Over the past few years, many backpackers have taken to replacing their traditional tents with a hammock instead. The reasoning behind this is that hammocks are often lighter to carry, faster and less complex to set up, and offer better all-around comfort too. Hammocks are not without their drawbacks, however. For instance, they require properly spaced and sized trees to be useful, and most can only hold one or two people. Additionally, they tend to not be especially adaptable either, mainly serving only one purpose. But a company called Wildish is looking to change that with the introduction of the M.C. Hammie, a hammock that promises to be the most versatile ever made.
Launched on Kickstarter last week, the M.C. Hammie is made from rugged ripstop nylon that has been treated with a durable water-resistant coating, giving it the ability to keep moisture at bay. It functions just like a standard hammock, allowing users to sling it up between a couple of trees and relax in comfort both at home or while in the backcountry. But, unlike most other hammocks, it can also serve as a waterproof ground blanket with enough room for up to eight people and, in a pinch, it can also be converted into an emergency shelter, not unlike a traditional tent.
The designers behind the M.C. Hammie created the hammock as a way of lightening their load when they hit the trail for a day with friends. The prototype model weighs in at just over two pounds, although that number climbs to 3.2 pounds when you factor in stakes, paracord, and straps to lash it to a tree. That is still considerably lighter than carrying a tent, blanket, and a hammock individually, however, and it takes up a lot less room in a backpack too.
Wildish hopes to raise $15,000 to get the hammock into production and if successful, they hope to begin shipping the M.C. Hammie in September at a price tag of $129. Early-bird adopters can pre-order one now for just $99 however as part of the Kickstarter campaign.