Hi BM,
Your hammock looks awesome! (MK II Hiker)
I have a couple of questions for you:
What is the temperature rating of the hammock insulation? Assuming you have the sleeping bag that is appropriate to the temp. I.E, if I have a -5C degree sleeping bag, will the hammock insulation alone be able to deal with this or would I need additional insulation?
What is the pack size of the hammock?
what material is on the OUTSIDE (bottom) of the insulation?
Thank you
Kind Regards
Jordan
1. The best way is to look at the hammock as a suspended sleeping mat. Which means you should treat your top insulation and bottom insulation separate. Even if your sleeping bag is rated down to -20 C, you might be sweating and still have a cold back if your bottom insulation is not enough. Our hammocks have diagonal lay and a very relaxed fit which means it only covers about half of your bodys cicumference, it doesn't cocoon/squeeze your body:
2. Standard Hiker is rated to +5 C which basically means me and my girlfriend where comfortable in this temperature. Without a specialised facility that is all I can tell you. Also with the new insulation I have just started using (which gives 25mm - 30mm of loft) there is a big chance it will go lower and I will have to use less of it, well see what people say when temperatures drop
Please also read this post on our website:
http://www.easyhammock.co.uk/blog/how-should-i-interpret-your-temperature-ratings
3. As hammocking is still a new thing and still quite experimental, there is a lot of uncharted field. If you zip up your bag completely, insulation from the back of your sleeping bag (copmressed of course) will add to the insulation properties of the hammock. You can line your hammock with blanket, you can use a conventional underquilt on top of the integrated one to boost the temperature. Not to mention factors like sleeping in your clothes, fitness level, humidity, wind etc.
So my honest answer is, I tried my Hiker in +5C and I was comfortable.
Standard size Hiker compresses down to 11-12 liters, XL down to 14 liters. I use a 20l drybag and can fit my XL Hiker and a 0 C sleeping bag together. Also have a look at both videos on my website, about half way you can see how I unpack the XL.
For the underquilt I use the same ripstop nylon used for the rest of the hammock. I considered a lighter fabric but that would save maybe 30grams in exchange for greater risk of snagging or tearing.
Thank you for your question, please don't hasitate if you have more.