Winter sleep system questions ???

[Shiloh]

Hi - another newbie to the hammock world suffering from information overload while trying to sort out what might work best for my 2008 NOBO starting in 35 days.

I am trying to figure out a Cold Weather sleep system that will keep my pack weight down as much as possible while keeping my butt off the ground.

I almost pushed the Place Order button on the HH Hyperlight, but I hear that a larger tarp is recommended and I'm not sure about the Nest/No Sniveler combo.

The Speer Hammock with a 8 x10 Cat Tarp and PeaPod seems like a simpler, more flexible system, but doesn't get nearly the hype as the HH/JRB combo.

I put together a "Rough" comparison of several options and would like feedback from those of you who are experienced with hammock technology.

Thank In Advance.

===============================
JRB Bear Mt Bridge 33oz. $200
Cat Tarp (10x11) 19oz $120
Nest Quilt 20oz?? $260
No Sniveler 21oz $265
------- --------
93oz(+/-) $845
================================
HH Ultralight 31oz $190
Nest Quilt 20oz?? $260
No Sniveler 21oz $265
---------- --------
72oz $715
w/
Cat Tarp (10x11) 19oz $120
--------- -------
91oz $835
===============================
HH Hyperlight 26oz $230
Nest Quilt 20oz?? $260
No Sniveler 21oz $265
---------- --------
67oz $755
w/
Cat Tarp (10x11) 19oz $120
--------- -------
91oz $875
==============================
Speer Hammock III v v
w/bug net v v
w/Cat Tarp (8x10) 35oz $199
PeaPod 30* Bag 40oz $335
-------- ---------
75oz $535
===============================

[Take-a-knee]

No one can give you hammock advice without knowing your height and weight. If you are under six ft/180# then the hyperlite should work well. I have a Nest and a Feathered Friends Rock Wren Bag (bottom entry) and I can sleep down to mid twenties with minimal clothing. I would add a thirty inch wide evazote pad (or two if you sleep cold) from Oware or Speer Hammocks. Those together should see you through any temp you'll encounter, and you'll have a bag/pad if you choose to sleep in a shelter. Most here don't use the Hennessy stock tarp, the hammock can be ordered without it, and instead use an aftermarket tarp like the Maccat from OES (Deluxe is my favorite) or the Speer Winter tarp.

If you are leaving in a month you need to get this stuff worked out ASAP. Hammocks have a bit of a learning curve, like parachutes.

[Shiloh]

Thanks for reply. I'm 5'11 - 180lbs. And YES - I am very aware that the clock is ticking and I need to get some serious hang time in before Springer.

[red devil]

I have had good luck with my Speer tarp and enjoy the Speer style hammock I made over the HH Expedition it repaced. Speer is an easy company to order from. I've had fast service in the past. For what it is worth, the winter tarp is not much heavier and has the advantage of being able to seal up well. Considering you want to keep weight down I think you've already answered your question with your weight and cost comparisons.

[angrysparrow]

Another vote of approval for the Speer setup. Having a top-loader that you can remove the bugnet from will be very welcome at times. Also, Ed Speer will be happy to answer any questions you have about his products if you call.

[Preacha Man]

Sorry to be redundant, but if you want an easy system with WONDERFUL customer service, I would go with Speer. Ed is very easy to get a hold of, and will help with whatever you need.

[rasputen]

I haven't even recieved my Speer Hammock yet(here tomorrow) but I think this is going to be my "go to" set up. As others have said, light weight, removable bug net, excellent customer service, warmth options, and you get a free hammock camping book! Good luck...

[Coffee]

I used my homemade speer for most of my hike. I would not rule out the speer with a NS on bottom and another quilt or your sleeping bag on top.

My preference is torwards top loaders. I have no basis for my next statement other than my small sample size of people I talked to. It seems to me that most people that start with HH and keep hammocking move on to a top loader hammock.

[greggg3]

I've never used a pea pod, so this is just a question: You don't need any top quilt with a pea pod to be equivalent to the other systems you are comparing to?

[FanaticFringer]

I've never used a pea pod, so this is just a question: You don't need any top quilt with a pea pod to be equivalent to the other systems you are comparing to?

Seems I've read that you do need some additional top insulation.