DIY Extra Large Snake Skins

[Winchester52]

I have just purchased a AHE KAQ New River for my HH Explorer DLX Zip and I am needing some input on how large I would need to make a set of Snake Skins to take in the hammock and the UQ. Since I will be packing this gear in a Military Issue stuff sack. Room for hammock and suspension along with tent pegs will be an easy fit.

I just want to make Setup, Takedown and Handling easier.

Has anyone made any for this type application and if so. What would be the circumference you came up with?

Thanks in advance for any and all input to this thread...

[Shug]

Just my 1¢ worth but you may fair better with a BlackBishop Bag......
Shug

[MAD777]

I prefer my hammock in a Black Bishops Bag, too. I have snakeskins just for the tarp, which I really like.

I would make the snakeskins bigger than you think you need. Then, try them out. It's so easy to make them smaller, just sew another line of stitching parallel to the first, then cut off the excess.

[WV]

I like a 10" diameter silnylon snake skin for my bulky insulated hammock (which is sort of like a hammock with a winter UQ attached.) I could get by with one 7" in diameter, but it makes it easier to pack and unpack. The larger diameter only adds .68 oz. If my pack is full I can tie the snakeskin over the top, horseshoe style, but it's also easy to fold and stuff inside if there's room. I also made a sil snakeskin with a full length zipper - very convenient, but not as waterproof as the current model.

[Winchester52]

Thanks for the suggestions on the Bishop Bag.

What I want to accomplish is to completely incompass my HH, HexFly and UQ all within the over sized skins so that it will be easier for me to handle.

Since I am not hiking and weight or bulk is not an issue I will go with some over sized skins if possible.

Maybe its best to hang it when I get the UQ. Wrap it up hung as tight as is easiest and then just measure. I may have a complete change of plans when I see how bulky it might be. Since I have never seen a UQ and hammock stowed. I dont know what I am getting into I am sure.

Time will tell.

Thanks all for the input

[tbctx]

Thanks for the suggestions on the Bishop Bag.

What I want to accomplish is to completely incompass my HH, HexFly and UQ all within the over sized skins so that it will be easier for me to handle.

Putting the fly and the insulation together is a bad idea... if it rains or is foggy your tarp will be wet. Moisture + down = its going to be cold and miserable, if synthetic its not as bad but still not recommended. I've heard/seen hammock and UQ together when its dry but I'd keep the tarp separate.

[JayS]

Not sure anyone sells BlackBishop bags but check the cottage guys - someone might. I've made a couple from old sleeping bag stuff sacks by simply cutting a small hole (and flame searing the edges) in the bottom for the hammock suspension to run through. The bag compresses in the pack as more gear is loaded on top of it. Making a BB bag this way takes 3 minutes, including finding the scissors and lighter.

The BB bag is basically the design. Search the forums - I'm sure you'll find info on them.