My New Tensa Solo Hammock Stand

[@MotoGiant]

I thought I knew what the Tensa was before you posted this, I was wrong - pretty slick setup if you dont have trees and you want to swing anyway. I was also waiting for the whole thing to collapse on you....? My favorite line? " I don't know what I am doing, and I don't know what I am talking about. " That is awesome - 1,000 videos, and not knowing has never stopped me from running MY mouth? :)

[@mediocreman561]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. Ha ha. I was scared and was stalling to sit on it. But I do admit, it is very sturdy. I have been messing with it at the reserves since I got it and it really is a nice kit. If I had known, I would have just bought the poles and the rest got it from Home Depot. The boom stakes, which I didn’t show, were 30 dollars. But had I known I would have gotten long nails and used them for way cheaper. The guy lines can be regular webbing from Home Depot, or 4 hammock webbing straps. But the orange screws are great. They are easy to use and my go to. Best stakes for the price on amazon. They are good for soft to medium ground hardness, which is supposed to be sand worthy. I haven’t tried that part but I can’t wait to use it when I go camping. Tomorrow morning I am going to use my firebox nano stove and small skillet for some real cooking at the preserves. Hey! Do you use sleeping pads/under quilt for your hammock, or just go without it? My yard is too small for me to set up the stands and sleep with the hammock overnight enough to see if it’s cold at night.

[@MotoGiant]

@@mediocreman561 Wow, I hope you are planning on recording the Nano cookout? I am sure you dont have a microphone but that is the only thing I can recommend so far. I use an underquilt for the hammock, but have also used a groundpad but I tend to roll and slip off the pad. I am planning a big cross country trip in two weeks, and will be doing a gear video then (for myself as much as anyone else) I really want to see you work the kinks out and I like your style - you should really consider getting into not only the moto-camping thing, but YouTubing the journey, I am sure there are thousands just like you trying to figure it all out too, and it is very pleasing to watch the fails as well as the wins - do both!

[@mediocreman561]

@@MotoGiant Moto Giant I plan on recording it! I you have created a monster. Ha ha. I just finished modding a skillet i bought a while ago with a foldable handle, so it will be a test cook with the handle the way it is on the stove. I really like the versatile nature of the firebox though. I do admit, i like taking the camping stuff into a modular minimalist approach. As for the camera, i already had a hero session 5 and bought 2 hero 4 session cameras from a pawn shop for real cheap, so that is where the three angles come in. I'm not sure if those cameras have a microphone option? If not, that will suffice for now until i get a better camera in the future. I do like the idea of vlogging though. I was surprised at how enjoyable it was to make it. The editing not so much, but it is a learning experience and worth the effort. As for the pad, or quilt, I'm not sure on which way to go, but I'm sure that i will record my thoughts on it now. Ha ha.

[@MotoGiant]

@@mediocreman561 I have been shooting video since the 80's, uploading since the 90's and 'vlogging' only for a few months now - but I am shocked how much I enjoy it too? I think the new format will come in really handy on this trip, as I am planning on a 2-3 minute update from the road (not really into editing on the road). The Sessions don't have a mic option ( I have one at the bottom of a lake I am trying to retrieve - story soon) which I was I have the DJI Osmo - it the single best action camera I have ever owned (been thru 15 already) I can't wait to see what you put out next, looking forward to all of it.

[@mediocreman561]

@@MotoGiant I agree. I kind of think that the vlogging could be a digital version of journal keeping with pictures and an added benefit of people responding and interacting with the experience. I have been watching a Doug Conlin on KZbin and he seems to be the more vlogging his thoughts and experiences while traveling from Michigan to Florida on a bicycle. He doesn't post until he has more downtime or has internet. Check him out, if you haven't. I see you and him hold similar ideas of life. Enjoying the moments and doing what feels appropriate at the time and enjoying the ride. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGqxqHekeL-nbNU 15 cameras? I hope they all didn't end up in the same spot? Ha ha. Can't wait for the video. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@cleverchimp]

Nice review. Note: the Orange Screws you got 4/$24 are the smaller ones. Tensa sells the larger ones at $12/ea that hold better in more conditions. You can use the stake cases as toggles to connect the straps to the stake eyes without having to pull the strap all the way through.

[@ryanpropst7882]

I just bought the Tensa4, which is a slightly more expensive/sturdier version of the Solo but you can buy a modest cost item to convert the Tensa4 into 2 Solos and after seeing your video here and set up, I might when I can save the funds (it's between $69 and $115 I think based on config choices) to have a single or 2 solo's from my one Tenas4. Great Video and thanks for sharing.......

[@mediocreman561]

@Ryan Propst Thank you for watching the video. I have been using the solo stands for a few years now. I bring both, but for the most part I use one. It is a good piece of kit and lighter, if you don't car camp. The Tensa4 is also good for indoor use, if I'm not mistaken?

[@ryanpropst7882]

@@mediocreman561 Yes it has a variety of uses, which I like, tho I JUST got mine in, been saving up, and just using it next week for the first time and why I'm watching thur Video's here for advice and saw your's here detailing the solo. The one I have can be used car camping, short backing back trips, with one tree, no trees, car if you have a roof rack and can connect, indoors etc. and I like the variety of options it offers, plus when I can invest in the solo conversion kit would give me one or 2 solos's and I can take someone with and have same options ;). It's not inexpensive but it is so modular and just is well designed and thought out and worth the investment long term I believe. Time will tell ;)

[@mediocreman561]

@@ryanpropst7882 Awesome! I looked at the Tensa4 and reall liked it except I needed something smaller for my purposes. I do love the people at Tensa and how helpful they are. I bought the trekking pole hammock stands and they are amazing. Have a wonderful time using and experiencing the use of the Tensa outdoors! And thanks for the comments and views.

[@clutchv9156]

I appreciate that you showed the first time set up. I'm glad to see that you used the webbing as well. I'm a heavier guy than you so I will probably use the longer spikes or the longer screws if I order one. Great video!

[@mediocreman561]

@Clutch V I am glad that you got something from the video. The Orange screws that i got from Amazon are shorter than the ones that Tensa sells. I also got the 40 mm boom stakes. They do the job. I'd definitely would recommend getting both sets from Tensa. The people there are very knowledgeable and help a great deal when contacted. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@panchovillasmith8218]

Curious kif you ever tried this thing. As a fellow big guy wondering what your review would be.

[@Peppymoke]

Great Review! At the end the posts where quite steep I figured. You could fasten the orange straps to lock the poles into place at the right angle.

[@michaelsupple6081]

Nice review! I'm also a motorcyclist and I'm considering the one pole only system . I can't recall a time I haven't been able to find at least one solid anchor point. It would be really nice to only carry one small pole on the bike. Thanks for sharing.

[@mediocreman561]

@Michael Supple Thanks for commenting. I'm glad that you found this helpful. The people at Tensa are awesome and reapond very quickly to anything you wish to know. I have used these poles several times this year and they are awesome, whether it's just one or both poles. They are an incredible investment.

[@michaelsupple6081]

Salvatore Vavalle Thanks for that additional info. I think I’m going to give the single pole a try next season. In the woods it’s never an issue but sometimes at State parks I’ve had to pass on some sweet spots because I could only find one suitable tree. It will be super easy to carry on my motorcycle.

[@mediocreman561]

@@michaelsupple6081 You are most welcome! I'm glad that i could help. I tried my hand at motorcycle camping this year and really liked it. I do admit, that I'm torn between hammock and tent camping though. I am still learning and trying to find, or make gear to fit my motorcycle camping journey. I did make a portable plasticore table that is pretty sturdy that makes a wonderfully compact and important piece of kit as well as got a hammock that converts into a ground tent. The hammock tent, which is called the Haven Hammock tent, is something that i got late this season, so i have not gotten a chance to try it out. I want to do a review video but my PC is having trouble & I can't post anything that I've done so far. But I will hopefully do this when I can. In the meantime, I can suggest the Haven Hammock tent site for you to look into. I personally like the idea of having an option for either one. Here is the site. Haven Tents haventents.com/

[@michaelsupple6081]

@@mediocreman561 That is an interesting design. I feel the hammocks far surpass the comfort level of any ground pad or inflatable air mattress I've tried so for me the small inconvenience of carrying an extra pole like the Tensa would be completely worth it. I have the Warbonnet Ridgerunner which is made in the USA. It also uses spreader bars but in a different configuration. I've tried many hammocks and hiked the Appalachian Trail with one and this is my favorite by far. www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/product/ridgerunner-hammock/

[@johnruggiero5043]

Nice job. You might want to seriously consider an under quilt and top quilts. My summer set are made from Costco Down Throws. You can find tons of instructions on KZbin to make them. My Tensa Solo conversion kits just arrived. I already have a Tensa 4 and love it but I camp out of a kayak and wanted to lighten my load a bit. Hammocks got me back outdoors I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

[@BybycheKaby]

Nice try ! But I guess you should have made the gap a little more wider between the pole in order to tention the ridge line on your hammock. But those kind of things requires a lot of testing and trial before getting it right!

[@brianc1651]

Great video! Really interested in this. Does this come with both poles or just one?

[@mediocreman561]

Brian C Just on. The Tensa Solo Hammock Stand is a single item. I bought two stands for the times when there are no options for trees. Each stand comes with your choice of the orange screw stakes, or the boomstakes, and you can also choose different types of guy lines. One stand comes with 2 stakes and 2 guy lines. It really is a nice set-up.