[at-l] Big Old Failed Hammock Experiment

[askowronek@mindspring.com (Amy)]

Orange Bug wrote:

 
> The problem with wearing fleece, you have to be willing to take it off
> to keep from getting hot and sweating. If there are body parts getting
> cold (like your nose), find something that takes care of them. I _love_
> my balacava for sleep as it keeps my face warm and is easy to readjust
> if it gets too warm.


My conscious is willing, but my subconscious rules the night.  And it
is not interested in dealing with fleece at 3 am.


> 
> If you find that the reflectix makes you hot,


*snicker*

> then it sounds like using
> your bag as a quilt is the right choice. My problem has been rolling
> over and getting my hips or shoulders on to the fabric and getting
> chilled.


Then your pad ain't wide enough.  In my experimentation, I bought 16" 
wide Reflectix.  I started with two five foot pieces duct taped 
together.  That seemed insufficient around the knee area, so I added
a third strip.  I taped them so they pleat to fold.  Much easier
than a 40" wide bundle.  I trimmed the whole mess so it's about 20"
at the foot, a full 48" at the knee, and probably 40" at the shoulder.
I'll most likely trim the knee down some.

I've been considering getting a down quilt.  They come with straps along 
the bottom, so I could sleep on the Z-rest and have at least some 
assurance that it wouldn't move away from me.

Alternatively to the Z-rest I might attach some fleece to the Reflectix, 
AND wear my fleece pants/top when necessary.  Then I'd have enough 
fleece to stay warm, I think.  The setup would be starting to
get a bit heavy.

Has anybody tried velcroing fleece to a pad?  It seems silly to me
to attach it permanently when it could by a multi-use item by itself.
And I'd like to pack the fleece up in my pack where it can cushion stuff
and stay fairly dry.  I don't care if the reflectix gets wet strapped
to the outside of my pack.


> 
> Nice gear report. Now how do I explain to the neighbors putting my
> hammock up and sleeping outside tonight? Mrs. Bug will like the relief
> from the snoring.


I didn't say a word to my neighbors, and so far nobody has approached me
about it.  :)  My dog is starting to look forward to the nights where I
pick up the hammock and head out the door.

-amy