The Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock promises a luxurious camping experience, and this review dives deep into whether it lives up to the hype. We unpack the initial impressions, from the sleek packaging to the vibrant orange bungee cords (a design choice that might not appeal to all). We'll explore the setup process, highlighting both the intuitive aspects and the necessary adjustments for optimal lay-flat stability. Comfort, a key selling point, will be thoroughly examined, along with the practicality of integrated features like the gear sling and internal storage pockets.This in-depth review covers everything from the performance of the rainfly in heavy rain to the subtle nuances of the hammock’s design, including the one-way mesh and the strategically placed (but potentially problematic) tie-back points. We’ll weigh the pros and cons, considering factors like weight, price, and overall build quality, to determine if the Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock is a worthwhile investment for your next camping adventure, especially compared to its competitors. Finally, we’ll offer a conclusive recommendation, helping you decide if this hammock is the right choice for you.
Pros And Cons
- Comfortable
- Lay-flat design
- Includes gear sling for protected storage
- Waterproof bottom, usable as a bivy
- Good rainfly protection
- Grab handles on straps
- Inner pockets
- Hooks for hanging lights or ridge lines
- High weight capacity (200kg)
- Initial stitching issues (resolved by customer service)
- Rainfly setup is tight
- Bright orange bungee cords
- One-way entry/exit and rainfly
- Mesh sags slightly in the middle
- Small inner pockets
- Tieback points stitched into seam tape, potentially causing leaks
- Relatively heavy (3.5kg)
- Setup requires practice and adjustment
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock arrived, and my first impression was positive. The packaging was neat, and the hammock itself looked well-constructed. The vibrant orange bungee cords stood out, although I might swap them for black ones for a more subdued look. Initial inspection revealed no issues with stitching, unlike the previous sample received.
The included rainfly seemed a bit snug but ultimately functional. Overall, the hammock felt sturdy and well-designed, promising a comfortable camping experience. I was particularly excited about the integrated gear sling, a clever feature missing from some competitors’ products.
Setup and Assembly
Setting up the hammock was a slightly different process than I'm used to, primarily concerning the straps and tree placement. The recommended instructions on achieving tension weren't ideal for the lay-flat stability. Experimentation showed higher strap placement yielded better results, resulting in a nice drum-like tightness and improved stability.
Inserting the poles was easy, facilitated by well-designed sleeves and grommets. The new clips used to secure the poles are a noticeable improvement from previous versions. After adjusting the straps and cinching them down, the lay-flat effect was impressive; the hammock felt completely taut and ready for use.
Comfort and Features
Lying in the hammock is like sleeping on a cloud. The lay-flat design provides exceptional comfort and support. I slept for ten hours straight, undisturbed, even during a period of rain. The waterproof base is a nice touch; it gives me the option of using the hammock as a bivy in warmer weather.
The internal storage pockets and gear sling are practical features. They're not gigantic, but they hold a phone, keys, and a headlamp without issue. The gear sling underneath is perfect for keeping belongings dry and within easy reach. While the mesh isn't incredibly taut, this is easily mitigated with a little shock cord.
Rainfly Performance and Additional Notes
The 4000mm hydrostatic head rainfly performed flawlessly. Even during periods of heavy rain, the hammock remained dry. However, the rainfly's snug fit could potentially leave the very corners exposed. The one-way design of both the inner mesh and rainfly is worth noting, impacting entry and exit.
The included bungee cords are helpful, though their brightness might not appeal to everyone. I appreciate the additional grab handles. Regarding the tie-back points: while provided, I recommend not using them due to potential water leakage through the seam tape if tensioned.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
The Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock is a high-quality product with many strengths. Its lay-flat design offers unparalleled comfort, while the integrated features enhance practicality. The waterproof base and reliable rainfly add versatility, suitable for varied weather conditions. However, the setup requires some experimentation, and it's crucial to get the tension just right.
While the weight might deter some backpackers, the included features justify it for many. The price point is slightly higher than some competitors, but the quality and comfort are worth considering. Overall, I highly recommend this hammock to anyone seeking a comfortable and stable camping sleep system, especially those transitioning from ground-based options.