Underquilt suspension question

**KerMegan** · 09-09-2009, 06:56

(ooh, I get to start a thread!)

Story- last weekend finally got a chance to hang up the kit and sleep outside, all night! (well, the actual sleeping was somewhat intermittant; as I had no choice in the neighbors musical selections. or volume thereof.)
during set up- tried to attach underquilt to hammock ( just strings- left the shock cord at home, drat) naturally it kept slipping to one side or the other; finally got the open cell foam pad for the bottom layer. very cozy, as long as on the mat. temps only in the 67-72 range at night, but some persistant drizzle started about sunset. I was going to bail to the tent, then I remembered the thread about hanging in the rain, So I went ahead and set up. note to self- must seal the seams on the DIY fly, or get a bigger one. fortunately all gear was nylon and synthetic, so a damp night but not chilled.

now, at last, the question, what system do you folks use to attach the UQ to allow some adjustability from inside the hammock? notes, quotes, links and thinks all gratefully persued. Thanks (and for listening to me ramble!) KM

**animalcontrol** · 09-09-2009, 07:53

Personally, I prefer the Warbonnet Yeti suspension method over the 4 corner attachment for your exact question...ability to adjust while inside the hammock.
Watch the video in post #4 of this thread for an example of this suspension type.

**Cannibal** · 09-09-2009, 08:57

While I agree with animalcontrol about the Yetis and their ease of adjustment from the hammock, this shouldn't be a problem very often. Once you have the UQ set, it's really just minor adjustments that are needed and can usually be done from inside the hammock. Don't forget, you didn't have the correct suspension for your quilt (shock cords) at the time. Had you had the proper set-up, once you set it then you'd just have to make 'shifts' to the quilt. Easily done from the hammock. Try again with the shock cords in place and I think you'll find it a different experience.

Seam sealer = good.

**TinaLouise** · 09-10-2009, 09:24

I agree with cannibal, try out your system with the shock cords. See how that works for you first. Also, keep the shock cords attached to your quilt so you don't forget to pack them.
Something I do with all my quilts is test, test, test!! I've got plenty of trees in my backyard and I'm able to test and then take things back to my sewing machine and rework if I don't like it. I'm now waiting for cold weather to start testing my winter quilt.
What I'm finding that I like on my quilts for attaching and adjustments: my clark hammock has loops on both sides to aid in ground set-up. I've added the smallest nite-ize S-biners to all these loops, I keep them there all the time. On my under quilts I've got cord at the head and foot ends that I tie to the head and foot end of my hammock (there's shock cord tensioners also on these cords) Then I matched the loops on my hammock to loops that I then sewed to my quilt and I attach with the biners. The sides of my quilt also have either cords, shockcords or both and a cord lock so I can tighten up the sides or loosen them. This is in the middle of the sides so I can do this from inside my hammock. I can also unhook one whole side of the quilt from the biners and push the whole quilt out from under me and just leave it hanging to the other side. Then when needed, it can be slipped back under me and attached with the binners again. It's taken me lots (LOTS) of putting up and taking down in the backyard to figure out all this stuff!!! Your system needs to be what will work for you and that's best found by just plain trying it out. Which ( IMO ) is half the fun of sleeping in a hammock!!! Good luck with your quilts,
TinaLouise

**KerMegan** · 09-10-2009, 09:53

Thank you all for the advice and links! Winter comes pretty late in these parts, so I have time to try out all suggestions.
( found my shock-cord in the craft room last night, yea!)
KM

**Big D** · 09-10-2009, 21:16

Originally Posted by KerMegan

Thank you all for the advice and links! Winter comes pretty late in these parts, so I have time to try out all suggestions.
( found my shock-cord in the craft room last night, yea!)
KM

What!! I thought it was winter. It was only 94 today. LOL