Pretty much the flattest hammock you can buy is the Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock, by Jacks-R-Better ( http://jacksrbetter.com/ ). However, the way it gets that flat lay is to use a straight hammock with spreader bars and a weird bridge-like suspension. Some people complain that the configuration feels too narrow and squeezes on their shoulders, which sounds like the exact opposite of what you want. If shoulder squeeze isn't an issue, the BMBH is an outstanding choice.




The other way to reliably get flat in a hammock is to get a really wide hammock, and lie diagonally. The further to the diagonal you can get, the more comfortable you will be. For hammocks with bug nets, the best bet is to get hammocks that have an asymmetrical design, so that you're not wasting space when you lay on the angle. Basically, the hammocks are designed specifically with laying on the angle in mind, so you have more room for your shoulders.

The two most popular asym hammocks that are commercially available are the Hennessey Hammock ( http://hennessyhammock.com/ ) and Warbonnet Blackbird ( http://warbonnetoutdoors.net/ )

Of those two, the HH is made in China, has a funky bottom entry, and is easily available at REI. The REI bit is good, as you can take advantage of their generous return policy if you don't like it. The WBBB is hand-made in the USA, so it's a bit more expensive, but it's WAY MORE SPACIOUS inside, and custom-built to order, so if you're a bigger dude you can get thicker fabric, or two layers of fabric to place a sleeping pad between them.

Pretty much the most spacious commercial asym hammock you can get is the warbonnet blackbird (that's the hammock I use!). I find the lay to be very comfortable and flat, with very little "banana" shape to my back. The trick is to make sure you really lay on the diagonal.



The most important thing to worry about is to NOT try to lay flat by yanking the hammock crazy tight. That will almost always give the opposite effect of what you want. The trick to laying flat is to have the hammock nice and LOOSE, and lay on an angle. Once you've tried it, it will make perfect sense.