Introduction

Butt in a Sling (BIAS) is a cottage manufacturer based in Tennessee, USA that makes some of the lightest and most comfortable hammocks on the market. Their hammocks are all eleven feet (335 cm) long and use ridgelines for a consistent hang. The Weight Weenie Micro is the original model and is available in a variety of widths while the Weight Weenie Micro HD 1.0 is available in one width and uses a slightly heavier and softer fabric. Both hammocks are available with a variety of options. Add the BIAS Suspension Kit and Nano Buginator bug net, and you have a versatile, comfortable, and ultralight hammock setup!

Features and Specifications

Weight Weenie Micro Hammock

Features:

• Standard 9 ft (274 cm) fixed ridgeline
• Gathered ends with continuous loops
• Includes matching stuff sack
• Made in the USA
• Optional modifications include (not reviewed):
  • Four different widths (narrowest width (52 in / 132 cm) tested)
  • Adjustable Ridgeline
  • Knotty Mod (to create a pocket at the head and foot)
  • Double Layer Mod (for using a sleeping pad)
• Optional $25 suspension kit includes straps, aluminum toggles, and a set of whoopie slings (Everything needed for hanging the hammock.)

Specifications:

• Materials (body): 0.9 oz Military grade ripstop nylon
• Materials (cord): Continuous loops – 7/64 in AmSteel braided Dyneema; ridgeline- 2.2 mm Zing It
• Weight: 6.4 oz (183 g) measured; (manufacturer claim: 6.7 oz (189 g)
• Stuff Sack Weight: 0.3 oz (7 g)
• Measurements: 132 in x 52 in (335 cm x 132 cm)
• Capacity: 200 lbs (136 kg)
• Cost: $49.95

Weight Weenie Micro HD-1.0 Hammock

Features:

• Standard 9 ft (274 cm) fixed ridgeline
• Gathered ends with continuous loops
• Includes matching double-ended stuff sack
• Made in the USA
• Reviewed options:
  • Knotty Mod (to create a pocket at the head and foot +$30)
  • Multiple color options (Khaki reviewed)
• Non-reviewed optional modifications include:
  • Adjustable Ridgeline
  • Double Layer Mod (for using a sleeping pad)
• Optional $25 suspension kit includes straps, aluminum toggles, and a set of whoopie slings (everything needed for hanging the hammock)

Specifications:

• Materials (body): 1.0 oz ripstop nylon
• Materials (cord): Continuous loops – 7/64 in AmSteel braided Dyneema; ridgeline- 2.2 mm Zing It
• Weight: 6.7 oz (200 g) measured; (manufacturer claim: 7.3 oz (209 g)
• Stuff Sack Weight: 0.3 oz (9 g)
• Measurements: 132 in x 58 in (335 cm x 147 cm)
• Capacity: 215 lbs (98 kg)
• Cost: $67.95; $97.95 as tested with Knotty Mod

Butt in a Sling Suspension Kit

Features:

• Includes tree straps, adjustable whoopie slings, and aluminum toggles
• Tree straps available in two sizes (72 in and 100 in) and two colors (black or camo)

Specifications:

• Tree straps: 1 in polyester webbing (discontinued 58 in (147 cm) length tested)
• Whoopie slings: 12 ft (365 cm) of AmSteel Blue Dyneema
• Total kit weight: 4.2 oz (119 g)
• $28.85-$31.85 ($25.00-$27.00 with hammock)

Nano Buginator SUL Bug Net

Features:

• “Fronkey style” bugnet – bottom entry with shock cord and cordlock
• Full bug protection
• Fits hammocks up to 11 ft (335 cm)
• End closures with cordlocks
• Included stuff sack

Specifications:

• Materials: .5 oz No-See-Um netting
• Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g) measured; (manufacturer claim: 5.0 oz (141g)
• Stuff Sack Weight: 0.2 oz (5 g)
• Cost: $82.95 ($77.95 if purchased with a hammock)

Review Context

I have used hammocks as a backpacking sleep system for many years. More recently, I have also been interested in using hammocks as an Ultralight Luxury item – something to provide relaxation and comfort in camp during more relaxed or family trips. These hammocks were reviewed with versatility in mind – both as a sleep system and as a luxury item in camp. For me, a versatile hammock needs to meet the following criteria:

• Comfortable for both relaxation and overnight sleeping
• Modular, with removable bug netting
• Lightweight – preferably less than 12 oz (340 g) including the suspension system, or less than 16 oz (454 g) with bug netting
• Easy to set up, adjust, and take down