When will I receive my order?
It depends on the shipping method you choose, how many orders come in ahead of yours, and sometimes whether the products you order are ready to ship. Sometimes we ship same day, but we ask 3-5 days processing as a general rule. USPS quotes estimated transit times per method at checkout, and you will receive tracking information. Note that at least 10% of the time, USPS fails to scan in parcels that are in fact moving through the system, so “label created; USPS awaiting item” status does not reliably mean we haven’t shipped.
Do you have discount codes for veterans or other heroes, holiday sales, or other promotions?
We do not. We rely mainly on word of mouth among happy customers to drive sales, not discounts. We aim to offer fair, stable prices year-round, and a level of service incompatible with holiday order surges. The coupon code field on our checkout screen is for various adjustments such as consolidating shipping on multiple orders placed the same day. Are you a veteran or first responder? We are both. You’re not missing out.
Do you ship to X country?
We ship worldwide. Our site software will quote the rate before you check out. We provide only accurate customs declarations. We use USPS primarily, as they are generally the most economical. We can ship UPS or DHL, and will often alert you should those options be much cheaper or faster.
Do you do overnight shipping?
No. USPS Priority is fast and reliable. By the time we arrange the expedited shipping, it usually would have been faster the normal way. Also, only some of our products are available instantly off the shelf. Most require processing/assembly from parts, which takes time. Finally, we strongly recommend practicing setup of our stands before needed; rush delivery sometimes means setting up for the first time in trying conditions, with less than great results sometimes!
What are the dimensions of Tensa4 after assembly?
Because all the joints are flexible, the stand is almost infinitely adjustable, so has no fixed dimensions. Final size is driven by the hammock, your body and its weight distribution, and your lay preferences. That said, most users of gathered end hammocks end up with the stand about 6’ wide at the base, between 11 and 12’ along the top, and between 4 and 6’ high (foot end higher than head). The guylines can be offset by a variable amount, from 0 to about 12’
I want to substitute items in Tensa4. Can I do that?
No, we’ve optimized Tensa4 (stand, webbing, anchor variety) for ease of use and functionality. Amsteel lines are visually elegant and very compact, but their lower weight vs webbing makes little meaningful difference in the overall weight of Tensa4. The webbing is more functional, and is more intuitive to use. You can still purchase Amsteel lines or alternate anchors separately, but not instead of the standard offerings. Webbing vs Amsteel does make a difference with Tensa Solo, so that option remains.
I’m debating between Tensa Solo and Trekking Treez. What are the weight limits and which should I get?
If you backpack with trekking poles, Trekking Treez is for you. If you don’t, Solo is better in most ways.
The real weight limiter is not the poles, but the anchors, or rather how well they hold in various ground conditions, and how clever you get exploiting the anchoring opportunities each site presents. Trekking Treez (TT) are rated to 250#, and Solo doesn’t have a formal recommendation – I would be comfortable with 400#. This is both for a pole on one end or both of the hammock – the physics on each pole don’t change.
The weight rating on Trekking Treez is conservative. We did a 24-hour, 600# static load test with no issues. We have also done a brief 550# load on Tensa4 with no permanent deformation of the poles. Solo is a shorter subset of a Tensa4 strut, and strength is a logarithmic function. Solo strength in compression is probably close to 1500# or more.
Which is better for you? When you backpack, how far do you go and do you typically use hiking poles? Solo poles are faster to assemble, slightly taller for both hammock suspension and tarp height, and are more compact. The Solo pole is slightly heavier than the full TT pole and all the weight is carried in your pack. Solo poles can also use the webbing guylines. Solo is also more economical. If you really want the full range, get the Tensa4 and 2 Solo conversion sets. While Todd managed to set up TT inside a cabin we generally say Tensa4 is the only one of our stands suitable to set up indoors.
TT is less weight in your pack since most of the pole is in your hand as a hiking/trekking pole during the walk in. TT works only with Amsteel guylines. Both models can use the same anchors. Our lightest anchor – by far – are the Peggy Pegs.
My sit height is too low with the Trekking Treez or the Solo. What can I do?
Both systems will hang a 12 foot 3 inch GE hammock with enough sit height to keep an UQ off the ground. The key is to keep the suspension between the pole and the hammock gather short. Our suspensions rarely exceed 3 inches, and we achieve our desired head down tilt by removing a segment (or using a lower joint) on the head end. This also has the added benefit of using less ground space.