Eureka Chrysalis first impressions

**inspectorguy** · 03-10-2011, 16:47

Got the $99.00 deal on the Chrysalis Tent Hammock from Cabela's.
Lightened it up a bit already by changing out the HEAVY suspension for whoopie slings. I left the center ridge line webbing for the time being.

Total of removed parts was 1 # 8 oz.

I haven't weighed the spreader bars, but they don't seem to be very heavy.

I am planning on grinding off the heads of the hex head bolts in order to remove the bars before packing up the system. I can then just insert the spreaders after hanging the hammock.

Very comfy to lie in. I am 6'2" and it is long enough to not feel cramped. It is a little fidgety to get in and out of because of the velcro tabs [noisy too], but is do-able.

Haven't spent the night yet...

Couple of observations:
1. It is a little tippy feeling, but I have not been tossed out yet. It may be less tippy feeling with the factory supplied suspension.
2. It does have quite a bit of swaying motion. I have it hung in my basement with ZERO wind and it sways gently almost the entire time I am in it. It appears to pick up motion just from my breathing. It does have some areas to attach tie-outs, and I may have to consider that option.
3. One other small annoyance is the cat cut of the hammock body. It is done that way to allow water to run off of the canopy with the side vents open, but it does make the body of the hammock kind of narrow. The heavy webbing is also not really very comfortable pushing against my elbows and forearms. I have laid a small thermarest sideways and that seems to do the trick. BTW, I have a Big Agnes down bag with an inflatable pad [no under OR overquilt].

All for now. I may have more to say after i have spent an entire night.

**Calico Jack** · 03-10-2011, 16:51

Pics!! how much do you weigh?

**inspectorguy** · 03-10-2011, 17:04

Originally Posted by Calico Jack

Pics!! how much do you weigh?

I weigh in at around 180 pounds depending on supper.

I will try to get some pics when I can get it outside in the light.

**Danalex** · 03-10-2011, 17:16

Do you find the fabric tight under your head? I did so I cut 2" off the spreader bar and it was more comfortable.

**inspectorguy** · 03-10-2011, 17:30

Originally Posted by Danalex

Do you find the fabric tight under your head? I did so I cut 2" off the spreader bar and it was more comfortable.

I had read your recommendations about the spreader bar, but it has not bothered me so far. My head is on the Big Agnes inflatable, so that is why.

**Randy** · 03-10-2011, 17:40

I saw the title of this post and was hoping it waa good. Mine will be here next week. Thanks for the report.

**Timberrr** · 03-10-2011, 19:30

Woo Hooo!!
I LOVE the flat lie!!
I LOVE the tension under the head - it replaces the pillow so it's perfect for me.
I like the extra space above the head for some gear storage. The space at the foot have my feet in it. At 6-2 (170#) It's long enough and very comfortable for me.
Here in Florida we take our bugs very seriously. I'm concerned it may not keep 100% of the bugs out, and they may bite through the bottom. I'll probably use my ENO Bug Guardian with it.
I'm also concerned the ventilation may be inadequate. The vents and the little screened windows may be enough.
I'll be hanging at the Canaveral Hang in two weeks. We'll see for sure then.
In the meantime, here's where I'll be sleeping tomorrow night.

**L.D. Cakes** · 03-10-2011, 19:43

Originally Posted by Timberrr

Woo Hooo!!
I LOVE the flat lie!!

Here in Florida we take our bugs very seriously. I'm concerned it may not keep 100% of the bugs out, and they may bite through the bottom.

Tim, What are you going to use for bottom insulation? Do you think a pad would would keep bugs from biting through from underneath?

**Timberrr** · 03-10-2011, 19:51

Originally Posted by ldcakes

Tim, What are you going to use for bottom insulation? Do you think a pad would would keep bugs from biting through from underneath?

I haven't used a pad in the past because I don't like dealing with it trying to slide around all the time (in the ENO DN). It may work better given the flatter lie of the Chrysalis. Maybe I'll get a new mat for the Canaveral Hang. Woo hoo, more gear!