The Amok Draumr Hammock, while boasting a spacious design and impressive features, suffers from several design flaws that detract from its overall usability and comfort. This review highlights ten key issues identified during extended use, ranging from the excessively large bug net impacting visibility to the lack of secure storage for boots and the challenging leveling process. These problems, while seemingly minor individually, collectively contribute to a less-than-ideal user experience, especially for those prioritizing comfort and ease of use.This detailed analysis explores each issue in turn, offering potential solutions for Amok to consider in future iterations. From simple adjustments like adding zippers to pockets or improving clasp design, to more significant redesigns of the tarp and bug net, we examine practical improvements that could elevate the Draumr hammock from a good concept to a truly exceptional product. The aim is not to condemn the hammock, but to constructively identify areas where refinement could dramatically enhance its performance and value for users.
Pros And Cons
- Very comfortable
- Very good premium product
- Auto deploy function
- Too much bug net material, touching face
- Baggy pockets, items easily fall out
- No good boot storage solution
- Requires specific, heavy pad (adds cost)
- Sleeping pad container lacks bungee cord attachment points or holes for quilt systems
- Difficult to level, retaining clasps hard to adjust
- Ridge line gets in the way
- XL size may be too large for some users
- Sleeping pad can touch the ground
- Tarpaulin is an awkward shape, requiring extra tie-out points
- Clasp slippage experienced once
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Bug Net Issues
The bug net, while seemingly ample, is excessively large. When fully deployed, it's often too close to the face, causing discomfort and necessitating the use of a hat to maintain distance. A redesign with a smaller amount of netting would significantly improve user experience.
Amok has included a solution using an additional string to raise the net, but this merely mitigates the problem. The excessive material still leads to ruffles impacting visibility and a dangling string inside the hammock. Ultimately, reducing the net material is the most effective solution.
Pocket Drop Zone
The generously sized pockets, while useful, lack sufficient security. Items easily fall out, especially when multiple items are stored. The baggy nature contributes to this issue.
A simple solution might involve adding zippers, clips, or additional tie points to secure the pockets. At least one side of the hammock has a built-in string for bug net storage, implying that this is a design consideration Amok could easily apply to the main pockets.
Boot Storage Solutions
A significant shortcoming is the lack of dedicated boot storage. This leaves users struggling to find a convenient and secure place for their footwear. Current solutions, such as placing boots inside the hammock, are far from ideal and lead to issues with moisture and access.
Adding a simple zipped boot bag or clip-on storage solution to the outside of the hammock would greatly improve functionality. The existing non-structural fabric offers ample opportunity for this upgrade.
Pad-Specific Design and Weight
The hammock is specifically designed for the Amok Draumr XL pad. Using a different pad necessitates adjustments, potentially impacting comfort. The included pad, while compatible, is heavy, making the overall setup less suitable for ultralight backpacking.
The added cost of the pad contributes to the overall price. For users seeking an ultralight setup, this can be a significant drawback. An alternative design could potentially allow for greater pad compatibility, offering more options for users.
Sleeping Pad Container Improvements
The sleeping pad container lacks bungee cords or other securing mechanisms, causing the pad to shift and potentially fall out. The lack of holes for attaching the pad prevents the use of many common securing techniques.
Adding holes or clips to the container would facilitate the use of bungee cords or straps for better pad stability. This would also enable compatibility with quilt systems, improving the overall setup and making it easier to get in and out of the hammock.
Leveling and Tight Clasps
Leveling the hammock is challenging due to uneven terrain and the difficulty of adjusting the clasps. The tight clasps are challenging to loosen after being secured, hindering adjustments.
The difficult-to-adjust clasps make it hard to achieve a perfectly level and comfortable sleeping position, contributing to discomfort. Improvements to clasp design would significantly improve setup and use.
Ridge Line Obstruction
The ridge line frequently interferes with glasses, hats, and other items. This is particularly noticeable in the XL version, suggesting the standard version may be even more problematic.
Raising the ridge line slightly would drastically improve comfort and convenience, preventing accidental collisions. A minor adjustment in design could have a large positive impact.
Pad Grounding
The sleeping pad is vulnerable to damage from sharp objects on the ground if the hammock isn't properly leveled. Raising the hammock too high, however, makes getting in and out more difficult.
Careful attention to leveling is crucial to protect the pad. A design that reduces the risk of the pad touching the ground would enhance the hammock's overall practicality and safety.
Tarpaulin Shape
The oddly shaped tarp necessitates additional tie-out points, increasing setup complexity. This is particularly problematic in locations lacking suitable tie-off points.
A rectangular tarp would simplify setup and reduce the number of required tie-out points. This seemingly small change would greatly enhance usability.
Clasp Slippage
Occasional clasp slippage can cause the hammock to sag. Although infrequent, this issue highlights a potential safety concern.
Improved clasp design or additional securing mechanisms could mitigate this risk and provide enhanced stability during use.