Explored an area that I have walked and camped in before, but found a new spot in a beautiful piece of woodland, which was perfect for setting up our hammocks and experimenting with trying to get the right angles and hang. I am definitely not as familiar with hammocks. Most of my time spent in hammocks was when I was travelling around Asia about twenty years ago, but as far as hanging them and sleeping in them, I am admittedly a bit of a novice.
My previous attempts over more recent years, involved me using an airmat, which just made for a wriggly and uncomfortable experience. However, this time was an entirely different experience, and a good reference memory. It took me a while to figure out that underquilts are the best and most comfortable way to insulate your hammock. My friend has also made the journey into hanging in the trees over the past year, so it has been educational watching his learning process.
Me, being me, instead of buying a purpose built underquilt, I decided I would attempt to make my own, by modifying a few blankets that I had. The main one, and one I liked a lot, so was reluctant to put holes in it, was my Craghoppers Eco Complete Camping Throw. To be honest, they cost as much as a cheap underquilt, but, I already owned it, and I have a thing for making things more multi purpose rather than bringing an item that only has one use. Also, some of the cheaper underquilts are filled with cotton, which I am not convinced by.
Anyway, I punched six holes in the blanket, used plastic repair eyelets (which I will switch out for 1/4" silver coloured and lower profile ones) and used tiny tarp clips at the ends for cinching up the ends. One of the main rests was if the tarp clips would hold when in use. I had seen some people using bulky, heavy duty tarp clips, and I was keen, to find something lighter and smaller. The good news is, that it worked a treat. I will change the way I attach it to my hammock system, so that is hangd a little bit lower than the hammock, so that it can trap a bit more air.
I also tried using a structural ridgeline to take the tension out of the hammock itself. I just used some 8mm climbing rope that I had lying around, which doesn't seem ideal, but may invest in a pre-made one, as I can see how removing the tension allows for a more comfortable night's sleep as well as providing a bit of a hand rail to help getting in and out of the hammock, and provides a place to hang things. No brainer I reckon.
I was also testing a Sierra Designs sleeping bag I got second hand recently (I mostly buy second hand gear)...it was under 1kg and a brand who's comfort ratings I trust...and this bag is meant to be comfortable at -2°C, but even 0°C is enough to keep me happy.
This was one of my favourite camps, and I intend to hammock as much as possible over the next few months, and also, make a few tweaks to my underquilt attachment, and I have also bought another Craghoppers blanket, which I will also put eyelets (grommets) into, eot hat I can easily double up in the winter.
There were so many flying bugs, mostly and luckily on the main trails and not in our spot. Mostly Mayfly and Male Midges. What we did have in our spot, were lots a wee green weevils, which are super cute, but were everywhere. One unfortunately stowed away somewhere in my gear or clothes and made the journey back to my flat 🙈
Music: Chill
Musician: LiQWYD
URL: / liqwyd
Music: Sail
Musician: Lunata
URL: icons8.com/music
Music: The Way Home
Musician: ZakharValaha
URL: pixabay.com/mu...
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