Backpacking hammock with integrated bug net, father of the „Gilis“ – „Cain“.

„Cain“ was the first backpacking hammock I designed. It was the first hammock that started all need.for.trees products. I was looking for a hammock that was long enough and weighed as little as possible. But I couldn’t find anything special on the European market and I thought I would make it myself. I gathered all the knowledge I had about hammocks, chose the best fabrics, the best sewing solutions and that’s how „Cain“ was born. It is one of the lightest hammocks of its kind, and one of the longest, too. I designed this hammock to achieve maximum comfort, but at the same time to keep the weight as low as possible.

How is the „Cain“ hammock better than other hammocks?

1. Length, ensuring comfort

The main aspect I would highlight is the length of the hammock. The „Cain“ is 350 cm long and the longer the hammock, the more comfortable it is. The width also affects the comfort of the hammock, but only up to a certain limit, which in my experience is 150 cm. Widening the hammock more than that adds extra fabric, which starts to fall on the face when lying diagonally and does not add as much to the comfort itself. According to the hammockers rules, the most comfortable hammock is your height times 2. But there are limits to that too. For me, the golden mean is 350 cm, whereas the formula says 380 cm.

2. Premium fabric

The hammock is made from high-quality Ripstop Nylon fabric, providing maximum comfort. The fabric is very pleasant on the skin, resembling soft cotton (even though it’s synthetic), and offers one of the best weight ratings for its class. This fabric is designed to support up to 158 kilograms. The hammock is exceptionally long, measuring 350 cm, and weighs only 410 g (600 g with the mosquito net). The dense mesh of the netting ensures not a single insect gets through, guaranteeing a peaceful rest.

I would also like to point out that the fabric is made without PFC (perfluorinated compounds). I’ve noticed that many manufacturers opt for cheaper alternatives and use fabrics containing PFCs. Most camping gear fabrics are treated with a water-repellent coating (DWR), which often contains such fluorine compounds (PFAS, PFCs) that are biologically persistent, remain in the environment for a long time, and can cause health issues. I encourage everyone to choose gear (sleeping bags, jackets, hammocks, etc.) that is free of PFC compounds, as sometimes the gear we use can silently harm the environment. Read more here.

3. Sewing and technology

When designing „Cain“, I wanted to keep the hammock as minimalist as possible to save as much weight as possible. I therefore chose to integrate the mosquito net into the hammock itself and to use only one non-full-length zipper. „Cain“ is made by professional seamstresses in Samogitia, whose wisdom is put into making quality decisions. All the seams in the hammock are beautifully concealed and there are no unworked areas. The bugnet traps heat inside the hammock during the cold season, thus raising the comfort temperature by 2-3 degrees. As the net is fully removable, it can be easily replaced if damaged. It is also possible to use a wind cover instead of the net, which is even more heat-retaining in the hammock compared to the net.

Features:
• Dyneema® ridge line
• Dyneema® continuous loop
• Fabric – Premium Ripstop nylon, one of the strongest and best materials, The best and most durable material for a hammock
• Water repellent material (PFC free)
• Insect net – Noseeum
• Length – 350 cm (12 ft)
• Width – 150 cm (5 ft)
• Weight – 460 g (1 lbs)
• Can withstand up to 158 kg (safe limit), However, in practice it has been shown to hold 2-3 people with no problems at all
• The smallest size of the hammock when compressed and rolled is 10 x 10 x 10 cm

When should I choose this hammock? The hammock is suitable for use all year round, but it is at its most comfortable in the summer, when no pesky mosquitoes interfere with your rest.

I can also model a few situations:
1. This hammock is a great choice for those who want to start a career in bushcrafting or outdoor recreation in general. The hammock is light, small and has a net. It is an excellent choice for short hikes or for relaxing in nature without investing too much, but with a real quality product that guarantees an unforgettable and insect-free holiday. It is the perfect option for both lying in the garden between jobs and going into the woods to clear your head and restart your soul.
2. This hammock is a compact choice for those who often engage in active leisure activities, long-distance hikes and seek quality comfort/relaxation while keeping the weight of their backpack as low as possible.

Ropes are not part of the hammock. You can buy hammock ropes here: https://needfortrees.lt/product/virves-hamakui/