Try again - Ultralight Hammock Hang Slickrock Wilderness June 16-17

**ragnall** · 05-26-2012, 13:28

Is it too late to get in on this hike if I can get that weekend off? I am nowhere close to ultra-light, and would like to see what others are using.

Ragnall

**wisenber** · 05-27-2012, 15:57

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

sunshinehiker congrats on the job! just told one of my techs we are lucky to be working even if it sucks not being out there on the suspended fabric.

We'll also be of the loop for a while doing the Katy Trail but this hang is scheduled in bright red.

Wisenber-just tell me what kind of lures to grab before the hike in. I'll get Poof to carry a frying pan and some olive oil

I should have more than enough for the three of us. More than that could become and issue.

**MAD777** · 05-27-2012, 17:02

I've been following this thread from the beginning and I soooo wish I could make this ultralight-fest! But alas, I just have to figure out how to retire and still have enough money to travel to hangs. Too bad there's not a paying job for a full time group hanger position.

**Gredemeer** · 05-27-2012, 21:30

Would love to be there. I can't make it that weekend. Let me know when the next one is. Nice to meet you in person Thursday. Thanks for your work on the BMT. We made our goals from Big Creek to Cades Cove. Sore of course. I meant to thank you for your great instructional videos as well. I am interested to hear your opinion on the cube fiber hammock after a few more nights. You said it was very flat, stiff, no give, in a good way?? Hope the rest of you hike went well. Yellow Jacket got his obligatory stings in on Friday. Unfortunately I got a few too.

**MedicineMan** · 05-28-2012, 03:17

MAD777, Florida should be represented!
be very cool if you,BlackWolfe,Islander,Flackfiser(sp?),Richtorfla , etc could pool on up.

**SGT Rock** · 05-29-2012, 08:29

Just got back in from a clean up trip in the Smokys. Catching up now.

**MedicineMan** · 05-29-2012, 20:37

tell us what you thought of it please.

**Acer** · 05-29-2012, 20:42

What time is everybody getting on the trail Sat. morning? Or your ETA to camp?

**SGT Rock** · 05-29-2012, 21:28

Well it was light and it did work.

1. It doesn't stretch, not an inch. When you sit on it, it is like sitting on a board connected to two trees. It is a totally alien feel compared to other hammocks - it is hard to explain if you haven't felt it. Getting comfortable is a little tricky - I can see why WV is doing all that with the suspension because you basically have to conform to the material, it doesn't conform to you like normal fabric will. His solution of the multiple strings to tune the lay of the hammock makes sense. One benefit I have is I continue to use a pad, so the pad does some of that for me.

2. No breathability at all other than my mesh panel which worked very well. Again, since I use a pad and already accept some sweat it wasn't any problem for me. I never covered up entirely during this trip. Lows were in the 50s at night and I was hot every night. So imagine combining a weather cover with the hammock for zero added weight.

In hind site I would have made the hammock a little wider since there isn't stretch. I think a couple extra inches would have done it. I also think it would have helped to do a stretch side mod in the shoulder area just to add a feeling of security. I've gotten past that at least I did on this trip. I'll be taking it out again next month before the hang to get more of an idea of how well it works or doesn't work.

**MedicineMan** · 05-29-2012, 22:09

if you don't mind.
I can't remember the weight cuben but I'm guessing the thicker stuff...how hard was it to stuff and/or did you roll it up? What size stuff sack did you use if you did.
You know how Tyvek will 'soften' with washings/use...do you think this weight cuben will ever grant some forgiveness in the hand? I cant see water/washing doing anything but maybe a break in period?
I do think this is the next target in major weight savings for us; and at this point in the evolution of gear 1-2 ounces is a major advancement compared to the pound savings of years (well not that many years) ago.

Seems there are two forms of comfort going on. The comfort from texture/rigidity on the skin/body and the comfort of knowing you won't be dropped. Seems like you had no fear of materail failure/dropping but a little concern over the size -both of those can be addressed in the next one you make- but that rigid feeling, even compensated by the pad; do you think you'll forgo the comfort of the other gathered ends for this amount of weight savings?