This is a sort of review of the Kammok Mantis All in one Hammock system. I say “sort of” because this is the first hammock I have ever used so all I can compare it to is my usual practice of bivvying or camping.

In their owns words:

With a breathable hammock body, integrated insect net, and featherlight rainfly, the Mantis all-in-one hammock tent lightens your pack and takes your camping experience off the ground. The Mantis all-in-one hammock system is smaller than your sleeping bag and lighter than a 1-person tent offering a lightweight respite for hikers on trail.

A Review of the Kammok Mantis.

COST: $229

FEATURES:

1 x Hammock body with suspension including 2 patented mini 13kN Kanga Claw carabiners, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene ‘continuous loops’, and 13kN Kanga Claws for suspension ensure safe weight loads up to 500 l
2 x hammock guy outs each with aluminum knotless hooks (Guy outs are 1.5 mm reflective cord)
1 x Bug net (removable)
1 x Integrated structural ridgeline (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene cord ensures a perfect hang angle every time)
1 x Rain fly (Patagium™ 15D diamond ripstop nylon 1,500 PU/Silicone/DWR)
4 x rain fly guy outs (each with aluminum knotless hooks)
8 x Hypalon-reinforced guy out points with built-in linelocks
1 x Python 10 Straps
6 x Dac J-Stakes
1 x Dual-compartment roll top stuff sack (Patagium™ 15D nylon diamond ripstop nylon 1,500 PU/Silicone/DWR)

Testing:

I used the Kammok Mantis all in one hammock system on a weekend canoe trip on Loch Lomond in Scotland and the first thing to say is that its super simple to set up. The whole process took about 5 minutes at most, including the tarp and the ground was difficult to get the pegs stuck into.

I originally slung it a bit low on this so I changed it later but this is the kind of stuff you learn. Another thing I learnt is the importance of insulation underneath you. Experimenting in the night I found a sleeping mat inflated two thirds was best for me. It was enough to keep out the cold and my sleeping bag did the rest.

In colder conditions I think some kind of under blanket would be required, but that of course that would add to the weight. Talking of which the hammock itself is around the size of a bivvy bag and the tarp takes up a little more room, but it compares well in this respect although it weighs a little more at just over a kilo including the tarp (2lb 8.5oz).

It did rain in the night and the tarp was great. Providing it is not too high it keeps the water off and retains some warmer air above the hammock. Warmer air is one of the drawbacks of sleeping with a hammock as inevitably the in-built mosquito net (brilliant for the midges) does allow for considerable airflow.

What’s it like to sleep in the kammok mantis?

The Kammok Mantis is comfortable but if you are not used to using a hammock you have to find the right way to sleep in it. Lying diagonally is the best, something I found out with a little bit of trial and error.

Now, how did I sleep? Well, at first my sleeping mat was over-inflated for the hammock and then I let out too much air and ended up in the middle of the night having to re-inflate it. I then woke up imaging it to be about 5:30 in the morning… it was in fact 8:30 and I felt pretty rested so I have to give it a thumbs up there.

Is it better than a tent?

There is no perfect sleeping set up - bivvy bag, tents and hammocks all have advantages and disadvantages but what I really liked about this Kammok system is the comfort of it. Looking at the sun setting over the loch or falling asleep, gazing at the flickering embers of the fire, whilst gently swinging from side to side in the breeze was pretty awesome.

Conclusion:

I will definitely be using this Kammok on a regular basis and would recommend it to anyone looking to try out a hammock, however, it is worth saying that for me it is probably a fair weather option because I would not want to carry the weight of added insulation to keep warmth under the hammock and in cold climes I would like less air blowing through

Secondly in really bad weather you have the added question of where to store the rest of your kit, in a way that is obviously not a problem a tent.

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