Hammocks in winter

[Dougster]

Mountain equipment make an expander panel too.

http://www.magic-mountain.co.uk/

Give this lot a shout, very helpful.

 

[Sickboy]

See mountain equipment have changed the name of their expander baffle, used to be called the Elephant baffle, maybe Tony Blair had a word

 

[Goose]

Has anyone tried a space blanket under the hammock? Just been reading the thread and it occured to me. The downside with the foil is they can be a bit noisy and dont breathe at all, but neither do thermarests. I know you can get foil backed car rugs that wont be noisy, will take less space than the thermarest and will probably be more user friendly under you in a hammock. The breathabilty shouldn't really be a problem, and the comfort that a kipmat affords on the ground doesn't really apply in a hammock.
I know that space blankets are surprisingly warm, for about 15 minutes then they are soaking, I used one, stupidly , for a week when I was young and stupid and would advise against trying it! But not tried the newer "blizzard bag" type that are supposed to be breathable!
But as an under blanket the disadvantage don't matter so much and the advantages, Weight, Size, Windproofness and Warmth seem to make a reasonable prospect.
May try at the Achray meet, but will definitely have my usual gear to hand just in case!

 

[PhilParry]

No no NO!

What you need is :-

a Landrover close by your hammock
a voltage converter to 240V on a recreational battery
an ELECTRIC blanket!


Is that breaking the rules?!?

oh....and pray it doesn't rain!!


Phil

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

Im thinking of making an underquilt, from a cheap old sleeping bag i have, just cut to size, and fix with bulldog clips....

Hmmmm, something else on the list of things i must do !!

 

[KenC]

Though I'm not the world's expert, I've slept in my Ray Mears hammock for a total of about 2 weeks in March kinda temperature, down to about zero / -2. Never had to use anything underneath me, though I have woken up once or twice with a numb bum. No problem; hop on my side and I'm soon toasty again in my luverly down bag.

BTW, if you're after a 4 season sleeping bag, but don't want to pay several hundred pounds, I'd recommend the (Field & Trek own brand) Stormlite 1000, which is rated down to -20. I just picked up a second for £65 in the sale. Packs down well enough to fit with all the rest of my gear for the weekend in a 30L daypack. Nice.

Ken.

 

[Stan Pinn]

I have just recieved my DD hammock and tried it out this afternoon, It seems to be really good quality seen as I only paid £23 for it brand new. At that price if I only get a year or two of use out of it I have got value for money. I think I will have to upgrade it before long providing I get on ok. I would like to thank everyone for thier feedback on hammocks, you all put my mind at rest that I am doing the right thing. I am now sure after trying out my new kit that i will be able to enjoy the winter in comfort.