This review covers essential gear for enhancing your hammock camping experience, focusing on three key products: the Thermarest stuff sack pillow, the REI stake bag, and Dream Hammock straps. We'll delve into the performance and durability of each item, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Our experience includes testing their functionality in real-world hammock camping scenarios, providing a practical assessment for potential buyers.This comprehensive review details both the positive and negative aspects of each product, including unexpected issues and how customer service responded. We'll discuss the comfort and practicality of the Thermarest pillow, the organizational benefits of the REI stake bag, and the crucial upgrade provided by Dream Hammock's replacement straps. The goal is to provide you with an informed perspective to help you decide if these products are worth the investment for your own hammock camping adventures.
Read more: 5 Best Tent Stakes with Loops for Secure Camping
Thermarest Fleece-Lined Stuff Sack Pillow
This Thermarest stuff sack is a game-changer for hammock camping. The fleece lining adds a luxurious touch, transforming it into a cozy pillow. I used it to store my down vest during colder nights, then turned it inside out for a comfortable, fleece-lined pillow.
It's surprisingly compact and contours perfectly to my neck and head, making it ideal for hammock sleeping. The only drawback was the original cord breaking after just a couple of uses. However, Thermarest's customer service was excellent; they promptly sent a replacement cord and cord lock.
The new cord is noticeably thicker than the original, hopefully improving durability. I temporarily fixed the broken cord with an overhand knot, highlighting the product's resilience despite the initial issue.
REI Stake Bag: A Solution for Secure Stakes
Prior to using the REI stake bag, I used a basic stuff sack from Walmart for my tent stakes. It wasn't ideal as stakes tend to shift around in a regular flat-bottom sack.
The REI stake bag provides a dedicated space for stakes, making setup and organization much easier. The design is superior to a standard stuff sack, ensuring the stakes stay secure.
I also purchased additional stakes from Dick's Sporting Goods and eBay, highlighting the versatility of using the REI bag with different stake types. Both are well suited for my hammock and tarp setup.
Dream Hammock Straps and Accessories
My Dream Hammock's original straps unfortunately tore after minimal use. However, the company's customer service (Randy from Dream Hammocks) was exceptional; he quickly sent replacement heavy-duty straps.
The new straps are thicker and more durable than the originals. I'm also using gear ties instead of Velcro straps for easier hammock setup. Randy also included a high-quality carabiner from Trinity Annex.
The combination of heavy-duty straps and gear ties provides a secure and efficient system. The added carabiner is a welcome bonus, adding to the overall high-quality experience.
Overall Conclusion and Product Recommendations
The Thermarest stuff sack pillow is a comfortable and compact addition to any hammock camping setup, despite the initial cord issue which was quickly resolved with excellent customer service. The REI stake bag is a simple yet effective solution for keeping tent stakes organized and secure.
Dream Hammocks demonstrated top-notch customer service with their prompt replacement of the damaged straps. The heavy-duty replacement straps along with gear ties represent a significant upgrade for my hammock.
Overall, all products are worth the investment if you're looking to enhance your hammock camping experience, offering unique features that improve comfort and convenience.
