So which one is right for you?
Do you weigh more than 250lbs?
Then the Big Guy Bridge is the only option for you. It’s the only bridge hammock model currently rated for 250-350+ pound users. So you can go with a different type of hammock… but if you want to try a bridge hammock this is currently your only option.
What does 350+ pounds mean?
A 400 lb limit seemed too limiting, and not honest enough about what to expect. I have found that around 350lbs, even the Big Guy isn’t big enough for everyone. There are a few folks in the 390lb range who use the Big Guy, there are a few folks at 340lbs who found the Big Guy didn’t do it. One day, we might even offer The Mountain Hanger– a prototype we are working on for those few the Big Guy didn’t deliver for.
What about SUPER ULTRA LIGHT Bridges?
Towns-End builds the lightest bridges in the world. The absolute lightest would be Just a Bridge, followed by the Happy Medium. But even the Luxury has some options to lighten things up for those under 225lbs. For what it does… even the Big Guy Bridge is relatively light.
Does the extra space of the Big Guy sound great, but you’re under 250 lbs?
The Luxury Bridge is just that. Because the Big Guy is built for a heavier person- it will be firm or even too firm for a lighter person, so we created the Luxury to deliver the same BIG size but with more appropriate fabric and structure to support lighter users.
I’m Super Tall! (or super short)
All the premium bridges (Big Guy, Luxury, Happy Medium) have 8′ or more of usable bed length. You’d have a hard time finding another sleep system with this much room.
Super short; probably means narrower shoulders too, so the Happy Medium makes more sense.
I weigh 225lbs-250lbs now what?
(Comfort)Do you like a soft or firm mattress at home? The lighter Luxury will give you a softer ‘bed’, while the firmer Big Guy will give you a firmer one. If you plan to belly sleep- Big Guy.
(Trail Weight)Are you backpacking and worried about weight- Luxury, or Happy Medium.
Could you give a crap about the weight in your car, canoe, etc?- Maybe Big Guy, if it’s not too firm.
Durability- The Big Guy will last longer if this is your priority.
I want to use a pad, so I have to buy the Big Guy right? (Double Layer vs Single Layer)
Nope. The Big Guy is a STRUCTURAL double layer. It’s there to support the higher user weights, not for your pad. You can’t put a pad between the layers. That said, all our bridges are designed to work with a pad by use of the adjustable ridgeline. You just slap in the pad and sleep on it, just like the ground. If you want to put a sheet on your pad, go for it, but you won’t find integrated bedsheets sold here.
I tried another bridge and it didn’t work for me (shoulder squeeze)-
Did you literally try it and not last a night? Then the Luxury or Big Guy would be the way to go.
Did you sleep in one for a bit and shoulder squeeze became a problem? The Happy Medium provides more bedspace that the other options… you might be pleasantly surprised!
I tried another bridge and there was another problem-
Heels smashed, knees hyper extended, the edge bit into my knees/elbows or limited sleep positions. Those are common issues I hear about, and I’d like to think we can resolve or improve on them. There are some trade-offs, so please discuss the details with us if you’re not sure.
I’m having problems sleeping in the woods- can you help?
Check out this article- Hammocks- plain and simple. Shoot us an email if that doesn’t help.
ARL stands for? (Adjustable Ridgeline) and how does that work?
It’s technically optional (without the bugnet) but you really should use it. Our bridges use a STRUCTURAL ridgeline, so this line should be tight, not loose like other hammocks. While it does work as a guideline to setup your hammock more consistently, it is also meant to be part of the bridge. The ARL controls the softness of the center. So if you want to sleep on your back or your hip is hurting when sleeping on your side- then you soften up the center for more give. If you want to sleep on your belly- you firm up the center of the bridge so your low back isn’t hurting. In gathered end hammock terms, it’s the ‘banana buster’ if you like. So remember it this way- SHORTEN= SOFTER… longer = firmer. For most- the middle of the range is about right, but feel free to tune it a half inch at a time to get it just right for you.
What about STUPID LIGHT BRIDGES?
Towns-End did that too. That’s actually the only reason the Big Guy Bridge is possible. The original Micro Bridge was driven down to 9.25 ounces (including Aluminum spreader bars) it also clearly crossed into Stupid Light territory and is no longer offered. With advances in materials and knowledge; full size bridges in the 11-18 ounce range seems to be ‘Light, but right’.
Carbon Fiber?- well aren’t you fancy.
Yes. Some models feature Carbon Fiber poles or options to upgrade to them. This has been a common upgrade by experienced bridge users so we offer them directly by sourcing them from Ruta Locura. If you want the lightest, you have to use the lightest materials. If you’re more budget minded than UL minded… we use quality Aluminum poles.
Your bridges look amazing- why are they so !)% &*(#! Expensive?
They are hard to make. A basic gathered end takes about 20-30 minutes to sew. Most of our premium bridges take about eight hours to build. Plenty of folks offer cheaper stuff, but very few offer this stuff. So please! If you simply WANT our stuff but can’t afford it, try the other stuff. Use the money you save to get out and enjoy the woods!
But if you NEED our stuff, most agree it’s worth paying for. A good sleeping pad or down quilt costs about $200-$300. Same with a decent tent, or this thing or that thing that you buy… kinda the way it goes these days.