2 Layer vs. 1 Layer

[Hiknhanger]

I think a double layer gives folks with a limited budget(like myself) more choices for bottom insulation. Pads, old sleeping bags, truck sun shields, etc. have been used with double layer setups pretty successfully with less fiddle factor as far as the pads moving around. I have designed a hybrid that uses the inner layer as the sole support for the hanger, but with a second totally detachable layer that allows for a big selection of insulation choices. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=53014

This past weekend I was relaxing under the trees, and the second layer was too hot. I just detached the magnets on the sides and swung it under me to the foot side of the hammock, and it folded up into a long narrow piece of fabric that was out of the way. I felt that nice breeze Oldgringo referred to just fine!

[PapaSmurf]

My 2 cents,
I suggest going double layer, but reducing the fabric weight.

The DB60 SL weighs approx 30-31oz when built from the 2.56oz Polyester Crinkle Taffeta.
This provides a very solid hammock bed with very little stretch.

The DB60 DL built from this same fabric weighs around 47ish oz and you get the ability to insert a pad between the layers. A person weighing under 200 does not gain any noticable support and the additional strength added is unnecessary.

If you got the DB60 DL using 1.1oz ripstop, it would go somewhere around 28-29oz and would offer you the advantages of a DL at an acceptable overall weight.

I'm 240lbs and really prefer the firmer feel of a single layer of the Polyester fabric over a double layer of the 1.1oz nylon. At your weight, I doubt that you'd notice much of a difference.

[ftroop94]

My 2 cents,
I suggest going double layer, but reducing the fabric weight.

The DB60 SL weighs approx 30-31oz when built from the 2.56oz Polyester Crinkle Taffeta.
This provides a very solid hammock bed with very little stretch.

The DB60 DL built from this same fabric weighs around 47ish oz and you get the ability to insert a pad between the layers. A person weighing under 200 does not gain any noticable support and the additional strength added is unnecessary.

If you got the DB60 DL using 1.1oz ripstop, it would go somewhere around 28-29oz and would offer you the advantages of a DL at an acceptable overall weight.

I'm 240lbs and really prefer the firmer feel of a single layer of the Polyester fabric over a double layer of the 1.1oz nylon. At your weight, I doubt that you'd notice much of a difference.

What DEVISTATES me about this comment...?

When I break down and order...I'm gonna have to try both to see which I prefer. Hello, my name is Steve and I'm a hammock-holic.

[CrazyMike]

Thanks for the response Randy!

I will eventually end up with an UQ but will probably use a SPE with a Thermarest pad in the meantime. I did have some concerns regarding biting insects but I think there may be other ways to overcome that without the need for a 2nd layer of fabric.

I do appreciate all of you that chimed in with reasons.

[Broomstickize]

From a strength point of view a SL should always be outperformed by a DL.
Not only is there a greater amount (cross section) to carry the weight but probably more importantly there's the 'safety net' of failure by a split or tear... If you put a fault into one layer yiou have another with no fault to propogate failure.
There's probably a interesting piece of work in figuring out the optimum strength to weight ratio.

[JumpinJackJim]

Anybody stuff a sleeping bag into double layer, instead of pad? I have an HH Exped Zip, and use a thermarest, but am considering a WBB, especially if I might get away with shoving a summer sleeping bag in between layers and calling it a night...

[gmcttr]

Anybody stuff a sleeping bag into double layer, instead of pad? I have an HH Exped Zip, and use a thermarest, but am considering a WBB, especially if I might get away with shoving a summer sleeping bag in between layers and calling it a night...

While a pad stands up to the compressive forces between the two layers, a sleeping bag will compress and lose a considerable amount of it's insulating value.

Also watch out laying on zippers. Some would consider them to be a somewhat sharp and pointy object.

[Unmighty]

It absolutely cracks me up to see people don't do DL beacuse of the weight. I mean its a matter of ounces unless your a gram weeniee there to me is no question DL is the way to go simply due to its versitality. I dont carry anything unless it fufills multiple purposes and that includes my hammock! Just my 2 cents!

[outdoorsguy]

Both have their place in my lineup.

My SL WBBB 1.7 is what I think is THE perfect summer hammock. I never need a pad or UQ in the 5 months of summer down here, so a DL in summer would be wasted. As mentioned, it lets breezes through on hot nights. Plus the 1.7 supports my 175 perfectly, I don't like too much stretch. A squirt of permethrin keeps me from ever getting bit by skeeters through the bottom.

My 2 WBRRs both have DLs, for pads, for the other 3 cooler seasons. I have a no net for the really cold months of winter. And a netted RR for fall and spring, when the early nights are a little warm and the skeeters are still out, but I can also put a pad in it for the wee hours of the morning when it gets chilly.

With all the options out there, I figured, why constrain myself to just one hammock system?

[heyyou]

Hammock insulation is in a transition period from pads in DLs, to UQs on SLs. As time goes by, hanging gear will have more variety and will be more specialized.

There was a period when Kelty backpacks with frames were the state of the art. That was a long time ago.