I took the Underblanket to the Moot to try it out. Here are my thoughts....
packing the Underblanket
It compresses into a small bundle about half again the size of the group buy hammock so it does not take up too much pack space.
setting up
The Underblanket sets up quickly. the two inner shock cords at each end were clipped into the karabiners at each end of my hammock and the outer cords looped over the ridge line above my hammock I hang my kit from (although they could be clipped into the end karabiners).
The side shock cords can be adjusted to make the Underblanket hug the body more closely. Setup takes seconds.
The Underblanket in use
Upon getting into the hammock, the first thing I noticed was warmth. It's windproof and insulating. After a minute in the hammock I moved the Underblanket away from underneath me and the difference was significant.
There have been some concerns about the size of the Underblanket but I'm 6' tall and XXL
and found that the Underblanket came to below my heels and above my head and wrapped around my shoulders. Some increase in length/width may be necessary for some users but for most the size will be fine.
Although the Moot was not particularly cold, I found the Underblanket to be warm and comfortable. It made the whole sleeping in a hammock experience simpler with no sleeping mat to arrange or pop out from under me. On one night I tried just using my sleeping bag as a quilt with just the Underblanket as my under body insulation. it was one of the most comfortable nights sleep I've had in a hammock with no hint of being cold.
Packing up the Underblanket
Taking the Underblanket down is as simple as setting up. Just unclip and pack. Easy.
My conclusions
It's a great piece of kit and well worth the price. easy to use and live with.
I'll be loathe to give the prototype back, and will be waiting impatiently for my production one.
