In case you take pleasure in light-weight backpacking, you must look into the ENO Sub6: gentle, simply the proper measurement for as much as 5’11”, packable, and possibly essentially the most comfy light-weight hammock I’ve ever examined. And I’ve examined all of them.

I really like light-weight and even ultralight backpacking, however hammock tenting brings an automated weight penalty—a penalty I’m typically keen to take for the promise of a snug relaxation night time after night time. That’s not one thing I can predict when sleeping on the bottom, and that reassurance is with the additional grams for me. However in some conditions, I can get my pack weight darn near floor dwellers, if circumstances are proper. And the place I usually trek within the American Southwest, bugs and mosquitos are sometimes not a problem, so netting is non-obligatory. Rain can be extra predictable and fewer problematic, so I can even get by with minimal protection and even go tarpless on brief journeys. That mentioned, the hammock itself is a “luxurious” that almost all light-weight backpackers keep away from, so discovering one that’s gentle sufficient and comfy sufficient are on the highest of my record.

Till I examined the ENO Sub6, I’ve spent many sleepless nights utilizing one light-weight hammock after one other. Practically all of them endure from the identical challenge: excessive stretch. Stretch is a byproduct of making an attempt to make use of the lightest denier material you possibly can whereas nonetheless offering sufficient power for an honest capability ranking. Many light-weight hammocks use a 1.0 or 1.2 oznylon material (20 to 30 denier), and a few monofilament materials push that even lighter to 0.9 oz. Stretch in material isn’t horrible, and a few people actually dig it, however for me, if the material stretches an excessive amount of, it may possibly trigger me to “barrel out,” curving my shoulder blades and making me sink into the underside of the hammock. This could pressure my physique to put inline, curving my again, and inflicting extra discomfort. The ENO Sub6 doesn’t have these points for me and I used to be elated. The principle motive is the material. The Sub6 makes use of a 30d diamond ripstop nylon. It’s slightly extra stout than different manufacturers, however it pays off in consolation. The diamond ripstop additionally improves the consolation as a result of the bias of the material isn’t on the diagonal, so there’s not a further stretch while you lay diagonally.

The low stretch was the principle issue that gained me over on the Sub6. As I mentioned, I’ve examined all the highest manufacturers and lots of cottage vendor’s light-weight choices and most all endure from an excessive amount of stretch to actually make it well worth the weight financial savings. The the Sub6, I slept comfy night time after night time. There have been no material reminiscence issues both, like within the Grand Trunk Nano, so I didn’t slip right into a rut after I laid down.

Light-weight Hammock Comparability

The Sub6 comes with its personal stuff sack sewn within the center on one facet, which makes packing up straightforward and typical. It makes use of a toggle-style suspension that pairs completely with the ENO Helios Ultralight Hammock Straps, or any loop-style suspension (suppose Whoopie Sling). I’m 5’10” and located the scale have been simply good when hung at about 20–25° angle. Even at 30°, it’s not horrible.

Talking of cling angle, the brand new accent from ENO — their Microtune Structural Ridgeline—is an ideal match for the Sub6, making arrange a breeze. The ridgeline is ENO’s tackle a long-standing “custom” amongst hammock purists. For the uninitiated, a ridgeline is solely a line connected between the 2 factors of a hammock that forestall the hammock from being pulled too far aside. The Microtune is adjustable so it may possibly match hammocks as much as 11 ft lengthy.

The Whoopie Sling design will likely be acquainted to many hammock customers, however the ENO model contains a watch loop connected to the adjustable finish. This makes it far simpler and fewer inclined to slide than different adjustable ridgeline’s I’ve used earlier than. It’s a superb little addition and I applaud the designers. Nevertheless, additionally they added a stopper bead to the adjustable finish, which actually isn’t mandatory to forestall the loop from collapsing into itself, however it does make it simpler to open and use the loop. The 7/64″ diameter ENO SilverLite™ Twine (aka Dyneema or HDMPE) cordage used is a lot sturdy for the ridgeline and positively sufficient to maintain anybody from breaking it. I’d prefer to see a lighter model utilizing a barely smaller wire sooner or later.

In conclusion, I’ve to confess that I used to be 99% assured that the Sub6 would carry out nearly in addition to all the opposite “ultralight” hammocks I’ve in my storage—and find yourself staying there too. For essentially the most half, I’ve been disenchanted with how uncomfortable many of the ultralight hammocks I’ve examined. Nevertheless, the Sub6 has utterly surpassed my expectations and made me a believer in taking it out on “actual” backpacking journeys the place I need the consolation however not the additional weight. It’s a winner!

Study Extra

Disclosure of fabric connection: The creator (Derek Hansen) was supplied with a free pattern from the producer for testing and analysis functions. The feedback on this put up (written & spoken) are of my very own opinion, which I shaped after personally dealing with the gear.