Eureka Chrysalis Hammock

**Bunk** · 03-17-2010, 22:00

It's actually on a youtube video...the mesh cover is towards the end. Here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DaTc8kLa4I

**slowhike** · 03-17-2010, 22:17

There are several things I would do different for sure, but I think Eureka has some interesting features on that hammock.
I'd sure like to check out one in person.

**Bunk** · 03-17-2010, 22:23

I agree...I wish I could try one out first. I will make a review thread on the forum if I end up purchasing one.

I'm basically choosing between an MSR hubba hubba tent (blasphemy right...ha ha) or this eureka hammock...I much rather go with the hammock but I need to make sure my pup will be comfy too.

Regards,

Sam

**slowhike** · 03-17-2010, 22:31

I suspect that it would suit both you & your pup. I'm thinking that "part" of what makes it so un-necessarily heavy is a heavier fabric, along w/ the ratchets, etc.
Most standard tent manufactures are not going to use the lightest materials, but instead, design for commercial sales & use, & less warranty issues.

**Just Jeff** · 03-19-2010, 11:08

Bump - for reference from the Rain Sleeve thread.

**rocketrobinhood** · 05-04-2010, 16:46

This thing works much much better than you might think however most people are right it's too heavy and until recently, too expensive.

i spent most of last week traveling by canoe in Algonquin Park with the Chrysalis. The suspension alone weights about 2 lbs so with a few slings and a hugger it could be made more portable. But for fishermen and canoeists this thing is wonderful as it is.

The two main things that most people don't realize about it is that it is not a symmetric caternary bridge hammock. It is wider at the shoulders and constructed so that more support is available at the upper body. The catenary is distorted to one end. There is also a cross-ways panel in the middle to give more room for your butt and i believe it is one of the most comfortable hammocks around.

The other major design difference is how shallow the catenary is and the extra width of the hammock. The hammock's sides do not compress your bag and reduce the loft. I slept at 29 degrees F with just a half inch CCF mat and my 3 season bag. Like a tent, the cover also helps to retain heat.

I didn`t have any problems with bugs although its the beginning of black fly season. I don`t think it really needs a full bug net. I admit to spraying a bit of permethrin to the underside of the hammock and seemed to keep everything away.

I have decided to pass my gathered end hammocks on to my kids and just stay with this one. At the moment I`m making a DIY version in `dusty rose` coloured polyester and I`ll let you what it ends up weighing in at when I`m finished.

WV · 05-04-2010, 16:52

Originally Posted by rocketrobinhood

This thing works much much better than you might think however most people are right it's too heavy and until recently, too expensive.

i spent most of last week traveling by canoe in Algonquin Park with the Chrysalis. The suspension alone weights about 2 lbs so with a few slings and a hugger it could be made more portable. But for fishermen and canoeists this thing is wonderful as it is.

Oh, I'm so jealous! Nothing to do with the hammock - it's spending a week in Algonquin. Bet you left feeling it wasn't long enough.

**kycamper** · 07-15-2010, 10:04

Cabellas has this down to $119. My question is this. . .many on this forum appear to be backpackers. I am a canoe/kayak camper and the tent I currently use if around the 5 lbs.

The weight in the Chrysalis appears to be in the spreader bars and the ties/buckle straps. Would you be able to use PVC or lighter bars, and replace the straps with lighter ropes? I would imagine you could cut the weight by 2-3 pounds doing this.

I also saw options for this of a screen top to replace the tent style top, a much larger rain fly and even a full mesh surround screen.

My question is weight aside, this hammock appears that it would be more comfortable then the gathered end types, and would handle colder temps with must a closed cell pad.

Thoughts?