Hammock Hangin' Series - Part 1: Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) OneLink Sleep System

Outdoor Sports Guide readers, welcome to the first in a series of reviews focused on helping you find the best night's sleep you've ever had while camping. I'm talking about hammocks. If you've never tried one, you should. Whether you are a backpacker or car camper, hammocking will reduce your pack weight and increase your zzz's.

For about the next five weeks, you will see reviews for hammocks from five different vendors: ENO, Grand Trunk, Warbonnet, Ticket to the Moon, and Hennessy. Each of these companies makes great hammock gear, but their products are distinct. The point of this exercise is to help you find the hammock setup and features that are right for you.

If all you are looking for is a hammock to lounge around in, you will certainly find some options to choose from here, but these reviews focus on trail-ready hammock systems for backpacking and camping. Systems that will keep you dry when the clouds roll in and keep the bugs from disturbing your beauty sleep. Each one is an all-in-one solution that will get you hangin' right.

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Part 1 of the series is dedicated to ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters), of Ashville, North Carolina, and its OneLink w/ DoubleNest Sleep System (4.5 lbs, $220 as tested, www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com).

The OneLink is a super-versatile concept that lets you customize a setup from ENO's extensive line of products. You choose your hammock, rain tarp, and strap suspension, and ENO takes care of the rest. This review considers the DoubleNest model with Dry Fly and Atlas Straps.

The DoubleNest is made from a single layer of breathable, fast-drying parachute nylon. It's big enough to lounge in with a partner, and at night provides a good diagonal lie for a single sleeper. The DoubleNest stuffs easily into an attached compression sack that doubles as a stash pocket when the hammock is deployed, and the whole thing is washable. Just remove the carabiners and machine or hand-wash cold with a mild detergent.

Diagonal lie: Lying diagonally in a hammock is more comfortable because it puts your body in a flatter position.

Atlas Straps are an incredibly simple solution when it comes to hammock suspension. They weigh a little more than other options, but they are the simplest on the market. Simply thread one end of the strap around a tree or other sturdy, non-electrified object, cinch it tight, and clip the hammock into one of the daisy-chained loops that run the length of the strap. Repeat on the other side of the hammock. It’s so easy, you might even be able to train your dog to do it for you.

The Dry Fly tarp is aptly named. Set-up is easy, and each tree or stake connection is quickly adjustable once it has been guyed out. At first glance the tarp’s fairly minimal shape with large arcing cutouts on the edges concerned me. But even during a couple days of intermittent blustery thunderstorms, the hammock stayed dry. When the weather was nice, It was easy to undo a couple of the tie outs, flip the tarp back over itself, and open up the view.

Every OneLink system also includes a Guardian Bugnet. ENO has made vast improvements over its previous version, which was bulky and overbuilt. The new Guardian uses a supple screen material that installs around any hammock in ENO's  line. A vertical, top-to-bottom zipper simplifies getting in and out of the shelter.

The included superlight aluminum carabiners and stakes round out the system, the components of which are available in a pretty extensive selection of colors. And it all fits into one convenient stuff sack, perfect for storage.

When completely pitched, ENO's OneLink provides a roomy, bug free and secure shelter that is both comfortable and durable. (See photo at right depicting an interior shot of the OneLink, with the author demonstrating a proper diagonal lie. Seriously, dear reader, gear testing is hard work.) 

Last thing. Hammocking is primarily thought of as an outdoor activity, and really it is an outdoor activity, but ENO makes it possible to bring the fun inside with its indoor hammock hanging kit. It installs quickly if you know how to use a stud finder and a drill. Since we installed on in the music room in our house, my kids haven't been able to get enough of it. They love it so much, they are actually willing to take naps again, so long as it is in a hammock.

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OK, you've made it all the way to the end of the first review. So here's some good news for you: for one lucky reader, Outdoor Sports Guide and Eagles Nest Outfitters are going to hook you up with some swag. The contest will begin sometime during the next several weeks as I continue to post hammock reviews. Check back often, and tell your friends.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about the OneLink or hammocking in general, leave a comment below.