Grand Trunk Air Bivy Extreme Shelter

Friend, there’s lots to love in this under-$150 system (without tree slings and your favorite stakes for the fly). Testers relished (absolutely the right word) the choice of fabrics for the camping hammock’s body and fly. Quick drying even after a drenching, they’re closer to at-home comfort than nearly any system in this Guide. Without compromising a 250lb rating, the stretchy and extended hammock easily fits sleepers up to 6’5” along with more robust occupants. Once again, this is a single-camper option which, when paired with the 20oz rainfly, comes in at about 3lbs with the Grand Trunk Tree Sling Hanging Kit. Inside volume including elbow room is generous, and Active Junky rates Air Bivy high for an all-around recreational hammock in buggier parts of the United States – including for day use at home and cabin. Pitching the seam-taped fly takes practice as the sail-like nylon sheet is tough to manage in higher winds. With an overwhelming positive sleeping experience, even without a pad tucked inside, Grand Trunk’s construction in one specific area threatened to undo a beautiful thing: The mosquito net’s elastic loops that are strung with the suspension cord. Without supplemental Gorilla taping or wider fabric patches sewn to netting, the loops will tear out (it’s only a matter of time). Active Junky testers were willing to experiment instead of having the entire system rendered unusable. Spend another $10 and 2 hours and voila. You’re enjoying the hammock life for years to come.

Pros: Comfort from head to toe, sure attachment points on both ends, no sense of being closed-in even with fly overhead, fast pitching and quick drying

Cons: Mosquito net attachment points need major help, 210T-PU fly is heavier-duty than necessary (but savings money over more technical fabrics

Tester Comments: “Weird but this hammock added an element of luxury to my camping experience. Recommend pitching it early in the day to be able to adjust the tarp stakes as the bad weather protection hinges on two ground stakes. And their ability to handle the stress of air pressure on a relatively-large fly. The attached hammock stuff sack is helpful (when the netting is open), with a smooth-operating extended zipper that rarely snagged or caught. Carabiners are easy operating and secure as well.”

Key Attribute: Comfort

Best For: Pack or paddle, bike touring in places where bugs outnumber humans.