Returned from my epic adventure. We modified the hike due to parking. 4 days, ****'s creek gap to Winding stair gap. Encountered everything from sleet, rain, snow, ice. Really got to push the limits of my setup. Temp ranged from low teens to 40's at the end. Definitely below zero with wind chill at elevation on several nights.

Lessons learned/new insights:

Underquilt (zero degree hammock gear): As always, truly impressed at the quality and value of HG's gear. They use really great down. I feel like the underquilt suspension for the zero degree model can be improved. There's so much down it's heavy, and the suspension tends to sag. I really had to stretch it out and supplement it with guy line from the UQ tie outs, across my fixed ridgeline (which I tie inside my blackbird...which allows me to adjust the sag while laying inside). Which brings me to another point. I've read some reviews regarding underquilts still being cold (CBS) even when snugged. This is especially obvious during very cold weather. The thing to know, is that your body is insulated by the hammock body. It is initially cold. If you're patient and the UQ is snug w/no airspace...it will warm up nicely. It just takes a little time.

Topquilt (zero degree hammock gear): Flawless. Only thing I might improve is the top button for securing behind the neck. It tends to unbutton easily which can be annoying when snug and transitioning to side sleeping. This thing is legitimately 0 degree. Very warm, very comfortable.

Hammock (Warbonnet blackbird+winter sock): I decided to use warbonnet's winter sock instead of my UQP. IMO if you're hiking in weather where the wind chill will take you to zero or below, you need this. It's essential to vent due to condensation. About 6-8 inches directly above your face worked best. One night was so cold, I purposely kept it closed to keep the internal temp warmer. There was condensation but not much. It breathes surprisingly well. One night, I hung from the rafters in a shelter and this was a perfect setup. Was able to vent more due to wind protection and had no condensation.

Tarp (WB superfly): Awesome. I'd love a version without a catenary cut bottom. Being able to truly get it to ground would be more beneficial in the winter. It performed well, especially one night where it was very close to freezing...rained with howling winds, then froze overnight.

Snakeskins (Mountain goat mesh tarp sleeves): Love these. Always awesome and surprisingly durable.


I've moved away from a continuous ridgeline w/tato tarp connectors in favor of fixed dyneema and Dutch flyz.


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