Gear Review – Eagles Nest Outfitters SingleNest Hammock and Atlas Straps

As this year is coming to a close, I started to reflect on all the things I did and did not accomplish over the past eleven months. While the “did” were large in number, I needed to really think about the “did not” list. For this, I was glad I was able to relax in my SingleNest hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO).

Eagles Nest Outfitters provides many comfortable and durable hammocks, suspension systems and overall sleep systems which can include bug netting and sleeping pad attachments. I was fortunate enough to try out a SingleNest version of their hammock as well as their Atlas Straps Suspension System.

While this review covers both the hammock and suspension system, I will start with the initial thoughts, then go into the latter. I was initially surprised by the size and lightweight packages that both the hammock and straps came in. The hammock has its own included compression sack which makes setup and take down a little easier. The straps also came with their own “ditty bag” and regardless of it being another piece of equipment, the bag becomes an essential part of the entire package.

Atlas Strap Suspension System

One of the things, I have never been a fan of when using a hammock is the setup. With the Atlas Strap Suspension System, this became a non-issue. After using nylon rope, paracord, and various other hanging mechanisms, the system became a quick favorite in my book.

The simplicity is what makes it all happen. For starters, it has 30 adjustment points and is as simple as wrapping the polyfilament webbing around the tree and dropping one end through the provided loop and then tightening. With each strap rated at 200lbs a piece, I was not worried about having to double up on securing my hammock. Each one is 9′ long and it was simple to just clip my carabiner into the loop and quickly get set in the hammock regardless of how far apart the trees were.

The “ditty bag” became essential, not just for carrying the straps but for use while the straps were being utilized. I was able to gather some items and used the bag for holding and carrying and it easily slips into the hammock mounted compression sack either with or without its contents.

From the site: Atlas Strap Suspension System

• Rated at 400lbs (200lb per strap)
• 9′ in length x 1″ width
• 11oz in weight
• MSRP: $29.95

While there are others listed on their site for specific needs, I am a huge fan of the Atlas system.

SingleNest Hammock

After starting my adventures with a jungle hammock many years ago and graduating to a handmade net hammock from Mexico, I think I have yet again, set my bar high. The SingleNest was big enough for me to stretch out in whether sitting, laying straight, or laying off-center. I am 6′-0″ and 270lbs, so length and weight capacity is a big factor in my book. At 4’7″w x 9’4″l with a 400lb capacity rating, I was not skeptical of pushing the hammock to the limit. There was plenty of room for me and some of my EDC equipment, including sidearm.

As mentioned above the setup was very quick due to the suspension system, but if I had to tie up to the system, it devalues the equipment exponentially. That being said, I was able to quickly clip the Aluminum Wiregate Carabiners to the straps and be in a prone position in the hammock in approximately 3 minutes. With the weight of 17oz, just over a pound, I have no issues putting this in my backpack.

This does lead me to another point. In the compression sack, the hammock folds down into a softball size mass and both it and the Atlas system fit in minimal space within my pack. With both bags being less than 2lbs combined I will gladly make that tradeoff.

From the site: SingleNest Hammock

• Rated at 400lbs
• 4’7″ width x 9’4″ length
• 17oz in weight
• MSRP: $59.95
• Nautical Grade Line – Rope Weave
• Aluminum Wiregate Carabiners

The Field Test

While the video shows me doing the actual setup in a contained environment, we did try this out in the field. I used it during a five day outing and went all out, meaning, I did not have a backup plan for sleeping arrangements.

I placed a tarp over the top, wool poncho as the liner and covered with military wool blankets. It did get cold enough two of the nights for me to also use my sleeping bag. It was easy to setup and take down which is evident from both the video below and the statements above. During the test, the weight capacity was never encroached upon during sleep, despite all the wool. However, I did add one of my 80lb. dogs to the hammock and once he settled in my lap, despite me being uncomfortable, there were no audible sounds of breaching the limits of the hammock. Visibly, there were no tears or thinning of materials and the carabiners kept their shape which indicated no stress on them either.

The strap system did well also and visibly, other than a little bit of pine sap, there were no signs of stress.

One Final Test

My family hung three hammocks on the trip and mine was the only one from ENO. Because of the sleeping configuration, one of the hammocks was strapped to a tree on one end and to the Jeep roll bar at the other. Thinking this would be another way to test the system, I tried it with my SingleNest and Atlas Suspension. Incredible, is the one word I can use for the result.

After testing load bearing, strength and ease of use, and since the video was shot after the trip, you can tell, it made it through all of it. I highly recommend both the SingleNest and the Atlas Straps Suspension.

One complaint? Being fair to all parties involved, if I had to complain about one thing, it would definitely be to grab a larger hammock. While I fit comfortably in the SingleNest, I think something like the size of the DoubleNest would be better or even the Reactor with its included sleeve to place your sleeping pad. But hey, for the price point and ease of use, you cannot beat it.

Purchase one and add it to your backpacking, prepping or overall survival gear. You will be glad you did.

Until then,

Use your instincts to survive