Review: Therm-A-Rest Slacker Hammock

Review: Slacker Double (2-Person) Hammock
Manufacturer: THERM-A-REST

Essential or Luxury? That was the question we asked ourselves about the Slacker Hammock from Therm-A-rest.

As a bed, a place to rest or as a motorcycle cover, this one hammock ticks a lot of boxes both as an essential carry item and as a luxury product. Based on it’s solid construction, flexibility, not to mention the “cool points” it generates, as you gently swing between a couple of coconut trees, maybe you should consider packing one for your next trip.

Lisa and I have been using the Slacker Hammock for about 6-months, but bear in mind that we live on the road, so in that time it’s had a lot of use. Generally speaking Lisa and I only review items that we’ve extensively used (and abused) and we think merit the words, and the Slacker Hammock definitely merits a few words.

You’ve probably seen a thousands ads or post about hammocks, they’re all over the internet. Well, until recently Lisa and I had presumed that we would only carry a hammock as a luxury item, if we genuinely had spare space, which, quite frankly, we never do. However, when the Slacker Hammock arrived, both Lisa and I were surprised by just how small the hammock-pack actually was. It was time to re-think!

The Slacker double hammock, as the name suggest is built for two, or wonderfully generous for a person like me at 6ft 3”. It ships stuffed into an integrated stuff sack that also acts as a pocket when the hammock is hung and in use. We jam our hammock into an additional compression sack and we can squeeze it down to around one-liter volume. The hammock comes in at 650grams, which considering it size, we’re more than happy with.

Construction

Made of 100% rip-stop polyester, the Slacker is engineered as a signal piece construction. What that really means is no connecting seams, that might otherwise creates pressure points against your skin and potentially ruin that comfortable snooze you had planned. Now, aren’t you glad you know that?

Strength

As a single piece construction, the hammock is also stronger than a traditional stitched travel hammock. We’ve all heard the expression “only as strong as the weakest link”, well a hammock is only as strong as the seams that hold it together. So, no seams, equals more strength and a hammock that is more resilient to wear and tear.

The double-Slacker is rated for 400 pounds (181 KG) so, it will easily handle to adults.

As with any good product, it should be easy to use. Let’s face it, if you're having to do battle with a product, eventually frustration builds up and you stop using it.

The Slacker hammock is child’s play and a breeze to put up. Out of the bag, I had it up, hung and ready to use the first time in less than sixty seconds. Our hammock came supplied with two straps, which easily adjust for size, allowing you to hang the hammock from a variety of anchor points, ranging from a hook in a wall to the trunk of a thick tree. Two sturdy carabineers come with the hammock, which makes attaching the straps fast, safe and secure. If you’re looking to hang your hammock where space is an issue, we’ve used the supplied carabineers with cord, and ditched the straps, which require more space.

Setting Up.

Hanging the hammock, as I mentioned above, is child’s play. Place the straps around your anchors points, and attached the carabineers to the straps. Adjust the strap length using the adjustable buckles, and set the hammock so it sits about knee high from the floor. Climb in, lie back and enjoy.

Where this hammock really shines is as a reclining chair. With the straps set up properly, both Lisa and I can sit in the Slacker at 90 degree and lean back against the material and read or even work away on the laptops.

Other Uses.

We’ve also used the hammock as a bike cover to hide our motorcycles from prying eyes. The straps and carabineers easily allowed us to tie the hammock in place so it stayed put.

We’re now carrying the hammocks as a regular item. It’s packs small, has a variety of uses and is great for kicking back at the end of along day. Sure, earning a few cool points as you sip on an iced beer also has to be considered.

Pros:

• Portable
• Fast drying
• Small pack size
• Stuff sack built in
• Comfortable
• Seamless construction
• Strong
• Rated for 400 pounds (181 KG)
• Easy to use and adjust
• Multi-use

Con’s:

• Pack size could be smaller.
• More adjustability on the straps would be nice.

Prodcut Spec’s- Double Hammock

• Color Cayenne, Gray, Moss, Celestial, Alpine Meadow, Plum, Bluebird
• Weight (Standard) , 1 lbs 7 oz
• Weight (Metric) 0.65 kg
• Packed dimension (Standard) 9 in x 12 in
• Packed dimension (Metric) 23 cm x 30 cm
• Weight Capacity (Standard) 400 lbs
• Weight Capacity (Metric) 181.44 kg
• Material(s) 6061 Aluminum carabiners
• Hammock Length (Metric) 295 cm
• Hammock Length (Standard) 116 in
• Hammock Width (Metric) 188 cm
• Hammock Width (Standard) 74 in
• Country of Origin USA*Built of the Finest U.S. and Global Materials

 Where to buy: 4theoutdoors.com