammocks that, in its compression sack, weighs and bulks about the same as a pair of heavy socks.
If you know how to use a hammock, the suspension straps (an add-on buy; you can also use your own-sourced, correct-strength ropes) are quick to deploy whilst the slide buckles allow for precise alterations to get the centring and the height right.
Sea to Summit advise against sleeping more than 18 inches above the ground, but that’s about the right height for comfortable and practical use anyway. Despite its tiny packed size the Ultralight has the necessary length and breadth for sleeping on the diagonal comfortably.
• RRP: $90 (US) / £90 (UK)
• Weight: Regular 220g / 8oz XL 275g / 10oz
• Size: Regular 260cm x 120cm / 102in x 47in XL 300cm x 150cm / 118in x 59in
• Suspension system: Adjustable straps (sold separately) with Quick Connect buckles
• Fabric: 20D Nylon monofilament skin, Dyneema non-stretch polyester blend webbing straps
• Accessories included: Compression strap storage bag
• Accessories available: Suspension straps, bug net, tree protectors, tarp
• Colors: Yellow / Grey
In the field
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock stood out for its tiny packed size, so I was only slightly disconcerted to find that the skin was a fine net mesh rather than a heavier fabric. It’s certainly strong enough, but I was careful to suspend it over a site clear of undergrowth to avoid snagging or ripping it; Sea to Summit do include a repair kit in what I reckon is real-world pragmatism.
Being this light, the skin has even less insulation properties than other hammocks, so for comfort you’ll need a mat, sleeping bag or quilt, though in a ‘get through the night’ situation spare clothing and any other kit could be pressed into service.
Though not a good choice for rough-and-tumble swinging, this is a piece of useful lightweight kit for anyone who’s weighed up its pros and cons, considered likely weather conditions, reckons they’ll find trees or other supports on enough nights to make it worthwhile and has good bushcraft skills to call on. Given that, the ability to sleep above rough, sloping or wet ground makes it a very worthwhile carry.
