phxkayaker wrote on Apr 19^th, 2010 at 1:10am:


Quote:


I knew it was a good idea

I too use the Henessey insulation system but if I were doing it over I'd build my own underhung insulation from a US military surplus nylon poncho liner ( (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)).  

I love the poncho liner because it compresses down very nicely but is really warm.  A poncho liner goes on every trip with me now.

I use the under cover and insulation pad, and have been very happy with the results in colder weather.  In most cases, the undercover alone is enough to insulate and cut the wind.  It also provides added protection from mosquitoes.

Oh Magic, one is never to old to learn new tricks; just have to learn the one that works for U to float the personal boat. Maybe I should have put a caveat with that shared technique of mine....an attribution of elfin dexterity. I must admit that I oogle over Big Agnes, nice gear, but I have limited myself to only their un-mumu like tents, oh Mrs. Claus,...the bags are bit heavy for my small frame. I will be sure to dawn my magic ears and hat when I get around to the forthcoming recording of the caveated technique. Been a little tied up with working out the particulars with a new lean plus one from CCS. Dry runs, testing, and in my case wet runs are always so illuminating are they; nothing like the backyard classroom. I am glad you are learning more; what fun, right

Marlin
I planned on doing basically the same thing as you do.  Just to make sure I had every thing I needed I strung the hammock in the yard to tried out my sleeping arrangement.   After struggling for about an hour I got semi comfortable.  After that hour of struggling to get on the pad and in the bag  I needed a rest.  As I lay there for about 15 minutes I rolled up on my side and the pad shot out from under me and came down on top of me.  At that point I decided that did not work for me.  I have used a big Agne$ with an air mattress and done well.  I am 180+LB and 60+ years so maybe I am to old to learn that trick.
MagicPaddler

Oh...I also run lady thermarests as they are lighter with better R values, ditto on the bags too.

Yah it is a bottom entry hammock. All the bags I own are just plain old mummy bags. Practice makes perfect...and I was highly motivated as I hate having a cold back. I still move pretty good...not one of those 40 + beached whale types and the Hen. is spacious for me. I string the hammock as tight as I can get it with "clove" hitches then bounce a bit to stretch rope and then adjust if necessary; I like to sleep on my side and move very little-probably from all the years in a bag, not the bag! Its got to be tight then she wont settle, and I wont end up in a knot by mornin'. I am light so I dont get much line stretch.  

I suppose technique(tamed down) could best be described as a cross between a modified crab walk, twister half full, and some of the things I use to do when i was old enough to know better and still young enough to still do them anyway; like now.

The thermarest is under inflated so i fold it half then unfold and adjust then skouch in the bag (like putting on the second sock...its rooooolled on) before I have her turn out the light

Totally doable. When I get time I will do a video and post link. I mean that

Marlin
How do you get in the hammock, on top of the thermarest, and inside your sleeping bag?  Did you do this with a bottom entry hammock?  Did you have a sleeping bag with a pad pocket?
Magicpaddler

 phillydog,

Here's something you could try? I think it would really help in any weather condition. Not sure if the Hennessey has a bottom entrance, in which case you would need to modify this idea.

Buy a couple of those space blankets, not the cheap gold/silver aluminized one's, but the kind that are made of rip-stop material with only one side reflective and grommets on the border. I have used one as a ground cloth for 20+ years, and it's still rip free.

Hang your hammock and determine how long it is with with you in it. Take the space blankets and lay out the long way, overlapping them enough to stitch together.  You want the over-all length of space blankets to be LONGER than your hammock.

String up your hammock, and using clips/clothespins etc, fit the blanket to the hammock. When you pin up each end, you need to leave a hole for hammock straps, allowing enough room to stitch up the remaining end.

When you string hammock, you just slide hanging strap thru end hole and you have a similar rig as the hammock mosquito nets.
 You can use Velcro/snaps to close the top off once your in hammock or not. A little experimentation in the back yard should work the kinks out
It will cut down on wind/evaporative heat loss, reflect body heat back and give you a place for clothes storage.
I don't think condensation will be problem, as you can open the top as you need.
You could clip/pin everything together before sewing up, and if it doesn't fit you needs or is to unwieldy, you just wind up with a couple of space blankets/ground cloths

I use a partially inflated thermarest. A space blanket might also be of assistance.