Hi, Rob:

<SNIP>One other idea that I have which may enhance the bag pad-pocket idea
was to laminate (using 3M spay adhesive or any other workable adhesive) a
mylar space blanket onto a 1/4" closed cell pad and using that in the bag
pocket. Possibly being able to alternate the degree of added warmth by
inserting the pad - mylar side to the bag (for more warmth) or mylar side
away from the
bag (for less warmth)?<SNIP>

Actually, the fabric that I'm having Dave Olsen use to construct the RAB
pocket is a unique silver 1.1 silnylon that is quite reflective.  I also
used it for the custom fly I had ID make for me, with the shiny side down,
in order to reflect heat back into the hammock from above. I didn't mention
it in the report because Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics has run out of it and
may not be able to get more.  However, Dave stocks a 1.1 black silnylon that
he has had laminated to the gold mylar space blanket material (probably runs
about 1.5 to 1.7 ounces a square yd.)  You could get some from him and maybe
save yourself from what sounds like an onerous chore.

<SNIP>Great report, and info. I too am sorry to see you leave the
group.<SNIP>

Thanks, but my job is so demanding right now that I have trouble even
reading all the BPL posts.  I only reported on the Hennessy because I really
like it and had already done a lot of informal testing and experimentation
with it.

George


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----- Original Message -----

From: George Cole

To: BackpackGearTest@egroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2000 4:14 PM

Subject: Re: [BackpackGearTest] Farewell report

Actually, the fabric that I'm having Dave Olsen use to construct the RAB
pocket is a unique silver 1.1 silnylon that is quite reflective.  I also
used it for the custom fly I had ID make for me, with the shiny side down,
in order to reflect heat back into the hammock from above.

 

One of the flys that Tom sent me was made out of that material. I tried it the same way (upper reflector) and it didn't seem to make all that much difference.

Jerry

<SNIP>One of the flys that Tom sent me was made out of that material. I
tried it the same way (upper reflector) and it didn't seem to make all that
much difference.<SNIP>

Hi, Jerry:

I tested the fabric for heat reflectivity using a Rube Goldberg lightbulb
setup and it did fairly well when compared to space blanket material.
Regular silnylon in a grey color didn't reflect much at all.  I figured what
the heck, when the lateral points of the 10' by 8' fly are tethered down at
an acute angle it might give me several degrees of extra insulating value,
although it hasn't been cold enough around here yet for me to give it a real
test.  The stuff does seem to work pretty well vis-a-vis metallized fabric
when close to the skin, which is why I decided it wouldn't hurt to use it as
the RAB pad pocket material, especially since it's a good bit lighter than
metalized fabric.

George


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----- Original Message -----

From: George Cole

To: BackpackGearTest@egroups.com

Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2000 6:25 AM

Subject: Re: [BackpackGearTest] Farewell report

Hi, Jerry:

The stuff does seem to work pretty well vis-a-vis metallized fabric
when close to the skin, which is why I decided it wouldn't hurt to use it as
the RAB pad pocket material, especially since it's a good bit lighter than
metalized fabric.

George

However, Dave stocks a 1.1 black silnylon that
> he has had laminated to the gold mylar space blanket material
(probably runs
> about 1.5 to 1.7 ounces a square yd.)



Thanks for the tip George,

Would you have contact info for Dave handy?

The material you mentioned sounds like a good idea, if I order a few
yrds now, hopefully I can have it time for the cooler weather that is
said to be heading my way.

Gee I never imagined that Id be hoping for bitter cold weather.....
LOL

Again THANKS,

Rob Stanley

Moderator invited me to post to the list to ask about testing the new
Hennessey Hammock. If there is still an opportunity to do this, I would be
interested, but only for trying to push the hammock to its lower cold
weather temps and winter conditions. I performed a similar test with the
Clark hammock last year and will offer a side-by-side review.

Thanks for the info,
Ryan Jordan
BigSkyRy@...
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----- Original Message -----

From: Big Sky Ry

To: BackpackGearTest@egroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2000 2:01 PM

Subject: [BackpackGearTest] Hennessey Hammock Inquiry

Moderator invited me to post to the list to ask about testing the new
Hennessey Hammock. If there is still an opportunity to do this, I would be
interested, but only for trying to push the hammock to its lower cold
weather temps and winter conditions. I performed a similar test with the
Clark hammock last year and will offer a side-by-side review.

Thanks for the info,
Ryan Jordan
BigSkyRy@...
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----- Original Message -----

From: Robert Stanley

To: BackpackGearTest@egroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2000 1:32 PM

Subject: [BackpackGearTest] Hennessy Test Reports

Jerry,

 

I was wondering exactly how you would like to see our 3 reports (or more) posted?

 

Should we:

 

1 - Upload each report (as we complete them) to the Files section of the Group?

 

2 - Simply email the first two directly to the list (as we complete them), and then when ready with the 3rd - assemble it along with the first 2 reports into a text file to be uploaded to the File section of the Group?

 

3 - Any other way you choose.

 

 

Just want to do this right the first time out ; )

 

Thanks,

 

Rob Stanley

 

 

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"GearTester" <geartester@h...> wrote:

>Everyone on the list might be thinking of products they'd like to
>see tested and, for that matter, gear they want me to look at and
>report on.

You better bring a laptop or how else are we to know what's out there
that's new? :-) Is there a manufacturer/product list? Otherwise in
keeping with the season...

Lightweight winter stuff - VB systems, tent anchor systems,
                            lightweight snowshoes (these I can
                            guarantee to beat up pretty good),
                            face masks, goggles, whatever.

Any clothing that is warm & light.
While you're at it - light but durable shelters and packs. :-)

=====
Brian

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david.schultz@z... wrote:

>If there are specific geographic, or other, requirements that a
>manufacturer is looking for, list them.

That is the case with the current test. The requirements mention that
this is to be a test of the winter setup of the hammock.

>From the list of qualified testers, pick them at random or,
>preferably, by rotation.

This is the hard part about running this list. You can't please
everybody and Jerry knows that. At this point it's more or less an
experiment and in time the selection process will work itself out.

Right now the main thing is that he needs to prove to the
manufacturers that we are a viable group of testers. Any way that he
chooses to run this list so that is the end result is fine with me.
The proper selection process is somewhat secondary at this point in
time, IMO. I didn't want to do the second test, but I was convinced
that it would be beneficial to the big picture.

We need to get this thing rolling so that there is a steady group of
manufacturers that are interested in our testing, then the selection
process will shake out to something more in line with everyone's
expectations once that happens.

>If someone is chosen as a tester, and does not follow through, take
>them off of the list.

I think that is more or less the case. This experiment won't work if
folks don't hold up their end of the bargain and at least take a
reasonable stab at testing the equipment.

Jerry needs 100% participation with reasonable feedback or the
manufacturers will see this as a waste of their time and money. He
didn't get that with the last test and the stakes are higher with
this one. If he doesn't get 100% participation this time around, then
I bet that this experiment is overwith.

> If I do not have a reasonable expectation that I have as good a
> chance of being selected as any other qualified candidate, I don't
> want to invest my time following the list and filling out the apps

The bottom line is that it's still early. Stick with it for now,
provide reasonable feedback on the test reports, make sugestions on
how things could work better, etc. and keep into it until the ball
gets rolling. If folks start to drop out, then the process has the
unfortunate side effect of weeding people out for itself.

Gerry

Little gray package outside the door.
Incentive to get my work done.
Cannot open it yet,  But I am opening it with my eyes!

Dan

----- Original Message -----

From: Larry Hillberg

To: backpackgeartest@egroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 2:23 PM

Subject: [BackpackGearTest] Wrong end up

I climbed into it anyway, placing undo stress on the stitching and material around the door opening.  Helen

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<SNIP>Well, that was quick. I re-injured my left knee and had to cut it
short. Bummer. Oh, well. It was 4.8 degrees with a 30% humidity last night.
I was warm in the hammock. The new fly is HUGE and still only one piece.
Fantastic. <SNIP>

Hi, Jerry:

How big is HUGE?

George


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----- Original Message -----

From: George Cole

To: BackpackGearTest@egroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 5:09 PM

Subject: RE: [BackpackGearTest] Not like I planned it.

<SNIP>Well, that was quick. I re-injured my left knee and had to cut it
short. Bummer. Oh, well. It was 4.8 degrees with a 30% humidity last night.
I was warm in the hammock. The new fly is HUGE and still only one piece.
Fantastic. <SNIP>

Hi, Jerry:

How big is HUGE?

George


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The Hennessey arrived yesterday. I'd never seen one of these things in
person before, so it was a surprise when it arrived in an inside-out
tyvek-type 9x12 envelope. For a complete shelter, this sucker is tiny to
carry.
	 Of *course* I ran right to the scale, and sure enough, it's about 23
ounces (more on that after I get rid of the card and medallion that came
attached).
	 It comes in a black stuff sack, about 7" x 3" x 11" (Width Depth
Length) that has "HENNESSY HAMMOCK", a picture of the setup and "1.5 lb
Ultra Light Backpacker" in white silkscreened across the front. On the
back is a pretty complete set of silkscreened setup instructions, though
the illustration of the rope attachment detail needs work -- it looks
like a napkin scrawl in a couple of areas. There's also a tag that has
most of the same information, but it mispells silicone as silicione.
Must be the Italian version.
	 Inside are two rolled packets -- one, the larger, is the hammock itself
(mine is grey) and the other, about 1/4 the size, is the overhead
tarp/canopy.


	 I really didn't understand how this thing worked until I actually saw
this one in person, because descriptions of it just didn't get it across
to me.
	 First thing you've gotta do is find two trees that are about the right
distance apart. I haven't tried it yet, and this may be easier than I
think it will be. Or not.
	 The ridgeline, and, essentially the support of the entire hammock, is
about 25-30 feet of some really stiff, relatively thin (and evidently
strong) rope. On each end is a length of 1" webbing with a small loop on
one end and a slightly larger one on the other end. The length of
webbing goes around the tree and the rope goes through both loops and
then back around itself several times. The directions for securing the
rope aren't all that clear ("Pass the rope end around behind the webbing
loops then wrap around the main rope again and back the way the rope
came").  Ideally, you want the hammock centered between the supports
(trees) with the head side slightly raised, and the entrance should be
about "chair height" when there's weight in the hammock (as in, your
rear end).
	 Once you've got the webbing straps around both trees and the rope well
and truly cinched up, you're probably 70% done. At the midway point of
the hammock, on both sides, there are two very light shock cords that
you can use to pull the sides of the hammock out. These can go to
branches, etc, or, if you have the silnylon canopy up, to the side
pullout lines on that.
	 The hammock is attached, on both ends, to the ridgeline, and dangles
from it, rather than from the trees directly. That's why you don't flip
over.
	 What I really didn't understand is how you get in this thing and not
drop out the bottom.
	 I kept hearing that there's an opening on the bottom, and I thought,
"My butt is going to go directly through that opening and onto the
ground again at first chance".
	 While the entrance IS technically on the bottom of the hammock, it's
actually more on one end of the bottom, so you can't really fall out of
it without some planning and effort. You stand up in the opening, sit
down on the center of the bottom (which is NOT open) and just dangle
your feet for a while. Now is when you decide whether your rope is tied
up correctly <G>. If you just pull your feet up and put them on either
side of the opening, the opening will close up (it also velcros closed).
Then just lie back. Hennessey recommends that the best way to lie in the
hammock is at a slight diagonal -- you'll be more level that way.
	 There's a small net pocket at the "head" end of the hammock that's
actually sewn to allow you to have a small pocket (Photon, watch?) and a
larger one (gloves, book?)   Above you is black bug netting, forming a
roof by draping over the ridgeline and down to the edges of the hammock.
	 The canopy (mini-tarp?) is a diamond-shaped piece of silnylon with
taped edges and small plastic rings through fabric loops on all four
corners. At the foot and head, this ring goes into a clever
rope-and-hook "sliding knot tensioner" on the ridgeline. To the rings on
the sides go some thin guy ropes, which go to tree branches or ground
anchors (lightweight stakes, rocks, etc) to pull the canopy out to the
sides. Once you have these attached, you then clip the small plastic
hook (also attached to the rings on the head and foot ends) to the
ridgelines, and then slide those "sliding knot tensioners" until the
canopy is centered and tight.

	 So okay, it's here, and I think I understand how it works and how to
use it. Next: find a couple of trees.

	 david

The damage to my knee from Lyme Desease finally seemed to have healed to
the point that I could go for a short backpack. And a Veteran's day off from
work provided a convenient long weekend.
     I brought a group of high school students backpacking in the Pemi
Wilderness area of the White Mountains of New Hampshire this past 3 day
weekend (11/9-11/12/00).  During that time, my students used the Seychelle
Filter to syphon water from a 3 gallon nylon water bag.  We were able to
prepare and serve meals while filling water bottles and hydration bladders
with no effort.  All felt the quality of the water appeared to be at least as
good as from our Pur Hiker that we usually use ( and brought for comparison.)
  I was hoping to determine how well the Saychelle would hold up at near or
below freezing temps.  There was plenty of snow on the higher ridges but a 3
day rain system did not allow the temps to drop below 38 degrees.  We had to
cook and eat under a tarp to avoid the constant rain and drizzle.  The
Seychelle made it possible for us to filter water without the discomfort of
getting soaked by the raging waters at 13 Falls Campsite.
     We also, installed the filter inline with a Camelback and with a Platypus
hydration system.  I used the filter the last day of our hike and was
frustrated with the effort required to draw water through the system until I
realized my water bag was 3/4 empty and no air had replaced the use water.
After I blew some air through the mouthpeice to inflate the waterbag a little
the flow of water was much greater.  I really did not use the filter inline
long enough to get used to the setup and make a determination of how useful
it would be for me.  My students we very enthusiastic about the setup.

                                         Art

----- Original Message -----

From: artcloutmn@...

To: BackpackGearTest@egroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 7:57 PM

Subject: Re: [BackpackGearTest] Seychelle Filter

Initial Observations:
Very neatly packed with room for more in stuff sack.

Directions:
Weight lighter, Silk screened directions on bag easy to read,
although breaking up 1,2,3 into paragraphs would help.
Tree/rope diagram confusing, except I know what is meant.
Rope thickness on diagram could be thinner to read more easily.
(I'm a graphic designer/photographer)


Modifications noted:
cord from hammock to webbing thinner and slicker.  Knots easier to untie
than with previous.  cord length seems sufficient, however webbing only went
once around 6" tree and slid down a bit with tension.  On 12" tree, (the two
trees are perfect in my backyard for tree hanging.)  I couldn't wrap even
2/3rd the way and cord had to make up the difference leaving little for end
knot.  I like a twice wrap for a secure anchor, especially on slippery wet
bark or aspen.

Sylnylon tarp is very light and transluscent. Fits well over hammock.
Base hammock material is much lighter and it seems more comfortable to lay
in.  I wouldn't mind a wider tarp to one side for gear and wind block closer
to the ground. I know the raw material is limited in width and its is nice
not having seams at this point.

Posture:
Somehow it seems flatter than previous and more open.  If it wasn't 25
degrees this morning I'd be napping.

Features:
Ridgeline gear loft an appreciated addition.
I like the full length vecro on door.
Stowed components are much more compact.
What is the loop for on the bag?


More later.

Nice work guys!

Dan Halsey
--
Halsey Creative Services, Inc.
Capitol Cards  800-455-9884
http://www.halsey1.com

What is the loop for on the bag?


It is to give a grip on one end while pulling the hammock from the bag with
the other hand.  When I restuffed mine the bag filled up nicely with no room
to spare.
What is the purpose for the additional clips on the canopy that attach to
the main cord?
Helen