Sleeping Mat Problems on Double layer

**finallyME** · 05-03-2010, 11:19

I finally finished my DIY hennessy and was able to take it for a test drive this last weekend on a scout overnight. But, I had one major problem, keeping the mat in the right place. The biggest problem was keeping my two layers together, but I can fix that by sewing them together.

Here is a description of what I did. Basically I followed the DIY hennessy instructions but I used 1.1 oz instead of 1.9. I wanted a double layer to put my mat in between layers. Because I wanted to be able to put stuff between layers, the two layers are only connected on the ends, not on the sides. When I put the mat (old US army issued CCF) in between the layers, one layer went one way, the other went the other way. Well, I figure that problem should be easy enough to fix, just sew one side together and leave a large enough gap on the other side to slip a bad in. So, now to the next issue. How do I keep the pad in the right place when I lay diagonal? The mat doesn't want to stay on the diagonal, and it is a pain in the but to keep moving it back. Any suggestions? Do I make any sense? thanks in advance.

One other thing. I put a ridge line in, but when I layed in the hammock, the ridge line just sagged. Is it too short?, or is the hammock not strung tight enough? I guess I need to take some pictures for this one.

**mbiraman** · 05-03-2010, 11:42

On my blackbird the double layer is sew all along one side and has a section sewn ( 4") along the middle on the the other side. When i used a pad it didn't move. Someone else will have to answer the RL question. Good luck

**turnerminator** · 05-03-2010, 11:47

On the dd's, one side is sewn, one has 4 velcro pads.

My pads have never slipped.

**BillyBob58** · 05-03-2010, 12:23

Not at all sure why the pad is acting that way in your double layer. My pads have never really moved in a dbl layer once I lay down on them. And my Claytor is wide open on the sides, just sewn full width on the ends. And the dbl layer on my JRB Bridge is 26" wide, but I often have put 20" wide pads in it. I don't recall any problems with the pad moving once I am on it. With all of them, some attention is required when I first put weight on them to make sure they don't move, but after that they are good.

On the RL question, it just sounds like you need to tighten up the hammock suspension some more. Are your trees far enough apart? Usually, on my HH Explorer, if I just pull the hammock reasonably tight into the tree huggers, the RL will not sag. If the RL is super tight after I get in, I usually loosen the hammock up a bit, I don't like it too tight.

**gargoyle** · 05-03-2010, 13:36

Is the bottom layer the same size as the top, or just a fuzz bigger allowing the bottom to sag??
You can smear a few globs of 100% silicone (window caulk) on your pad, It'll get sticky and help it stay. Smear it on, a thin layer, randomly placed spots, little ribbons, it up to you, and let it dry for a day or two. The silicone will help hold the pad. Gives the pad small sticky sections. If its to sticky, dust with powder lightly.
With my double, once I'm in its good. But its the entry part that's fussy. I align my pad at the diagonal I want, hold pad in place, and apply my big ol' tush. Gravity takes hold after that.

**HappyCamper** · 05-03-2010, 14:25

My pad doesn't move once I'm in the hammock, but it wants to curl up when I first put it between the layers. I put my sleeping bag and pack on it right away to keep it from curling while I finish setting up.