My cozy Claytor @ 15°

[mcgyver]

Being a bit of a Hammock newb myself (and a cheap one at that). I thought I'd show my weekend accommodations for critique or education depending on what your experience may be.
All in all I had a very warm hang at 15°, my lowest.

For a lack of underquilt I used a thick Sheepskin for a pad.


And I stuffed one Synthetic Slumberjack mummy inside another bag.


Then I used a poncho liner Over my spreaderbars to create a little "micro-climate"


Then I got to use my new Christmas gift of a 10x12 Etowah tarp to keep the wind away.


Overall, I was rather comfortable. Friday night I tried just the bags without the sheepskin, and it took less than an hour to know I needed it.
I know a good underquilt could keep me warmer, but it's just not in the budget this year.
It sure is quiet at night in the winter (once the ice fishermen go home).

[inspectorguy]

I like the pillow too! That setup would be great for backyard or car camping. Be kinda tough to carry on your back, tho.

[mcgyver]

Yeah I like the pillow too! It's one of those compressible ones that packs down to size of a softball.
Overall, the Sheepskin is too heavy for packing on my back, but in the snow, I'm usually car camping or pulling a sled so it's not a bad trade off.

[canoebie]

Good job McGyver. Should be ready for that Feb. hang now. Do what ya gotta do to get out. That is all that matters. I am going to try a hang Friday night, predicted low about 0. Should be interesting.

[mcgyver]

Good job McGyver. Should be ready for that Feb. hang now. Do what ya gotta do to get out. That is all that matters. I am going to try a hang Friday night, predicted low about 0. Should be interesting.

Thanks Man
Best of luck to ya this weekend!! I'm sure your prepared.
I may try a night out as well, but on the ground , it is the gear I already have.
You know I've already marked my calender for Feb.

[chillyhiker]

looks very comfortable. nice job. chilly

[GvilleDave]

I have a Claytor question for you: Given the relatively short length and narrow width (9'9" long and 4' wide) I have always wondered how/ if you could lay on a diagonal in the JH. Based on your pics it looks like you lay down the center of the hammock length. Does the rise of the hammock towards the ends (particularly the foot end) create any comfort issues? It looks like it would cause hyperextension of the knees. I almost bought a Claytor a number of times just to check it out but have never taken the plunge. Given the number of loyal JH hangers you must be comfortable but the "banana" shape of the lay makes me wonder...

PS: not trying to hijack your thread!

PSS: That Fleece looks way warm for a cold night!

[oldgringo]

Dave, when hanging in my JH, my feet invariably end up in the net. That's not necessarily a bad thing... if I used it more, I would add some ripstop, and just turn it into a foot box.

[mcgyver]

Dave,
I do lay pretty much down the center line, but I don't sleep with both legs straight.
I usually have one leg slightly bent under the other. It put's a knee in the net, but it actually may cure the Hyper extension you refer too.
Strange thing, you would expect that a "Banana" shape would make it difficult, but I sleep rather well on my side.
Again, I just got into this hanging addiction this year, and the Claytor is my second hammock. It was my choice for multiple reasons, but a diagonal lay was not one of them.

[canoebie]

I sleep on my left side in a fetal position in my JH. I am 6'2" and 250 lbs. Works great for me, I love it. Gonna try to take it super cold this weekend. It is hanging in my woods now. Gonna take a couple of warm bottles to bed for sure.

I also really like the diamond tarp that came with it. I can be real stealth with my set up. Though I am gonna get an Ogee in the near future, just want to see if I can get Gargoyle to find some camo for me.

mcgyver, I like that poncho over the top. I used my summer topquilt with two layers of IX over top and wow, what a difference. That microclimate of a cover really helps.