Hammock Reviews
Hammock Reviews
DD Frontline Multicam
For the first official Hammock-Wise review it seems only fitting to begin where a great many UK hammock users begin their journey, with DD Hammocks.
DD Hammocks set up shop in 2005 and are the go-to place for many UK based hammock campers,both novice and experienced.
I have been fortunate enough to spend a few nights in the DD Frontline Multicam. Whilst the Frontline has been a top seller for DD Hammocks for a number of years, the Multicam is a relatively new product and comes with some well thought out improvements to its predecessor.
First Impressions were spot on. I had some great communications with Ben who handled my enquiry from start to finish. He made me feel really valued as a customer and took a genuine interest in me. I'm a firm believer that people buy from people and Ben is a fantastic representation of that.
My hammock was dispatched on the Friday and I had it in my possession the very next day. Great service indeed.
The DD Frontline is a double layered hammock featuring an integrated bug-net with entry to the hammock through a double zip separating the net and hammock bed. The zips run almost the full length of the hammock on either side meaning you can enter/ leave the hammock from whichever side you choose. The double layer allows for a roll mat or inflating/ self inflating mat or similar to be placed in between the layers to help prevent cold air rising from the ground. The layers are well separated with velcro.
The DD Frontline comes supplied with a stuff sack for stowing away the hammock and 5 meters of webbing at each end of the hammock. This webbing is in truth ample for a comfortable night's sleep. Of course this can be modified by upgrading to whoopie slings and tree huggers or other such products that are available. This will make the set up of your hammock quicker, easier and in some cases lighter. For the purpose of the review I stuck with the webbing and found it to be more than adequate. The set-up was simple; pass the webbing round the tree and tie and bow or double knot which is easy for anyone new to hammocks.
The hammock fabric is a soft yet robust material and feels luxurious to lie in. I found by far the most comfortable way to sleep in the DD Frontline was just to left of the centre line. This method didn't appear to create any obvious 'banana shaping'. This also allowed for the hammock to almost cocoon me generating more warmth.
The sleep I got in the DD Frontline was pleasant with plenty of room to stretch myself out. I got a full 4 hours before answering the call of nature after which I hurriedly returned to my warm hammock bed for the obligatory 4 hours more. When I woke in the morning I had no aches or pains to report.
Improvements from previous models include 4 internal pockets, two at each end of the hammock with each lying either side of your head and feet. Great storage for phones, keys, torches etc. or if you're like me, an ideal place to stash your hammock companion's dog treats :) .
In addition to these pockets there are two internal hanging loops which one could use for a light or to perhaps hang your boots inside in the colder weather.
There are four attachment loops on the outside of the hammock. These can perform a multitude of uses from hanging equipment, to attaching a DD Underblanket or even using as pegging out points should you wish to use the hammock as bivvy.
The tensioning poles for the bug-net is a very well thought out system. No more having to squeeze metal rods into tight fitting pockets or using locally sourced sticks. Instead you have two collapsible poles which slide into a pouch through an entry slit in the material. Simple and effective. I found an even better way to raise the height of the bug-net is ensure the shock cord travels under the end of the
poles (as shown above).
The hammock can of course be used without the bug net in a variety of ways, each as simple and effective as the other. By far the easiest way is to tip the hammock upside down with the bug netting facing the ground. Another way is to unzip the netting and tie it up above the hammock.
Overall a great hammock for lounging around in or spending a night out in the woods. Owing to the simplicity of set up this is a great hammock for those new to tree dwelling who want a no-fuss fully integrated system.
