Hummingbird Hammocks Single+

I’ll go straight to the record and say I really like Hummingbird stuff. They have top-level, high-end equipment that caters to my lightweight style backpacking and camping activities. They also have top customer service, replacement parts aplenty, and all that for a reasonable price.

Their gear is well designed and manufactured, with lots of attention to detail: I appreciate the flawless and consistent sewing, the original and simple solutions that just work well (e.g. the “soft link” plastic buttons instead of carabiners), the use of high-tech materials like Dyneema, parachute fabric, lock stitching, and so on.

Talking about parachute, the fabric really does a good job of blocking wind, especially cold drafts (I’ve been using it with an Outdoor Vitals bugnet which also functions as a sock). It‘s very thin, almost see-through, and it won’t save from cold butt syndrome. But it does help me keeping a little warmer during winter when I’m using my inflatable sleeping pad, more than my ENO Junglenest or my other hammocks. 

The material is breathable, but I do get a little hotter in the summer. This is usually easier and more simple to counter and is not an issue for me, especially when there’s a breeze. I find that for overnight backpacking or multiple day camping the Single+ is just perfect.

The style is the common gathered-end with straps made of Dyneema that wrap around the fabric, for a more secure and longer-lasting effect. This takes up some length, but it’s still a rather generous hammock for someone my size (6’/176lb.) The Single+ is 116x63” (2,95x1,60m).

I personally don’t have trouble finding a perfect position, either diagonal or straight, to just relax or to sleep—even in smaller hammocks. But those who want a hammock for relaxing during day trips, the Single (not Plus) may be a better option, more compact and lightweight. Though I find the additional 2.5 ounces of the Single+ a non-factor for a more versatile option, at least for my size.

The parachute fabric has a bit of a plasticky look and feel to it, but I find it very comfortable and nice to the touch. It’s soft, doesn’t stretch much (especially when I use it with the sleeping pad) which I also find positive. Some may not like it though, because it’s different to other nylons but IMHO this is good because it’s also more lightweight and durable, if well cared for. 

And care must be taken: it’s not exactly fragile, but as with any other lightweight style hammock (or gear in fact) it’s best to keep it away from pointy and/or sharp objects. I usually don’t take knives or other metal items on board my hammocks, nor near inflatable sleeping pads and even my bugnets, and this has kept my gear intact through all these years. But it’s been used a lot and so far no issues, like the stitching coming undone or stuff like that. 

Background

I ditched tents and changed to hammock and tarp camping long ago. We have plenty of trees everywhere here, and I’ve found it easier, faster, and lighter. Since then I’ve had a few hammocks, some made locally (Guepardo and Nautika Harpia, both with bugnets and some homemade improvements) and some imported (i.e. designed/made in U.S.).

I’ve been using the Single+ for a few months now, in warm and cold climates (summer and winter) along with an Outdoor Vitals Bugnet, which I absolutely love. The combo weighs only 15 ounces and packs up really, really small.