pine_knot wrote on Mar 25^th, 2014 at 7:28pm:

OK.  I think I've decided to get one.  Figure if I don't like it or can't tolerate it, one of my 20-something sons can use it.  The only question is what model.  I'm leaning towards the NX-250 or TX-250.  I know Jimbo has one--was hoping for some feedback on your model, Jim.  If anyone else has any personal use of Clark or any other brand, would appreciate your thoughts as well.  Thx.

Pine Knot,

Sorry I was so slow in noticing this discussion!

Yep, I guess you could call me a Clark Jungle Hammock super-fan.  I have the North American model (see:   (You need to Login or Register) with the XL tarp and tree-hugger straps.  This version is a definite upgrade from the old one in that the tarp & the hammock are independent from each other.  This gives you much more ease & flexibility in set up.  I like this model, too, because I'm a fairly big guy (6'2" & over 230 lbs) and the unit handles my length & weight easily.  I've modified the equipment in that I've added some heavy duty rings and mountaineering carabiners.  There's a great video clip somewhere (I'll try to find it this weekend & post to this thread) showing how the addition of these doodads allows you to do a one-handed set-up in just a minute or so.  While it takes ME much longer to do it even using two hands, the rings & carabiners definitely help in that you can make adjustments without having to untie anything each time.  Again, I'll see if I can't locate the link to that video when I get more time.

Folks who read my stuff in the Boundary Waters Journal probably think I'm "on the payroll" for Clark Jungle Hammocks!  Setting them up right & efficiently DOES take some practice but once you've mastered the techniques, you'll get a great night's sleep.  I bring mine on most trips except when tripping with my wife (she wouldn't consider sleeping in one, so I haven't bought the "double bed" version).  I do think twice, however, about taking mine to places like Woodland Caribou and, this year, Opasquia Provincial Park due to the occasional paucity of trees or, at least, of trees with sufficient girth.  Not that I can't sleep on the ground in one but one nice benefit is that I don't typically haul in a sleeping mat.  If I was passing through an area ravaged by fire - and there's LOTS of them up there - the prospect of sleeping on hard rock is not comforting.

Anyway, I'll be happy to comment on any particular aspect of using these hammocks.  I'm thrilled with mine.

Jimbo   8-)