-----Original Message-----
From: gregg [mailto:gspoerin@...]
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 10:37 PM
To: hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Hammock Camping] Klondike

This past weekend, My son's troop went on the district Klondike Camporee. Now as a bit of background, since I have gotten into hammocks, the kids have been used to seeing me or my son in any number of different hammocks, from a Hennessy to homemade Speers to various lightweight double bottom hammocks ala Rick.
Several other troop members, both adults and kids have bought or made hammocks after seeing ours.
However....
I was surprised to have one of the boys come up to me with a Hennessy, a big smile on his face, saying it was a Christmas present. "I'm gonna sleep in it tonight!" He said.
Now we were standing in about a foot of snow, temps were hovering about 23* and it was just beginning to drop for the night. I started in with my best leader speech about how cold weather hammocking is a different animal altogether, how the air under the hammock would chill him much more than sleeping on the snow with a pad, and maybe it would be best to try the hammock out in the spring.
He smiled and said for me not to worry, he had a pad, and was ready for the cold.
I again gave my speech, this time emphasizing the relative inefficiency of a single pad at temps under 20 without additional measures. He was undaunted. "Look at my pad", he said.
This kid had brought a pad that was gargantuan by hammock standards- about 4" thick, maybe 25x 72", with a cloth cover on it. It was a pad from his patio furniture.
I relented, and told him to go for it.
A minute later he discovered that he had forgotten his tree huggers........
Gregg

For our Klondike, it got down below 0°. 150 scouts and leaders, Snow
caves and other innovative shelters, but no hammocks. (I chickened
out).  Four kids were taken home during the night. I blame the leaders
for not preparing their kids for the experience.

Zip me an Email off line and I'll show pictures and our games.

Ralph in Pocatello.


On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 23:17:13 -0500, Steve Joiner <joiners@...> wrote:
> Funny story Greg!  Here in the south, our goal is to give the scouts a
> 'polar bear' experience - one where the temps never go over 32 degrees in a
> 24 hr period - not much opp'ty for a Klondike.  We were on top of Shining
> Rock Mtn 2 weekends ago.  Somewhere south of 0 Sun morning, w/ ~30+mph
> wind...brrrr!  Unfortunately, I haven't figured out my hammock for under 10
> degrees or so - so left it home.  My dog and I spent the night in a BD
> Betamid.  Everyone did fine.... except one boy (17 yo Eagle Scout!), who for
> some reason, didn't put on gloves Sun morning while packing up.  We (the
> adults) didn't really pay attention - were more concerned about the 13 yo on
> his 1st backpacking trip, and getting our own gear packed up so we could
> start walking and warm up.  By the time we got started on the trail, we
> realized he had frostbitten fingers.  He was proudly displaying his black
> fingers last night at the troop meeting - four frostbitten fingers (back to
> the first knuckle) on his right hand!
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gregg [mailto:gspoerin@...]
> Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 10:37 PM
> To: hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Hammock Camping] Klondike
>
> This past weekend, My son's troop went on the district Klondike Camporee.
> Now as a bit of background, since I have gotten into hammocks, the kids have
> been used to seeing me or my son in any number of different hammocks, from a
> Hennessy to homemade Speers to various lightweight double bottom hammocks
> ala Rick.
> Several other troop members, both adults and kids have bought or made
> hammocks after seeing ours.
> However....
> I was surprised to have one of the boys come up to me with a Hennessy, a big
> smile on his face, saying it was a Christmas present. "I'm gonna sleep in it
> tonight!" He said.
> Now we were standing in about a foot of snow, temps were hovering about 23*
> and it was just beginning to drop for the night. I started in with my best
> leader speech about how cold weather hammocking is a different animal
> altogether, how the air under the hammock would chill him much more than
> sleeping on the snow with a pad, and maybe it would be best to try the
> hammock out in the spring.
> He smiled and said for me not to worry, he had a pad, and was ready for the
> cold.
> I again gave my speech, this time emphasizing the relative inefficiency of a
> single pad at temps under 20 without additional measures. He was undaunted.
> "Look at my pad", he said.
> This kid had brought a pad that was gargantuan by hammock standards- about
> 4" thick, maybe 25x 72", with a cloth cover on it. It was a pad from his
> patio furniture.
> I relented, and told him to go for it.
> A minute later he discovered that he had forgotten his tree huggers........
> Gregg
>
>

Happy Ground Hog Day!

Results from my first ZHammock adventure:

9:30 PM - 02/01/05 - Temp 24 F - No wind - Clear sky

Had set up my home made ZHammock in back yard earlier.  Did not have
tarp or other cover - the ZHammock was frost-encrusted when I went
out. Not a major problem.

Had 3/4 UL Thermarest and full sized CC blue foam pad in sleeve.
Arranged 5 degree sleeping bag in ZHammock unzipped except for bottom
foot area.  Sat down and rather easily got the bag zipped around me.

Clothes: poly top & bottoms plus fleece top & bottoms, fleece sox plus
wool sox, fleece balaclava.

5 - 10 minutes of fidgeting around - Quickly learned what everyone
means in regards to "cold spots" and solved that by getting my bag all
around me.

I can fall asleep most any time & place; so, I was asleep very soon.
Warm & Comfortable.

About 11:45 PM, I woke up because my legs were aching.  Found that it
is necessary to sleep on my back - otherwise, my butt or back or
knees/legs were in contact with the sides and no pad to prevent very
cold spots. Tried to curl up a bit (fetal position); but, again - very
cold spots.
Could not stretch out... Hard to describe; but:  On my back, my heels
were solidly against bottom which forced my legs straight - kinda
"locking" my knees.  Turning ever so slightly one way or the other put
me into contact with sides and the cold.  Altho' warm, my lower back
was cramped a bit from sleeping on my back - the "U" shape of
hanging...?  Unable to lie on my side and stay warm.

Attempted many positions to relieve slight pain in legs & back to no
avail.  After 15-20 minutes had to give up and go inside.  A few
minutes of stretching while standing and my back & legs were fine.
Still had some soreness in my legs at 5:00 AM, as if I had been on a
log uphill climb.

Low Temp last night was 18 F per my bulb-type min-max thermometer -
Got over three hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Conclusions:  No problem keeping warm.  *MUST* be on my back.  Cannot
lie on my side nor curl up.  Should cover hammock BEFORE the frost
gets to it!

Guessing here:  Maybe the length is too short...?  I am under 6 feet
tall now and shrinking...<age thing>...<g>...  Rick's instructions
mentions that he is 6 feet; so, it should be long enough.  I am
wondering if my inability to stretch out or curl up a leg is because I
need more length...?

Thanks!

Happy Trails,

J.D.

Happy Ground Hog Day!

Results from my first ZHammock adventure:

9:30 PM - 02/01/05 - Temp 24 F - No wind - Clear sky

Had set up my home made ZHammock in back yard earlier.  Did not have
tarp or other cover - the ZHammock was frost-encrusted when I went
out. Not a major problem.

Had 3/4 UL Thermarest and full sized CC blue foam pad in sleeve.
Arranged 5 degree sleeping bag in ZHammock unzipped except for bottom
foot area.  Sat down and rather easily got the bag zipped around me.

Clothes: poly top & bottoms plus fleece top & bottoms, fleece sox plus
wool sox, fleece balaclava.

5 - 10 minutes of fidgeting around - Quickly learned what everyone
means in regards to "cold spots" and solved that by getting my bag all
around me.

I can fall asleep most any time & place; so, I was asleep very soon.
Warm & Comfortable.

About 11:45 PM, I woke up because my legs were aching.  Found that it
is necessary to sleep on my back - otherwise, my butt or back or
knees/legs were in contact with the sides and no pad to prevent very
cold spots. Tried to curl up a bit (fetal position); but, again - very
cold spots. 
Could not stretch out... Hard to describe; but:  On my back, my heels
were solidly against bottom which forced my legs straight - kinda
"locking" my knees.  Turning ever so slightly one way or the other put
me into contact with sides and the cold.  Altho' warm, my lower back
was cramped a bit from sleeping on my back - the "U" shape of
hanging...?  Unable to lie on my side and stay warm.

Attempted many positions to relieve slight pain in legs & back to no
avail.  After 15-20 minutes had to give up and go inside.  A few
minutes of stretching while standing and my back & legs were fine.
Still had some soreness in my legs at 5:00 AM, as if I had been on a
log uphill climb.

Low Temp last night was 18 F per my bulb-type min-max thermometer -
Got over three hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Conclusions:  No problem keeping warm.  *MUST* be on my back.  Cannot
lie on my side nor curl up.  Should cover hammock BEFORE the frost
gets to it!

Guessing here:  Maybe the length is too short...?  I am under 6 feet
tall now and shrinking...<age thing>...<g>...  Rick's instructions
mentions that he is 6 feet; so, it should be long enough.  I am
wondering if my inability to stretch out or curl up a leg is because I
need more length...?

Thanks!

Happy Trails,

J.D.

Hi  J. D.

For your   "kinda "locking" my knees" problem" you might try making a pillow
out of a stuff sack and extra cloths or anything soft, and placing it under your
knees.
It works for me, YMMV>

Too minimize cold spots when lying on your side it sounds like you need a
wider pad or pads.

For possible solutions check out:

Risk's Overlap Pad-   http://www.imrisk.com/overlappad/overlap.htm

or

Sgt. Rocks Wing Pad-   http://hikinghq.net/hammock/wing_pad.html


I have used a Target blue pad, and at 27" wide I can sleep on my side without
cold
spots. However, in the temps. you are testing in, I would need 2 or 3 pads to
stay warm.
To avoid the weight & bulk of 2-3 pads I'm working on a DAM following
Gardenville's (aka Bill Fornshell) clever design.
Good luck with your testing.

Paul

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, Bill Fornshell
<bfornshell@y...> wrote:
> The Down proof-ness of the silk:  I used 800+ Down and
> have very few feathers.  I based my comments about the
> silk as a baffle material upon the number of feathers
> that get out of my new WM Down Sleeping Bag.  I have
> treated my silk baffles pretty harsh at times and
> haven't had a problem losing enough Down to worry
> about it.  My Down baffles are also inside a sleeve
> and this may help in the "Down Proof" ness of how I
> use it.  This really gives me two layers of material.
> What kind of Down are you using?

good to hear from you Bill.  I am using about 1/3 of the feathers
from a wwII, army mummy bag.  After I transferred the feathers from
my old silnylon bag to the silk bag I sewed up the silk bag and
spread it on the floor.  It lofted beautifully, and I said to
myself, this could make a great quilt for inside the hammock, and I
climbed under it. As I did, I noticed that some powder pushed
through the silk, and on closer inspection there were also some
extremely fine feathers trying to work through. It may not be a
problem, I just need to try it for a while and see what is going
on.  At this point, I'm certain this pad will work extremely well
inside the GI shell. It weighs about 12 ounces and should insulate
well to about 10*F, perhaps lower.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "J.D. Hoessle" <JD@H...>
wrote:
>
> For those who are interested, I have posted some photos (J.D.
ZHammock
> Project)....

Congrats on your first hammock.  The edges look a little floppy.
Perhaps you can try rewhipping each end and pulling the edges out a
couple of inches on each side.  Then try hanging the hammock with
increasing amounts of sag until you can sleep across the hammock
almost flat.  I haven't experimented with the Rick's double bottom
hammock, but maybe once you determine your diagonal sweet spot, you
can insert your insulation to match.  Also, once you determine the
proper sag, I'd put a permanent, fixed ridge line across to make
setting up faster, easier and more repeatable.

JD:

I've used a 1/2-inch thick sit pad of blue CC foam to
insulate moving targets. I just throw it into the mix on top
of everything, then jam it wherever my knees or elbows are
cold.

The idea is to have a smallish hunk of thick pad that you
can put where you need it. Not the dreamiest of sleep,
having to rearrange stuff when you roll over, but better
than frozen knees keeping you awake.

Bear

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "Ray Garlington"
<rgarling@y...> wrote:
> Congrats on your first hammock.  The edges look a little floppy.
> Perhaps you can try rewhipping each end and pulling the edges out a
> couple of inches on each side.  Then try hanging the hammock with
> increasing amounts of sag until you can sleep across the hammock
> almost flat.  I haven't experimented with the Rick's double bottom
> hammock, but maybe once you determine your diagonal sweet spot, you
> can insert your insulation to match.  Also, once you determine the
> proper sag, I'd put a permanent, fixed ridge line across to make
> setting up faster, easier and more repeatable.

Thank you for your input.

I attempted to find that "diagonal sweet spot" last night to no avail.
  Which leads me to thinking it may be too short - I will try
re-whipping the ends - I did follow that!

The "floppy edges" are (I think) because of the pads being in there.

"Increasing amounts of sag" --- OK...  I assumed that one neede to
hang it *taut*...?  Perhaps with more sag, I will have more room to
tose-and-turn.

Many Thanks!

By the time Trail Fest in Hot Springs rolls around, I will have a more
"finished" product and may have figured this out.

Happy Trails,

J.D.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Kaercher" <yomas_1@h...>
wrote:
> For your   "kinda "locking" my knees" problem" you might try making
> a pillow out of a stuff sack and extra cloths or anything soft, and
> placing it under your knees.
> It works for me, YMMV>

Thanks!  "Rosaleen" had suggested that in an email just this morning.
  Took me a moment to "see" what you are talking about.

> Too minimize cold spots when lying on your side it sounds like you
> need a wider pad or pads.

Yes...  I've seen references to the wider pad idea several times here.

> For possible solutions check out:
>
> Risk's Overlap Pad-   http://www.imrisk.com/overlappad/overlap.htm

Yep...!

Will try again tonight.

Thanks Very Much, Paul.

Happy Trails,

J.D.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "David Chinell" <dchinell@m...>
wrote:

> I've used a 1/2-inch thick sit pad of blue CC foam to
> insulate moving targets. I just throw it into the mix on top
> of everything, then jam it wherever my knees or elbows are
> cold.

Thanks, Bear!

Love the phrase "insulate moving targets"....<g>...!  That describes
everything to a "T" - Thanks!

Wider pad(S) have also been suggested; but, if a small sit-pad would
work....?  Will try that too!

Happy Trails,

J.D.

On Feb 2, 2005, at 11:32 AM, J.D. Hoessle wrote:

>
>
> --- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "David Chinell" <dchinell@m...>
> wrote:
>
>> I've used a 1/2-inch thick sit pad of blue CC foam to
>> insulate moving targets. I just throw it into the mix on top
>> of everything, then jam it wherever my knees or elbows are
>> cold.
>
> Thanks, Bear!
>
> Love the phrase "insulate moving targets"....<g>...!  That describes
> everything to a "T" - Thanks!
>
> Wider pad(S) have also been suggested; but, if a small sit-pad would
> work....?  Will try that too!
>

I use my sit-pad under my feet, which are always cold.  I like to sleep
on my side so I stuff a fleece jacket under my knees and/or butt.
There's usually enough random clothing around to insulate the pokey-out
bits.

-amy

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "J.D. Hoessle" <JD@H...>
wrote:
> "Increasing amounts of sag" --- OK...  I assumed that one neede to
> hang it *taut*...?  Perhaps with more sag, I will have more room to
> tose-and-turn.

the tighter you string the hammock the more shoulder squeeze you get
and the less you are able to lie at a diagonal across the centerline
of the hammock.  Try finding some trees that are closer together and
hang the hammock with 'too much' sag. Try it, then tie it a little
tighter.  You *will* find a comfortable tightness.  When you do, tie
a permanent ridgeline to help you remember.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "jwj32542" <jwj32542@y...>
wrote:
>
> Here's the easiest way I've found to get into a sleeping bag in a
> hammock:
>
>  - Unzip the bag down to your knees.
>
>  - Lay in the hammock.
>
>  - Lay the bag on top of you and put your feet/knees in like a
quilt.
>
>  - Hold the bag near your shoulders with one hand and hips with
the
> other.
>
>  - Roll over.
>
>  - Adjust.
>
>  - Zip.
>
> If you get the bag positioned right before you roll, all you have
to
> adjust for is the twisting, which is a lot easier than scooting
your
> butt up and down to adjust for length.
>
> Of course, it's easier to use a quilt and not worry about zipping
> into a bag altogether!  :)
>
> Jeff

I tried that with my BA system but it did not work out very well.
When the pad is connected to the bag it's hard to move the thing
around as you describe. The pad slides around quite easily when I'm
sitting on my butt and then stays in place once I lay down. It's
really quite simple and effective. What ever works for whom ever is
usually the best solution though ; )

Hi Ray,
  What size is your 10-mm silk hammock and what does it weigh?
I made one out of 8-mm silk 9' X 54" (before hemming the edges) and it
weighs 5 1/4 oz without rope or tree huggers.
My next hammock may be out of 10-mm silk if the weight difference is not much.


You said  "I noticed that some powder pushed  through the silk"
from the down/feathers  you recycled from an old GI bag.

That fine powder may be frass from Dermestid beetles feasting on the
feathers. I had to throw out my old Army bags because the dust/frass
set off my wife's "hay fever" such that she could hardly breath.

So if you have allergies  be aware that those old bags may contain allergins
that may affect you.
Just something to keep in mind.

Paul

Good story J.D.

A couple comments.  If the hammock seems too short, tie one end 6
inches higher than the other.  Head goes at low end.  It will not
really change the sleeping angle much, but it will shift your bottom
toward the head end by about 6 inches and give you lots more room.

When temperatures are cold (usually very very cold) I take my winter
jacket and use it as a pad for my lower legs between the layers of the
double bottom.  That helps with cold spots a whole lot.

I often lie about a third on one side, with my face against one side
or the other and my hips shifted toward one side, but without actually
being on my side.  It is a comfortable way for me to sleep.  When I
first tried sleeping on my side, I found that the side of the upper
knee hurt.  Crossing my feet seemed to take away that tenderness.

Yes, putting the tarp up does keep the frost from forming on the
hammock.  It might make you much happier.

You might want to take a look at my overlap pad, It keeps knees and
shoulders much warmer than any other method I have found short of the
WarmHammock.

http://www.imrisk.com/overlappad/overlap.htm

Risk

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "J.D. Hoessle" <JD@H...> wrote:
>
> Happy Ground Hog Day!
>
> Results from my first ZHammock adventure:
>
> 9:30 PM - ....

rick,

just which of yoru hammocks do you use in the cold cold cold wintery
nights you go out int?

the zhammock or the warm hammock...

starting to get confused ....


robi


On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 02:32:09 -0000, Risk <ra1@...> wrote:

>
>
> Good story J.D.
>
> A couple comments.  If the hammock seems too short, tie one end 6
> inches higher than the other.  Head goes at low end.  It will not
> really change the sleeping angle much, but it will shift your bottom
> toward the head end by about 6 inches and give you lots more room.
>
> When temperatures are cold (usually very very cold) I take my winter
> jacket and use it as a pad for my lower legs between the layers of the
> double bottom.  That helps with cold spots a whole lot.
>
> I often lie about a third on one side, with my face against one side
> or the other and my hips shifted toward one side, but without actually
> being on my side.  It is a comfortable way for me to sleep.  When I
> first tried sleeping on my side, I found that the side of the upper
> knee hurt.  Crossing my feet seemed to take away that tenderness.
>
> Yes, putting the tarp up does keep the frost from forming on the
> hammock.  It might make you much happier.
>
> You might want to take a look at my overlap pad, It keeps knees and
> shoulders much warmer than any other method I have found short of the
> WarmHammock.
>
> http://www.imrisk.com/overlappad/overlap.htm
>
> Risk
>
> --- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "J.D. Hoessle" <JD@H...> wrote:
>>
>> Happy Ground Hog Day!
>>
>> Results from my first ZHammock adventure:
>>
>> 9:30 PM - ....
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>



--
Using M2, Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/

Good Morning!

First, Rick Said:
>You might want to take a look at my overlap pad, It keeps knees and
>shoulders much warmer than any other method I have found short of the
>WarmHammock.

Thanks for the feedback!  Used that idea last night!

As mentioned, my first-ever night out, I used a 3/4 UL Thermarest AND
a full length CC blue foam pad in the "sleeve" / double bottom.  That
worked except when I shifted and discovered the dreaded "Cold Spots".

Last night, temp hovered right at 32 F - WHAT A DIFFERENCE 10 DEGREES
MAKES...!!!  I was HOT...!!!  Zipped and unzipped my 5 degree bag a
dozen times.  ***NOW*** I understand why everyone raves about a
QUILT...!  No, I am not about to try THAT sewing adventure just yet,
Thank you very much...<g>...  Perhaps Mr. Speer would be kind enough
to have one of his quilts for sale in Hot Springs? -<Hint! Hint!>-

Comfort:  I am not quite there yet.  Slept soundly for 4 hours; but,
woke up with back & legs aching a bit again.

Per suggestions here (THANK YOU ALL!), I had a third blue foam
"sit-pad" directly under my bag at 90 degrees.  Length of blue foam
was too long at 36 inches; but, that did allow me to twist & turn onto
my side now and then.

Mr. Garlington was kind to point out that I may have it strung too
taut.  Have not had time to build a stand nor do I have optimally
placed trees out back and I am too old to wait for new trees to grow.
  For whomever suggested it: "Yes, I had to reinforce the storage
shed...<g>..."

But, I believe that I now understand the "sleeping slightly diagonal"
and "sweet spot" that you all mention.  I believe that rigging a stand
and futzing with the "sag" will allow me to sleep thru the night.

Rick also mentions having my head LOWER than my feet....  OK, I will
try that too.

Rain & sleet expected today.  No tarp yet; so, I will have to cut thru
my Gordian Knots and wait another day or two...

Thanks!

Happy Trails,

J.D.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "Ray Garlington"
<rgarling@y...> wrote:
> Also, once you determine the
> proper sag, I'd put a permanent, fixed ridge line across to make
> setting up faster, easier and more repeatable.

Just re-read this...

If I understand you correctly, a line from where the whipping is
attached to the straps....?  Or, where the straps are tied off at the
trees...?

Thanks!

Happy Trails,

J.D.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Kaercher"
<yomas_1@h...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ray,
>  What size is your 10-mm silk hammock and what does it weigh?
> I made one out of 8-mm silk 9' X 54" (before hemming the edges)
and it
> weighs 5 1/4 oz without rope or tree huggers.
> My next hammock may be out of 10-mm silk if the weight difference
is not much.

The hemmed size of my hammock body is 10'3" x 52" and it weighs 7.4
ounces.  I wanted to try a slightly longer one this time having
experimented with shorter ones for a while.
>
>
> You said  "I noticed that some powder pushed  through the silk"
> from the down/feathers  you recycled from an old GI bag.
>
> That fine powder may be frass from Dermestid beetles feasting on
the
> feathers.

I did not see any signs of insect activity.  Perhaps it was just
crushed feather powder.  I will say that it was not pleasant to
breath this dust.  I think I'll take the bag outside and give it a
good old fashioned 'dusting'.

--- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "J.D. Hoessle" <JD@H...>
wrote:
>
> --- In hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com, "Ray Garlington"
> <rgarling@y...> wrote:
> > Also, once you determine the
> > proper sag, I'd put a permanent, fixed ridge line across to make
> > setting up faster, easier and more repeatable.
>
> Just re-read this...
>
> If I understand you correctly, a line from where the whipping is
> attached to the straps....?  Or, where the straps are tied off at
the
> trees...?

Yes, where the whipping is attached to the straps, a la the
Hennessey Hammock.  This is a patented feature of the HH, and so
can't be used by other hammock manufacturers, except for us home
brewers.

JD, For more variability on more slack (Slakers R Us) try this.

1) Just lengthen the rope a touch.

2) Make an X frame from a couple of stout sticks (about 2 inches) make
the cross at about 6 foot high to match the tree hanging height. Run
guy lines into the ground to brace the frame.

3) Rick (the master in all things hammock has a single stick solution
that is worth trying.


If you haven't already take a look at the spreadsheet in the files
section which you can use to calculate the static load at various
hanging angles.

Of course the dynamic load can be much larger.


Ralph




On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 12:25:17 -0000, J.D. Hoessle <JD@...> wrote:
>
>
> Good Morning!
>
> First, Rick Said:
> >You might want to take a look at my overlap pad, It keeps knees and
> >shoulders much warmer than any other method I have found short of the
> >WarmHammock.
>
> Thanks for the feedback!  Used that idea last night!
>
> As mentioned, my first-ever night out, I used a 3/4 UL Thermarest AND
> a full length CC blue foam pad in the "sleeve" / double bottom.  That
> worked except when I shifted and discovered the dreaded "Cold Spots".
>
> Last night, temp hovered right at 32 F - WHAT A DIFFERENCE 10 DEGREES
> MAKES...!!!  I was HOT...!!!  Zipped and unzipped my 5 degree bag a
> dozen times.  ***NOW*** I understand why everyone raves about a
> QUILT...!  No, I am not about to try THAT sewing adventure just yet,
> Thank you very much...<g>...  Perhaps Mr. Speer would be kind enough
> to have one of his quilts for sale in Hot Springs? -<Hint! Hint!>-
>
> Comfort:  I am not quite there yet.  Slept soundly for 4 hours; but,
> woke up with back & legs aching a bit again.
>
> Per suggestions here (THANK YOU ALL!), I had a third blue foam
> "sit-pad" directly under my bag at 90 degrees.  Length of blue foam
> was too long at 36 inches; but, that did allow me to twist & turn onto
> my side now and then.
>
> Mr. Garlington was kind to point out that I may have it strung too
> taut.  Have not had time to build a stand nor do I have optimally
> placed trees out back and I am too old to wait for new trees to grow.
> For whomever suggested it: "Yes, I had to reinforce the storage
> shed...<g>..."
>
> But, I believe that I now understand the "sleeping slightly diagonal"
> and "sweet spot" that you all mention.  I believe that rigging a stand
> and futzing with the "sag" will allow me to sleep thru the night.
>
> Rick also mentions having my head LOWER than my feet....  OK, I will
> try that too.
>
> Rain & sleet expected today.  No tarp yet; so, I will have to cut thru
> my Gordian Knots and wait another day or two...
>
> Thanks!
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> J.D.
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Under orders to clear the dining table, I picked up the sewing machine
and lugged it downstairs.

Imagine my surprise when I happen to notice that there's a lever on
the back of the machine which seems to raise and lower the "foot".
EUREKA....!  My mechanical logic kicked in and I think I now know why
the riptstop did not "feed" properly.  Which also caused my "somewhat
straight" lines.   Hmmmm.....

Using this newly discovered feature of the sewing machine will
undoubtedly allow me to master the Zig-Zag stitching feature!

A word of caution to those who, like myself, have never used one of
these devices:

* The lamp housing is VERY HOT when machine has been in the "ON"
position for a couple days!*

N.B. -  The marks on the dining table from dropping this HOT device
are nothing compared to the injuries had it happened to land on my foot.

Mr. Speer said:
---------------
> Of course, I will have some demo and some sale items with me at Hot
> Springs.  I'm looking forward to discussing your experiences in
> person.  BTY, you're doing fine—building confidence slowly and
> safely via trial & error will soon make you a veteran hammocker
> capable of handling anything

Thank You!
RE: " *SAFELY* "
----------------
Please note my above caution to other newbies.  I do have a nice burn
on my hand from the lamp housing - stupid machines!

Happy Trails,

J.D.

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

From: Steve

To: hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2005 7:28 PM

Subject: [Hammock Camping] For Sale Hennessy Hammock & Sil Tarp

(1) Hennessy Hammock Explorer Ultralite A-Sym with Snake Skins
3 Nights use. Like new! $125 with Priority shipping (to lower 48)

(2) Sil Nylon Tarp
6' x 9', 9 oz. Sewn in loops (no grommets)
2 added loops (to pull out back for set up like Integral Designs Sil
Shelter)
Velcro fasteners added to shape as Hex for hammock canopy
Excellent Condition $35 w/shipping (to lower 48)

email Steve at: millergear@...

Steve
Ouch- Frostbite, that's no fun. Sometimes the kids just don't think!
Aside from that, sounds like a great trip. It's good to get some real
cold weather experience for the boys.
I used my homemade Megalight, I rarely hammock below 20* if I can help
it. I haven't seen a lighter hammock set up than my megalight for cold
temp camping
Best
Gregg

>
>On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 23:17:13 -0500, Steve Joiner <joiners@...> wrote:
>
>
>>Funny story Greg!  Here in the south, our goal is to give the scouts a
>>'polar bear' experience - one where the temps never go over 32 degrees in a
>>24 hr period - not much opp'ty for a Klondike.  We were on top of Shining
>>Rock Mtn 2 weekends ago.  Somewhere south of 0 Sun morning, w/ ~30+mph
>>wind...brrrr!  Unfortunately, I haven't figured out my hammock for under 10
>>degrees or so - so left it home.  My dog and I spent the night in a BD
>>Betamid.  Everyone did fine.... except one boy (17 yo Eagle Scout!), who for
>>some reason, didn't put on gloves Sun morning while packing up.  We (the
>>adults) didn't really pay attention - were more concerned about the 13 yo on
>>his 1st backpacking trip, and getting our own gear packed up so we could
>>start walking and warm up.  By the time we got started on the trail, we
>>realized he had frostbitten fingers.  He was proudly displaying his black
>>fingers last night at the troop meeting - four frostbitten fingers (back to
>>the first knuckle) on his right hand!
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: gregg [mailto:gspoerin@...]
>>Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 10:37 PM
>>To: hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com
>>Subject: [Hammock Camping] Klondike
>>
>>This past weekend, My son's troop went on the district Klondike Camporee.
>>Now as a bit of background, since I have gotten into hammocks, the kids have
>>been used to seeing me or my son in any number of different hammocks, from a
>>Hennessy to homemade Speers to various lightweight double bottom hammocks
>>ala Rick.
>>Several other troop members, both adults and kids have bought or made
>>hammocks after seeing ours.
>>However....
>>I was surprised to have one of the boys come up to me with a Hennessy, a big
>>smile on his face, saying it was a Christmas present. "I'm gonna sleep in it
>>tonight!" He said................
>>

gregg,

home made megalite? pray tell!


robi


gregg írta:

>
> Steve
> Ouch- Frostbite, that's no fun. Sometimes the kids just don't think!
> Aside from that, sounds like a great trip. It's good to get some real
> cold weather experience for the boys.
> I used my homemade Megalight, I rarely hammock below 20* if I can help
> it. I haven't seen a lighter hammock set up than my megalight for cold
> temp camping
> Best
> Gregg
>
>>
>>On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 23:17:13 -0500, Steve Joiner <joiners@...> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Funny story Greg!  Here in the south, our goal is to give the scouts a
>>>'polar bear' experience - one where the temps never go over 32 degrees in a
>>>24 hr period - not much opp'ty for a Klondike.  We were on top of Shining
>>>Rock Mtn 2 weekends ago.  Somewhere south of 0 Sun morning, w/ ~30+mph
>>>wind...brrrr!  Unfortunately, I haven't figured out my hammock for under 10
>>>degrees or so - so left it home.  My dog and I spent the night in a BD
>>>Betamid.  Everyone did fine.... except one boy (17 yo Eagle Scout!), who for
>>>some reason, didn't put on gloves Sun morning while packing up.  We (the
>>>adults) didn't really pay attention - were more concerned about the 13 yo on
>>>his 1st backpacking trip, and getting our own gear packed up so we could
>>>start walking and warm up.  By the time we got started on the trail, we
>>>realized he had frostbitten fingers.  He was proudly displaying his black
>>>fingers last night at the troop meeting - four frostbitten fingers (back to
>>>the first knuckle) on his right hand!
>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>From: gregg [mailto:gspoerin@...]
>>>Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 10:37 PM
>>>To: hammockcamping@yahoogroups.com
>>>Subject: [Hammock Camping] Klondike
>>>
>>>This past weekend, My son's troop went on the district Klondike Camporee.
>>>Now as a bit of background, since I have gotten into hammocks, the kids have
>>>been used to seeing me or my son in any number of different hammocks, from a
>>>Hennessy to homemade Speers to various lightweight double bottom hammocks
>>>ala Rick.
>>>Several other troop members, both adults and kids have bought or made
>>>hammocks after seeing ours.
>>>However....
>>>I was surprised to have one of the boys come up to me with a Hennessy, a big
>>>smile on his face, saying it was a Christmas present. "I'm gonna sleep in it
>>>tonight!" He said................
>>>
>
>
>
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>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

A few questions for anyone who either lives near the Whites, or in
Maine...or have hammocking experience in these areas.

If I am traveling through the Whites in Mid/late July and hope to
summit Katahdin by Aug. 20...How cold should I prepare my hammock
gear for?  Also, after the Whites, would you recommend continuing
with the cold weather gear through Maine.  I'm told that I wll be
summiting Katahdin (hopefully) before the usual time of most thru-
hikers.

Are there more sites/easier to hammock in the Whites than to camp?
Because of the rules and regulations, I am trying to take a hard look
at the Whites before the trip.  Please respond if you have any
thoughts on this.
Thanks!