Cosy, space-saving, simple and ingenious: the hammock has been regarded as a traditional, safe place to sleep since the Mayans in South America - and for good reason. Columbus is said to have brought it from the Bahamas to Europe, from where it spread around the world as the perfect place to rest on ships.
And the hammock is also a great base for the bikepacking camp. Modern ultralight hammocks made from high-performance textiles weigh little, take up hardly any space and are quick to set up. Dangling at a height of 50 centimetres, creepy-crawlies, ground moisture, bumps or sharp stones are no shock.
Semptec hammock with mosquito net from mail order company Pearl
511 grammes, 23.95 euros
This hammock from the own brand of the mail order company Pearl, which originally started out earning its money with cheap electronic gadgets, is a great tip for hammock beginners. For less than 25 euros, you get an almost unbeatable value package here.
The model shown is made of wafer-thin nylon and can withstand up to 200 kilograms. The firmly sewn mosquito net is tensioned with a rubber cord and protects against flying (and crawling) pests. Access is via a zip on the side. When turned upside down, the hanging minimalist house becomes a conventional hammock. Hammock hangers are not included.
+ light, compact, comfortable, two trees are enough
- only works with trees, no protection from weather or insects (without accessories)
Semptec gas stove with hose connection for screw-in cartridges by Semptec
147 grammes, 24.95 euros
Sure, there are smaller and even lighter gas cookers. But this three-legged stainless steel burner with a 30-centimetre-long steel flex hose connection is stable even on uneven surfaces, and it is outrageously affordable.
A great practical advantage: because the control valve for the gas volume is not located directly on the burner, but on the cartridge at a safe distance from the flame, there is less risk of burning yourself or knocking something over. In addition, the three legs run pleasingly far inwards, so that even the small espresso maker with a base diameter of four centimetres or more can be safely accommodated. The manufacturer specifies a maximum output of 3500 watts and a consumption of 160 grams of gas (butane-propane mix) per hour.
Incidentally, the cooker and screw-in cartridges can also be separated again for transport; a non-return valve then prevents the gas from escaping and both parts can be packed separately in your luggage. The cooker is supplied with hose and connection valve, without gas cartridge or coffee boiler.
+ Price, function, weight, materials
- Difficult to regulate the gas flow with a very low flame
Sebastian Brust
Editor
