Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent,

I've camped on several continents with this tent.It most certainly isn't for everyone, as it requires a bit of finesse when sleeping in it.However, if you want to pull up and pitch a tent in 5 minutes (realistically), and break it down again in the same timeframe, I don't know of a faster tent to pitch.Carabiners are attached to both ends for quick attachment to tree savers, which are straps with loops that go around trees as slip knots.Pitching is as fast as:1. Finding two trees roughly 15'-20' apart.2. Throwing the straps around tree one and then tree two3. Unrolling the tent and clipping it to tree one4. Hold it off the ground (yes! no dirt!) and clip it to the strap on tree 25. Adjust (if necessary) to level it out and stretch it tighter (if you like it tight)6. Push 2 4ft tent poles into place (takes less than a minute).Done.It reads about as long as it takes.The hardest part is breakdown, when you have to roll the tent back up.If the ground is wet, I do this while standing (granted, I'm a little taller than most, so it may not work for everyone) and straight back into the bag.Also, if you want, you don't have to put the poles in and can use it like an ordinary hammock.The trick to sleeping, is not to lie directly inline with the hammock but to turn diagonal, so that the ends twist.This makes it much flatter and more comfortable for sleeping.I get asked if it flips. The tighter you pull the tent, the more unstable it becomes. So it's a balancing act.Getting into/out of the tent is not for everyone either. This takes some balance.You lean far back onto the tent and then let your weight get carried. Then pivot and slip into the tent.To get out again, assume a similar position from inside the tent, then extend your feet out and rotate down onto them.I clip my shoes/boots to a carabiner on the loop right outside the tent door so that bugs and other stuff doesn't get into them, plus, they are easy to put on while still in the tent.I've slept on cliff faces, with amazing views in Europe, between palm trees directly on the beach, between mangroves over the water and right off the road in more places than I can count, as I could pull off and quickly pitch the tent.If there are no trees, the tent still works on the ground, without an issue.They say it is a 2-man tent, but I haven't tried that and am skeptical it would work...Finally, hammocks are cold at night which is great in hot environments, as it works like built-in air conditioning.The bottom of the tent is always cooled off by passing air.In colder weather, a sleeping pad and/or quilt is an absolute must. You'll get cold fast if you don't take a pad out with you.For me, it is the one-size-fits-all tent that I take everywhere.it isn't light, it isn't small, but it works nearly everywhere for one person.

I'm 47. 220lbs. This is my first hammock.Preparing for one week trip to Boundary Waters; I've slept in this hammock a few times overnight to work out any issues.1. I really need those side tie-downs. The stability is awesome with those. And, you don't need all four. Just two works fine. I'm more than happy to deal with those with the incredible comfort this product supplies. I've slept on my back, side and belly with no issues at all.2. The space is incredible! The little rings that hang down inside can be easily tied together with some cord for a long "ridge line" to secure things to.3. I bought a 10X10 tarp because I like the open air. I am also worried about having to set up or tear down in the rain. I still bring the Lawson Tarp in case the wind is very very bad or the rain decides to come sideways. Love the Larson Tarp, I just don't want to be so bottled up.4. This is my under quilt: OutdoorsmanLab Lightweight Camping Sleeping Bag. I used wife's sewing machine and stitched on some webbing and shock cord. A few clips. And there you go. Its a perfect summer under quilt. I don't need my ThermoRest now.5. Had a simple issue upon purchase and the owner of Lawson fixed it immediately without any hesitation. GREAT CUSTOMER SVC!I LOVE THIS HAMMOCK. Pics are from my backyard.UPDATE: after my trip to the Boundary Waters I learned a lot.1. IF you like a lay flat like me, I keep the hammock tightly pulled between the trees. Needs guy lines.2. IF you like a more traditional curved lay. It is more stable and does not need guy lines.3. This is not an ultra light set up. The weight really added up over the miles. OK for me, not for everybody.

Very hard to get in and out of because it tipps ove so easily. Spins upside down as soon as you put the pols in making it hard to put the rainfly on. Unless you are under 5 ft. tall you have to tip it towards you, stick your head and shoulders in and then dive directly into the center to get in (otherwise you just tip it completely sideways and your sleeping bag hits the ground at your feet). After you finally make it in you better hope you landed in your sleeping bag perfect or you tip over trying to get in it too. After 2 hours of 1 inch movements to get zipped in fully, I woke up every 15 min to try to scoot back into the center ALL DAMN NIGHT. This morning, the bottom had streached so much I was basically sleeping in a V up position. Get a tent and sleep on the ground. At least then you won't get dizzy trying to fall asleep.